The Drive Lock System is a Patent-Pending design based on a Hodge defense Extrusion that uses a system of wedges that interface with the barrel nut and “drive” it towards the upper receiver as it is tightened. This system clamps on to the barrel nut with extreme force and precision, providing an extremely robust mounting platform.

What’s the Difference between the M89 and L89?

While both handguards use the patent-pending Drive Lock System, there are a few notable differences that may lead someone to choosing one over the other:

• The most noticeable difference is the M-LOK Slots. The L89 features 7 sided M-LOK slots, whereas the M89 retains more substantial cutouts for cooling around the handguard, reducing the quantity of M-LOK slots
• The L89 has an internal QD sling swivel socket built in to the rear of the handguard, whereas the M89 must use an M-LOK QD sling swivel socket
• The L89 features a titanium barrel nut, which is going to save a good amount of weight compared to the steel barrel nut in the M89 handguard