Chad Wallace

March 4, 2023

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight

Chad Wallace

March 4, 2023

When it comes to weapon lights, there are plenty on the market. The new Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight is one of them. This Streamlight 2.0 falls somewhere between those cheap Amazon lights and the super expensive “pro” lights. Don’t underestimate the ProTac 2.0, it has some really nice features. As of right now, it is only available in a kit with a pressure switch.

If you are in the market for a weaponlight, there are a few things to take into consideration. The first is probably lumens. Everyone has a lumen rating for their light and it’s usually advertised highly. But remember that lumens don’t tell the whole story about lighting, there is also candela. In simple terms, lumens measure total brightness and candela measures how that brightness is applied. The Streamlight Protac 2.0 has a max brightness of 2000 lumens and a candela rating of 17,700. In the case of the ProTac 2.0 you get a bright output but a wider beam pattern. The higher the candela rating, the more focused the beam is, or how much farther the light will project. Streamlight rated the beam distance at 266 meters for the 2.0. In comparison, Streamlight’s HL-X has half the lumens of the ProTac 2.0, but a candela of 27k for a beam distance of 332 meters. A higher candela rating will also help the light push through photonic barriers, like smoke or fog, better. The ProTac 2.0’s beam is really good for buildings and rooms where there isn’t a need for target identification at 200 yds. It would make a good light for your home defense rifle or shotgun.

Target backers at 50 & 100 yds, barely visible are 200 yd backers

The ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight has some other impressive attributes. It’s not incredibly long at 6.3 inches, or heavy at just over 9 ounces. It comes standard with a picatinny mount. If you don’t like the picatinny mount, the Protac 2.0 uses a standard “scout” mounting platform. This makes MLok mounts and the like fairly easy to come by. I installed a 45 degree MLok mount on it since I didn’t like how far off the rail the picatinny mount mounted the light. The ProTac 2.0 also comes with a pressure pad. This is only a pressure pad with no switch on it. New for Streamlight is the way the pressure switch attaches to the light. There is a dual end cap. The end cap has a switch, but also has an outlet to plug in the pressure pad. This way one can use the switch and the pressure pad. Before, you were limited to one or the other. I must say, this dual end cap setup is pretty nice. If not using the port, an attached plug can be used to keep it protected.

The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 is rechargeable. There is no option to use off the shelf batteries if needed. The battery used is also proprietary. Extra batteries run around $30. There are, however, some different ways to charge the battery. On the body of the light, there is a sliding cover over the battery's charging port. Just slide it down from the lights head and plug in your charging cord. The cover slides over an o-ring to protect it from water and dirt. The cover never opened up by itself, so that's a plus. The other way is to take the battery out and plug the charging cord into it directly. This new battery gives the ProTac 2.0 a 2.5 hour runtime on high or 11 hours on low.

Streamlight is known for their ability to program the lights function. The ProTac 2.0 is no different. It still uses their “Ten-Tap” programming. Press the button 10 times fast, holding it down on the 10th “tap”. Once the light goes out, release the button. Now you are in the next mode. Do this until the mode you want is selected. The ProTac 2.0 has 3 programming options. They are: High/Strobe, High only, and Low/High. I have it set to high only, but choose what works best for you. Low output is 250 lumens. Strobe and high are 2000 lumens.

I really enjoyed how the ProTac 2.0 functioned. The pressure pad, along with the included mounting hardware, worked great. Since the pad doesn’t have an on/off switch, I use my thumb on the tailcap switch. That way if I need it to be always on, I just push the button. Having that ability, with the new dual tailcap, is really nice. The light output is bright enough to light up my entire living room or bedroom. I can’t identify targets very well at over 100yds, but they can still be seen just fine. I just can’t see if they have a weapon or not. I immediately changed out the picatinny mount because it put the light too far away from the rail, so it was awkward to reach the tailcap button. Having the standard “scout” mounting platform made that an easy fix.

