Product Review: Diamondhead USA

I was recently introduced to the product line of Diamondhead USA by a teammate. I was really drawn to the VRS-T rail so I decided to set up one of my older 14.5” Colt uppers with a 13.5″ model and try it out. The rebuild also included their T-Brake and Diamondhead folding sight set. I was initially drawn to the VRS-T rail due to its triangular shape, which reminded me of my old M16A1. The rail is pretty slim and the scalloped cuts on the sides give a very comfortable and secure grip without being too aggressive to hands or gloves. The T-Brake was added at their suggestion. I’m not normally a muzzle brake or compensator fan but, I figured there was no harm in giving it a try. Installation of the rail was pretty straight forward although it does require a bit of skill and planning to do it yourself. The rail mounts to a proprietary barrel nut and also requires removal of the delta ring. Depending on length, you may also need a low profile gas block or cutting of your front sight base. The T-Brake installed easily and comes pre-drilled for pinning if that is needed for your situation. It is long enough that it will bring a 14.5” barrel over 16”. The profile is triangular and blends nicely with the VRS-T rail, making it aesthetically pleasing, if you are concerned by that kind of stuff.

After it was set up and paired with a spare Aimpoint, it sat in the safe waiting for a decent opportunity to wring it out. That opportunity came recently in the form of a two day carbine class with Jerry Barnhart. The rail proved to be very comfortable and the slim profile allowed for great control. The T-Brake was a nice surprise. It was (subjectively) less offensive than a Surefire brake that was being used by a coworker in the class. It kept the rifle extremely flat in recoil and did not exhibit any negative muzzle flip. I will certainly be happy to run this brake on a “fun” gun, meaning other than work. I’m not sure yet that it would fit for duty use but, I must say that plenty of folks run “tactical” brakes from various manufacturers and this was less offensive to be near than those others that I have been exposed to. Some argue that the “tactical” models are needed for duty guns because they act as suppressor mounts. That is great if you actually use it as a suppressor mount but if you are simply fantasizing about having a suppressor and just want the increased control of the brake, I can’t see why this one wouldn’t fit the same bill.

I’ll definitely be adding some more of the VRS-T rails to my inventory and possibly another T-Brake, after some more comparison against other brakes. Pricing is very competitive with the market and the customer service is excellent. Check them out at http://www.diamondhead-usa.com/

This entry was posted in AR15/M4, Long Guns, Review, Weapon Modifications by Doug Flavin. Bookmark the permalink.

About Doug Flavin

Doug Flavin has been a State Trooper in New England Since 1992, serving in patrol and Tactical Operations. He is currently assigned as a full time member of his department's SWAT team, with 16 years on the team. He has served as an operator and also sniper instructor. He recently retired after 24 years in the Army National Guard, serving as a Military Policeman and ending his career as the NCOIC of the state marksmanship training section. Doug is a recent addition to the instructor staff at OpSpec Training. He is also rumored to make one one hell of a clam chowder.

One thought on “Product Review: Diamondhead USA

  1. How about the BUIS? I’ve been eyeing them for a while, seem like a good design. Also the hand guard seems like it would have a good feel. Thanks for the confirmation. OEM on most Stag models- I’m a lefty so seriously considering this for my next AR.

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