Biathalon Sling users?
- Thread starter Chilo
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Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I switch back and forth as needs require.
I have a TAB standard biathlon and a simple HK leather sling w. hooks. A lot of the time, I just run the leather sling. It is great on the firing line, quiet, non-reflective and simple. But not so great for carrying.
If the exercise or callout requires two hands (ascending a berm, using a rope or carrying additional gear), or a lot of walking, the biathlon sling is just the thing. I also have a couple of pouches on the biathlon sling to hold Kestral and some other goodies.
I'm a huge fan of biathlon slings.
Cheers,
Sirhr
I switch back and forth as needs require.
I have a TAB standard biathlon and a simple HK leather sling w. hooks. A lot of the time, I just run the leather sling. It is great on the firing line, quiet, non-reflective and simple. But not so great for carrying.
If the exercise or callout requires two hands (ascending a berm, using a rope or carrying additional gear), or a lot of walking, the biathlon sling is just the thing. I also have a couple of pouches on the biathlon sling to hold Kestral and some other goodies.
I'm a huge fan of biathlon slings.
Cheers,
Sirhr
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I use mine hunting all the time. Just sling over shoulder or carry on back, it's good to go.
I use mine hunting all the time. Just sling over shoulder or carry on back, it's good to go.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I disliked it. It wasn't as comfortable as I thought it would be. I intended it on being for competition use to speed me up during transitions between stages. Running with it on wasnt that great, and even walking, the rifle would sway. I happened to pick up an Eberlestock just after I got my biathalon sling and couldn't be happier. The eberlestock is way more comfortable, secure, protective, and practical. I can now run, climb, do whatever, all the while not worrying about my rifle, and carry all my shit as well.. I think you'll be much happier if you just go eberlestock off the bat.
I disliked it. It wasn't as comfortable as I thought it would be. I intended it on being for competition use to speed me up during transitions between stages. Running with it on wasnt that great, and even walking, the rifle would sway. I happened to pick up an Eberlestock just after I got my biathalon sling and couldn't be happier. The eberlestock is way more comfortable, secure, protective, and practical. I can now run, climb, do whatever, all the while not worrying about my rifle, and carry all my shit as well.. I think you'll be much happier if you just go eberlestock off the bat.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I built my own and love it but like others have said, depends on the situation.
During earily year antelope season, I will often use it because I know I'm not going to need any extra clothes or gear that doesn't fit in a pocket or my bino pack.
Late in the season (like last weekend) we went on about a 3 mile trek through, across, over and around some nice pine canyons at the edge of the badlands and when we left, it was about 33 degrees but by the time we finished, it was pushing 55. I was glad that I packed up and put everything in my drag bag and went out with the shoulder straps. Half way through, I had already discarded my ECWCS jacket and one of my under shirts.
Had I just went with my sling...I would have either had to keep wearing it, or carry it.
I love mine, but there are just times when a full pack works better.
I built my own and love it but like others have said, depends on the situation.
During earily year antelope season, I will often use it because I know I'm not going to need any extra clothes or gear that doesn't fit in a pocket or my bino pack.
Late in the season (like last weekend) we went on about a 3 mile trek through, across, over and around some nice pine canyons at the edge of the badlands and when we left, it was about 33 degrees but by the time we finished, it was pushing 55. I was glad that I packed up and put everything in my drag bag and went out with the shoulder straps. Half way through, I had already discarded my ECWCS jacket and one of my under shirts.
Had I just went with my sling...I would have either had to keep wearing it, or carry it.
I love mine, but there are just times when a full pack works better.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I have a TAB standard biathlon sling but it's strictly for hunting and carrying on longer walks. Being a heavy rig I prefer it over just a single sling. If I were going to have to run with it (tact competitions) then maybe a different option would be explored as mentioned above but for now that's not the case for this set-up.
I have a TAB standard biathlon sling but it's strictly for hunting and carrying on longer walks. Being a heavy rig I prefer it over just a single sling. If I were going to have to run with it (tact competitions) then maybe a different option would be explored as mentioned above but for now that's not the case for this set-up.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
Had a TAB, really nice piece of gear, but really uncomfortable and awkward way to carry a rifle in my opinion, no good way to carry a pack either.
Standard sling for short distance Eberlestock pack for long is what works for me.
Had a TAB, really nice piece of gear, but really uncomfortable and awkward way to carry a rifle in my opinion, no good way to carry a pack either.
