Gen 3 or Gen 4?

Jaytaylor

Jaytaylor

Joined
Feb 9, 2012
Messages
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What is the general consensus with the XM18 generation 3 and generation 4?

Which is more desirable?

Which is better in your opinion?


I've seen various clips outlining the physical differences between the gen 3 and gen 4, nothing particully groundbreaking but one major advantage for me is the detent improvement of the gen 4.

What has been the real world experience of the gen 3 & gen 4 detent?

Thanks.
 
Evolutionary not revolutionary. Inconsequential, you will be ecstatic over either. The detent was simply a non-issue and the move of the lock pin is a minor aesthetic, could it possibly be a bit stronger..... I used to build my decks on my houses with 2x12 lumber when code called for 2x6. Was that stronger? Yes. Was it ever tested and deemed a needed additional strength? No, because nothing built strong will ever fail so stronger is academic.
I would buy a Gen 3 OR 4 Tonite with equal fervor.
 
Gen 3, I like the fact that you can buy a titanium scale and have it fit on the knife if you can find either =)
 
We're talking 3.5s here. Just to clarify before someone else points it out.
Gen 3 and 4 are equally awesome. No huge benefit of one over the other. As far as detents, I sometimes need to open fast…I can sling all of my XMs open at will, flip with flippers or fling the thumb studs. It's all good.
Full Ti scales for gen 4's will someday be a reality. Really, I don't see the scales needing much more than a hole/divot to accept the new stop pin. I do like the "cleaner" appearance the relocated stop pin creates on gen 4 over 3.

Don't know if I said anything helpful, just typing off top of my head.
 
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Yep, 3.5 is what I have in mind.

Have any of you guys found the detent of the gen 4 to be better?

Need2Know raises an interesting point about gen 4 scales - I thought the scales were interchanageable between gen 3 and 4, is this not the case?
 
Jaytaylor said:
Yep, 3.5 is what I have in mind.

Have any of you guys found the detent of the gen 4 to be better?

Need2Know raises an interesting point about gen 4 scales - I thought the scales were interchanageable between gen 3 and 4, is this not the case?
Click to expand...

The stop pin is in a different place and as N2K points out, aesthetically (especially when carrying tip up) it
Is cleaner looking on the gen4. Scales aren't interchangeable. I have not entertained Modding a Gen 3 scale to fit a gen4 just not pressing for me. If I had no choice I would have by now.
 
I have several Gen.3 and did have on Gen 4 and I could not tell the difference in the detent. I would agree with Rubi the detent is really a non issue, at least for me.
 
rubiconss said:
The stop pin is in a different place and as N2K points out, aesthetically (especially when carrying tip up) it
Is cleaner looking on the gen4. Scales aren't interchangeable. I have not entertained Modding a Gen 3 scale to fit a gen4 just not pressing for me. If I had no choice I would have by now.
Click to expand...

Interesting....

From the rickhindererknives site

"One of the cool features of the Hinderer XM-18 is the ability to change handle scales yourself. All of the handle scales are compatible with Generation 2, 3 and 4 XM-18 3.5″ that have a full liner. If you have a GEN 1 with a half liner, please contact us directly."
 
Jaytaylor said:
Interesting....

From the rickhindererknives site

"One of the cool features of the Hinderer XM-18 is the ability to change handle scales yourself. All of the handle scales are compatible with Generation 2, 3 and 4 XM-18 3.5″ that have a full liner. If you have a GEN 1 with a half liner, please contact us directly."
Click to expand...

All TRUE! The titanium scale replaces both the G10 and titanium liner. So, swap G10 on all generations at will, but Ti is a no go till Gen 4 specific pieces are offered.

Edited my earler post to clarify.
 
Jaytaylor said:
Interesting....

From the rickhindererknives site

"One of the cool features of the Hinderer XM-18 is the ability to change handle scales yourself. All of the handle scales are compatible with Generation 2, 3 and 4 XM-18 3.5″ that have a full liner. If you have a GEN 1 with a half liner, please contact us directly."
Click to expand...

Jay, I apologize. I wasn't tracking. The Ti is what isn't compatible because you are removing the scale and liner.
 
rubiconss said:
Jay, I apologize. I wasn't tracking. The Ti is what isn't compatible because you are removing the scale and liner.
Click to expand...

This^^

I was focused on talking about differences between models, the fact that G10 scales are interchangeable is a commonality, so I was speaking to solid Ti scales.
 
Need2Know said:
This^^

I was focused on talking about differences between models, the fact that G10 scales are interchangeable is a commonality, so I was speaking to solid Ti scales.
Click to expand...
This^^^^^^

But remember, every other Tuesday in even # months - reverse it.
 
Ahhh....thanks, you guys had me worried there for a mo'

Those fluffy pink scales wont be useless after all!
 
Yep, my Gen 4's detent is easily flickable. Havent owned a gen 3 but iv watched vids and it seems exactly the same (detent wise)
 
Oh man you got the fluffy pink.........They are rare, I have just the pink ones....you are a lucky man....did I say Man sorry.
 
I believe only the early Gen 4s had the strong detent. I had an early gen 4 with a very strong detent, and I just got a very recent NIB gen 4 that has a detent pretty much exactly like my Gen3.

So, I think the detent is going to be about the same from here on out between the gen 3 and 4.
 
Oh detent! Mine are fine! Not starting a bash or disrespect, I'm not that kind of person. Just posting to keep conversation going.

It seemingly boils down to a "you cannot please everyone every time" kind of thing.
Break them in, adjust them, make it feel and work the way you like.
It is a beautiful thing that Hinderers are able to be customized. This means that fine adjustments can be made to cater the rate your XM opens to the user.
There are limits, but most will find they can adjust their XM to a desireable retention. Mine do not come open until commanded. Once commanded, they open buttery smooth and lightning fast.
Can you wrist sling them open? Yep, if you want it bad enough. When using the lanyard for leverage, even easier. But to date, never an unintentional deployment. And I EDC these things.
 
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