I own both, to be flat out honest. The PSA is a better design and overall better charging Handle. The finish on the radian is smoother, but overall the psa is better.. Sorry guys. But it is
Mil spec charging handles have always bugged me. First thing I swap out. I like cmmg's charging handles. We need more Oregon gun channels! Especially with everything going on here!
I snagged the breek arms sledgehammer for my build even though I was looking at radian raptor first. Some items make sense to spend money on but as far as a charging handle goes it's a simple item. As long as it comes from a good manufacturer I don't see the point on spending $120 on the raptor SD when I got my sledgehammer from breek for $75 on optics planet. Both are gas mitigating CH's and 7075-T6 construction and ambi. I didn't loose and functionality and saved about $45
You mean you don't want to spend $500 on a charging handle forged by Orcs with Unobtainium and quenched by holy water and then blessed by a rabbi? Ha! I know what you mean. Some people go a little crazy with accessories.
Thanks for the great comparison video. I went with the Radian Raptor LT. Also, I think the serrated edges on the backside of the grips are a nice addition. They're people, and situations that might pinch a side of handle with the index finger and thumb as oppose of more traditional form (between index and middle finger grip). Not saying that's how I generally charge/cycle the weapon...just a thought of why they added them.
They both work the question is which one works best for your pockets. The PSA is bigger than the Radian and the Radian is bigger than a Geissele but they all work
Just to clarify-- the Raptor has aluminum throughout, but the 'handle' itself is wrapped in polymer. Not that it makes much difference... But yeah, anyway, there's an aluminum core under the plastic.
I'll take the original Raptor with the metal handles. Two things better about the Raptor are thicker pins and a far better latch angle which will help prevent receiver wear.
I picked up a $15 (yes, FIFTEEN DOLLAR) Presma AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle the other day and it actually looks pretty damn good. I'm going to torture test it soon.
@soldierofliberty I have had my hands on pretty much everything out there. and the PSA is alright, I am not sure what magic Radian Raptor has but Im telling you, They are slick! And i really did not think a charging handle would make that kind of difference in the feel of pulling back the bolt! I am not talking about the handle part, I am talking of the actual feel of pulling it back feels slick, no grit!
I thought the Radian had that raised up part for kinda redirecting the gas blowback… I’m glad you did this video. I was going to buy one of these. I get right up o the back of my rifle and that means a lot to me. Currently using a BCM medium that I thought was ambi.
The back ridges are for the thumb as you grip fast and pull. In case you were to put your thumb there, you would have a good grip. Wet. Blood. Etc. if you get your fingers shot off and only have a thumb and index left you’ll thank them. Lol 😂
Great comparison! It's unfortunate that PSA prices their CH at the same price point even though Radian's reputation is magnitudes better. I'm curious to see how the PSA CHs hold up over time, because it could be a compelling buy for overgassed rifles (whereas the Raptor lacks any sort of gas vents and the SD costs ~$40 more).
Yeah, I think the point you have to consider is that the PSA one already has gas mitigation built-in at the same price point of just the standard Radian; the vented Radian one costs more. I've also seen mixed reviews for the Radian vented charging handle, some ppl say it works and others say it's a gimmick. I think PSA should include the vented slots or have another version that comes with it.
Ridges are for good use lot of people put 1 finger on the back side & front side of the charging handle to operate it rather than 1 finger on each side of the front of the handle
i bought a PSA but didn’t like the way it kind of sprung back a quarter inch or so when the latch was opened. if it snagged on kit and unlatched, the CH popped back leaving no opportunity to relatch. does the radian do this? my standard CH doesn’t do this.
Depends on where you buy them from. PSA is pretty good about returns, but you'll pay return shipping. I bought the Radian from OpticsPlanet and they are about the easiest company I've ever had to do returns or exchanges with. They are up there with Amazon Prime in terms of making it real easy. I think the warranty on both these charging handles is about the same.
What are the prices? Is there a difference? New and wanting to upgrade. Any info helps thx! ALONG asking because I went to my local shop and they are asking $125 ! And only have the one brand...
Pricing with these charging handles will be all over the place depending on what's in stock and whether the vendor is having a sale. I've seen the Radians for example go anywhere from $40 to $80, but they usually hover around $70. I just ordered a new Palmetto State Armory charging handle that I should be reviewing hopefully in the next two weeks.
I would try swapping out another mill spec charging handle and see if it too rattles. One way or another you're going to figure out what is out of spec. It's either the charging handle, or the opening on the upper receiver for the charging handle.