The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight kit is a good all around light. Especially if you don’t mind proprietary batteries. If it’s your first weaponlight, then those batteries won’t matter as much. The light is programmable and bright. The new tailcap makes the light more useful too. At a price of around $170, the Protac 2.0 is something to look at.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

2000 Lumen weapon mounted light kit

Target Market:

Those needing or wanting a weapon mounted light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Uses one (1) Streamlight SL-B50® protected Li-Ion USB-rechargeable battery pack (included)
Features TEN-TAP® programming - Choice of three user selectable programs:
1) high/strobe 2) high only 3) low/high
High: 2,000 lumens; 266 m beam; runs 2.5 hours
Low: 250 lumens; 93 m beam; runs 11 hours
Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 4.5 hours
IP67-rated; dust-tight and waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes (IPX4-rated when remote switch is plugged in)
2-meter impact resistance tested
6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish
Mounts directly to guns with MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails
Includes remote pressure switch
6.30 in (16.0 cm)
9.06 oz (257 g) with one (1) SL-B50® battery pack
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Rating:

Pros:

Hi Lumens for lots of light spill
Dual connection battery cap
On weapon charging
Decent pressure switch

Cons:

Proprietary battery
Low Candela
Only comes with 1 battery
Picatinny mount

Score: 7.00 Good

Favorite Link: Atibal Optics

Chad Wallace

March 7, 2021

AR15, NightStick, Lights, Review, Bayco

Nightstick LGL-170 Weapon Light

Chad Wallace

March 7, 2021

AR15, NightStick, Lights, Review, Bayco

If you are into any type of self defense long gun, then you could probably use a weapon mounted light. Nightstick, a division of Bayco products, has brought out some nice lights in this category. One of those lights is the LGL-170. This is their top tier weapon mounted light, coming in at 1500 lumens.

Now I know that you just can’t judge a light on Lumens alone. You need the Candela rating also. Well the LGL-170 produces 23,148 candela. In easy to understand terms, the lower the candela rating, the more “flood” like the beam output will be. The higher the candela, the more “spot” like the beam will be. At 23,000 candela, I found the Nightstick to be a good combination of the two. It produces a wider beam then some other weapon lights on the market, but yet still gives plenty of throw to see down range. Nightstick rates it at a 304 meter beam distance. All I know is that I can make out targets at 200 yards with the naked eye, in essentially complete darkness. This also translates into being able to see “threats” out to 200 yards.

Closest target stand is 50 yds, next is 100, and farthest is 200 yds

Steel gong and swinger rack (slightly left of center) is at 200 yds. Click image to make larger

Nightstick includes everything needed to get started with the light. In the box are 2, yes 2, 3400mah 18650 rechargeable batteries, with a charger of course. Standard and off-set picatinny mounts. An optional 6” cabled pressure remote pad, with an on/off button. The pad can be used with a supplied hook & loop, or a slide in, picatinny rail adapter. Also for the pressure switch, is a wire management picatinny clamp. Nightstick also makes a low profile angled mount adapter for KeyMod or M-lok. I used the M-lok one to mount the light closer in toward the handguard. This makes it easy to use, with just my thumb, for activation. I thought the cable management clamp was a nice added benefit to the package, even though I ended up not using it.

In the standard configuration, the LGL-170 is your basic weapon light. The tail switch is pressed slightly to use the momentary on function. Or pressed completely to turn it on or off. There is a nice positive click when turning it on or off. One feature I really like in a weapon light, is full lumens all the time. No strobe, or low power to get me distracted under stress. The LGL-170 does this. It’s either on or off, nothing else, always at full power.

Since most of the features are listed below, I won’t go over most of them here. But, there are a couple I am going to mention. Having a way to use another power source is always a good idea. So Nightstick made the LGL able to use 2 CR123 batteries as an option. The output is cut down to 1200 lumens, but it’s way better than zero! Plus, you probably have some rolling around in your range bag, at least I do. The next feature is the light’s weight. It comes in at 7.5 ounces with the battery. It’s a little heavier, by 0.5 ounces, than some other lights, but that’s not a deal breaker. When you have a light mounted on the end of a rifle, it makes the rifle swing differently from target to target. Something I noticed when moving the rifle. Also, you just added a ½ lb to that lightweight rifle. But in this case, I’d rather have the ½ lb and be able to see my targets.

