Otte Gear Keller Modular Sling: Keeping It Slim

Released in 2022, the multi-point adjustable OG x Keller Modular Sling by Otte Gear takes the traditional two-point sling design and incorporates insight from Bob Keller (Gamut Resolutions) to provide a multi-use sling for a variety of shooting styles. The Modular Sling allows for rapid adjustment to customize its overall length and weapon retention, or configurations when needed.

Made from a 1” wide A-A-55301 milspec webbing at the front, and a seamless laminate nylon shoulder pad in the middle, the Modular Sling is open-ended on both sides and has “triglides” that allow the sling to be attached to M4/A2-style swivel sling loops, or on QD loop hardware.

At the front is a QD slide buckle with a 2” laminate nylon pull tab for sliding adjustment as needed.

At the front of the shoulder padding is a G-Hook buckle that is used during stowage of the sling when the rifle is not in use or during vehicle operations.  

Specifications:

  • Minimum Length: 40” (with the adjuster slides tightened)
  • Maximum Length: 75” fully extended

The OG x Keller Modular Sling is available in Tactical Grey (featured), Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam.

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • CostAverage (3/5): Listed at $55.00, the OG x Keller Modular Sling reflected a balance between the overall minimalist volume of nylon material and padding with enough excess to accommodate a variety of shooting styles and positions. The Modular Sling’s design is comparable to other mainstream minimalist slings currently offered by market alternatives include; the Simple Sling ($42) by Snake Eater Tactical, the Operators 2-Point Sling ($39.30) from First Spear, the MS2 Sling ($39.95) from Magpul, the Padded Rifle Sling ($64.00) from Flatline Fiber Co, or the Padded Vickers Rifle Sling ($64.00) by Blue Force Gear. Thus, at its current price the OG x Keller Modular Sling was perhaps at the upper end and appropriate (or of average) cost for its design and volume of materials when compared to similar competitors.
  • Comfort Fair (2/5): With a single-layer nylon band, and a minimally padded nylon midsection, the OG x Keller Modular Sling kept a low/minimalist profile as intended. Meanwhile, the front slide adjuster consistently moved easily and smoothly over the nylon and manipulated between the carry/slung position to a combat ready position quickly. The sling itself was fairly comfortable and the width of the padded material yielded a similar level of comfort and prevention against chafe to exposed skin. However, the padding material was also the same minimal thickness and flexibility as the nylon bands itself, and thus held a limited capacity to defray fatigue over extended time (2hr+).
  • Durability – Average (3/5): Given the OG x Keller Modular Sling was made from dominantly 55301 milspec nylon webbing, laminate nylon, and quality polymer hardware, the sling itself held up to continual adjustment and did not fray nor experience any material separation. The hardware did not involve overly complicated or spring-loaded points, which often pose the potential for mechanical failure, and thus the OG x Keller Modular Sling effectively embraced tactical minimalism. The problem arose that the hardware moved too smoothly with at one point during a formal training class, the sling’s front tri-glide buckle (that secured the QD mount to the rifle) unraveled from performing repetitive rifle-to-pistol transitions causing the rifle to be “flung” away. The solution was to double-over the nylon band through the buckle and reinforce the material through the space and no other problems were experienced. Otte Gear may want to consider a tighter tri-glide hardware on the sling, or different hardware that will provide a more secure hold without adding to overall bulk.
  • Functionality Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, it’s hard to get overly complicated on a sling. The OG x Keller Modular Sling embraced that simplicity and minimalism, all while offering a quasi-functional and quickly adjustable design that easily went from a slung position to deployment in a mere second. Attaching the sling to either an A2-style sling point, or on QD style hardware was simple, and multiple M4 or other carbine-style stocks have considered cuts or attachment points for mounting similar slings in various configurations for maximum comfort. The ability to use the included QD point and easily convert between a single-point and two-point sling configuration allowed the user to fluctuate between the two based on mission needs and setting. And while the intent of the sling’s design was to remain minimalist and easily packable, a recommendation to Otte Gear would be to consider some measure of actual padding to the sling’s laminate nylon pad as the material typically does not yield as much as traditional nylons or other foam padding. However, one persistent issue noted was if the end-user was using a rifle with sling point attachments not flush with the overall side of the rifle (such as offset, bottom A2 style, or top-mounted picatinny rail QD mounts) invariably that spacing did not allow for the sling’s G-Hook’s stowable cinch design to keep positive pressure on the sling, and keep it in place. Thus, if a rifle was using that type of configuration, the sling’s loop in the stowed configuration consistently came loose.
  • Weight Average (3/5): At 5.3 ounces (without QD attachment hardware), the OG x Keller Modular Sling had an appropriate (or average) weight for the minimal amount of nylon material and hardware involved. Even while wet or soaked in sweat  or water the sling’s material did not become excessively logged down. In comparison, the Simple Sling (1.86 ounces) by Snake Eater Tactical, the Operators 2-Point Sling (3.9 ounces) from First Spear, and the MS2 Sling (6.0 ounces) from Magpul demonstrate that the OG x Keller Modular Sling is appropriate amid the market and its listed competitors.

Overall Rating – Below Average (14/25)

Product Link: https://ottegear.com/products/og-modular-sling

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

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