armoury
TRIDENT V GLADIUS
at least, it seems like the purchasing decision comes down
to whether you want to tinker or not. No? Get the Trident.
Yes? It’s an Avalon for you…
AN EARLY SHOWER
I personally own both RIFs - paid for out of my own pocket
- and have no affiliation with either manufacturer. As a
review, this is a mix of direct experience, data and individual
opinion. I fully expect this head-to-head to be a close-run
affair to the bitter end.
Buy the Krytac!
I know, I know: it’s my job to keep you reading and I hate
to short-circuit this tension-filled comparison but it’s an
absolute no-brainer. The Trident looks and feels sharper,
shoots better and even costs less in CRB trim versus the
comparable Gladius. I couldn’t believe it was so clear-cut
either...
According to owner reviews, Krytac has been the
manufacturer to beat in airsoft’s AR middle-ground for
several years now - especially among patriots in the good
ol’ US-of-A that appreciate the company’s domestic
presence.
VFC upped its game with the Avalon range seeming to
deliberately target Krytac’s dominance, with many online
reviews calling it a dead heat. That’s exactly why I wanted
to pitch them against one another in this review.
But on the basis of the two RIFs on test here, VFC came
up short. I’m a big fan of the brand - and genuinely love its
recent P320 and MCX releases - but while this Gladius may
be good, it isn’t that good.
PHYSICAL GRAFFITI
As a legacy of the Gladius’ origins, it features a stock that’s
mounted as if it should fold - but doesn’t. Which is fine,
but it’s less solid than a conventional fixed stock - even
after nipping up the grub screws - while still not being able
to fold for confined spaces. It’s the worst of both worlds,
without any advantage.
By comparison, the Trident’s stock runs on a conventional
buffer tube and feels more solid with plenty of room for
larger batteries. The Gladius shows its PDW roots with a
slightly shorter reach from stock to grip too. Both feature
KeyMod rails that work with every accessory we’ve bolted
on.
The trigger feels better defined - smoother and crisper
- on the Trident, while both feature a conventional and
ambidextrous 180-degree fire select switch. But where
the Krytac’s movement is positive, the VFC has slop with
multiple stops between positions. The Trident is also
more accepting of a wider range of magazines; ironically
including the standard VFC unit that will barely seat in the
Gladius. It’s just a shame that magazines rattle around in
the magwell.
This Gladius’ charging handle also easily bent out of
shape, which is not exactly the end of the world since
it’s basically non-functional, but disappointing given the
price point. Both RIFs have easily accessible rotary hop
adjustment accessed through the ejection port using that
charging handle. But where the Krytac’s features a more
positive click and the bolt release then operates with a
satisfying clack, the VFC is more muted and also lacks even
a mock forward assist.
DEAD HEAT
The VFC averages 290FPS using .20 BBs versus the Krytac’s
320 using the SPR upper - but swapping that for the
shorter PDW drops the Trident’s average to just 255!
One feature of the Trident is that you can purchase
a package that includes both the longer SPR upper and
the CQB-friendly PDW. With included barrel, hop and
handguard on both, it literally takes seconds to swap from
almost DMR range to up close and personal. Of course, you
“BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN TERMS OF ACCURACY? AT
25M AND USING .25 BBS, THE LEADING STEED IN THIS TWO-HORSE RACE PULLS
FURTHER AHEAD, EVEN IF NOT BY A COUNTRY MILE.”
www.airsoftaction.net
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