Chad Wallace

October 5, 2023

Lights, Review, Weapon Light, Z-Bolt, Blazer

Z-Bolt Blazer LED & LEP lights

Chad Wallace

October 5, 2023

Lights, Review, Weapon Light, Z-Bolt, Blazer

When it comes to weapon mounted light, there are a ton of different aspects to choose from. Z-Bolt has a few options that are very interesting. Their lights lean high on the candela for maximum beam throw. Z-bolt also has options so that you can get a wider beam out of their lights. They sent both their LEP and LED lights to me for review.

An explanation is probably due to the differences between the LEP and LED. Most of you have heard of, or used, a LED light. Not everyone has used, or seen, a LEP light. LEP stands for Laser Excited Phosphor. According to Z-Bolt: “The BLAZER employs a blue laser to fluoresce a yellow phosphor, forming a broad spectrum of white light.” Because of this, with an LEP light, you get a super focused white light beam. Think of a small spotlight, because when you shine it out into space, it looks just like a spotlight, there is zero spill over on this light. Now the LED light is just what you expect, a Light Emitting Diode type light. In the Z-Bolt LED light, you get a really good light throw, but still some spill to see things to your left and right.

As mentioned, Z-bolt sent two different lights, an LED and LEP. Both of the kits they sent are for weapon lights. These particular ones are for the “Scout” mounting platform. The LEP light kit that Z-bolt sent has a 18650 body, the LEP head, a clicker tail cap switch, 2-18650 batteries, a dual charger, 2 CR123 batteries, a “hot spot & fill” diffuser, and Red & Green predator filters. The LED kit from Z-Bolt is their Weapon and Handheld carry package. It includes a 18350 “scout” body, a handheld body, 2-18350 batteries, that same dual charger, a Thyrm switchback, clicker handheld tailcap, and a momentary only weaponlight tailcap. Z-Bolt makes different kits or stand-alone lights too, so whatever option you want, they probably have it. Z-Bolt also makes different tailcaps so that you can use a pressure switch, hot button, or one of those with a tailcap switch combo. The light heads, bodies, and tailcaps are interchangeable between all of their lights. So if I wanted to use the momentary only switch on the LEP weaponlight, I can. Another advantage to these kits is that the bodies, lightheads, and tailcaps are compatible with the Surefire M600DF/M640DF line of light parts, which is kind of the industry standard for thread pitches and allows the Z-Bolt parts to screw on.

I won’t bore you with the specifications, as they are down in the “FNB” section, but I will tell you how each light performs:

LEP:

When you first turn on the Blazer LEP light, you immediately notice the bright spotlight effect. This light shines a super focused beam. If it’s on a wall close to you, it’s not much bigger in diameter than the light head itself. This is expected from a light that has a 315,000 candela rating. Even at distance, the beam does not spread out that much. The LEP also has a cool white light, not the harsh style that a lot of LED lights have.

The Blazer LEP serves a purpose for target identification at long range. Z-Bolt claims a 600 meter Positive Identification of Target (PID). Which I believe after using it. I found the LEP to be exceptional at it. So much so that I needed binoculars or a magnified optic to see what the Blazer LEP was illuminating, as you can see in some of the pictures. I was able to illuminate a tree at approximately 450 yards and make out the branches. Granted the picture is a little blurry, but the tree was in focus for me when looking through a rifle scope set to about 14 power. It would be real easy to see a person at that distance, and maybe slightly harder to see a hog or coyote, but it can still be done. The light throw on the Blazer LEP is just that great. Now if you need to throw some light off to the sides, the LEP comes with a “Hotspot & Spill” diffuser. This gives the light a 15 degree spill with a center hotspot. It also cuts the range of the light down to about 150 yards. This filter just screws on. The filter worked okay for me, I just didn’t care for how it limited the lights range. There are also different filter options available from Z-Bolt. They range from a dedicated 15 degree spill to a full 40 degree for CQB or full room illumination. Another benefit of the Blazer LEP is its ability to punch through photonic barriers like smoke, fog, or tinted windows.

Battery run time is also good on the Blazer LEP. Using the supplied 18650 battery, run time is 130 minutes according to Z-Bolt. Let’s just say that when I was taking all the pictures , I didn’t have to change the battery out. The 18650 bodied lights, like the LEP I am using, can also run on 2 CR123 batteries. This will limit the run time to 90 minutes. That is still a respectable hour and a half on store bought batteries.

If you are using the LEP to predator hunt, the light kit that I was sent, has a red and green filter. I found the red didn’t illuminate all that well. If using it with night vision, it should be good and not so bright as to cause problems. Now the green filter was super bright with the naked eye. It really makes the LEP light look like a wide green laser. It has a really good throw to it also. I was able to identify stuff at 200 yds without problems.

For target identification at longer ranges, the Blazer LEP is great. If you want to see what's across the canyon in the pitch black of night, the LEP is for you. If you are looking for a general use weapon light, I would choose the Blazer LED below. But in the “see far away” white light market, my choice would be the LEP.

