Just wanted to throw up a short review of my time with the split bar version of this piece of equipment.
I use the Vickers Combat Applications Sling by Blue Force Gear exclusively as I prefer a two point sling in most situations and like the quick adjust feature this sling represents. Since all of my rifles are set up with QD sockets for sling mounting it only made sense to purchase the version with sewn in QD push button adapters.
In most scenarios this is an ideal situation for me, but there are times where a single point sling would be a better option. Enter the 2 to 1 point triglide from IWC. When I first saw their design I was sold. The ability to use my preferred sling in dual modes with the addition of a small attachment seemed perfect. The only hitch was the sewn in adapters didn't allow threading the triglide on. IWC was a step ahead and had a unit with a split bar center that would allow it to be added to my slings without modification. Perfect.
Earl was kind enough to send me one to T&E and here are my thoughts.
The packaging is very well done as the directions are printed on the interior of the box. A simple and economical solution.
The triglide appears similar (I do not have an original to compare to) to the standard version with the simple modification of a slot in the center bar to allow the sling to be woven through.
At first glance I wasn't sure if the opening would be large enough to fit my sling as the dimensions seemed a bit off. The rear of the VCAS is thicker than the front portion causing me slight concern.
It turned out to be a non-issue as I was able to easily thread the triglide onto the sling with a slight bunching at the top and bottom of the sling. This tight fit helps to keep the triglide in place on the sling.
With the triglide in place I proceeded to go through every variation of sling manipulation I could think of multiple times to see if there was any room for improvement or failure points.
My range time has been severely limited lately due to time constraints so most of the manipulation has been indoor dryfire practice with my 10.5" SBR. I was finally able to get to the range and run some transition drills and will be doing some more work with it this weekend.
I can easily switch from 2 point to 1 point in less than 3 seconds using just my offhand. While not something I would ever try to do while under fire, it's quick and easy enough to do prior to initiating contact if desired. I've tossed the rifle around trying to induce stress on the connection point of the adapter and sling to see if it might pop loose or if the center split bar might warp but neither has happened yet nor do I see it likely as happening since the forces involved aren't in line with either possible failure point.
The only downside I have come across so far is the openings on either side of the center bar are very tight. This is a good thing except they were so tight I was unable to get the second piece of my coyote VCAS sling into the triglide. This caused a triangle to form between the rear sling point on the weapon, the sling wrapping around my body, and the triglide holding the other end of the sling.
If the openings were just a little wider I could have fit both straps through and it would have hung like a normal 1 point sling. I made mention to this to IWC in an email. Since then I tried the triglide with a few of my other VCAS slings and found that my multicam version is slightly thinner and a little stiffer which allowed me to get both straps through.
This is the configuration I'll be using it in from now on as I feel this is the ideal situation.
In summation, I think this is a worthwhile addition to a two point sling as it allows for greater adaptability at a small cost. I plan to add them to the rest of my VCAS slings provided I can get both straps through them.