Really wish they'd have these in stock at some point. I check my local PSA and the site all the time, but it's always OOS. So, I got a SI Latchless handle for now.
After I made this video, Aero Precision came out with their "Breach" model extended charging handle. It looks pretty cool, but I haven't been able to see one in person yet.
There is finally a good Chinese clone of the Radian Raptor. The one from Ohhunt right now sells for $13 shipped and looks just like the real thing. Even the latch is dialed in now. Of course I'd rather have the real thing, but try finding one in stock...
@@JsilntParkour90 well it's his money. Plus our country tells us what weapons we can't have and then have out shitloads of fully automatic firearms, ammo, and vehicles to terrorists over seas. At this point we should spend our money wherever we feel like
In general, AR-10 platforms are not standardized like AR-15s are so it can be tough to say for sure. But my experience is that the Palmetto AR-10s are DPMS LR-308 / AR-10 equivalent (the most common AR-10 configuration) and so I'd bet the Radian AR-10 extended charging handle is designed to fit that configuration.
That's what I thought at first, but they do go on sale. I've now bought four of the Radians and I can't imagine going back to mil-spec charging handles.
Oregon - move to TX your a gun guy. Plus the only grams down here are dope dealers . May your pistol always be loaded - may your magazines never run dry - may you never find yourself in a gunfight with dang Sun in your eyes. Order PSA CHARGING HANDLE in 5. AJ
Thanks for the comparison, especially important bc of the online shopping aspect where some product descriptions are not fully "descriptive".
These days you buy what you can find. Everything is out os stock.
I was able to pick up my fail zero bcg and I went ahead and got the radian raptor lt charging handle from fail zero as well yesterday.
I had a barrel in my cart and before I could pay they took it back and sold it lol
2024 here, and this is no longer a problem.
I own both, to be flat out honest. The PSA is a better design and overall better charging Handle. The finish on the radian is smoother, but overall the psa is better.. Sorry guys. But it is
Psa best highest quality company in the world.
@@MobileAura yeah let's not get crazy.
So much no lol
Do they have aluminum latch?
@@Usmc0341lmao😂
A very important variable would be the type of aluminum used in each. Strength is important to prevent twisting or torque.
I have psa
Never misses a beat or the the bull
Mil spec charging handles have always bugged me. First thing I swap out. I like cmmg's charging handles. We need more Oregon gun channels! Especially with everything going on here!
Totally. Extended/ambi is essential.
Well, damn, I live in Redmond so I guess I better get to Radian. Thanks for the information.
I snagged the breek arms sledgehammer for my build even though I was looking at radian raptor first. Some items make sense to spend money on but as far as a charging handle goes it's a simple item. As long as it comes from a good manufacturer I don't see the point on spending $120 on the raptor SD when I got my sledgehammer from breek for $75 on optics planet. Both are gas mitigating CH's and 7075-T6 construction and ambi. I didn't loose and functionality and saved about $45
You mean you don't want to spend $500 on a charging handle forged by Orcs with Unobtainium and quenched by holy water and then blessed by a rabbi? Ha! I know what you mean. Some people go a little crazy with accessories.
The radian lite handle is actually aluminum enveloped in a polymer cover!
Someone’s triggered
Thanks for the great comparison video. I went with the Radian Raptor LT. Also, I think the serrated edges on the backside of the grips are a nice addition. They're people, and situations that might pinch a side of handle with the index finger and thumb as oppose of more traditional form (between index and middle finger grip). Not saying that's how I generally charge/cycle the weapon...just a thought of why they added them.
Yeah, I agree with pinching the charging handle scenario, I do that sometimes, and I think that's what the ridges in the back for the Radian are for.
They both work the question is which one works best for your pockets. The PSA is bigger than the Radian and the Radian is bigger than a Geissele but they all work
Just to clarify-- the Raptor has aluminum throughout, but the 'handle' itself is wrapped in polymer. Not that it makes much difference... But yeah, anyway, there's an aluminum core under the plastic.
That's the economy end charging handle, theres others that are solid 7075 aluminum.
The Radian Raptor original is 7075
Yeah right
Deep nuts that's a fact. Go read the specs slap nuts
Thanks for the honest and excellent review!
Glad it was helpful!
The Radian handles have metal cores that are over molded onto it. It is the same strength as the all metal... If not more because of shock resistance.
Yeah right
@@PepeDeezNutz what are you doing to your charging handles that they must be made of adamantium
@@themightycrixus1131 I put them up my butt
Good vid. The PSA flexes when I charge single handed. The Radian is much more rigid and feels smoother.
I agree. Love the more slick feel of the Radian.
