JG from United States, MT Public Profile

This is the best and most solid feeling handguard I have used and/or installed.

This thing feels perfect in your hands: the diameter is perfect, the finish is smooth durable flat back, and it has a soft feel in your hands. 5 stars for the forend, -1 star for the install, but that is inherent in the design.

I very much appreciate the 45 degree MLok slots all around. This is the perfect location to mount a Scout Light with an inline mount such as from Arisaka or Impact Weapon Components (IWC). I have another high-end brand forend that has almost MLok slots at 45 degrees, but they are not usable, which is a waste of space and money for such a high end part. Milling them out is not an option, since the forend is too thin for MLok interface and strength I assume.

One of the best and worst things about it is the integrated barrel nut. While it makes the handguard super solid, it also makes the installation tricky, especially with a pinned gas block. You have to check your torque and shims to mount the handguard, then get it mostly torqued for real, then thread your gas block and gas tube to the seat with the handguard installed but not torqued. Then you have to try to tighten the gas block set screws and pin your gas block through the handguard slots. Then you put your final torque on the forend, hoping you have it shimmed perfectly. A lot of time and consternation, but it is sweet.

Great fitting helmet and is very light and comfortable. The accessories are pretty pricey (Rail 2.0 Kit, and ear pro mounts), otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. I purchased because I already retrofitted a Team Wendy suspension into an ACH and it feels great. More compatibility with ARC rails would be nice but Team Wendy provides a good number of accessories. I have a Streamlight Sidewinder Compact on order from Optics Planet with an NVG mount as well. That way the light can mount in the NVG if using without Night Vision, or can go on the side rail as backup if I have night vision mounted.

I plan to use for SAR, tactical training, and work when I need some head protection but not a full face helmet. I do a lot of ATV and UTV work in rough terrain.