http://missionspec.com/products/ias-irene-adaptive-sling/
Thoughts?
First time I’ve seen this sling. Obviously a competitor to the Magpul sling. Have a couple of the Magpul’s and still undecided on how well I like them in the long run.
Looks like a poor “solution.”
Imagine you’re at a carbine class and you’re doing transition drills: run the primary dry, switch to secondary, bang bang bang, call check, and load your carbine. Got that drill in your head? Now go to that video and play 0:00-0:16. Imagine the guy next to your doing that with his sling. Could you take him seriously?
If you’re need to hear any more, read on.
It’s a pretty bad sling unless they completely neglected to demonstrate the “2-point” part of the sling. When in “2-point” mode, it doesn’t look like you can actually use the weapon. You can only swivel it around your body, you can’t extend the barrel. This seems to me a worse solution than any 1-point, 2-point, or conversion sling I’ve seen because when you’ve stashed your gun in 2-point you can’t fire it (unless you’re being attacked someone lying on the floor to your left). To engage a target you have to spin it around your body (which I can’t imagine is possible without snagging on any kind of serious duty gear setup) AND THEN detach the second point.
According to them, this solution is superior because when “transitioning” to a “2-point” sling, the rifle is still attached to your body… but instead of having an unattached, functional gun now you have an attached non-functional gun. Essentially, putting it in 2-point mode puts you as far or farther behind the curve than if you had a real sling with an unloaded and cleared gun or even if you put the gun on a table in the next room over.
I also don’t know how the quick detach feature would work if it’s in “2-point” mode. It looks like it wouldn’t actually detach anything. And why use plastic buckles for the quick detach feature?
Basically it looks like 1-point sling which you can use to store your gun more comfortably if you’ve got the time to do it and aren’t going to need your it for anything (at which point you could use a real conversion sling to transition to 2-point and still have the gun ready). It might be a great 1-point sling but it seems to me that you’d have to be drooling-on-the-floor-retarded ever to use it as a 2-point or conversion rig. With a real conversion sling, at least you can use the gun regardless of whether you put it in 1- or 2-point mode. This would be like a retention pistol holster with a padlock you had to unlock to get at the gun–it just seems like a bad idea.
Either that or you can actually use it as a 2-point sling and the marketing department sucks. That’s like advertising a gun with a video of someone cycling the action and reloading mags but never actually firing it. I’d have a much less harsh view of it if it were billed as a 1-point sling that you can rig to comfortably store your weapon on you (and it would still be inferior to a real conversion sling due to readiness). A 2-point or conversion sling it is not and for some reason I’m annoyed that they’re trying to sell it as such.
Anyways, those are my first and immediate thoughts (worth what you paid for them).
From the Manufacturer
When we created the Irene Adaptive Sling here at Mission Spec it was designed, from the beginning to only be in ‘battle mode’ while in one-point mode. You are 100% correct that while in two-point mode (in shipped configuration) the weapon cannot be accurately fired. We saw no problem with this design because it is very unrealistic to think that an Operator experiencing a malfunction (jam/stove pipe/ammo dry) would proceed to ‘sling up’ their rifle before they transition to a secondary weapon system. In reality the Operator is going to simply let go of the Primary and immediately acquire his/her secondary. In other words, during battle/combat/high stress situations, the sling and rifle should always be in one-point mode. Two-Point mode is simply for transport purposes. Or like the video states, anytime the Operator needs the Primary out of their way (going hands on, breaching buildings with confined spaces on the other side of the door).
You are also correct that you would not want to put the rifle into two-point, with the IAS, while attending a carbine class. But again, why would you want to? If you are training for combat/time-is-life situations you would always keep the rifle in one-point mode. Dropping the rifle to hang and transitioning to your secondary.
However, if firing from two-point is critical with your training and situation, the IAS has many extra lengths of webbing built into it that can be let out (pre-combat) to allow this. Of course, if this is done, it will not be as effective in one-point mode.
