Last updated on October 4th, 2023
In my time carrying a firearm for nearly a decade, one of the things I learned is the importance of carrying a spare magazine. While some people may debate this, for me, the science is settled. I almost always carry a spare magazine. Why I carry a spare magazine is something I have blogged and vlogged about in the past. The question then becomes how and where to carry this spare magazine. Enter the NeoMag by Front Pocket Innovations.
The exact product that I tested was the original NeoMag with a regular clip. NeoMag is also available with an extended pocket clip and what they call “Type G” for Glock mags. As part of my testing, I carried a spare metal 15 round 9mm magazine for my Sig Sauer P320. I carried both “on duty” in my security job as well as for concealed carry in my day-to-day activities. In addition, I attended one competitive event using the NeoMag for my reloads.
First impressions of the NeoMag…
Everyone loves a good “unboxing”. First impressions are important. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The packaging was adequate. The box included the Neomag and the product instructional card. The NeoMag is very well made. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the materials used and the strength of the magnets.
Intended Use of the NeoMag
What is the intended use? According to their website, “The NeoMag® is a minimalist back-up magazine holder that inconspicuously clips inside your pocket. Built from the toughest materials and backed by a lifetime warranty.” In other words, the NeoMag is a device to carry spare magazines in your pocket. Once clipped into the pocket it appears similar to a pocket knife or multi-tool.
Technical specifications of the NeoMag…
The body of the NeoMag is made of Blacknitride coated Steel.
The clip is titanium. Black Cerakoted clips are also available.
The magnets are Neodymium. Neodymium magnets are some of the most common magnet types available.
The entire device weighs only 2 oz.
Manufactured in the United States.
The NeoMag Warranty
The NeoMag warranty is a Lifetime warranty. Like all warranties, it starts with a broad statement but there are always exclusions. Like always, if you are the type of person who makes purchasing decisions based upon a warranty, read the warranty before purchasing. Herein lies the problem. I was unable to find the written warranty, and when I contacted NeoMag support I did receive a prompt reply which didn’t answer all of my questions. Below is the NeoMag response, do with it what you will…
Thank you for reaching out to us. In regards to our warranty, we try to work with our customers on a case-by-case basis. There are so many different situations that customers reach out to us about from putting their NeoMag through the dryer, being in skateboard accidents, to snagging their clip on a seat belt. It would be impossible to list all the possibilities.
In reference to the NeoMag’s warranty in particular here are a few things of note:
We replace up to 2 pocket clips that have become weak or broken through continued use or customer accidents.
We have replacement rubber dots available for free on our website as daily use over months and years can cause the rubber dots to need to be replaced.
We have built the NeoMag to be a sturdy product that can withstand training and daily carry use. We often work with customers to either repair or replace NeoMags that have incurred damage through “life happens” sort of events as mentioned in my previous email (sending the NeoMag through the dryer, skateboard accidents, or catching a clip on your seatbelt) These situations are not always a failure of the product but we stand behind it’s construction and try to work with the individual customer to come up with a solution.
As far as shipping goes we will pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (i.e. you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
Our main goal when working through warranty situations is to communicate with our customers and find a solution for them. Feel free to reach out with other questions.
NeoMag website
What I Learned while Testing the NeoMag
The NeoMag is available on the website www.theneomag.com, on Amazon, and many other authorized dealer websites. There are numerous similar devices available on Amazon made of plastic instead of the metal Neomag. Some of these devices are marketed under the names Magorui or Gotical. I didn’t test any of these other cheaper alternatives so I can’t compare which may be better or worse. The price of the NeoMag starts at $40. Some of the alternatives were less than half that price.
I tested the NeoMag by wearing it every day for 2 months. I wore the NeoMag in multiple pairs of pants, including my security uniform, jeans, and cargo pants. But I always wore the NeoMag in my left front pocket. I included reloading from the pocket as part of my dry-fire training. I even wore the mag-holder in a competition that included approximately 10 reloads throughout the half-day.
What I discovered while testing in some pockets, it was very visibly a magazine (to anyone who knows what the base plate of a magazine looks like). The visibility of the mag isn’t an issue during my security gig, but when I am trying to be concealed, I prefer my spare magazine not to be visible. I discovered after ordering they make a deeper clip that allows the magazine to sit deeper in your pocket. It is important to note, that the magazine did disappear well in some pockets. The extent to how well the magazine base plate hides seems to depend on the cut and the angle of the pocket.
I also prefer to wear loose pants. Loose pockets often accompany loose pants. The spare magazine tended to bounce around in my pocket. Although the magazine never fell loose from the magnetized pocket clip, it was annoying bouncing against my leg and even caused minor bruising after running around during the competition. I suspect it would be more comfortable with either tighter pants or a single-stack magazine. I carry a double stack, which is wider than a single stack.
Speaking of competition, the NeoMag fared well. I reloaded from pocket approximately 10 times. Only once did the NeoMag come loose from my pants. This could have been a user error during reloading or could have been my failure to properly secure the clip to my pants after previous reloads. While I can only speculate why the pocket clip came loose, I don’t think it had to do with the strength of the clip, because it is tight! Almost too tight, almost.
NeoMag’s Pros and Cons…
Pros
Good Design
Good Materials
Good Craftsmanship
Minimalist Packaging
Cons
Sometimes Uncomfortable
Pricey when compared to similar products.