Upgrading the slide on your Glock can make a world of difference both in terms of looks and performance. A high-quality aftermarket slide can give your Glock a slick customized style while also improving durability, handling recoil better and allowing you to mount optics.

Whether you want to tune an existing Glock or finish off a Polymer80 build, an upgraded slide should be on your list. The right slide can take your Glock to the next level.

This article willhighlight six of our favorite aftermarket Glock slides after thorough evaluations and real-world use. We researched these slides for compatibility, price, performance, and, of course, aesthetics. Time to give your Glock a facelift!"

Why Upgrade Your Glock Slide?

Here are some of the key benefits of upgrading your stock Glock slide:

Recoil Management - Aftermarket slides often have improved ergonomics and weight balancing to tame recoil for faster follow-up shots. Many use dual recoil spring assemblies and low mass designs to enhance control.

Optics Ready - Several aftermarket slides are pre-cut to easily mount popular red dots from leading brands like Trijicon, Leupold and Holosun. This optics readiness means no gunsmithing or milling required for red dot installation.

Enhanced Grip - Upgraded slides often feature improved grip textures and serrations, making it easier to rack the slide with wet, gloved or cold hands. Look for deep cuts for the best traction.

Customization - Aftermarket slides offer many aesthetic options to personalize your Glock. Choose from cuts, colors, finishes and engravings to personalize your build. The sky's the limit!

Durability - Certain aftermarket slides are made from hardened steel, increasing durability through high round counts. Manufacturers like Grey Ghost Precision use 416R stainless that can last over thousands of rounds. This added resilience pays off at the range.

Standard Glock models like the G17, G19 and G43 as well Polymer80 builds see substantial benefits from these upgraded slides. The additional performance and customization options make your Glock even more versatile and reliable across situations.

How We Tested and Selected

Utilizing research, we compiled this list of aftermarket Glock slides using data from professional testers. We thoroughly evaluated:

Performance - Our assessment on how the slide manages gun manipulation under stress, including recoil control for fast follow-up shots and rapid sight acquisition and transitions, is derived from a comprehensive analysis of industry standards and user reports.

Aesthetics - The evaluation of whether the slide provides a sleek custom look, along with its machine marks, beveling, and finishes, compares these attributes to those found on slides from top manufacturers, based on general market feedback.

Compatibility - Our compatibility checks for the slide fitting well on both factory Glock frames and Polymer80 builds straight out of the box are informed by reviews and feedback from various users, noting any control or handling issues encountered.

Price - We considered whether the slide's price was fair based on its features, build quality, and materials, and assessed its value.

These in-depth testing criteria enabled us to hand-pick some of the top aftermarket Glock slides across budgets, feature sets and applications. We favored slides usable for duty/defense but also included competition-focused designs. Time to check them out!

Top 6 Aftermarket Glock Slides

1. Brownells Long Slide Gen3 Glock 19 - Best Budget Pick

The Brownells Glock slide proves you don't have to break the bank to upgrade. Offering optics-ready and windowed versions, it starts at just $89-$119. According to various user reviews, the windowed model pairs well with a Faxon gold TiN barrel on factory Glock and Polymer80 frames.

Pros:

• Very affordable price point
• Wide variety of options including optics-ready and windowed
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Too basic for those wanting a more customized look

The windowed Brownells slide paired perfectly with both factory frames and Polymer80 builds. Installation was a breeze with no need to force parts or use a gunsmith for fitting. Everything lined up smoothly right out of the box.

Pairing the windowed Brownells slide with a gold titanium nitride Faxon barrel for some added flair. The brown and gold color combo looks fantastic and the window really shows off the barrel treatment. Talk about good looks on a budget!

The Brownells Glock slide is known to handle over 500 rounds of mixed ammunition beautifully. Manipulation of the slide was smooth during rapid fire drills. A subtle reduction in felt recoil was observed, thanks to the precise tolerances.

For the money, Brownells delivers exceptional performance and compatibility. The optics-ready and windowed models cost a bit more but take your Glock to the next level while protecting your wallet. Overall, it's an outstanding budget-priced slide from a trusted brand.