The following video is from a carbine class where about half the students used the IAS. At 8:29 you can see the individual in the blue t-shirt run dry, drop his rifle to hang on the IAS and transition to his sidearm. This is most likely what would happen in the field, only faster. This video is not meant for promotional means it is simply some footage shot at a class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsVvHTgT56s
Thank you from Mission Spec.
Hi, I’m Brent from Mission Spec and I’d like to introduce you to the Irene Adaptive Sling system, or IAS, which is a 1- to 2-point rapid adaptive sling system for carbine-length weapons … we believe to be the most versatile solution and answer to the sling question … none [other conversion slings on the market], we believe, offer the functionality and capability of the IAS … converting from 1- to 2-point mode … 2-point mode … rapid adaptive conversion at extreme speeds … 1- to 2-point mode
It looks like a great 1-point sling that stows safety and comfortably when you want the weapon out of the way. It’s a stretch to call it a 2-point or conversion sling (which I’ll give you falls under “marketing” along with the phrase “extreme speeds”). But the video above makes it pretty clear that it has a 2-point mode and it’s a conversion sling. But it’s not.
I’m not saying Mission Spec is evil or out to swindle anyone–this isn’t any better or worse than almost all over marketing out there (especially with tactical gear), I’m just saying that it looks like a really crappy conversion sling (unless you define “2-point sling” to include “unable to accurately fire in 2-point mode”). I can’t say how good or bad the “pre-combat setup” 2-point mode is, but, as you said, it’s no longer an effective conversion sling.
And that’s all fine if it’s being billed as a superior 1-point sling (which I’ll admit, with the ability to stow the rifle, it looks to be). But the video advertises it as a 1-point/2-point conversion sling and I think that’s stretching the definitions of “2-point sling” and “conversion sling” too far in an effort to check every box.
I think Mission Spec would be better off saying “Look at all these other 1-point slings. Look at how much they suck when you want your gun out of the way. Look at how the IAS blows them out of the water.” rather than claiming to be the best at everything and looking ridiculous while doing it.
Been surfing around here looking at 1911 pics 
and I thought I would chime in.
I’ve had one of since about the time it came out and I thought I would get it out to do a quick review. I will start out and say to that I did get this sling for the review and feedback from the manufacturer, I have no financial stake in the company. The folks there are great and very helpful. They are committed to trying to get people the best gear they can at an affordable cost. I love this thing. Its about ten bucks less than the Magpul single point sling and more functional. You can wear it in one point mode, or do the two point cinch as described on the video. It comes with a fabric buffer tube sling mount as a stand in in case the user doesn’t have another mount. The manufacturer says this is only a temporary measure and that this sling works best with a fixed mount (like the Magpul ASAP plate). The sling mount works well when glued following the manufacturer’s instructions and will get you by for classes, but some kind of dedicated metal mount would be required for any kind of duty use.
I used the two point at the class when I was setting up targets. At least my gun wasn’t racking me like the other guys and I could move faster and easier. The two point mode is for storage. It’s not any slower than any traditional two point (like a traditional rifle sling getting it off your back when over your shoulder). Its actually faster and it is always connected to your body so you never leave one point mode unless in emergency. You can also wear it in two point mode uncinched across the chest, this makes it very easy to access the front hook for a release but it is still out of the way and pointing in a safe direction (down on your reaction side). The cinch mode makes it easy to swing the rifle to the back and it keeps it out of the way when navigating tight spaces. Especially when “going short” for buildings or door breaches where you may use a shorter secondary for confined spaces or a using a two handed special purpose weapon.