The BEST Charging Handle ever made is by Battle Arms Development, Inc., period. Do your own research if you doubt me. 🤔 You're all welcome. 👍👍💯💯💯💯
I might be buying one soon based on your suggestion. Thanks!
I'll take the original Raptor with the metal handles. Two things better about the Raptor are thicker pins and a far better latch angle which will help prevent receiver wear.
Personally, I would love one in pure titanium.
Does yours have any play in the right side handle? Mine came straight from radian with a really sloppy right handle
@@Jdowling357 There's an even amount of play in both sides, and it's not too much. Like 1/16" maybe.
@@alouiciousjackson5812 yep, time to send it back. Bummer
That's the one I have, the old original AXTS Raptor 👍
Just got the same Ambidextrous PSA CH for 50 bucks. On PSA official site
Nice! That's a good price.
The Palmetto State Armory charging handle is actually a Armaspec Victory charging handle with PSA markings.
Interesting. Thanks for letting me know. It looks like you can get some different color accents on the Armaspec Victory, which is pretty cool.
@@InfinitelyQuriousyou should get Red
The Radian Raptor SD is specifically made for suppressed
exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
Picked up an Anderson extended latch (couldn’t bring myself to spend the money for the aero or radian) but man is it performing great for $40 !
I picked up a $15 (yes, FIFTEEN DOLLAR) Presma AR-15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle the other day and it actually looks pretty damn good. I'm going to torture test it soon.
Thank you for using metric measurements.
Radian Raptor 💯% I have three of them and they run so smooth. They also run great if you are using a Acog.
@soldierofliberty I have had my hands on pretty much everything out there. and the PSA is alright, I am not sure what magic Radian Raptor has but Im telling you, They are slick! And i really did not think a charging handle would make that kind of difference in the feel of pulling back the bolt! I am not talking about the handle part, I am talking of the actual feel of pulling it back feels slick, no grit!
@soldierofliberty 3
Thanks for this video. I appreciate it.
That charging handle is made just like the Armespec charging handle 😬
I thought the Radian had that raised up part for kinda redirecting the gas blowback… I’m glad you did this video. I was going to buy one of these. I get right up o the back of my rifle and that means a lot to me. Currently using a BCM medium that I thought was ambi.
The racism has a gas blocking shoulder. It is just not as pronounced.
PSA looks like an Armaspec Victory handle
The back ridges are for the thumb as you grip fast and pull. In case you were to put your thumb there, you would have a good grip. Wet. Blood. Etc. if you get your fingers shot off and only have a thumb and index left you’ll thank them. Lol 😂
No they don’t
@@PepeDeezNutz Word 🤙
@@GBall_Vision to your mother
@@PepeDeezNutz real rap? You cappin me??
Great comparison! It's unfortunate that PSA prices their CH at the same price point even though Radian's reputation is magnitudes better. I'm curious to see how the PSA CHs hold up over time, because it could be a compelling buy for overgassed rifles (whereas the Raptor lacks any sort of gas vents and the SD costs ~$40 more).
I have both, the psa was half the price of the radian.
There’s 4 versions of the raptor, one of which has gas vents.
Radians Suppressor version With the port holes Are Awesome!!
I had the gas vent radian. it really doesn't do much. you could read reviews, it's a gimik.
Yeah, I think the point you have to consider is that the PSA one already has gas mitigation built-in at the same price point of just the standard Radian; the vented Radian one costs more. I've also seen mixed reviews for the Radian vented charging handle, some ppl say it works and others say it's a gimmick. I think PSA should include the vented slots or have another version that comes with it.
PSA looks like the better design.
Ridges are for good use lot of people put 1 finger on the back side & front side of the charging handle to operate it rather than 1 finger on each side of the front of the handle
Thanks for showing charging handels nobody ever does that its always over looked !
Looks like a Armaspec Victory charging handle.
i bought a PSA but didn’t like the way it kind of sprung back a quarter inch or so when the latch was opened. if it snagged on kit and unlatched, the CH popped back leaving no opportunity to relatch. does the radian do this? my standard CH doesn’t do this.
Your kit? LOL ok tier 1 operator boy
@@PepeDeezNutz Might only be a chinese made chest rig, but kitz is kitz.....
I went with the Radian Raptor...got in on sale less than $70
Same here. Outfitted about a half dozen rifles with their charging handles. Love them.
Where did u get it on sale at ?
@@kippnovak9833 optics planet
@@revshareglobal7334 thanx rev for the reply...
I get my Radian raptor SD-SL in a few days👍
How does the warranty compares in terms of response and easiness and return shipping?
