Yeah, I remember a quote I read once which I always thought applicable to bikes/electronics/other gear: run what you got until you're hopelessly behind the current technology--then upgrade.
I think this new crop of tube rails add significant functionality to me, given my hand size, grip, stance, and minimal accessory needs. As far as I can tell, keymod adds nothing to solve any of my problems, and the lack of a built in QD socket on my NSR actually detracts in my use.
For me, it's a vast improvement over the quad rail I had before (DD Lite). The NSR is otherwise a good rail system for me in use. If I was doing it again, I might be waiting to see what Gear Sector gas got going.
I love how everybody is buying all of these KeyMod rail systems despite the fact there are hardly any accessories available for it. Even worse, many of the accessories, such as rail covers, are usually proprietary and usable only on rails made by the same manufacturer (as an example, see Noveske's and KAC's offerings).
Don't get me wrong, they're really nice kit. But seriously?
It was more of a gamble when the NSR first came out but now this argument doesn't really hold water.
There are many accessories out for Keymod that work with all Keymod rails. IWC light mounts, handstop, QD socket. Noveske rail sections, flashlight mounts, QD socket, barricade support. KAC just came out with a barricade support, and is coming out with 45* offset micro sights and other accessories. BCM is coming out with accessories as well, including aluminum and nylon rail sections, and single file plastic rail panels that look like they would work with any Keymod rail. Primary Weapon Systems just came out with a bipod mount. Mega makes rail sections too.
As big names like Noveske, BCM, KAC, Mega, Vltor, Midwest Industries and Geissele lead the way, more accessories will come out, especially as mid level manufactures start adopting it and popularizing it with the average AR owner.
Really the only thing that are not necessarily interchangeable are the plastic rail panels unique to each rail design. In that respect keymod is not any different from other modular rails. Benefits of Keymod are the same as another modular rails but also allows you to direct attach standardized accessories while maintaining ridiculously light weights and, if wanted, slim profiles.
Going forward I would like to see direct attach vertical grips like the tango down and magpul RVG, and more bipod options. It is only a matter of time.
With hindsight being 20/20, I also wish my NSR had an integrated QD swivel. Oh well. Live and learn. I have the Noveske Keymod QD swivel mount on it and it does the job. It's even rotation limited which I've found out through recent experience is a good thing. Granted it's not quite as elegant as a built-in socket, or as people had hoped it would be, but it serves its purpose and hasn't failed me yet.
The upcoming Gear Sector rail does indeed look appealing. I'll be keeping my eye on it and it may well find its way onto some rifle I build in the future.
So very true. Now I am knocking any new and future products but people can get into the 'runway fashion' syndrome. In other words the latest and greatest comes out and I MUST HAVE IT. Don't fall into this trap.
Not saying don't ever buy new gear but don't think just b/c its new my stuff is now crap.
I like my NSR. Its thin and light and the key mod attachments keep accessories closer to the centerline of the rifle. I also have a Centurion C4 that I love. Both are great. The NSR does not make me a better shooter than the rifle with the old style Centurion rail.
-Jax
Thank guys for the input. I am not usually one to jump on the latest and greatest bandwagon, generally I know what I like and I know what will fill my needs. I will admit though that when I first saw this handguard it did give me a chubby and I know that's not a reason alone to make such a purchase, so I appreciate the humbling I got from some of you.
I should have stated this in the OP, but once the decision is made on which system I go with, that will be it, at least for the major components, as I am going to have this build cerakoted. That's why I have been racking my brain with this... you know "buy once, cry once..."
If you can afford it, buy what you like! Even if it is only for looks who care? As long as it does not detract from functionality, go for it (I think Keymod adds functionality). Especially if you are going to semi-perm the build. Sell off your old rail and the price differance won't be too much anyway.