Daniel Defense Lite Rail

[WinThePennant]

I'm building my first AR-15. The blueprint I'm following suggests a Daniel Defense Lite Rail. I'm sure that the DD Lite Rail is very good, but I think it's a bit spendy at around $300.

Is there an equivalent that is about as good for a lot less cabbage?

 

[highorder]

There are dozens of rail options that cost way less money. (DD makes nice stuff though!)

If you're buying an assembled upper (recommended), you can use whatever handguards come on it. If you need some railspace, then you can start looking at rail systems. Do you need 4 rails? do you need free floating rails? The Magpul MOE stuff is inexpensive and works well for something as simple as a foregrip and a light.

 

[taliv]

DD lite rail is still my fav rail, but there are some new options out there (that i haven't tried personally) that seem worth taking a look at. the DD is strong, small in the hand, no frills, won't turn on you and looks good. if you're ok with heavier and larger for a lot less money, then look at YHM.

if you can do without the rails, or just need a couple rails and not full-length quad rails, then look at the vtac tube or the troy extreme. both are less than half the price.

 

[HJ857]

Definitely check out the Samson Evolution tubes.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

The DD Lite is more expensive than their Omega-X rail series which is a two-piece rail. The Omega-X is a fraction of an ounce hevier and thinner in the hand. Have you considered that? Outside of DD, you can take a look at Centurion or LaRue or a half dozen other similar rails. The Samson Evo series is great but it is a modular tube design which isn't similar to the quad rail system the OP was orginally looking at.

What is this blueprint build you're trying to replicate?

 

[WinThePennant]

The DD Lite is more expensive than their Omega-X rail series which is a two-piece rail. The Omega-X is a fraction of an ounce hevier and thinner in the hand. Have you considered that? Outside of DD, you can take a look at Centurion or LaRue or a half dozen other similar rails. The Samson Evo series is great but it is a modular tube design which isn't similar to the quad rail system the OP was orginally looking at.

What is this blueprint build you're trying to replicate?

I am following this blueprint: http://www.itstactical.com/series/diy-ar-15-build/

 

[HOOfan_1]

I was looking at the DD Lite rail as well, and also thought it was too expensive. I am now looking at a Midwest Industries T-Series which is about half the price

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Not all rails are the same. They're all different, including clamping methodology. It all depends on what you want to do. DD is known for emphasizing light weight and the Lite series is considered their lightest and strongest line. The Omega-X is a cheapter alternative and many prefer the built-in QD sling points and slimmer clamp.

 

[JustinJ]

Daniel Defense rails are nice but over priced, IMO. I couldn't be happier with my Troy TRX. The new version can be installed without even having to remove the barrel nut. They also have an indexing tab to align the upper rail with that of the receiver. Plus the modularity is awesome and minimizes weight. You put rails where you want and the tube itself can be handled without the need for rail covers.