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Picking the right sling is one of the most underrated decisions in any rifle setup. It’s the piece of gear that can be always attached, always in use, and very much overlooked until you truly need it. Whether you’re training, patrolling, walking your property or just hitting the range, the sling you choose can definitely make or break your experience.
That’s where Arid Manufacturing comes in. Based in the USA, Arid is a fairly new company but creating a reputation for making no-nonsense gear designed for hard use. Their products are minimalist, practical, and built with purpose and the A.R.S. Mod 1 Sling is no exception.
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
A.R.S. Mod 1 Sling Overview
The A.R.S. Mod 1 Sling is what I would consider Arid Manufacturing’s flagship solution for a dependable, streamlined rifle sling and it’s 100% American made. Every single component is Berry Compliant, meaning it’s sourced and manufactured entirely within the United States. No outsourcing. No foreign hands. Just top-tier craftsmanship from start to finish.
Designed to balance durability, minimalism, and adaptability, the A.R.S. Mod 1 features Arid’s proprietary Arid Retention System (A.R.S.), which allows the sling to self-stow without the need for extra hardware. That keeps your gear tight, clean, and snag-free.
The sling is lightweight, compact, and purpose-built, perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts who want something that performs under pressure and stays out of the way when not in use. Available in different colors and designs as well (Black, Tan, Ranger Green, Urban Grey (my personal favorite), Multicam, Multicam Arid and Multicam Black)
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Key Features
Berry Compliant Construction
Every component of the ARS Mod 1 Sling is sourced and manufactured in the USA, meeting Berry compliance standards. That means you’re getting a sling built with top-tier materials from end to end, no imported shortcuts, just quality that lasts.
NIR/IR Signature Reduction
Designed with low-visibility operations in mind, the sling is compliant with NIR and IR requirements. This feature helps reduce its visibility under night vision and infrared devices, which is a serious plus for those using it in the active line of duty.
All-Metal Hardware
No plastic here, the sling uses all-metal hardware that feels incredibly solid and inspires confidence. The components are rugged, wear-resistant, and ready for hard use in just about any environment.
Self-Stowing Retention System (ARS)
My favorite feature of this sling is the Arid Retention System. When not in use, the sling can be neatly stowed without any need for additional hardware, clips, or bands. It keeps your setup clean and snag-free while maintaining quick deployment.
Smooth and Secure Adjustments
The adjustment slider feels smooth and intuitive, allowing for quick on-the-fly adjustments. Once set, it stays locked in with no drift, giving you consistent support whether you’re tightening in for stability or loosening up for mobility.
First Impressions
Right out of the box or I should say bag (its shipped in a branded plastic bag as a sling doesn’t really need a box), the sling feels premium. It’s incredibly lightweight and super slim, and nothing about it feels cheap or underbuilt. The stitching is flawless, no loose ends, no fraying, just tight, clean work. The hardware used is all metal, giving it that extra level of durability and confidence.
One of my favorite features right off the bat is the active retention system. Chris designed this sling to stow itself, no more wrapping it around your grip or folding it up with a rubber band on your stock. When the sling is stowed, it stays tight and completely out of your way, and when you need it, it takes less than a second to release and throw over your shoulder. It’s one of those “why didn’t someone do this sooner?” design choices that makes a huge difference in real use. The only down fall of it is you need to make sure you leave your stock adjusted because when stowed you can re adjust your stock but that’s really a super minor issue that I’ve looked passed.
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Hands-On Experience
First off, I’ve gotta say this sling checks just about every box for what I personally look for: lightweight, sleek, tough, and 100% made in the USA. The first time I ran the ARS Mod 1 Sling was about six months ago, and honestly, I haven’t touched another sling since.
It’s worth noting that while the sling doesn’t come with mounting hardware by default, Arid does offer the option to include either hook-style or QD-style hardware at checkout. Or, if you already have a preferred setup, you can opt for none and run your own. Either way, it’s easy to fit into your existing system.
On the range, even during that first session, the sling was incredibly easy to use. Adjusting it on the fly was smooth and fast, and the low-profile design fit in perfectly without getting tangled in other gear.
The self-stowing feature using the 5-inch pull tab is easily my favorite part of the whole setup. You just wrap it around the end of your Buttstock tighten the sling with the pull tabs and stow the excess with the elastic loop on the sling, and when you need it, a quick firm tug of the pull tab has it deployed in less than a second. It keeps everything tidy, efficient, and snag-free. The pull tab also doubles as the quick-adjustment on the fly. Super easy to use and hold firm I’ve never had the slider move on my during use.
