The PTS Enhanced Polymer Gen 1 M4 magazine is a potential game changer, potentially offering all the advantages of a mid-cap & those of a hi-cap. Does it deliver on these & is it worth the premium (up to three times the price) over the other mid-caps on the market?
The answer is an unequivocal yes! Before I dive in and explain why, let’s take a look at the technical aspects of the EPM1. It’s a collaboration between Hong Kong based custom parts retailer PTS & the Kansas company Odin Innovations – the geniuses behind the M12 speed loader. Holding 250 rounds, the EPM1 is constructed of Dupont Zytel Polymer & feels very well built. It weighs in at 189g empty & has a high tension spring with a bright orange follower.
PTS themselves recommend never stuffing the mag to absolute capacity in order to maximise both the life & effectiveness – something I’ve obviously not been able to test but it’s worth bearing in mind. I’ve certainly stuck to this principle.
.: Capacity & Fuel Gauge :.
We’re looking at circa 250 rounds so twice the normal mid-cap magazine load. Whilst I’m not a spray & prayer, being able to carry more ammo already loaded in the field is obviously a good thing. For some people, mag swapping is part of the fun of lo/mid caps – in which case I’d definitely recommend the Arcturus variable load midcaps which I’ll be looking at in the future – as they also use a much less effective “fuel gauge” – but more about this as I say in that review. My recommendation would be strongly in favour of the PTS EPM1. Their implementation is simply the best I’ve come across.
This “fuel gauge” feature is definitely a significant contribution to the must have nature of the EPM1. Magazines with windows to allow you to check what you’ve got left are nothing new. Indeed, completely “transparent” ones list the viewable level as a selling point. A word to the wise – if you happen to be playing against particularly sneaky opponents it is as much to their advantage that your ammo status is clearly visible as it is yours.
The difference with the PTS window though is that thanks to the position of the orange follower it is instantly clear where things lie although not to your opposition. I’ve struggled to be able to see clearly in poor light or weather with other widowed mags but not with this. Being able to take an instant informed decision on mag changes really is brilliant.
.: Build Quality :.
Built like a very well built thing. Absolutely rock solid with no creaks, no seams that look like they’ll split or come apart under pressure with drops. As there’s no winding wheel underneath and the bottom is completely solid there’s no where for crap to get into the mag this way. On the top as the rounds go directly in via the feed hole, there’s no loading flap/gate minimising the chances for dirt to get in this way. The bottom features a “monopod” but I can’t vouch for this not having used it but I can see how it could add some stabililty if you need to rest the gun using the PTS as a base. There’s also a marking matrix1 to allow you to label your loadout either as your property or with ammo grades if that’s your thing.
The EPM1 is a snug, tight fit & you can feel the positive feedback as it locks in. Definitely helpful in terms of something I do occasionally mess up in intense situations. In terms of their fit, I have had no issues with slotting them into whatever loadout I’m using, either way round. I’ve always stored full mags feed side down & empty (or partial) feed side up. Its just the way my brain works. The rigs tested include Viper, Emerson, MFH, Warrior & Kombat. Both SAAV fixed size & MOLLE compatible elastic pouches work fine.
.: Feeding & Loading :.
Wow. This was a surprise. First off, no feed issues. Ever. I’ll say that again. No. Feed. Issues. Ever. Not a single mis/blank fire. The other surprise was the improvement in accuracy & consistency – reducing an occasional 10+ FPS variation down to low single figures. Grouping is better in full auto and semi. I have no idea what black sorcery PTS employ but it really, really works. One of the advantages the EPM1 is sold with is that they’re designed to eliminate feed issues in high RPM AEGs. I’m guessing the stronger spring and follower are what is contributing to this surprising result. We saw the improvements in AEG’s running both 7.4v & 11.1v batteries – so you will see the better consistency no matter what size battery (or indeed fire mode) you’re running.
In terms of loading you’ll really want to be using one of the rotary “Odin” style loaders. Indeed, the manufacturers state that the EPM1 was both designed with & for the Odin. I’d certainly recommend using one the official Odin M12’s than a cheap chinese clone. There’ll be a comparison review soon although the conclusion is you get what you pay for. Get an M12, don’t waste your money on any of the copyright theft funding clones đ
With the Odin M12 loading is as you would expect a breeze – be aware that I have seen a Nuprol Odin clone strip its gears loading one of these, becoming a useless hunk of plastic and brittle metal.
.: Conclusion :.
How to write this without sounding like a massive PTS EPM1 fanboy? Who am I kidding? These are simply the best M4 mags you can buy. Over the years Ive seen so many claims of airsoft “wonder products” that I automatically dismiss them as the fevered wittering of snake oil salespeople.
These are the absolute mutts nutts. Airsoft is finally becoming a hobby where the old edict, you get what you pay for rings true. Sure, they’re much more expensive than other midcaps but trust me, its better not to waste money going for the cheap options & instead go straight to these. It works out cheaper in the long run!
One caveat however – whilst having top quality gear will obviously enhance & improve your game – it is not a simple “pay to win” solution. There is simply no substitute for excellent field craft & familiarity with your gear. This both the hardest and rarest truth in the sport.
In summary the EPM1 is simply superb.
- Silent, no hi-cap rattle
- No winding!
- Improves consistency/accuracy
- Eminently usable “fuel-gauge”
- Holds all “teh roundz”
They get an unequivocal recommendation. If you have an M4 & aren’t using these yet … why not?
Fraggle July, 2024 đž
.: Compatibility :.
Having tested these with our Arcturus & Specna AR-15/M4 platforms, we can add these to the list. If you know of any models we’ve missed or that don’t work with the PTS EPM Gen 1 M4 midcaps, drop us a comment below.
Tokyo Marui Style AR-15 AEG Airsoft
G&P AR-15 AEG Airsoft
PTS ERG AR-15 Airsoft
PTS Masada AEG
PTS PDR-C AEG
VFC AR-15 & HK416 AEG Airsoft
CA AR-15 & 416 AEG Airsoft
AMOEBA AM Variants AEG Airsoft
Arcturus M4
Specna Arms M4
- Embarrassing aside, I’d not come across these before I picked up some Ares midcaps. Some googling, eventually via image searches for “little squares on the side of M4 mags” yielded fruit. (īŧâ¸á) âŠī¸
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