As with most products, there always has to be something questionable. The only part I really don’t like about the light kit is the picatinny switch mount. This picatinny mount, for the pressure switch, is a clip on a piece of plastic. You then slide the pressure switch into this mount. The part that mounts to the rail actually holds on okay, but could be torn off under extreme use. But even worse, is that the pressure switch just slides into the rail adapter, and doesn’t stay. Yes, I know that I could use glue or hook & loop to fix this, but it was kind of annoying. On the other hand, the pressure switch, itself, is awesome.

After a couple months of use, I ran into a problem. The light was not staying bright. After 45 seconds of being on, the output had dwindled down to almost nothing. Cycle the switch, and it would get real bright and then dim down in a minute again. I contacted Nightstick and they immediately sent a new light kit. Yes they sent the whole kit and told me to only return the light and the pressure switch. So I gained two 18650 batteries and a charger in the deal. When I asked them what had happened to the light, they said it had a programming error and were very thankful for me in helping them find the problem. Every company has something go wrong from time to time, I suspect mine was a one off problem, knowing that they have these lights in many law enforcement departments and that they have been tested by those departments. How they react to the problems is what really counts. So far, the new light is working as expected. If anything goes wrong again, I’ll update this review.

The “unrated” light output is what really shines. In my house, bouncing the light off of the hardwood floor, will literally let you see everything in the living room and kitchen, with ease. Anything you directly point the light at, is bright as day. Real world use, I did get the 1.5 hours of constant on run time. I didn’t expect the full run time at highest output, but I was pleased with how long the light was bright for. In fact, even when it nears the auto shut off from low power, the brightness was still real bright. I’d guess somewhere in the 1000 lumen range.

I can say that the Nightstick LGL-170 is a useful weapon light. It’s bright. The battery lasts a decent time and it comes with everything that you might need to attach it to your weapon of choice. I have some other Nightstick products. This LGL-170 is right up there in quality and function. If you are in the market for a weapon light or something else, that lights up your world, go check out the Nightstick line of lights.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1500 lumen LED weapon light

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a bright, decent weapon light for their rifle or shotgun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

1500 Lumen output for 1.5 hours
23.148 Candela
Length: 5.5 in (140 mm)
Width: 0.9 in (23 mm)
Weight: 7.5 oz (213 g)
Diameter: 0.9 in (23 mm)
Head Diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Tail cap and 6" Remote Pressure Switch included
Momentary or constant-on function
Standard and offset Picatinny rail mounts
Sharp focused beam for distance illumination
6061-T6 aluminum housing w/Black type III hard-anodized finish
Beam distance rated at 304 meters
IP-X7 Waterproof
Impact & chemical resistant
Serialized for personal identification
(2) 18650 batteries, single charger and 2' USB cable (included)
Will work with 2-CR123 batteries - output reduced to 1200 lumens and 21,278 candela
Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Optics Planet

Very well made light

The light is well made and super bright with no strobe function though ...also the mounts are very solid and screws come with thread locker applied which is a nice touch and shows some forward thinking by the manufacturer.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found at the time of this writing

Price point:

MSRP = $249.00

Angle mount = $24.00

Retail = $199.45 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

Optics Planet or other online retailers

Our Rating:

Pros:

Everything is included
Bright
Real nice pressure switch
Run Time
Customer Service

Cons:

Candela output
Mount for pressure switch
Weight

Score: 7.00 Good

Favorite Link: Atibal optics

Chad Wallace

August 2, 2014

Accessories, Glocktech, Holsters, Review

Glocktech MIC Holster Review

Chad Wallace

August 2, 2014

Accessories, Glocktech, Holsters, Review

The Glocktech MIC holster is a zero bulk holster for deep concealment. The idea came about from a law enforcement officer in the mid 90s. Detectives and undercover officers were carrying their firearms by just sticking them in their waistband, sans holster. Mitch, the creator, says there was a need for a safer alternative, without having to add the bulk of a full belt holster, and thus, the Minimal Inside Carry(MIC) holster was born. It is small, molded Kydex piece that is formed around the trigger guard and is available for 32 different firearms. It simply slips over the trigger guard and protects the trigger. On the front of the holster, just forward of the trigger guard, there is a hole with a cord through it. The cord wraps around your belt, then you stick the holstered pistol into your waistband. The cord that is wrapped around your belt does two things. The first concern of non-holstered carry is that your pistol could slip down your pants and out of your leg, possibly being kicked across the floor at the most inopportune moment. The cord keeps it from going too far down, and falling out. Its other purpose is to adjust carry depth. You can shorten or lengthen the cord by putting a knot in it. If you want it deeper, make the knot further from the holster and if you want it higher, put the knot closer to the holster.

