Hey everyone,
Does anyone know which sets of rail panels are the thinnest? I am trying to keep my rail as slim as possible. I know ladder rails are obv. the thinnest covers but I am just trying to figure out which panel types are the thinnest.
Thanks!
-B:D
Well beside the afore mentioned ladders I think Magpul XTM panels are about as thin as they get.
I’m actually working on compiling that data. I have a chart on my site with the dimensions of various rails as well as the weight of various covers, and am hoping to get some “width added to rail” dimensions on the various covers added soon.
Totally without any facts to back it up, I’d agree that the XTM “feel” thinner to me. They are certainly very light.
Thanks Rob. Sounds good. I am trying to keep my overall system as thin as possible while still having the protection of rail panels of some sort.
The XTMs feel no different to me than KAC panals. I have some XTMs on a KAC RAS that’s uninstalled right now and I can’t tell a difference in width from when I had the KAC panals on the rail.
Definitely KAC or XTM.
I use both and prefer KAC but the cost has to be right.
XTM’s are much cheaper and easier to place any where on the rail without removing equipment or the rail system.
Ladders would be the thinnest and lightest if you were going that route.
After wasting a ton of money on various rail panels, I’ve found that my original 10yr old KAC panels feel better and thinner than than all the others.
I agree that the XTM’s are the next best thing, but they don’t feel as good in my hand as the the old KAC units.
Well thats good to hear. I have the old KAC Panels and the New ones from my new midlength URX II…
What about Tango Down SCAR covers? They’re thinner than the KAC covers.
Same here. It’s strange that the original formula is still the best.
The new TangoDown SCAR panels are also very thin and offer a secure grip and do not abrade my hands. If there is any movement with them on the rail , it can be easily fixed with a soldering iron applied to the locking tab .
I think the XT panels are slightly thinner than the XTMs.
It is something like 1/10 of an inch.
I also agree. I tried the XTMs, and they are nice but the KAC panels are tops.
The Magpul XT rail panels (not the XTM panels, which are different) are the thinnest I have seen.
Outside of ladder panels, I think these are the thinnest I have felt
WTF is “Combat Beige”!?
Why can’t we regain our senses and call it “brown”?
:rolleyes:
Back on topic-
I prefer the XT rail panels but am looking forward to sticking the SCAR Panels on and see how they work. They look to be a great cover, but I am not really how much better you can really do until you are just being different without any performance gain.
Military Moron did a write up a while ago on his site HERE, and you can see a comparison between the original TD, the TD SCAR, and the KAC HERE.
I used KAC panels for years but recently switched to the SCARs. The SCAR panels are thinner than KACs or Magpul XTs; or at least feel so, because I haven’t busted out the calipers and measured them. I have not used the Magpul XTMs. The SCARs are the best panels I’ve ever used - lightweight, thin, nicely textured and they lock tightly to the rail with no movement. I just wish they were a bit less expensive! 
Derek
If you did actually have the time to bust out the calipers, I’d have to call you a geek! 
No matter what you call it, there’ll be guys wanting to know how well the color match will be to their FDE MOE grip.
