Thermold 30 round mags - junk or did I get a bad batch?

[spideyar]

So I overpaid for some Thermold (30) round mags at Bud's, and since these are my first polymer mags maybe I am being overly critical, but these seem to be utter junk. They feel like junk, they sound like a toy magazine, and on one of them, the follower doesn't want to return to the top. The followers are the opposite of antitilt - just pushing down a little bit makes them want to turn sideways. The finish around every corner is poor - could be fixed with a little sanding or an X-acto, but I truly expected better.

To be fair, I haven't cycled live rounds through it, only dummy rounds, but I feel like these are a huge waste of money. Did I get some bad mags or are they generally crappy magazines?

Input appreciated!
Thanks,
Jamie

[MarkCO]

Unfortunately, they are not good magazines. Sorry. Either don't use them and try to re-sell, or keep for rnage plinking only.

[spideyar]

Unfortunately, they are not good magazines. Sorry. Either don't use them and try to re-sell, or keep for rnage plinking only.

No need to be sorry - Thermold should be sorry. :)

It's a shame they are as terrible as rumored. I thought it was just a matter of people preferring others and these were a tad "less-good" but these are surprisingly poor. I do like the one that came with my Sig - it's a NHMTG aluminum and I like it a lot better.

Could a different follower maybe help? Not even sure if that's an option in this case. Would be a shame to waste the money I spent and I wouldn't want to unload them on some unsuspecting sap.

[bellavite1]

Actually I had 30 and 20 rounders for years and never had a problem.
In fact I just bought more. Never had a jam, a misfeed, nothing...::confused:
Hell, someone wants to get rid of theirs, ar $5 a piece, I'll take them.
Sent from my M860 using Tapatalk 2

[jerrymrc]

To be fair, I haven't cycled live rounds through it, only dummy rounds, but I feel like these are a huge waste of money.

Your kidding right? Are they P-mags? no. But then they were $5.99 (and $2.99 for 20's) when P-mags were $17. I have some and they work fine. I also have some 20 rounders that I use and never had an issue. At $5.99 for many they were cheap mags for casual use. GI mags with black and green followers will go sideways as well. Some have had issues and some have not but let me turn your post around for you.

So I overpaid for an AR-15 at buds and since this is my first rifle made out of aluminum and plastic. Maybe I am being overly critical but it feels like utter junk. It feels like a toy compared to my M1 and fal. Just standing on the charging handle made it snap in two, It is a cast POS. the receiver was cast and and has all these lines in it instead of being machined from a block of steel.

To be honest I have not shot it yet but it feels like a POS. So did I get a piece of tupperware and aluminum foil because it looks like a water gun. I feel like this was a huge waste of money compared to a real rifle made of steel and wood.

I might suggest you try them before ya throw them completely under the bus. Are they something I would take into combat? no. Are they something I would take out to the range and shoot with? yes. If you bought these thinking they were like a P-mag or Lancer then shame on you for not doing your homework.

Just a thought.

[ray1970]

I've had decent luck with some of the 20 rounders but the 30 rounders I tried were really craptastic.

[spideyar]

If you bought these thinking they were like a P-mag or Lancer then shame on you for not doing your homework.

Just a thought.

Homework was done, and while it was apparent the Pmags are considered by many to be the cat's pajama's, they are difficult to find to say the least. So I went with what MY homework said was a B-squad alternative polymer (the Thermolds) so I would have more than one mag and am very disappointed. As far as throwing them under the bus, I might do that but I'm worried they might not survive the voyage.

I think you missed the point of this, that being: Are they generally as lousy as they appear now they I actually have them OR did I get an exceptionally shitty pair. The edges are unfinished, the follower doesn't inspire confidence, and one of the magazines won't hold the bolt open when inserted empty (the other does). I don't have much to compare against since I don't own several different brands, but that is no reason to talk down to me.

Everyone started learning sometime, and part of that learning involves asking questions like "Hey, are they ALWAYS this crappy or did I get a superbly crappy set." My current opinion is Thermold mags are not worth what I paid, nor are they worth the pre-panic price either. If the two mags don't at least behave in the same crappy manner and are inconsistent in their crappiness, I'm inclined to never buy them again - period. My hope was that I just had a couple of bad ones, but I gather that's not the case. Maybe the next guy will learn from my mistake and skip them altogether.

[MarkCO]

One thing you have to understand about magazines...they are supposed to be inexpensive, plentiful, but still work. GI aluminum and PMags are considered consumable items by most militaries. PMags, due to the design and grade of polymer, are more durable under most conditions than aluminum. Thermolds are below these certainly.

