Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling Review

First Thoughts on the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is Sticky Holsters’ attempt to revolutionize the way we manage our rifle slings. At $25.99, it promises to be a universal solution, addressing the age-old problem of tangled slings and limited compatibility. I was intrigued by the modularity and the promise of a “sticky” grip, hoping it would solve some frustrations I’ve had with traditional slings sliding off my shoulder during long hunts.

What led me to this sling was simple: I own a variety of rifles and shotguns, each with its own sling, creating a chaotic mess in my gun safe. I was searching for a single sling system that could easily transition between my AR-15, bolt-action hunting rifle, and even my pump-action shotgun, without requiring a complete sling swap each time. The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling seemed like the answer to my prayers.

Unboxing the sling, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The sling itself felt lightweight, constructed from what appears to be durable nylon. The absence of mounting hardware was a bit of a surprise, as it requires purchasing separate dongles.

Compared to my Magpul MS4 sling or the various generic nylon slings I’ve used over the years, the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling stood out due to its modular design. The idea of using separate dongles that remain on the firearm, while the sling itself is easily detached and reattached, was a significant selling point. I chose this over a more traditional, non-modular sling hoping the convenience would outweigh any potential drawbacks.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight skepticism. The modularity was appealing, but I wondered if the “sticky” material would truly prevent slippage, and how well the quick connect/detach clips would hold up under stress.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling was at my local shooting range. I equipped my AR-15 with a QD dongle (purchased separately) and attached the sling. The range offered a mix of static shooting and practicing transitions between targets.

The sling performed decently in the dry, controlled environment. The quick adjustment point allowed me to quickly shorten or lengthen the sling as needed, which was useful when transitioning between a ready position and slinging the rifle across my back. I didn’t experience any significant issues, but the initial excitement was tempered by the fact that I needed to constantly adjust the sling’s positioning.

However, the first real test came during a weekend hunting trip. The weather turned unexpectedly wet, and the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling‘s performance deteriorated rapidly. The “sticky” material, while grippy when dry, became slick when wet, allowing the sling to slide off my shoulder with minimal effort.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the durability of the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is questionable. The nylon construction appears reasonably robust, but the quick connect/detach clips show signs of wear. The plastic feels less durable than the metal hardware on my other slings, and I worry about their long-term reliability.

Cleaning the sling is straightforward, as the nylon material is easy to wipe down. However, the “sticky” material tends to attract dirt and debris, requiring more frequent cleaning than a traditional nylon sling. After a particularly muddy outing, I had to scrub the sling to remove all the accumulated grime.

Compared to my experience with a Magpul sling, which is built like a tank and remains reliable in virtually any condition, the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is disappointing. While the modularity is a novel idea, the lack of consistent performance and questionable durability undermine its potential. It does not outperform my current sling systems; it falls short.

Breaking Down the Features of Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling

Specifications

  • The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is constructed from durable nylon. The nylon provides a lightweight yet reasonably strong sling body.
  • It features a proprietary “Sticky” material on the shoulder pad. This is intended to provide a non-slip surface, preventing the sling from sliding off the user’s shoulder.
  • The sling utilizes quick connect/detach clips. This allows for rapid attachment and detachment of the sling from the separately purchased dongles.
  • It includes a rapid adjustment point. This allows for quick length adjustments of the sling while in use.
  • The sling fits most Modern Sporting Rifles, Bolt Action, Lever Action Rifles, Pump Action Semi-auto Shotguns. This is due to the modular dongle system that accommodates different mounting points.

These specifications matter because they dictate the sling’s functionality and versatility. The nylon construction impacts durability, while the “Sticky” material directly affects comfort and stability. The quick connect/detach clips are central to the sling’s modularity, and the rapid adjustment point enhances usability in dynamic situations.

Performance & Functionality

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling‘s primary function is to provide a secure and comfortable way to carry a rifle. In dry conditions, it performs adequately, but its performance degrades significantly when wet. The “sticky” material loses its grip, and the sling becomes prone to sliding.

The strengths of this sling lie in its modularity and rapid adjustability. The ability to quickly detach and reattach the sling to different firearms is convenient. The rapid adjustment point is also useful for adapting the sling length to different carrying positions.

The weaknesses are the inconsistent grip and questionable durability of the clips. The “sticky” material’s performance is unreliable, and the plastic clips feel like a potential point of failure. It doesn’t fully meet my expectations due to its reliance on ideal conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling has a simple and functional design. The nylon material is lightweight and comfortable against the body.

The quick connect/detach system is user-friendly, but requires the purchase of additional dongles, adding to the overall cost. There is a slight learning curve to efficiently adjusting the sling length on the fly.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is a concern. The nylon construction is reasonably tough, but the plastic clips are a weak point.

Maintenance is easy, but the “sticky” material requires frequent cleaning to maintain its grip. I question how long the quick connect/detach clips will last with regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling does not come with any accessories. The most essential “accessory” is the separately purchased dongles.

The sling itself offers minimal customization options, primarily limited to adjusting the overall length. The system is designed to be compatible with Sticky Holsters‘ own line of dongles, which include QD, Sling Stud, and Strap Dongle options. The compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited by the proprietary dongle system.

Pros and Cons of Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling

Pros

  • Italic textModularity allows for use with multiple firearms.
  • Rapid adjustment point for quick sling length changes.
  • Lightweight nylon construction.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Affordable price point.

Cons

  • Italic textInconsistent grip, especially when wet.
  • Quick connect/detach clips feel flimsy and potentially unreliable.
  • Dongles not included; adds to the overall cost.


Who Should Buy Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling?

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is perfect for the budget-conscious shooter who values modularity and primarily shoots in dry conditions. It might also be a suitable option for casual range use, where extreme durability isn’t a primary concern.

Who should skip this product? Anyone who needs a reliable sling for harsh environments, serious hunting, or tactical applications should consider alternatives. The inconsistent grip and questionable durability make it unsuitable for demanding scenarios.

Must-have accessories include the appropriate dongles for your specific firearms. A higher quality set of quick connect/detach clips would also improve the overall reliability of the system.

Conclusion on Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling

The Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling is an interesting concept with flawed execution. The modularity is appealing, but the inconsistent grip and questionable durability undermine its potential.

The price is certainly attractive, but the added cost of the dongles and the potential need to replace the clips diminish the value proposition. Considering the limited reliability, the price isn’t fully justified.

I would not personally recommend the Sticky Holsters Venatic Modular Rifle Sling for serious use. While it might suffice for casual range trips or dry-weather shooting, it falls short of the reliability and performance I expect from a rifle sling. Explore other options if you need a sling that can handle demanding conditions.


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