Slings

A good rifle sling is one of the most underrated pieces of airsoft kit. Not only does a sling make it more comfortable to carry your replica, it also ensures you have both hands free when needed and allows for a quick switch to your sidearm. Whether you’re playing a short CQB skirmish or taking part in a multi-day milsim event, a well-chosen tactical sling enhances both your comfort and your control over your replica.

Go straight to the information you need:
• Why is a good sling important?
• Slings with or without a bungee?
• Match your sling to your replica
• Take the time to adjust your sling properly
• Which sling suits your playing style?
• Professional use
• What should you look out for when buying a sling?
• Frequently asked questions about slings

In this category, you’ll find an extensive range of slings from 101Inc. , Clawgear, Direct Action, Invader Gear, Magpul, SATAC and Warrior Assault Systems. The range consists mainly of 1-point slings and 2-point slings, available in versions with or without bungee, as well as various MOLLE slings.

Whether you’re using a compact SMG, an AR platform, a DMR or a heavier rifle, the right sling ensures that your replica can be carried comfortably and remains ready for immediate use during any skirmish or training session.

Why is a good sling important?

Many players initially see a sling as a simple carrying strap, but in practice it serves a much more important purpose. During a skirmish, you’re constantly switching between walking, running, taking cover, reloading and using your sidearm. A well-adjusted sling ensures that your replica stays securely against your body without constantly getting in the way.

What’s more, a sling reduces the strain on your arms and shoulders during longer days of play. Especially when you’re playing for several hours at a time or regularly covering longer distances, you’ll notice just how much of a difference a high-quality sling can make.

A good airsoft sling offers, amongst other things:

• Greater comfort during longer ski trips.
• A quick switch to a sidearm.
• Both hands free when you need them to be.
• Greater control over your replica whilst moving.
• Less fatigue when worn for long periods.

A sling is therefore not just an accessory, but an important part of a well-put-together loadout.

A sling is more than just a carrying strap. Together with your holster, any holster adapter and other equipment, it forms a complete carrying configuration that allows you to carry your replica comfortably and deploy it quickly. Would you like to find out more about how these systems complement each other? Then take a look at our Holster & Sling Systems category.

1 Point Slings

A 1 Point Sling is attached to the rear of the replica using a single attachment point. This means the replica hangs centrally in front of the body and remains highly manoeuvrable.

This system is particularly popular with players who do a lot of CQB or regularly switch shoulders whilst shooting. As the replica can move freely, it can be quickly positioned in various shooting stances, whilst maintaining maximum freedom of movement.

Advantages of a 1-Point Sling:

• Maximum freedom of movement.
• A very quick transition to the sidearm.
• Easily switch shoulders.
• Ideal for compact replicas such as SMGs and short AR platforms.

On the other hand, a 1-Point Sling is less suitable for longer distances or heavier replicas. When you let go of the replica, it hangs freely in front of your body, which can be less comfortable during long walks or intense running.

For players who mainly play CQB or Speedsoft, a 1-point sling remains an excellent choice.

2 Point Slings

The 2 Point Sling is by far the most popular sling in airsoft. Thanks to its two attachment points, the weight of the replica is distributed more evenly, meaning it sits more securely against the body and is more comfortable to carry.

It is precisely this versatility that makes the 2 Point Sling suitable for virtually any style of play. Whether you’re playing woodland games, taking part in milsim events or spending a whole day out on the field, a 2 Point Sling offers an excellent balance between comfort, control and freedom of movement.

In addition, many modern Quick Adjust Slings are fitted with a system that allows you to adjust the length of the sling in a flash whilst playing. This enables you to pull the replica tightly against your body whilst moving and gives you more freedom of movement as soon as you spring into action.

For most airsoft players, a 2-point sling is therefore the most versatile choice and an excellent investment for both beginners and experienced players.

Slings with or without a bungee cord?

As well as the choice between a 1-point sling and a 2-point sling, the sling’s design also plays an important role. Many models are available with or without a bungee cord. Which version suits you best depends on your playing style and the type of replica you use.

A Bungee Sling features an elasticated section that absorbs shocks when you walk, run or change position. This makes the replica more comfortable to wear and allows it to move more smoothly with your body.

Advantages of a Bungee Sling:

• Greater comfort during prolonged use.
• Provides shock absorption whilst running and moving.
• Greater freedom of movement during dynamic games.
• Ideal for light to medium-weight replicas.

A sling without a bungee is completely static and therefore offers more direct control over the replica. There is no give in the system, which means the replica remains more securely in place against the body.

This type of sling is particularly popular with:

• The DMR platform.
• More powerful AR platforms.
• Players who want maximum control.
• Users who prefer a very consistent carrying position.

Neither system is inherently better; it is mainly a matter of personal preference and how you use your replica.

MOLLE Slings

In this category, you’ll also find a range of MOLLE slings. Unlike a traditional rifle sling, these are designed to temporarily secure a replica to your kit.

A MOLLE Sling attaches to the MOLLE/PALS webbing of a plate carrier or tactical vest and prevents a replica from moving uncontrollably when you need both hands. Think, for example, of climbing an obstacle, assisting a fellow player or carrying out other actions where you want to temporarily secure your replica.