The magazines that are the best are the ones with steel feedlips...Sig, AR-Stoners, Lancers and a few others. Good for long term use, not needed for a consumable item.

Oh, and while you are doing your research...Mil-Spec is not the "Best" it is just an acceptable standard. Many products that are not mil-spec and cheap are crap. Some products that are not Mil-Spec and expensive, are crap. Some products that are not Mil-Spec and expensive are the top tier products that many of the Mil-Spec fanboys sneer at, but they are still the best.

AR research has to be focused and you have to know who is answering...

[spideyar]

One thing you have to understand about magazines...they are supposed to be inexpensive, plentiful, but still work. GI aluminum and PMags are considered consumable items by most militaries. PMags, due to the design and grade of polymer, are more durable under most conditions than aluminum. Thermolds are below these certainly.

This is helpful, thanks. The word "consumable" is perhaps operative here since I was looking at them as a long life item, and perhaps I need to completely rethink my expectation. I plan to keep the same few mags in service for a very long time. So I apparently need to change my tactic and be looking for a mag solution that is EXPECTED to last and isn't a "consumable". The Thermolds might fit the bill for being disposable (like a Bic lighter) and I thought these polymer mags were more like Zippo lighters (terrible analogy perhaps, but it's clicking with me so I'll run with it). If that's the case, that these ARE meant to be low-cost, low performance, so be it.

This has been informative, I appreciate the constructive input!

[jerrymrc]

Homework was done, and while it was apparent the Pmags are considered by many to be the cat's pajama's, they are difficult to find to say the least. So I went with what MY homework said was a B-squad alternative polymer (the Thermolds) so I would have more than one mag and am very disappointed. As far as throwing them under the bus, I might do that but I'm worried they might not survive the voyage.

I think you missed the point of this, that being: Are they generally as lousy as they appear now they I actually have them OR did I get an exceptionally shitty pair. The edges are unfinished, the follower doesn't inspire confidence, and one of the magazines won't hold the bolt open when inserted empty (the other does). I don't have much to compare against since I don't own several different brands, but that is no reason to talk down to me.

Everyone started learning sometime, and part of that learning involves asking questions like "Hey, are they ALWAYS this crappy or did I get a superbly crappy set." My current opinion is Thermold mags are not worth what I paid, nor are they worth the pre-panic price either. If the two mags don't at least behave in the same crappy manner and are inconsistent in their crappiness, I'm inclined to never buy them again - period. My hope was that I just had a couple of bad ones, but I gather that's not the case. Maybe the next guy will learn from my mistake and skip them altogether.


My biggest issue was that you did not even give the item a chance and come here as a new person saying something is junk. I think Mark said it best but they were and are cheap mags. For a long time the cheapest ones you could buy and there was a reason for that. I was not trying to talk down to to you but trying to be a bull in a china shop right off the bat will get you nowhere.

Now that you have stated they were for long term use I have to say that you picked the wrong mag. Like many have said they are cheap and disposable. I know that in testing FN did way back when aluminum mags had about 1/2 the life of steel ones.

[Great-Kazoo]

This is helpful, thanks. The word "consumable" is perhaps operative here since I was looking at them as a long life item, and perhaps I need to completely rethink my expectation. I plan to keep the same few mags in service for a very long time. So I apparently need to change my tactic and be looking for a mag solution that is EXPECTED to last and isn't a "consumable". The Thermolds might fit the bill for being disposable (like a Bic lighter) and I thought these polymer mags were more like Zippo lighters (terrible analogy perhaps, but it's clicking with me so I'll run with it). If that's the case, that these ARE meant to be low-cost, low performance, so be it.

This has been informative, I appreciate the constructive input!

I just sold the last thermolds i have had since 1998. Only issue i had was having enough on hand to sell for a 'reasonable" price to other shooters. if you're concerned about reliability NEVER buy USED USGI mags with black followers.
All mags have some quirks. The last batch of gen 2 pmags don't lock in to ANY AR i have. Sending them back was not an option, so i fixed the mag release cutout area, to have them function.

[spideyar]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions, everyone. It looks like I made a mistake in buying these Thermold mags and will focus on either steel or aluminum for my needs.

[DaBull]

I have used Thermold 20 and 30 round AR mags and 30 and 48 round AK mags. All worked fine, but the 48 round AK mag had to be trimmed to fit my AK. They make great range mags, just don't ever drop them on concrete when fully loaded, or drop the AK mags on the mag catch lug.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Best under value non pmag polymer mags IMHO are promag col 18 which I still can buy today for $12 in stock and thermold.

