We were really excited to hear the guys over at MagPod were loaning us one of their V.1 prototypes to play around with for a month. The MagPod has been a hater magnet ever since it came out so we wanted to give it an unbiased review. Being that this is a V.1 prototype this review will only focus on the performance and ease of use of the item as its overall design will stay the same but the composition and durability will continue to be tweaked prior to its release.
First thing first, this has to be one of the quickest accessory installations ever. The MagPod is designed to replace the magazine floorplate of any 30 round Magpul PMAG. If you’ve never removed the floorplate of a PMAG you’ll be amazed how quick easy it is. It literally had the old floorplate removed and the MagPod installed in like 15 seconds. Just press the release button on the bottom of the PMAG, slide the floorplate off while keeping your finger over the opening and then replace it with the MagPod. It fits perfect. Nice and solid with no rattle or movement at all.
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The main thing that everyone has been hating on the MagPod for is that for it to be a useful tool you need to use your magazine as a monopod for stabilization. This technique was frowned upon for years as it was said to cause feed malfunctions. Over the recent few years this technique has been gaining popularity and is now endorsed by the likes of Kyle Defoor, Chris Costa and Adam Wilson. This is largely due in part to the use of higher quality USGI mags and the awesome and ever popular Polymer Mags such as the Magpul PMAG.
Because so many people were hating on the MagPod, the first thing I wanted to do was see if I could make it do what all of the MagPod Haters were “assuming” it would do…..cause a feed malfunction. Over the course of the last month I put quite a few rounds down range while using the MagPod attached to one of my old PMAG’s that I’ve been using for a while instead of a brand new one.
There were three different things I did to induce a feed malfunction. First, I made sure to put as much downward pressure on the MagPod as possible. Second, while shooting I randomly put forward pressure or rearward pressure on the magazine by either pushing or pulling the gun while the MagPod was in contact with the ground. I even tried to transition while the bolt was cycling. Third, while keeping the MagPod forced firmly downward I engaged different targets by twisting side to side.
I’m happy to report that I did not experience a single issue while using the MagPod. Even when I tried to make it screw up it wouldn’t. The MagPod was actually a pleasure to shoot with. It stabilized the AR much more than I had anticipated. The design is not the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen but it doesn’t matter. It looks like it does because that is the shape that works the best. I’m definitely a fan of the MagPod now and won’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who asks.
The MagPod is still in beta testing but keep an eye out for the final retail version to be available sometime late June or early July 2012. Make sure you check out the additional pics and videos by “Like”ing the MagPod Facebook page.