Drawing from the MIC is a little different from a normal holster. You have to draw it with far enough to get the holster to detach from the pistol. It does take a little force, also, so you would need to pull the holster out more vigorously than you would a Kydex, leather, or hybrid holster. You can also draw it to where it is just out of your waist band, then push forward. This will free the holster from the pistol. Watch the video below for visuals of the drawing techniques.

Where this holster shines, is that you can quickly adjust its cant and position without removing a holster. If you carry on your strong hip, driving with a traditional holster can be uncomfortable, because the butt of the grip pushes against the seat and squishes the pistol into your side. With the MIC, there is enough flexibility, with the lack of clips, that it just simply gets pushed forward and makes driving armed incredibly comfortable. The downside to this is that when you exit your vehicle, you’ll have to adjust it back to your normal cant. If getting in and out of a vehicle all day, it may get a little annoying, but if you’re driving all day, it really makes it comfortable.

Another feature of the MIC is that the cord is heavy enough and the retention is tight enough that if your pistol is somehow knocked/worked loose from your waistband, it holds the pistol, instead of it just hitting the floor. It would be an awkward, and possibly illegal, situation, but at least your gun wouldn't be lying on the floor of the grocery store check-out line for someone else to pick up.

One last feature is that you can wrap the cord around the base of your seat in a vehicle and use the holster in the vehicle by jamming it in between your seat and console. The holster covers the trigger guard and also keeps the pistol from bouncing around in the event of a collision or a sudden stop. See Mr Colion Noir’s video for a better description.

Glocktech also offers an upgrade for the cord. They call it the Versa Cord. It is a heavier cord than the included one, and it is about twice the length. They advertise it for giving even more range of adjustment, and to also keep something covering your trigger when pocket carrying.

I personally think the MIC is a great holster, but I may be a bit hesitant to refer it to a new concealed carrier. The reason why, is that the handling pretty unorthodox.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Zero bulk, concealed carry holster

Target Market: Concealed carriers and discreet law enforcement officers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Zero bulk
Adjustable carry depth
Very versatile
Great for driving

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The MIC is only available in black, but, despite the Glocktech name, the MIC is available for many more firearms.

What others are saying?: “When you use a product like this, you have removed all the risk of this type of carry” –The Yankee Marshall

Price Point:

MSRP = $18.95 + Shipping
MSRP = $20.95 for MIC with Versa Cord
Retail = $22.99 with Free shipping

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the Glocktech MIC holster from Amazon and directly from Glocktech.

Our Rating:

+-No bulk +-Simple +-Versatile +-Great for driving +-Inexpensive

--A little bit of a nuisance when going from sitting to standing

Score: 9.0

Community Reviewer

May 9, 2014

DPMS, Review, Rifle, Semi Auto

DPMS G2 Recon .308 Rifle Review

Community Reviewer

May 9, 2014

DPMS, Review, Rifle, Semi Auto

By Steven Pope

After looking at several of the rifles on the market, I settled on the G2 Recon. Price was right and the options were good. And besides, somebody has to buy a first year model so the rest of you can find out if they are worth it.

I bought my rifle online, sight unseen, first time buying a gun of any kind online. So leaps of faith on two fronts here. No one near me had one, let alone knew that a new version was out, so it was purchased sight unseen.

I was pretty excited about it and could not wait to get it, and so far I am very happy with my purchase. I was/am a little leery about all the new design changes, but like I said, someone has to be the first so I gambled.

When I pulled it out of the box to do the pre-transfer inspection, I was quite pleased with the fit and finish. The lines were good, no gaps, everything fit nice and tight, like I would expect. The finish was flawless, basically it looked like I would expect a 1,400 dollar rifle to look.

After paying my $20.00 transfer fee, I took it home and proceeded to put three rounds through it because the sun was setting and I just could not help myself, I was so excited about finally having it. Then I went inside and did a field strip and clean. Again, nothing that I would not expect. Everything seemed to look good, fit good and function good.