22579

[thebolt]

I have used Thermold Mags for many years and never had problems with them. They are not the best mags available but they are at a good price for what you get.

[SouthPaw]

20's I had were complete junk. Won't ever purchase them again.

[kidicarus13]

Had some Thermolds back in the 90's and I will never own any again. Would rather shoot (3) 10rd Colt magazines if that was an option.

[ben4372]

I have a few twenties that work fine in my guns. Gave a brand new one to my buddy, he doesn't like them. Says it broke his trigger pin. [ROFL2]
I prefer 20 rounders in all my rifles so I never tried the 30 rounders.

[jerrymrc]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions, everyone. It looks like I made a mistake in buying these Thermold mags and will focus on either steel or aluminum for my needs.

Now all that said you have signed up to buy your 10 Pmags right? [Flower]



Gave a brand new one to my buddy, he doesn't like them. Says it broke his trigger pin. [ROFL2]
I prefer 20 rounders in all my rifles so I never tried the 30 rounders.

Holy crap. Next time it will shatter the lower or break a bolt. [LOL] I myself shoot 20's unless there is a need for the 30's as well. 20's do not seem to care what follower is in there. To just go play I use 20's for the ar's. 20's for the Fal's 10's for the PSL and AK's in X39 and .223.[Coffee]

[OtterbatHellcat]

I had a friend get me some thermold 30 rd mags, four of them. Not fired with them yet, but looking forward to. Waiting for the E-lander mags to show up, not fired with them either.

I *DO* want to tell you guys that Magpul is offering pmags to Colorado residents, selling them at pre retard prices. GO TO THE WEBSITE AND FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

*this has been a public service notice, that is all*

:D

[OtterbatHellcat]

http://magpul.com/Colorado

Project "Boulder Airlift"

[OtterbatHellcat]

This site is pissing off my comp, and myself at the moment.... Too many Errors blah blah????????

http://magpul.com/colorado

This oughtta work.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Have you met hbar or Jim?

[Great-Kazoo]

Have you met hbar or Jim?

NOT YET. i don't have time or the patience to post ALL THE MAGPUL THREADS.
Perhaps HB has time on his hands, the battalion should be in bed by now.

[OtterbatHellcat]

I think I just met Jim.

Howdy Jim.

[spideyar]

Now all that said you have signed up to buy your 10 Pmags right? [Flower]

Yeah, plus I have some Brownell's metal ones on backorder too that I hope eventually come. So I guess I'll learn really quickly which I actually like!

Cheers,
Jamie

[osok-308]

I have two 20 rounders. I took them to the range and had no problems whatsoever. However, I like the look, feel, and reassurance I get from magpul products, so I bought some 20 round pmags. Take your thermolds out and determine how they function in YOUR rifle before you jump to conclusions. At the worst, you have range mags that may help you become more proficient with FTF malfunctions, can't have too much practice there! I will just say you will never regret having a couple extra mags, even those cheap ones will have some use!

[thebolt]

I use the 20 round Thermolds and prefer them to the 30 round mags. They are much shorter and are much easier to use for prone position shooting. They work well for me and don't get in the way near as much as the 30's. I still shoot 30's but not near as often as the 20's.

[IFFV]

I can't comment on the Thermold mags. I have never used one.
The NHMTG aluminum mags are the same ones made for Colt.
These usually came with the Black or Green Folowers. They do not have the Anti-tilt followers & I've changed mine out with the MagPul Anti- Tilt followers. No issues.
I have seen many negatives about Thermold's & I just stay away from them..
If a product is priced to low there must be a reason?

[spideyar]

In fairness I have since procured some 20 round Thermolds at a fair market price and they are reasonable. The Magpul 30 round mags I have gotten in the same time frame are vastly nicer in fit and finish, if you will, and the 20 round Thermolds were on par with expectation. I overpaid for the 30 round ones and was frankly surprised at the time of the original post at how junky they were. Expectation vs reality vs cost plays a heavy role in what was initially stated. Overall I never intended to 'bash' them but rather figure out if I had gotten some bad ones since they were just so... lacking in quality. Had I paid much less, my expectation would have been much less, and I put that on me. :)

[dorsum]

I have 10 of the 30 round mags. For the money, I have always thought thery were nice mags. Have never had a problem with any of them.

[LeftHandBlack]

I used to use them in my first AR that I got rid of after obama took office. I didnt have any problems at all with them. I was told they had military contracts for use in cold environments. When I got back into AR shooting recently I ended up with P mags because everywhere i went they were sold and had great pricing. The P mags simply are Magpuls interpretation of a thermold.