When it comes to comfort, most people naturally gravitate toward padded slings, and I get it. But I’ll be honest: I’ve never been a fan of padded slings. The extra bulk just doesn’t feel worth the small gain in comfort, especially on a lightweight rifle setup. I’ve never found unpadded slings to be uncomfortable, and the ARS Mod 1 is no exception. It’s a very comfortable sling with no sharp or stiff edges digging into your neck or catching on gear.
As far as durability, this thing’s tough. I’ve dragged it through all kinds of terrain, slammed the buttstock with the sling wrapped around it into trees and rocks, and it’s held up with zero issues. No fraying, no blown stitching, and the metal hardware hasn’t rusted or loosened. The only visible damage after a bit of abuse is a small scratch on one of the metal buttons and a bit of dirt on the sling.
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Recent Revisions
Most of this review is based on my hands-on experience with the pre-updated version of the ARS Mod 1 Sling, which already impressed me across the board. That said, Arid Manufacturing has made a few notable refinements in the past few months, and I think it’s important to point them out.
- Hard-Sewn Middle Section
The triglide near the elastic band has been removed and replaced with a hard-sewn connection, reducing the overall profile and removing any opportunity for it to loosen up. - Tail End Improvements
At the tail section near the oval loop, Arid has applied the same tripled-over blind-cut finish as the pull tab. This adds consistency, strength, and longevity to the part of the sling that takes a lot of stress over time.
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Overall Rating
Reliability & Function – 5/5
The ARS Mod 1 Sling has been rock solid from day one. It performs exactly how you’d expect a quality sling to perform: no slipping, no failures, and consistent retention and deployment every single time. Whether it’s stowed or in active use, it just works.
Adjustability & Ease of Use – 4.5/5
The adjustment tab is smooth and responsive, and it’s incredibly easy to manipulate even while wearing gloves or under stress. The only minor deduction is that you need to make sure you leave your Buttstock adjusted if leaving the sling stowed while at the range which isn’t a flaw, but it’s worth noting for new users having the sling installed but leaving it stowed at the range.
Comfort – 4.5/5
For an unpadded sling, comfort is surprisingly good. The lightweight profile doesn’t dig into you neck or feel bulky, and its design keeps it from snagging or interfering with gear.
Build Quality – 5/5
Build quality is exceptional. Every stitch is tight and clean, the hardware is all-metal, and the sling just feels like a premium piece. The updates on the latest version, like blind cuts and hard-sewn sections, take it to another level.
Design & Innovation – 5/5
The self-stowing Arid Retention System is my favorite feature. It solves an actual problem with a smart, simple solution that doesn’t require extra gear or band aid fixes. It’s one of those design choices that once you’ve used it, you won’t want to go back to anything else. Paired with the sleek layout and compact profile, it’s a standout design all around.
Final Average Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Final Thoughts
The Arid MFG ARS Mod 1 Sling has earned a permanent spot in my setup and future rifle builds. After months of real use, abuse, and swapping it between rifles, it’s proven to be everything I want in a sling: lightweight, durable, easy to use, purpose-built and 100% made in-house in the USA.
The self-stowing system is one of my favorite features I’ve seen on any sling, and it’s something I now find myself wishing every sling had. Combine that with the metal hardware and durable construction, you’ve got a product that genuinely stands out in a crowded market.
If you’re looking for a sling that stays out of your way, works flawlessly when you need it, built to last, and made in the USA this is it. Arid didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. They just perfected it in my eyes. Plus they are a small company and I love supporting a great company that makes a great product.
If you’re interested in this sling, use code TDEN10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
FAQ
Q: Is the A.R.S. Mod 1 Sling padded?
A: The sling does not come with padding; it features a minimalist design focused on durability and functionality.
Q: Does it come with mounting hardware?
A: The sling offers options for mounting hardware for an added cost, including configurations with one or two QD swivels or HK hooks, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.
Q: Is this sling suitable for use with plate carriers or chest rigs?
A: Yes, the slim profile and self-stowing design make it compatible with various gear setups, including plate carriers and chest rigs.
Q: Can it be used as a single-point sling?
A: The A.R.S. Mod 1 is designed primarily as a two-point sling. While adaptation may be possible, it is optimized for two-point configurations. For a single point sling check out their S.P.S. Mod 1 Single Point Sling.
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