Polymer80 review

[username999]

I bought a Polymer80 lower sometime near the beginning of the year. I assembled it to a 22 upper from Taccom (awesome upper, BTW). I put about 200 rounds through it, then put it in a closet and forgot all about it. A couple weeks ago I took it out, and was shocked to find it had fallen apart. It was cracking around the takedown pins, and various other places. I posted some pics, hopefully they came out.*
The next part was interesting. I contacted Polymer80 to see if I could get my money back. Sent them the same pics you see here. Had to contact them a second time, spoke with Dave. Of course, no cash refund would be forthcoming, but he did offer to replace the cracked lower. got Dave to send a blemished lower to sort of cover that. So there you have it. Incidentally, the aluminum lower I had previous to the Polymer80 still looks and works the same as the day I made it. I recommend going with an aluminum lower.
Lastly, I'd like to put in a plug here for AresArmor. Awesome company; they take care of their customers, and back what they sell.

*Tried to insert the pictures in the post, but was unable to do so.

[BigPimping]

Thanks for the review on the Polymer 80 lower.

[SFCRangerDoc]

Psh, a little epoxy and you'll be GTG again :P

[aznanimekid]

I wonder if yours is a new gen or old gen. And if it was a gen one if it was one of the qc cases. I still have a few from the initial offering wonder if I should be scared lol

[ElvenSoul]

They just are using the wrong materials

Nothing wrong with these

http://www.tnarmsco.com/receivers/

[TnArmsCo]

I'm not 100% sure how deep the shelf goes down on those in front of the buffer retainer, we raised our to keep them from cracking at that exact point.

Low Shelf Design



Our Higher Shelf Design



another poly 80 company cutaway. (not sure of the maker here)

[CK_32]

Not the first time I've heard of the Poly80's crumbling.

Good little weight up. Glad they at least took care of you.

[TheExiled]

Last one of those huge pics looks like an EP

[TnArmsCo]

We're actually working with one of the Polymer 80 companies to use our design on a new mold. So stay tuned for that one.

[TnArmsCo]

Last one of those huge pics looks like an EP

Lol sorry, i link straight from imgur.

[ElvenSoul]

Am I alone in thinking TN Arms needs to da a CG's Special Reciever? Hmmmm?

Also needed a carbon or plastic Upper!

[808@515]

Wow, that's a bummer. Looking at the last 2 pictures and not having my lower here to compare it looks like a first gen lower. I had issues with my first where I over tightened the grip screw and cracked the frame through the trigger guard. Dave replaced it with a G150 kit no questions asked earlier this year. So far I have put a few hundred rounds of .223 downrange through a PSA Freedom upper without any issues. It will probably end up in a .22lr config when all is said and done but so far I am very satisfied.

[username999]

I wonder if yours is a new gen or old gen. And if it was a gen one if it was one of the qc cases. I still have a few from the initial offering wonder if I should be scared lol

Be afraid. Be very afraid.
It was a G100. I used Gun Juice grease, maybe that weakened it. Or perhaps just a poor design. Or both.
The shop where I had them machined doesn't like plastic lowers. And I see his point now. Aluminum is much stronger, and while it's more difficult to machine with a dremel, it's not too bad using a cheap drill press and jig (not everyone has access to build parties). He pointed out that Glock was successful with polymer, but they had the means to design it right and test many different polymers till they got one that worked.
Some other manuf. has a clear receiver. I was going to do one of those, but even they admit it's just for show, and not very practical. I will stick with aluminum from now on. The replacements I got from Polymer80 will be sold.

[phantomfinisher]

Ok let me chme in here, I am Loran Kelley owner of Polymer80.

Username999 first let me apologize for this experience that you have had here. I must point out that this is a G100 and is 4 generations behind. We have worked hard and are constantly improving the product.

We have since (and recently released and are shipping) developed our own Nylon blend that we have been working on for over a year.

This is the Phoenix2 unit and I can tell you that this is no longer an issue.

Here is a video of me putting all of the .50 Beowulf rounds that I own in one sitting through the Phoenix2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS8TOiAueds

These are resistant to all chemicals FAR stronger and WILL NOT fall apart.

Please call me directly @ 707-346-0075. We always take care of our customers and I would like to discuss an offer for you to make this right.

my email is: loran@polymer80.com

Thanks!
-Loran

[valley82]

Nice to see phantom offering to make it right!
I still won't bother with a plastic lower, but at least they are trying to make things right for the OP