The only issue that I have noticed is how the Nikon M-223 mount fits, either the mount is a little out of spec or my top rail is, as its on as far as my gun smith could get it without putting some real effort into it. As it turns out, its location is about where it needs to be, so I have not taken the time to look into it.

I purchased a few P-mags before the rifle showed up, and got them loaded up and ready to go. And so far, they have performed perfectly with no flaws at all. I have also emptied the factory magazine a few times and it, too, has been flawless.

This last Saturday I had about 45-min to an hour to go sight it in, so I took it out at last light and sighted in. Before I knew it, I had put a total of 50 rounds through this thing and they all functioned perfectly, no malfunctions of any kind.

All shots were made from a bi-pod under the front and a sand bag under the rear.

I was shooting hand loads that I developed for my 308 bolt rifle I use for hunting. The round is a 165 grain Speer BTSP over 43 grains of IMR 4064. In my bolt gun this combo gives me clover leafs at a 100 yards with a fully supported rifle. In the G2 we were close, but my shooting position is horrible, I am really hunched over the table. And that position really messes with how a short fat guy breathes, but it was good enough that I think I could come real close to duplicating those clover leaves, if I could get a good shooting bench set up. I seated the bullet to magazine length. I had zero feed issues, everything functioned perfectly.

After I got the scope sighted, I started plinking. I was having so much fun I did not realize that I had burned through all the ammo I had, I have never shot more than a box of 308 in one sitting so to go through 47 was a lot, but it was incredibly fun.

The recoil was very pleasant and easy to handle, which is good since one of the roles I hope this rifle will be able to fill is a hunting rifle for my son when he is old enough to hunt. The trigger is good, for me any way. I do not anticipate upgrading it.

On several forums, many people suggested that I skip the 16" barreled guns and go no less than 18", due to noise and muzzle flash. So I was kinda worried about the noise and flash when I was shooting the other evening. But, to be honest, I think my M&P Sport has more noise and flash than this does. I did not start shooting ‘til the sun was behind the closest mountain, making it optimal conditions for seeing muzzle flash.

After sighting in, I decided it was time to just do some plinking. I was surrounded by black volcanic rocks with lots of white stuff on them (no idea what the white stuff is) which made them perfect targets for the conditions. Let’s just say that if they had been deer or elk, I would have had a lot of explaining to do if Fish and Game would have caught me. There is just something cool about the sound of a bullet smacking a rock at 200-300 yards. Plus, for a guy like me, it feels good to have the audible feedback letting me know I really did hit the rock.

Overall, I think this is a well put together rifle that, so far, shoots very well. Since sighting in, I am over 100 rounds and zero malfunctions. The rifle is pleasant to shoot and just plain fun.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: DPMS claims that the rifle is lighter than previous versions. From what I have handled in the local gun shops that seems to be very accurate. This gun is light and easy to handle. Another point DPMS makes in advertising this rifle is the nice neat pile of brass that it makes while ejecting a spent case. I have found this statement to be understated somewhat. While doing load development I discovered that the loads the rifle likes best seem to land in a circle less than a foot in diameter. For a reloader, this is a pretty good bonus.

Target Market: This rifle would be well suited for several applications, including hunting, 3 gun competitions and law enforcement/security.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

One of the major advertising points of this rifle is the compatibility with AR-15 parts from the mag-well back, fire controls and buffer tube.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The DPMS G2 Recon .308 Rifle is only available in black.

What others are saying?: “I'm surprised this hasn't been the talk of the semi-auto forum...i expect the snubs at M4carbine and lightfighter forums to pretend the earth hasn't shifted, but not here...

As much as i hate to parrot company line, I think DPMS has changed the game.

If the new GII rifles live up to DPMS's hype, and they aren't known for failures or quality issues, I believe DPMS will cause the market to change.

Even if there are teething problems, the 308 AR market will eventually follow DPMS's lead after some resistance and consternation of course.