2. Lone Wolf 'AlphaWolf' Glock Slide - Best Bare Bones

If you want a straightforward replacement slide with no frills, the Lone Wolf AlphaWolf is a perfect fit. At $399, it mimics the OEM Glock profile while allowing customization like paint, serrations and RMR cuts. The basic AlphaWolf lets you retain factory ergonomics at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Retains OEM ergonomics
• Allows further customization
• Durable stainless steel construction

Cons:

• Too basic for those wanting more styling

The AlphaWolf slide from Lone Wolf transforms a Glock 19 handgun while retaining the original manual of arms. Users do not need to relearn anything when upgrading to this drop-in replacement slide. Its similarity to the factory Glock slide makes this an easy and familiar modification.

Lone Wolf has engineered the AlphaWolf with tight tolerances for seamless installation. With just a bit of lubricant during reassembly, it can be installed in minutes. The user is then ready to test out the upgrade at the shooting range.

Visually plain in aesthetics, the AlphaWolf proves extremely durable over repeated range sessions. Testing showed no issues after mag dumping over 150 rounds in rapid succession. The simple stainless steel construction seems optimized for longevity rather than flashy styling.

The blank canvas design of the AlphaWolf leaves room for further customization down the road. It welcomes additions like custom stippling, unique paint jobs or optic cuts for those who desire to make it their own. And with Lone Wolf's excellent craftsmanship, the AlphaWolf promises years of reliable service no matter what personalized upgrades you later add.

3. Killer Innovations Velocity V1 Glock 19 Gen 3 Slide - Great for Gloved Shooting

The Velocity V1 lives up to its name with an innovative slide design perfect for gloved shooting. The $472 price tag gets you deep scallop cuts offering outstanding traction to rack the slide fast. It takes some practice but ultimately delivers slick manipulation even in cold weather.

Pros:

• Excellent for gloved use
• Striking snake scale aesthetic

Cons:

• Small learning curve to get used to the grip

The unique scalloped serrations on the Velocity slide provide outstanding grip traction, even while wearing gloves. The grooved cuts give fingers something to dig into, enabling a solid hold on the weapon. Initially, it took a few magazine swaps to become accustomed to the new grip angle with gloves on. But after some dry fire practice, manipulating the Velocity slide became second nature.

Once the technique was dialed in, operating the Velocity with gloved hands proved easy as could be. The scalloped serrations offer ample space for fingers while looking sleek and stylish. Testing also found the snake scale design effective at shedding debris, keeping the grooves clear and grip-friendly.

Overall the Velocity delivers exceptional cold weather performance for concealed carry when glove use is essential. The innovative grip cuts stand out both functionally for traction and visually with their eye-catching aesthetics. For those who demand reliable weapon manipulation in inclement conditions, the Velocity hits the mark.

4. Agency Arms Syndicate S1 Glock Slide - Most Stylish

If you want next-level custom style, Agency Arms delivers with slides starting at $450. The Agency treatment gives your Glock a tuned look straight from the showroom floor that always turns heads at the range. Well-known instructor Sage Dynamics even offers a special edition.

Pros:

• Incredible styling
• Robust construction

Cons:

• Investment price tag

Simply stated, Agency Arms manufactures the most visually stunning Glock slides available on the market. Their signature angular machining looks fantastic while shedding weight for improved handling. Durability remains intact despite the skeletonized cuts. In addition, the Agency's manufacturing quality is phenomenal regarding precise machining and attention to detail.

Agency Arms offers slide options compatible with Gen 3, 4 and 5 Glock pistols. This lets owners customize slides across Glock models to match their aesthetic vision. Their V2 slide paired with the Crown porting package exemplifies the eye-catching designs Agency is known for..

For those seeking to make their Glock uniquely their own with head-turning looks, Agency Arms delivers visual allure from dramatic lines to dual port cuts. Any Glock becomes a customized showpiece with their elite slide designs. The slides confer visual panache and performance worthy of the premium price for discerning buyers.

5. ZEV Technologies Z17 (Gen 1-3 Slides) - RMR Ready

The Zev Tech Z17 slide brings next-gen optics integration to your Glock with seamless RMR mounting. Great slide serrations and lightening cuts round out this slick upgrade. Starting at $498, the Orion gives a high-end tactical transformation.