For players who regularly take part in milsim events or wear a comprehensive tactical vest, a MOLLE Sling is a practical addition to the standard Rifle Sling.

Match your sling to your replica

It’s not just your playing style that determines which sling suits you best; the weight and dimensions of your replica also play an important role.

A compact MP5, ARP9 or other SMG places very different demands on a sling than a longer DMR or a fully kitted-out AR15 with a rifle scope, bipod and accessories.

If you’re using a heavier replica, you’ll often find a 2-point sling helps distribute the weight more evenly across your body. This keeps the replica steady and reduces the strain on your shoulders and arms during longer days of play.

For very heavy support weapons, such as an M249, there are even specially developed LMG Slings with a wider, padded shoulder section. These are designed to make carrying the heavier weight more comfortable during prolonged use. Although this type of sling falls outside the scope of this category, it clearly demonstrates that not every replica places the same demands on a carrying strap.

Take the time to adjust your sling properly

Even the best tactical sling won’t perform as well if it isn’t adjusted correctly. Yet this is something that many players pay little attention to after purchasing it.

A well-adjusted sling keeps the replica close enough to the body whilst walking, whilst at the same time allowing sufficient freedom of movement to aim comfortably, switch shoulders or quickly switch to a sidearm.

Especially if your sling is fitted with a Quick Adjust system, it’s worth trying out different settings. Even a small adjustment to the length can make a big difference to comfort and ease of use during a full day of play.

You should also always check that your replica is fitted with suitable sling mounts or attachment points. Some replicas come with front and rear attachment points for a 2-point sling as standard, whilst other models only have a rear sling mount or no attachment points at all. In the latter case, a separate sling mount or adapter may be required to attach a sling securely. You should therefore check before purchasing whether your replica is suitable for the type of sling you wish to use.

Which sling suits your playing style?

There is no single sling that is the best choice for every airsoft player. The ideal rifle sling depends on your playing style, the type of replica and the way you use your kit.

Although a 1-point sling performs exceptionally well in fast-paced CQB scenarios, most airsoft players ultimately opt for a 2-point sling because of its versatility and greater comfort during longer days of play.

Professional use

Slings are used worldwide by military units, the police and security services. Not only to carry a replica or firearm comfortably, but above all to keep it safely under control when both hands are temporarily needed.

In the world of airsoft, too, you see experienced players paying increasing attention to the adjustment of their sling. A well-chosen sling prevents fatigue, keeps the replica stable against the body and ensures you can react more quickly when the situation demands it.

It’s during longer woodland skirmishes or intense milsim events that you really notice just how much of a difference a high-quality sling can make.

What should you look out for when buying a sling?

You shouldn’t choose a sling based on its appearance alone. The system needs to suit your replica, playing style and personal preference.

Please note, amongst other things:

• 1-point or 2-point fixing.
• To do the bungee or not.
• Quick Adjust system for quick length adjustment.
• Compatibility with your replica.
• Weight of the replica.
• Quality of the fixing points.
• Comfort during prolonged wear.
• For use on a Battle Belt or Plate Carrier.

By thinking carefully in advance about how you’ll use your replica, you can choose a sling that will continue to work well in the long term.

Common mistakes

A high-quality tactical sling significantly improves carrying comfort, provided it is chosen and adjusted correctly.

Common mistakes include:

• Choosing a 1-point sling for a heavy replica that is mainly used during woodland or milsim activities.
• Failing to adjust the sling properly, resulting in the replica hanging too low or, conversely, too high.
• Do not take the weight of the replica into account.
• Choosing a Bungee Sling when maximum stability is the priority.
• Choosing the sling based solely on its appearance rather than its functionality.
• Don’t forget to check the fixing points regularly for wear or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slings

What is the difference between a 1-point sling and a 2-point sling?
A 1-point sling is attached at a single point and offers maximum freedom of movement. A 2-point sling is attached at two points, which distributes the weight more evenly and keeps the replica more securely against the body.

When should I choose a Bungee Sling?
A Bungee Sling is ideal if you’re very active and want extra comfort. The elasticated section absorbs shocks whilst walking, running and changing position.

Is a sling without a bungee better?
Not necessarily. A sling without a bungee offers more direct control and stability, making it popular with players using a heavier replica or a DMR platform.

Can I use any sling on any replica?
Not always. Check in advance which attachment points your replica has and whether they are compatible with the sling you wish to use.

Which sling is best suited to beginners?
For most novice airsoft players, a 2-point sling is the best choice. This type of sling is versatile, comfortable and suitable for virtually any playing style and replica.

Do I need a special sling for a heavy support replica?
For occasional use, a sturdy 2-point sling is often sufficient. However, if you’re using a heavy support replica such as an M249 during longer skirmishes or milsim events, a specially designed LMG sling with a wider, padded shoulder section can offer considerably greater comfort.

With a high-quality Rifle Sling or Tactical Sling, you can carry your replica more comfortably, safely and efficiently. Discover the range from 101Inc., Clawgear, Direct Action, Invader Gear, Magpul, SATAC and Warrior Assault Systems, and choose the sling that suits your replica, playing style and loadout.