LED:

If the LEP style of long throw light isn’t for you, don’t fret, Z-Bolt has a LED style light. The Blazer LED is touted as being a long throw LED light. It has a respectable beam throw, but still gives a 60 degree spill to the beam. This gives a “Hot Spot & Spill” style pattern, and it works well. Z-Bolt states target PID out to 200 meters. Since I was able to light up 200 yard targets, I do agree with them. A big advantage to the LED light is its spill. I can light up the inside of a room okay, but yet it still gives me a good beam throw for those mid range targets. If I could get a little more spill and still have the same light throw, I’d like the Blazer LED even more than I do. The Blazer LED is listed at 65,00 Candela and 650 lumens, which is why I get a good combination of spill and throw.

Z-Bolt sent the combo version of the LED light. That meant it came with a 18350 scout body and a handheld body. The 18350’s are a shorter 18650 and hence give lower length run times. This LED version only has a run time of 60 minutes. Still pretty good considering what you are getting as far as light output. If you aren’t looking for a combo, the LED lights can be had individually for a competitive price.

I’m not going to say much about the weapon light version of the Blazer LED, because all the specs transfer over to the handheld version. The weapon light configuration just mounts to a rifle using the standard “scout” mounting platform. So off to the handheld version. The handheld configuration of the Blazer LED uses a separate clicker tailcap and body. Basically it’s smooth and void of mounting nubs. This configuration makes for a great handheld light! Plus it is only 4 ⅞ inches long. This is shorter than a lot of so-called EDC lights. It can also be used with the THYRM style of pocket clips. This particular kit came with the Thyrm Switchback. I didn’t use it as I am one who just lets the light float around in my pocket, which I probably shouldn’t. I’ve been pleased with the Blazer LED as an EDC flashlight.

The Blazer LED is a decent white light. In either the weapon mounted configuration, or the handheld configuration, it performed well. I like it both as a handheld and weapon mounted light. The beam throw works great in either form. In the handheld configuration, the beam spill is fine for me. In weapon mounted form, I’d like a little more spill. Either way, the Blazer LED makes a good EDC or CQB light.

If you are in the market for long throw lights, Z-Bolt might have what you need. The Blazer LEP’s extreme long throw really lets you reach out and identify targets. If you don’t need that much range, but still need some, the Blazer LED is a great option. I would consider both the Blazer LED and LEP to be top tier lights in any configuration. They even use industry standard mounting, battery bodies, and tailcaps, which makes choosing them, as an option, even easier. If you need a long throw, handheld, or weapon mounted light, head over to Z-Bolt Electro Optics and check them out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Long throw weapon lights

Target Market:

LED - Those wanting a bright handheld light that also functions as a great medium range weapon light

LEP - Those needing to see or identify targets at long ranges

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

LEP

Light on Target: 315,000 Candela
Run Time: 130 Minutes, 1 pc Z-Bolt 18650
Run Time: 90 Minutes, 2 pcs Z-Bolt CR123A
FDA Laser Safety Class 1: Certified EYE-SAFE
Max Beam Throw: 1,100 meters (ANSI FL1)
Battery: 2 pc 18650 - 3.7V, Z-Bolt 3500 mAh Lithium (Long Barrel)
Battery: 2 pcs CR123A, Z-Bolt 1500 mAh (Duel Fuel - Long Barrel ONLY)
Surface - Anodized FDE
Warranty: 2 Years from Date of Purchase
Environmental Rating - IP65
Scout mount body
Includes Green & Red Predator Hunt Filters
Includes Twist On Beam Diffuser “Hot Spot & Spill”
Clicker tailcap switch
LEP Module: Fully Potted to Withstand Shock & Recoil
Length 168 mm, Width 33 mm
Weight: 5.4 ounces / 153 grams
Body Material: T6061 Aluminum Alloy

LED

Extreme Beam Throw: 200 Meter PID
Run Time: 60 Minutes, 1 pc 18350 Lithium Rechargeable
LED & PCB: Fully Potted to Withstand Shock & Recoil
Battery: 1 pc 18350 - 3.7V, Z-BOLT® 1400 mAh Lithium (Short Barrel)
Weight: 91 grams / 3.2 oz (without battery installed)
Length: 4 1/8 in. (104mm) (No Tailcap)
Body Material: T6061 Aluminum Alloy
Surface - Mil-Spec Hard Coat Anodized: Z-BOLT® FDE
65,000 Candela & 650 Lumens
Mid-Range Hot Spot & 60° Flood/Spill
Superior Mid-Range Illumination & PID @ 50-100 Meters
Includes 1 pc Light Body Package & Choice of THYRM Pocket Clip
Switch Light Head Between Weapon Mounted & Hand Carry/Duty Carry/EDC
Scout mount body
Handheld body with clicker switch
Extra Momentary tailcap switch for weapon light body

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black versions, different mounting options, different tail caps

What others are saying?:

Not much found

Our Rating:

Pros:

