Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black Review

First Thoughts on the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black is more than just a piece of nylon; it’s a testament to practical design and comfort in the tactical gear world. Viking Tactics (VTAC), known for its no-nonsense, field-tested equipment, offers this sling as an upgrade to the standard V-TAC sling, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing functionality. The padded shoulder strap immediately suggests a more pleasant experience, especially when toting heavier firearms for extended periods.

My need for this sling stemmed from years of using unpadded slings that, while functional, left my shoulder aching after a long day on the range or during training exercises. I needed a solution that would distribute weight more effectively and provide a more comfortable carry. Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the evident quality of the materials and the robust construction. The stitching is clean, and the nylon feels durable; it’s clear that this sling is built to withstand serious use.

Compared to other padded slings I’ve used, like those from Blue Force Gear and Magpul, the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black stood out for its simplicity and adjustability. While the others offered similar padding, they often felt bulky or over-engineered. The VTAC sling promises streamlined functionality. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if it would live up to the promise of improved comfort without compromising the quick adjustability that made VTAC slings famous.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black to the test during a three-day carbine course at a local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring – cool, with intermittent rain showers. This was the perfect environment to assess its performance in less-than-ideal conditions. The padded shoulder strap immediately proved its worth, distributing the weight of my AR-15 much more effectively than my old unpadded sling.

Even after hours of drills, transitions, and movement, my shoulder felt noticeably less fatigued. The sling remained secure and didn’t slip, even when wet. Adjusting the sling on the fly was intuitive. I experienced zero issues with the metal slider. The sling retained its shape and comfort throughout the day.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use in various environments, the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it during multiple range trips, hunting excursions, and even some light hiking. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The stitching remains intact.

The padding shows no signs of compression or degradation. Maintaining the sling is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. Compared to my previous experiences with other slings, this one has exceeded my expectations in terms of both comfort and durability. It has become an indispensable part of my gear setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black

Specifications

• The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black utilizes 1″ nylon webbing on the attaching ends, providing secure and reliable attachment to your firearm. This width is compatible with most sling mounting hardware, ensuring versatility.
• The center section of the sling features 2″ tubular nylon, offering a wider surface area for the padded shoulder strap. This contributes to enhanced comfort and weight distribution.
• The sling incorporates closed cell foam within the shoulder strap, providing cushioning and preventing water absorption. This material choice is critical for both comfort and long-term durability.
• Plastic tri-glides are used for adjusting the sling’s overall length and for securing the webbing. They allow for smooth and secure adjustments without adding unnecessary weight.
• A metal slider is used for quick, one-handed adjustments of the sling’s length. This feature enables seamless transitions between different carry positions. It also facilitates shouldering the weapon quickly.

Performance & Functionality

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black excels at its primary function: providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. The padding significantly reduces felt weight, especially during extended use. Quick adjustability is maintained from the original V-TAC sling design, allowing for effortless transitions between different shooting positions.

One potential weakness is that the plastic tri-glides, while functional, might not be as durable as metal alternatives. However, they haven’t shown any signs of failure in my testing. The sling easily meets and exceeds expectations for a practical and comfortable firearm sling.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black is simple yet effective. The materials are high-quality, and the stitching is robust. The sling feels substantial without being overly heavy. The padded shoulder strap is comfortable even when carrying a fully loaded rifle for hours.

The sling is user-friendly and requires minimal adjustment to find the optimal fit. The quick-adjust slider is easily accessible and intuitive to use, even with gloved hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black is built to last. The nylon webbing is resistant to abrasion. The closed-cell foam padding is unlikely to break down quickly. Maintenance is straightforward: occasional cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s typically required.

Given the quality of the materials and construction, I expect this sling to provide years of reliable service. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends extended periods carrying a firearm.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black doesn’t come with any accessories; it’s a standalone sling designed to be compatible with existing sling mounting hardware. Because of its simple and practical design, it can be easily combined with various aftermarket sling attachments to suit individual preferences. You could easily add QD swivels for quick detach capability.

The sling is fully compatible with most standard sling mounting points and adapters. This makes it easy to integrate into existing firearm setups without requiring any modifications.

Pros and Cons of Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black

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Who Should Buy Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black?

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black is perfect for: law enforcement officers, military personnel, tactical shooters, hunters who carry their rifles for extended periods, and anyone seeking a more comfortable and functional firearm sling.

Those who might want to skip this product include: individuals who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear over comfort, or those who require specific camouflage patterns not offered.

A must-have accessory or modification would be high-quality sling mounting hardware, such as QD swivels, to facilitate quick and easy attachment and detachment of the sling.

Conclusion on Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black

The Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black is an excellent investment for anyone who values comfort and functionality in their firearm sling. It provides a noticeable improvement over traditional unpadded slings without sacrificing the quick adjustability that Viking Tactics slings are known for. The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the durable construction, and the enhanced comfort it provides.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this sling to anyone looking to upgrade their gear. It’s a simple, effective, and reliable solution that will make a significant difference in your shooting experience. Upgrade your comfort and your carry today with the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling Upgrade – Black!

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