I have two DPMS rifles...looks like I'll be adding one of these to my stable. I'm especially interested in the 20" hunter model...although it should have been designed with a threaded barrel.” - TX_Flyboy, Snipers Hide

Price Point:

MSRP = $1759.00
Retail = $1430.67

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this rifle from many retailers, including Bud's Gun Shop and Cheaper Than Dirt.

Our Rating:

+ Light + Good fit and finish

- New gun, Untested

Score: 9.5 Amazing Amazing

Chad Wallace

April 25, 2014

Accessories, Lights, Maglite

Maglite XL200 LED Flashlight Review

Chad Wallace

April 25, 2014

Accessories, Lights, Maglite

I bought this light as my first carry light. I immediately loved it. My plan was to carry it in my back pocket, where I could easily reach it. The next day, while at work, I took it out of my pocket and it never went back in. It was a little too bulky for daily carry, but that’s not to say that it’s a bad light. It is very bright with an advertised lumen output of 172. The reflector is deep, which allows the light to throw the beam very far. I would say that the beam is usable to at least 75 yards. The user-interface is unique, though a bit odd. There is a single button on the rear of the light. To activate it, you press the button once, and it’s on. If you hold the button down, while also twisting the light in your hand, it will dim or brighten the beam(depending on which way you twist it) through the use of an accelerometer. To switch to other modes, you have to quickly tap the rear button differing amounts of times. Once for on, twice for strobe, three times for sleep(more on that in a second), four for signal mode, and five for SOS. The strobe have variable speeds activated the same way you dim/brighten the light. The sleep mode is a mode that leaves the light on your selected level until you set it down. Once it is still for a few seconds, the beam will dim to its lowest level. This could be used as a night light and locating the light in the dark. As soon as you pick it up, the beam goes back to your selected level. The SOS mode sets it to blink in the universal SOS pattern(3 long beams, 3 short beams, 3 long beams). The run-time is not great on high. I have never officially timed it, but it just seems to always die or be dim. Another negative would be that the light is completely round, so it doesn’t have anything to keep it from rolling off of a table. You can buy the Mini Maglite Accessory Pack and use the slip-on anti-roll head. This will also give you color filters, if you want. In the end, I would not recommend this light for carry, but as a relatively inexpensive, feature-packed light for all other occasions, I would recommend it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Compact flashlight that offers five basic, easy-to-use functions and stunning brightness.

Target Market: Sporting goods and general use

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key Features

Compact
Bright
Multiple modes
Motion-controlled power level
3 AAA batteries

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? This light is available in black, red, gray, and blue.

What others are saying? “Leading the Maglite product line both in terms of function and performance, the XL200 is a great multi-purpose performance flashlight.” - Robin Wang, LED Resource

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: The Maglite XL200 LED Flashlight is available from Amazon.

Our Rating: + Bright + Far reach + Somewhat inexpensive + Multiple modes

- Low Run-time - Strange user-interface - Rolls too easily - Somewhat bulky

Score: 6.5

Chad Wallace

December 16, 2013

Accessories, Lights, LRI

LRI Photon Freedom Micro-Light Review

Chad Wallace

December 16, 2013

Accessories, Lights, LRI

This light may look like a last-minute grab at the gas station check-out counter, but it is far from that! The Photon Freedom has proven to be an excellent light. It is very small and light, plus can be activated with one hand by a push button on the top. It is offered in the regular version and the “Covert” model. The covert model adds a shield around the LED to prevent spilling of side light. I chose the Covert model for that reason. Unlike most key-chain lights, it has an actual on/off switch, rather than just a momentary on. It is not incredibly bright, but very usable, when you need it. It will even dimly light up my neighbor’s yard from

about 40 yards away just enough to make sure my dog isn’t wandering. When you hold the activation switch, the light will start on a very dim setting and ramp its way up to its max output. Once there, the light will flash once, to notify you that it is in max. If the light is on, it will do the opposite and get dimmer, once again, flashing when it’s at its lowest setting. Continuing to hold the button past the flash will start the light into its specialty modes. You can choose slow beacon, fast beacon, strobe and auto SOS by releasing the button once on the desired setting. You can even set it to momentary by rapidly pressing the on/off button 6 times. The light comes in many beam colors including white, red, blue, purple and even infrared. It also comes with a mount that has a clip and magnets for nearly unlimited hand-free placement options.