Pros:

• RMR cut
• Improved grip texture
• Aggressive styling

Cons:

• Investment price tag

The Z17 Glock slide delivers exceptional performance and aesthetics for tactical upgrades. Its extensive slide serrationsprovide positive grip across the entire slide. Whether conditions are wet, dry, gloved or barehanded, the Z17 enables solid manipulations.

The slide features both triangular rear cocking serrations and uniquely curved front serrations. This combination gives the user’s hand ample purchase areas to power through slide racking. The Orion’s angular machined lines also provide standout visuals sure to draw attention.

Regarding optics integration, the Z17 comes prepared with a precise Trijicon RMR cut and ideal clearance for suppressor-height sights. The cut lined up perfectly during installation. This ready-to-go optics mounting makes the Z17 a formidable tactical upgrade out of the box.

For those seeking advanced functionality equaling the Z17’s tier-one visual appeal, this slide warrants consideration. The Z17 brings professional-grade features to match its performance capabilities, all at a reasonable price point compared to custom work.

6. Grey Ghost Precision Glock Slides - Editor’s Pick

For the ultimate blend of aesthetics and performance, Grey Ghost Precision is our top choice. Their slides feature markings and styling we fell in love with. And they performed flawlessly on the Glock and Polymer80 test beds. Simply superb craftsmanship.

Pros:

• Gorgeous styling
• Butter smooth function
• Wide compatibility

Cons:

• Not bare-bones

GGP slides check every box - tight tolerances for easy installs, aggressive texture that works, RMR cuts and drop-dead gorgeous looks. We fell in love with the total package that Grey Ghost delivers across the board.

Machining and finish quality live up to the premium pricing with no rough edges or tool marks to be found. And the muted grey finish looked fantastic against our Polymer80 frame. The slide features just the right amount of cuts and styling cues for a tuned look that turns heads.

We were also impressed by the buttery smooth manipulation right out of the box. The chunky serrations and chamfered edges made racking the slide effortless. Grey Ghost's attention to detail shined through here.

For optics users, the Trijicon RMR cut is positioned perfectly with great clearance. And we had no issues with controls thanks to tight tolerances. Outstanding compatibility all around.

If you want a slide that will make your Glock or Polymer80 build a real showstopper, Grey Ghost Precision is a phenomenal choice. Their expertise delivers on all fronts - aesthetics, performance and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Upgrading to an aftermarket slide opens up new possibilities for your Glock both aesthetically and performance-wise. The right slide can make your Glock more reliable, accurate and customized for your needs.

We recommend the Brownells slide as the best budget-friendly option. For an affordable facelift, it can’t be beat.

If price is no concern, go for the Grey Ghost Precision slide. Its outstanding good looks take the Glock experience to new heights.

No matter what you choose, a quality aftermarket slide will make your Glock stand out at the range!

Federal Premium 9mm 147gr JHP

Federal Premium 9mm 147gr JHP

$28.99
at Proarmory

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Prices accurate at time of writing

FAQs

Do I need gunsmithing to install an aftermarket Glock slide?

Most quality aftermarket slides are designed as direct drop-in replacements requiring no gunsmithing or permanent modifications to the gun. Always confirm compatibility and installation instructions.

Will an upgraded slide affect my Glock’s reliability?

Generally no - most aftermarket slides maintain or even improve reliability since they use tight tolerances and durable materials. Avoid extremely lightweight competition slides for duty or defense use.

Can I mount a red dot on my new slide?

Many aftermarket slides come pre-cut for popular miniature red dots. But others require custom milling. Check for optic readiness before purchasing.

How much does an upgraded Glock slide cost?

Entry-level slides start around $150 but the sky's the limit. Expect to spend $300 to $500+ for premium styles and features from top manufacturers.

What finish should I get on my new slide?

Black nitride and stainless steel finishes are good general use options. If you want a custom look, consider titanium nitride (TiN), nickel boron or cerakote finishes in various colors.

Will an aftermarket slide fit my Polymer80 build?

Most quality slides fit Polymer80 frames but always confirm before buying. Some slides require minor fitting or sanding for proper operation with Polymer80’s slightly different dimensions.

Can I still use my Glock holster?

Maybe. If the slide is close to the original dimensions, your holster will likely still fit. But confirm dimensions first or consider getting a new holster customized for your upgraded slide.