Super long throw for LEP
LEP beam diffuser
Good throw for LED
Handheld options
Standard Scout style mounting
Uses standard size 18650 & 18350 batteries
Different tailcap and switches available
LED light is priced well for what you get

Cons:

FDE colors don’t match each other

Score: 8.50 Great - for both lights

Favorite Link: Zaffiri Precision P320 Slide

Chad Wallace

April 16, 2023

Flashlight, Review, Weapon Light, Magne-Tech

Magne-Tech Rigel II

Chad Wallace

April 16, 2023

Flashlight, Review, Weapon Light, Magne-Tech

When one thinks of flashlights or weaponlights, you usually don’t think about different ways to mount them. Magne-Tech has done just that. They have come out with a tactical flashlight, called the Rigel II, that uses high power magnets to keep it in place. This leads to a unique mounting system that works better than I ever expected. Plus, the light itself is very functional too.

The mounting system of the Rigel II is really what makes the light stand out. I received the kit with an M-Lok magnetic mount. That was so I could mount it to an M-Lok rail, just like one would with any M-lok light mount. The Rigel II flashlight also is magnetic, that’s how the mount and light work together. The mount and Rigel each have two high power neodymium magnets built into them. When you put the two close together, the light literally snaps to the mount. The advantage to this setup is that one can take the light off of the mount, and use it as a handheld light. Now, I bet you are thinking “that will never work”. But it does! The mounts and light are made in such a way that you can not move them forward or backward when they are together. This keeps the light from coming off during recoil, or if you hit it on anything. To remove the Rigel light from the mount, just roll it off sideways and kind of twist. It does take a little bit of force to remove the light. Now you ask, “Won’t it fall off if you hit the light from the side?” I tried to knock the light off its mount, by hitting it against a 4x4, while on the gun. All it ended up doing was rotating the light off its mount, sort of. The Rigel still held on to the side of the light mount. When I moved past the post, the light just snapped back on the mount. I was pretty impressed as I figured that would be how to get the Rigel to fall off the mount.

It’s time to tell you about the Rigel II. The Rigel II is a handheld light that can be easily attached to a bunch of different mounting platforms, the M-Lok is just one of them. Magne-Tech has picatinny, helmet, and some other mounts too, but back to the light. Specifications on the Rigel II are pretty standard. It’s rated at 1100 lumens on high, has a max candela rating of 14,000, and a 237 meter throw distance. To my eyes, the Rigel II’s output was really comparable to the Streamlight 2.0 that I reviewed. It does have a color temperature of 5000k, so it’s a more yellow light. The lower color temperature helps it go through photonic barriers better, like fog or smoke. If you have ever used a light with a really bright white beam, you get light that bounces back off of those photonic barriers, instead of penetrating through them. Magne-Tech uses 7075 aluminum in the Rigel II’s construction. This makes it strong and lightweight. It weighs 6.9 ounces with the supplied 18650 rechargeable battery. I was pleased that it used a standard battery. It will also work with two CR123 batteries. I tried it to make sure.

There is more to the Rigel II than just its specifications. As with most lights, it uses a push button on the tail cap. Push it slightly for momentary on, or click it for full on. This button also has raised protection around it, or at least around most of it. There is a curved recess, in the raised portion, to make it easier to use your thumb on the button. It’s a nice addition, but probably isn’t needed, at least for me. If you want a pressure switch option, you are out of luck. I hear it’s on the radar, which is a good thing.

One nice attribute of the Rigel II is its programmability. It uses a “tap” system to set it into one of the various different programs. It has 12 different ones to choose from, see chart. I personally like the 100% only mode, at least when I’m using it as a weaponlight. This tap system seems to take about 20 “taps” to get it into the programming mode. Once there you can choose if you want a memory to the RIgel, or not. The memory mode sets the Rigel to turn on at the beginning of what mode it’s programmed to, or where the light was turned off at, depending on if you have selected the memory to be on or off. If not choosing the “memory” mode, you enter the programming group mode, which is where you select one of those 12 programs. The programming takes some getting used to. I have to look at the chart every time I change the programming. The 15+ taps it takes to enter into the programming mode is nice because you won’t have to ever worry about the button getting hit enough times to change it accidentally.

The Rigel II has some other attributes that you may not think about. Since the Rigel II has magnets built into its body, it will stick to anything magnetic. This can be a plus, or a minus. If you want to stick it on a car, so you can see to do something, it’s great. If you are using it in your hand, and come near something magnetic, like a steel door, it wants to pull your hand toward the door slightly. Or, if you're not careful, it can actually snap the light onto that door. Another advantage to the Rigel II being easily removed from its mount, is that if you need to transition from a weaponlight to a handheld, you can do it quickly. I can think of a thousand ways where a magnetic light might come in handy.

I think the Magne-Tech Rigel II is a good multi-purpose light. It’s bright enough for a good everyday weaponlight. It’s not a long throw light, but it gives plenty of range for most uses. The magnetic mount gives you plenty of options and it’s super strong. The advantages of the magnetic mount outweigh the cons for sure. If you want to check the Rigel II out, head over to Magne-Tech and give it a look.