One thing I discovered about it as I’ve been using it is that it is possible to do almost an Olympic style brace with the sling. If you’re in two point mode you can pop the emergency clip in the middle and it becomes a typical two point (with two hanging pieces, but we don’t care about those right now. From here you can drop your reaction hand through so the gun is around your neck (You pop the clip so it’s easier to get your hand through, you don’t have to do it if you can get your arm out and still accomplish this. Wrap it around the sling and hold onto the handguard. This provides a very stable shooting position when standing without having to worry as much about that figure 8 pattern you’re usually tracing from your arm being tired. It is braced from your neck and shoulder like a cable supported cantilever. At this point its the same as the Magpul but you’ve been able to keep you hand on fire control the entire time and the gun has always been attached in case your hands must do something else (break a fall, draw sidearm, assist someone, etc.). To get back from here you have to reconnect the buckle, which usually takes two hands, but if you’re shooting with a wrapped sling, you’re usually taking a long shot anyway. The material is high quality. The buckles are sturdy and don’t come apart like some of the cheaper ones. Overall appear the same quality as my Blackhawk gear or my HSS PC. The MASH hooks are Metal, sturdy and aren’t going anywhere. The sling is 1" nylon webbing (I have the tan variety). It is high quality, with a good thread count. Looks and feels like a seat belt. It isn’t as soft as the Magpul sling, but It also doesn’t get fuzzy and snagged on stuff in the woods either. If you’re wearing it over a t-shirt you’ll be fine (that’s what I wore at my carbine class and had no problems, it was in the upper 90’s with medium to high humidity). Wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I like the security of not being separated from my main weapons system unless I desire it. With this sling I am always attached even when manipulating the different functions. If something startles me or knocks me off my feet I’ll still have it with me unless I squeeze the quick release (which requires only one hand, either one).
The two point function is only used for carrying a weapon when not expecting to use it anyway. If I’m anywhere I need it, it will be in 1-point with my hand on fire control, with positive authority over my weapon system. This sling has an advantage that it gives the user a 1-point with some adaptive functions if they desire them, and it never detracts from the pure 1-point function. In addition to functioning well in 1-point mode in a combat environment it would be perfect to walk around somewhere where you were required to have your weapon, but no gear in two point mode because it would be out of the way, yet still more accessible and ergonomic than having to hold onto your two point so your weapon doesn’t fall off.
Overall a great one point and two point sling that can do both with a little extra either way. Great price and friendly customer service. Gets two thumbs up from me!
Not a 2point as commonly defined. More like the three point webbing clown festivals.
In one point mode does not have the little bit of elasticity required for tight consistent hold on the body & use in defensive tactics and alternate shooting positions… ala the NSW issue sling, Dieter sling, Northwest Tactical sling, etc…
MASH clips are best used on HK or Dieter type mounting loops or hardpoints like the SCAR has. Not a wiggly front sling swivel.
The mode of clipping on and off the fore-end MASH begs to sweep other parties, I would not permit it on a range I was running.
The rear attachment point is on the receiver extension tube, aka buffer tube, begging to get in the way of operating the charging handle = FAIL
Dano’s post hit the nail on the head.
… and all of the opaqued faces must mean these guy are real operators…right?
I was under the distinct impression that the sling was only supposed to be “used” in one point mode when shooting. It is a little more like a three point than a two point, when clipped up. I’ll agree when shooting with a 3 point normally it is a mess of webbing everywhere. Although when in one point (If I’m using my primary), the other MASH hook folds flat and is unobtrusive.
I’ll take a 1-point over a bungee two point, or a three point any day because I’m still attached to the weapons system. I’m not going to get into a 1-point vs. 2-point discussion because his really isn’t a 1-point vs. 2-point thread. I would say this is a one point sling with “options”. If I understood the thing about the range I would agree you. If I was running the firing line I wouldn’t want anyone trying to put it on their back. To be fair, I wouldn’t let anyone try it with the Magpul one either, because that sling is a pain to unhook and reattach, it takes more time to go to two point, and the motion will be exactly the same of putting it on your back. It’s fine to attach the MS sling to the front point, if you caring it (like a 3-point on your front) if you’re not going to use it, and not planning to in an emergency situation (it is pointed in a safe direction (down).
