REVIEW: 5 x Angled Fore Grip

Since Chris Costa and his associates started with the "C-Clamp" - the C-Grip - in AR-15 exercises, half or a third of the world no longer wants a vertical grip, but an angled foregrip. We have gathered here five different models and wanted to find out what Magpul, Strike Industries, FAB Defense and IMI Defense can do in comparison, or if there are major differences.

Someone has to start. Magpul PTS did it and introduced the Angled Fore Grip (AFG) to the market. Interestingly, not under the regular brand, but under the training branch. Perhaps the idea seemed too unconventional for their primarily military users. The AFG is still a solid piece; its problem area is the raised edges in front on the right and left. This is exactly the position on the rail where you would mount a light, which it blocks.

The AFG-2 from Magpul addresses this problem directly. It has no side ridges, and the rear angle is steeper, meaning the AFG-2 is overall shorter. With the AFGs, the user also has the choice of which piece to install for the angle: either a smooth one (seen with the AFG-2) or one with a bump (seen with the AFG) to provide better grip for the hand. In our opinion, this doesn't make a big difference... The AFG-2 is quite common in military use, and in the 75th Ranger Regiment, for example, it has almost completely replaced traditional vertical grips.

Strike Industries calls its AFG a "Cobra Tactical Fore Grip," probably because of the extended side panels. The Cobra is significantly the smallest among the featured grips, with the flattest angle. The "Cobra" wings create the same problem as the AFG from Magpul. Where they are, little else fits. And personally, we find this grip piece too small, we suspect it is designed for Asian hands who might be happy with it.

FAB Defense takes a very unique approach with its PTK hand rest. In terms of shape, it reminds us of a dolphin from a spiritual shop or a sex toy. The grip surface is ergonomically designed, with a specific area for the index finger at the front - meaning it provides a really good and secure grip, it is more than just a hand rest. The term "Ergonomic Pointing Grip" describes it quite well. We personally don't like the PTK in terms of its shape, but that is just an aesthetic judgment. It is definitely an excellent angled foregrip. Especially when combined with a thumb rest mounted on the side, the shooter achieves a very solid result without needing to grasp the entire rail (No C-Clamp needed).

The last, and youngest, in the lineup is the Rubberized Front Support Grip from IMI Defense. In terms of dimensions, it is very similar to the Magpul AFG, but has its own characteristics, even though the angle and slope are the same. The IMI Defense has a non-slip surface and is sharply cut or shaped at the rear so that it fits directly against the magazine well of the AR15 system. This is a significant advantage for shooters who prefer a grip where they can grip the magazine well and have a close grip.

The five friends compared: Almost all - except for the PTK from FAB Defense - have a hand stop, which varies in strength at the front, with the most extreme being the Cobra from Strike Industries, making it seem almost like a striking aid, which is unlikely due to the position of the grip. The hand stop is intended to prevent the hand from sliding forward. And when the weapon is rested against a wall, it can be used to push against it at the front.

The surfaces are very differently designed: Magpul has grooves, Strike has fewer, FAB Defense has its own, very pronounced grooves, and IMI has a non-slip surface.

View from behind on the five grip pieces: so far, so unspectacular. The one that stands out here is the PTK from FAB Defense: it has a useful battery compartment in the grip. The only one, mind you, the others all do without any additional functions.

Also, for safety, the insertion areas for the rail: the same principle for all of them. Slide on, then screw through. During installation, only the IMI Defense stood out positively because it holds the nut. With all the others, caution is advised: removing the screw loosens the nut. And let's be honest: who likes to lose their nut.

The angles of the Angled Fore Grips are quite different. We have tried to capture them here: The IMI Defense at the back is not visible because it has the same angle as the AFG from Magpul. AFG 2 is the same as AFG. Strike Industries has the flattest angle with its Cobra. FAB Defense, on the other hand, has the steepest angle. (That's why the IMI is hidden behind it.)

CONCLUSION: Many paths lead to happiness. Magpul is the classic one that introduced angled foregrips, with others following suit. The Cobra from Strike is not to our taste, to be honest. The feeling is that the best one is the PTK from FAB Defense, although it is not technically an angled foregrip like the others, which are hand rests, but a standalone grip with great ergonomics. IMI Defense is an accessory that brings the support close to the M4's housing, allowing for close and precise work. Very similar to the AFG, but a good solution and excellent for gripping. The AFG-2 is the most pragmatic choice if you want a traditional AFG. For both Magpuls, there is also a "Gas Pedal", a side-mounted step that functions as a thumb rest, so you don't have to reach around the rail at all times with the C-Clamp.

The Angled Fore Grip (AFG) from Magpul is available for $34.95, the AFG 2 from Magpul costs the same. The Cobra Tactical Fore Grip from Strike Industries costs $25. The PTK from FAB Defense is available for $38. The Rubberized Front Support Grip from IMI Defense is priced at $50.