Standard sling for short distance Eberlestock pack for long is what works for me.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
Thanks for the replies. I've got the Eagle HSRC, and have used the backpack straps some. For a lot of walking during Pronghorn hunting, it was pretty awkward. The backpack straps are handy to get the bag short distances, but as for using it as a regular pack, its marginal, IMHO. For traveling distances, I'll take another look at the Eberlestock. I almost pulled the trigger on the Lo Drag model when Ceylon did the group buy...probably should have just done that.
Thanks for the replies. I've got the Eagle HSRC, and have used the backpack straps some. For a lot of walking during Pronghorn hunting, it was pretty awkward. The backpack straps are handy to get the bag short distances, but as for using it as a regular pack, its marginal, IMHO. For traveling distances, I'll take another look at the Eberlestock. I almost pulled the trigger on the Lo Drag model when Ceylon did the group buy...probably should have just done that.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I'm real surprised at the responses. I wear it for comps all the time, wear it over a pack, and can probably get more stable with it than a "traditional" sling for positional.
I'm not saying its the only sling I would use but it's my "go to" sling.
I'm real surprised at the responses. I wear it for comps all the time, wear it over a pack, and can probably get more stable with it than a "traditional" sling for positional.
I'm not saying its the only sling I would use but it's my "go to" sling.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
can you post some pics of what the slings look like. for some reason all i can find is pictures with people facing away from the camera.
can you post some pics of what the slings look like. for some reason all i can find is pictures with people facing away from the camera.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
Here is the SHide thread these came from --> <span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">LINK</span></span>
Here is the SHide thread these came from --> <span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">LINK</span></span>
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I have used my TAB biathlon sling quite a bit and it has been a very comfortable way to carry a heavy rifle. I have hiked and climbed verticle rock wearing it and did not have any problems with it swinging or throwing me off balance. I did not have hot spots after wearing it all day. Is a pack like the Eberlestock more comfortable? Yes, but it is also heavier and slower to get in to. For me, that is a different application. I will carry my rifle in a ruck when I am carrying a heavy load of other equipment and do not need access to the rifle quickly.
The sling works just as well as a shooting aid as the other slings, and the padding it has actually is a little more comforatble for me on my left hand during tightly slung positions (since I am not wearing a shooting glove) than the basic TAB designs. I do think that the extra loop can occasionally catch on things or get in the way (especially if you have the elite buckles) on very rapid movements through tight spaces if you are carrying the rifle unslung. For those type events, I use a standard TAB sling.
Overall, it is a good piece of kit that many have used very effectively. Just pick your application like you would any other piece of gear.
I have used my TAB biathlon sling quite a bit and it has been a very comfortable way to carry a heavy rifle. I have hiked and climbed verticle rock wearing it and did not have any problems with it swinging or throwing me off balance. I did not have hot spots after wearing it all day. Is a pack like the Eberlestock more comfortable? Yes, but it is also heavier and slower to get in to. For me, that is a different application. I will carry my rifle in a ruck when I am carrying a heavy load of other equipment and do not need access to the rifle quickly.
The sling works just as well as a shooting aid as the other slings, and the padding it has actually is a little more comforatble for me on my left hand during tightly slung positions (since I am not wearing a shooting glove) than the basic TAB designs. I do think that the extra loop can occasionally catch on things or get in the way (especially if you have the elite buckles) on very rapid movements through tight spaces if you are carrying the rifle unslung. For those type events, I use a standard TAB sling.
Overall, it is a good piece of kit that many have used very effectively. Just pick your application like you would any other piece of gear.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I switch back and forth as needed. I like it for hunting. Not so much for matches but I pack a Gunslinger anyway. With a 18" rifle it is tits for hunting and comfortable carrying.
I switch back and forth as needed. I like it for hunting. Not so much for matches but I pack a Gunslinger anyway. With a 18" rifle it is tits for hunting and comfortable carrying.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm real surprised at the responses. I wear it for comps all the time, wear it over a pack, and can probably get more stable with it than a "traditional" sling for positional.
I'm not saying its the only sling I would use but it's my "go to" sling. </div></div>
I concur. I use it across my chest in heavy brush, shoulder and back. It's versatile bottom line. Grab one. If its not gir you flip it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm real surprised at the responses. I wear it for comps all the time, wear it over a pack, and can probably get more stable with it than a "traditional" sling for positional.
I'm not saying its the only sling I would use but it's my "go to" sling. </div></div>
I concur. I use it across my chest in heavy brush, shoulder and back. It's versatile bottom line. Grab one. If its not gir you flip it.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
All great points. I really appreciate all the opinions from people actually using or have used most all of the kit on this sight. Netranger makes a valid point, I don't see these used for sale very often, but those that are get snapped up pretty quickly. I do cover a lot of country on occasion. A Camelback Mule is all I usually carry, and everything I really need will fit in that or on my belt. Although I read the thread about these when they first came out, I was looking for opinions after the "new" wore off. Looks like people are split on that deal, no real surprise there either.