A 1-point sling on a carbine, personally, is what I prefer because it provides the most maneuverability, shooting positions, ability to easily switch hands, etc. To me, this is a 1-point with “options”. As I said, if you’re a two point junkie then bungees like the stuff Dano mentioned are the way to go. To each his or her own. I’m pretty sure that the manufacturer recommends a metal plate, as I mentioned before. something from DD, Magpul ASAP (what I’m getting for my MS sling) etc. that will never get in the way of my charging handle. As I said above, I would never take the fabric one into a life or death situation, but it would be “OK” for basic classes.
I don’t have a problem attaching or removing the MASH hooks. (I do have a side sling mount on my A2 front sight which is easy to find) when I pull that off I’ll just get a rail sling adapter and it will be fine (I hear Magpul is making one ). In my opinion, this is A ONE POINT SLING, with some better ergonomic options not matched by other ONE POINT style slings. I will continue to enjoy using it as such. I’m sure if you had any suggestions for improvements the folks there would be happy to listen. They’re nice people and concerned about the best stuff they can get you, and at a reasonable price. I’m sure if you had some suggestions on buckles, hooks, etc. they will probably listen. Now that I think about it there is a “Custom” tab on their website. Yeah, says Custom Gear.
I’ve read that about 3 times and I still have no clue what the hell you’re talking about. Take a breath and bring back sentence structure, spelling, grammar, thought coherence, and paragraphs. Good god, man.
Whoops, That’s what happens when you accidentally close the window and are left with what firefox saved. Editing now.
Edit: hopefully easier to read, I didn’t notice it posted as one huge block.
I’m an old school two point sling kinda of guy. But that’s not what I want to say.
The one thing I really hate is the use of the name Irene. Why is that everyone wants to make a buck off of the military’s back? When the truth is the military will likely never use that product. This is catered to civilians that want something tacticool. They lose my money by trying to be something it isn’t.
Memorialize our fallen, don’t benefit because of the loss. I applaud those companies with the ingenuity that puts great products in our troops hands, this ain’t one of those products.
I will stick with th 2 point sling but I can see where this could catch on for the guys who like single point slings out on mission but dont want to lug it around the FOB in that manner. You could just sling it up and go to chow.
I think the ideal of cliping it during a transition is f ing nuts however
Forgive my ignorance if I’m missing something, but Irene is just a name. What does it have to do with “making a buck off the military’s back”?
Black Hawk Down
By that logic the movie “Juno” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0467406/) is making a buck off of the backs of those who died in the Normandy invasion. Maybe the inventor’s wife’s name is Irene. Or maybe they thought IAS sounded sweet and needed a word that started with I (and thought Irene sounded sweet).
I’m sure there have been thousands of military operations in the last few decades which had people’s names attached to them either as launch words or names or whatever.
I think it’s a little silly to think that just cause you saw a movie or read a book about a (real) operation where the “go code” was Irene that MUST be why the IAS is called what it’s called.
Unless it says so on the website somewhere.
Either that or someone told the following joke at the naming meeting:
What do you call a one-legged woman?
Eileen
What do you call a one-legged Asian woman?
Irene.
Or, you know, any one of these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene
Point being, the folks sitting around in Somalia in 1993, drawing up mission plans, took “Irene” from somewhere else. They didn’t invent the freaking name.
Too gimmicky and impractical for me. A solution in search of a problem. The issues in his YouTube Vid can be handled by proven existing 2 point slings.
Seems to me that anybody that carries their carbine to chow like that probably doesn’t need a single point. This sling deadlines shooters.
And what’s up with the muzzle-up on-the-back stuff on the website? If I carried my blaster like that I’d get my ass tackled.
This wise man has said what I attempted to in a page of text. (I’ll admit I’m kind or rambeler) This is not a one vs. two point thread. Also, if we’re going to start assuming that this company is trying to make a dime of the military’s back because they are “evil”, I’m going to assume the best about these folks and assume that they are basically “good”, hardworking folks. They built a sling they seem to believe improves on current one point designs (Which I am inclined to believe, Magpul) It just seems really nit picky to harp on a name. Sorry guys, I like my discussions with content, evidence, and information, these conjecture, “oh my God, what if…” threads are not for me => 