Depends on where you buy them from. PSA is pretty good about returns, but you'll pay return shipping. I bought the Radian from OpticsPlanet and they are about the easiest company I've ever had to do returns or exchanges with. They are up there with Amazon Prime in terms of making it real easy. I think the warranty on both these charging handles is about the same.
radian is fiberglass reinforced nylon with aluminum cores, not plastic.
Just bought a Radian Raptor LT
What are the prices? Is there a difference? New and wanting to upgrade. Any info helps thx!
ALONG asking because I went to my local shop and they are asking $125 ! And only have the one brand...
Pricing with these charging handles will be all over the place depending on what's in stock and whether the vendor is having a sale. I've seen the Radians for example go anywhere from $40 to $80, but they usually hover around $70. I just ordered a new Palmetto State Armory charging handle that I should be reviewing hopefully in the next two weeks.
Anybody else with a raptor have a loose /wiggle in the right side handle? Mine has all kinds of play in it
Thanks
My PSA handle is loose af. It rattles so much on my gun. Is this happening to anyone else?
I would try swapping out another mill spec charging handle and see if it too rattles. One way or another you're going to figure out what is out of spec. It's either the charging handle, or the opening on the upper receiver for the charging handle.
@@InfinitelyQurious I reinstalled the original mil spec handle and it fits like a beauty. PSA charging handle is NOT Mil Spec
I thought that was a great overview thanks
Really wish they'd have these in stock at some point. I check my local PSA and the site all the time, but it's always OOS. So, I got a SI Latchless handle for now.
Have you been slapped in the face/nose yet?
I have one
Hands down Radian Raptor LT 100%
Only Radian raptor that beats the LT is the SD model they make a great product all around best on the market
If it were in stock I’d buy it right now!! I have 2 PSA rifles. Would b a nice touch.
After I made this video, Aero Precision came out with their "Breach" model extended charging handle. It looks pretty cool, but I haven't been able to see one in person yet.
It’s back in stock
Great video, review.
Does the raptor fit any direct impingement ar?
It should fit any mil-spec AR-15, so yes. It won't work in an AR-10 though. Among other differences, the AR-10 upper is longer.
Thanks for including the weights. It's very minor but for basically the same price why not save a little weight
Because build quality, reputation, etc is much more important than a few ounces......
raptor LT is light weight model
There is finally a good Chinese clone of the Radian Raptor. The one from Ohhunt right now sells for $13 shipped and looks just like the real thing. Even the latch is dialed in now. Of course I'd rather have the real thing, but try finding one in stock...
I got one yesterday from fail zero with my bcg.
Thanks for the tip! Just bought 5. 🙂
@@AmericanSmallArms so instead of spending the money on american made. You bought chinese. Nice
@@JsilntParkour90 well it's his money. Plus our country tells us what weapons we can't have and then have out shitloads of fully automatic firearms, ammo, and vehicles to terrorists over seas. At this point we should spend our money wherever we feel like
Will a radian AR-10 charging handle fit a Palmetto AR-10?
In general, AR-10 platforms are not standardized like AR-15s are so it can be tough to say for sure. But my experience is that the Palmetto AR-10s are DPMS LR-308 / AR-10 equivalent (the most common AR-10 configuration) and so I'd bet the Radian AR-10 extended charging handle is designed to fit that configuration.
@@InfinitelyQurious Thank you for the speedy reply. I will look more into the Radian AR10 extended handle.
My AXTS Raptor is fully aluminum..
No seems to care about the Warhammer mod2?
The Warhammer Mod2 looks like a pretty great charging handle for the money. Hadn't heard of it before. I'll pick one up soon.
$80 is a bit much for a charging handle.
That's what I thought at first, but they do go on sale. I've now bought four of the Radians and I can't imagine going back to mil-spec charging handles.
@@InfinitelyQurious where do you get the radian on sale?
Its just a rebranded Aero Precision charging handle.
Appears to be a lot of that going on in the industry. Maybe that’s why we have out to stock issues?
But it's nice
Oregon - move to TX your a gun guy.
Plus the only grams down here are dope dealers .
May your pistol always be loaded - may your magazines never run dry - may you never find yourself in a gunfight with dang Sun in your eyes.
Order PSA CHARGING HANDLE in 5.
AJ
All these fools buying $100+ charging handles 😂😂😂
The radian LT are not just plastic they have aluminum wings inside the polymer so it's polymer and aluminum
None of these high priced charging handles are that much improved over a 30$ model.
Where are you seeing a solid 30-dollar extended ambidextrous charging handle?
Geiselle airborne >