Thanks again
Chilo
All great points. I really appreciate all the opinions from people actually using or have used most all of the kit on this sight. Netranger makes a valid point, I don't see these used for sale very often, but those that are get snapped up pretty quickly. I do cover a lot of country on occasion. A Camelback Mule is all I usually carry, and everything I really need will fit in that or on my belt. Although I read the thread about these when they first came out, I was looking for opinions after the "new" wore off. Looks like people are split on that deal, no real surprise there either.
Thanks again
Chilo
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I use a camel back mule as well, but for a long hike I put it on my front and sling on the back.
I use a camel back mule as well, but for a long hike I put it on my front and sling on the back.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I did that review in January of 2010 and I still have that sling and I use it all the time. It is a main stay on my AW300 and have thrown in on a a few other rifles just for ease of carry.
When I carry a pack it is either a Kelty MAP or Spec Ops THE Pack and the rifle goes right over the pack with no worries.
For those of you who have experienced discomfort I would be curious to see how you are carrying the rifle and if the rifle has a bunch of accessories hanging off of it.
For example, the Barrett 82 has a carry handle on one side and a charging handle on the other. To carry comfortably you have to fold the carry hand over, otherwise it jabs you in the back. Or if you don't attach the sling to one side of the rifle it will twist and poke you.
I did that review in January of 2010 and I still have that sling and I use it all the time. It is a main stay on my AW300 and have thrown in on a a few other rifles just for ease of carry.
When I carry a pack it is either a Kelty MAP or Spec Ops THE Pack and the rifle goes right over the pack with no worries.
For those of you who have experienced discomfort I would be curious to see how you are carrying the rifle and if the rifle has a bunch of accessories hanging off of it.
For example, the Barrett 82 has a carry handle on one side and a charging handle on the other. To carry comfortably you have to fold the carry hand over, otherwise it jabs you in the back. Or if you don't attach the sling to one side of the rifle it will twist and poke you.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
I have both tabs and now I mostly use the biathalon. It is super comfortable and stable. I use an s.o. tech padded pistol belt to carry my gear instead of a pack. Some facilities have a muzzle down rule so bring one of each.
I have both tabs and now I mostly use the biathalon. It is super comfortable and stable. I use an s.o. tech padded pistol belt to carry my gear instead of a pack. Some facilities have a muzzle down rule so bring one of each.
Re: Biathalon Sling users?
What I found was that the larger/longer systems have to be muzzle up... Since I am only 5'9" the muzzle is just too close to the ground and with a suppressor it will drag. With that said, the AW300 with no suppressor will ride at 12 o'clock but the Barrett 82 will sag to my 11 o'clock just because it is so damn top heavy.
My H2 Harbinger has a 22 inch barrel, it car ride muzzle down and is very nice to carry. The only issue is when carrying muzzle down you can not utilize the loop sling with out changing up the sling.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DFOOSKING</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just ordered the regular biathalon off the Rifles Only site...got it stupid fast!
Like 4 days...from Texas to South Dakota...damn.
I was wondering if there is a right way to have the rifle hanging? I have a loaded 23lb gun and she points the muzzle at about 11 o'clock instead of 12 o'clock.
I know it sounds like nitpicking but should I adjust the straps or maybe the Premier makes it so top heavy that it hangs canted. Granted, the 24" barrel+ 8" suppressor really make for a great lightning rod.
Tomorrow is the first field test weather permiting...
</div></div>
What I found was that the larger/longer systems have to be muzzle up... Since I am only 5'9" the muzzle is just too close to the ground and with a suppressor it will drag. With that said, the AW300 with no suppressor will ride at 12 o'clock but the Barrett 82 will sag to my 11 o'clock just because it is so damn top heavy.
My H2 Harbinger has a 22 inch barrel, it car ride muzzle down and is very nice to carry. The only issue is when carrying muzzle down you can not utilize the loop sling with out changing up the sling.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DFOOSKING</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just ordered the regular biathalon off the Rifles Only site...got it stupid fast!
Like 4 days...from Texas to South Dakota...damn.
I was wondering if there is a right way to have the rifle hanging? I have a loaded 23lb gun and she points the muzzle at about 11 o'clock instead of 12 o'clock.
I know it sounds like nitpicking but should I adjust the straps or maybe the Premier makes it so top heavy that it hangs canted. Granted, the 24" barrel+ 8" suppressor really make for a great lightning rod.
Tomorrow is the first field test weather permiting...
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