Lights

Powertac WOFT

  When it comes to handheld flashlights, there’s a ton of them around. The ultimate question is how do you know which one is right for you? I would go check out reviews and specifications. Which is probably why you are here. Powertac has been doing some pretty interesting things with handheld lights. I’ve reviewed a few of their lights in the past and they performed well. They sent out one of their new lights, the Powertac WOFT tactical EDC light. This light is a collaboration with WOFT (Where Our Families Train) training.

  The Powertac WOFT light is very compact. It has a length of 4.28 inches. A head diameter of 1 inch and a body diameter of 0.85 inches. This makes it fit in the pocket nicely. I usually just throw the WOFT light in my pocket. But for those wondering, it does have a pocket clip. The pocket clip is dual purpose, so it can be clipped onto stuff in either direction. So basically, button up, or button down, whatever suits your carry style. I did find it useful, if you needed to use the Powertac WOFT light as a headlamp. Just clip it to your hat brim and light up wherever your head is facing. The clip can be located around the flashlight body in 4 different locations. The Powertac WOFT is compact enough to make it easy to carry everyday.

  Function of the Powertac WOFT is pretty self explanatory. For instance, the button on the rear tailcap turns the light on and off. One press on, one press off. To momentarily turn the light on, just lightly push the button down. If you double tap the rear switch, you turn on the strobe mode. This works both in momentary and click options, depending on if you want the strobe to stay on or just use it for a wee bit. The tailcap button also has two ears sticking up to protect the button.These ears allow you to stand the light upright on a flat surface. I’m a big fan of a light that can stand up and be used to illuminate a whole room, similar to a lantern.

Front Target stands are 50 yds, Rear are 100 yds. Anything within 50 yds is easily identified

  The Powertac WOFT also has 5 brightness settings. These are: Firefly, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo. The Light ALWAYS turns on in the Turbo made. This is great for a tactical flashlight application, because if you need it, you want it on the highest setting. After the initial turn on, you can cycle through the lights settings by using the side button, which is located on the side of the flashlight's head. Since the WOFT light turns on in the Turbo mode, the first press of the side button takes you to the Firefly mode. Then each consecutive press takes you to the next level. I’m a big fan of tactical EDC lights that always turn on at the highest setting. Powertac hit this option spot on. I also really like the Firefly setting as a task light in dark settings.

  Now what everyone is waiting for, how bright is this Powertac light? It’s plenty bright at 1200 lumens for the Turbo mode. The Turbo mode also spews out a candela rating of 14,400. This gives a good combination of spot and flood. It’s plenty enough to disorient an aggressor. Powertac specs it out at a 240 meter beam distance, we all know that about half of that is useful distance. But that’s plenty for a small handheld light. The light runs off of a rechargeable 14500 cell. Extra are easily found on Amazon and other places. Powertac includes a magnetic usb charging cord that works great for onboard charging of the battery and light. For all you geeks out there (me included), here’s a list of those brightness modes and run times:

Lumens and Run Times:

Firefly - 0.41 lm for 3.4 days

Low - 19 lm for 9.69 hrs

Medium - 140 lm for 3.68 hrs

High - 600 lm for 47 mins

Turbo - 1,200 lm for 43 mins

Strobe - 1,200 lm for 1.18 hrs

  In the box are a few other items. The Powertac WOFT comes with 3 different bezels: a smooth one, a medium aggressive, and a pretty aggressive one. They just screw on, so they are easily swapped. Of course I used the most aggressive one. If I have to use it as an impact weapon, I want it to hurt. But the choice is yours. Also included is a wrist lanyard. I left it in the box, but it’s included if you have a need for it. The included extra bezels are a nice addition.

  The Powertac WOFT has become my EDC light. I carry it daily. Mainly because it has great light output for its size. I like that it’s not too large in diameter. Most other lights in this category seem to have a larger diameter, with a similar length and output. If I had one complaint, it would be run times, but I can’t expect that in such a small light. At first I had a little sticker shock on the price, but after using it for months, I get why it costs what it costs. 

  Powertac and WOFT did a great job putting this EDC light together. From its small size to its impressive output, it does what a pocket edc light should do. Always coming on in the turbo mode is what a tactical light should do, at least if it has more than one output. If you are looking for an edc pocket light, I’d recommend checking out the WOFT light at Powertac, as well as the other lights Powertac offers

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

50, 100, 200 yd target stands

Claim to Fame:

Bright, small, rechargeable handheld light

Target Market:

Anyone needing a small, bright, handheld light

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • 1200 lumens max output

  • 14400 Candela max

  • 6 different settings that include 5 levels of brightness plus a strobe

  • 14500 Rechargeable Battery

  • Interchangeable smoothed, scalloped, & aggressive bezel

  • Magnetic USB Charging

  • Length: 4.28” (108.6mm)

  • Bezel Diameter: 1” (25.4mm)

  • Body Diameter: 0.85” (21.5mm)

  • Weight: 2.61oz (74g) without battery

  • Deep-carry bidirectional pocket clip

  • Reverse polarity protection protects from improper battery installation

  • O-ring sealed

  • Machined from aircraft grade aluminum with type III anodized finish

  • Tempered glass to resist breaking and scratching upon impact

  • Double coated glass lens to give maximum OTF (Out The Front) brightness and beam distance

  • IPX8 waterproof Submersible up to 2 meters under water

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Powertac.com

This flashlight is a BEAST

There are some fantastic features packed into this bad boy. I love how quick and easy it is to switch to strobe for home security or signaling, then back to Turbo. The WOFT lights up my whole street in Turbo mode. Nice build, well done Powertac!

Link to other reviews:

Tactical Tavern on YouTube   

Price point:

MSRP = $129.95

Retail = $110.45 with discount code “GGR”

I need it now! Availability:

Powertac

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Small size

  • Bright beam

  • Good beam pattern

  • Always turns on at Turbo setting

  • Multi-Directional pocket clip

Cons:

  • Run Time

  • Price

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Powertac M5 G2 Review   

Z-Bolt Blazer LED & LEP lights

  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 beam

  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.

Green Filter LEP

Approximately 450 yds, LEP

Diffused LEP

  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. 

approximately 200 yds, LEP

  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.

LED Spill and hot spot

  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.

Tree line is around 150 yds, LED

LED

  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

Link to other reviews:

LEP - OreGear YouTube   

LEP - TFB review  

LED - Big Dick Ballistics

Price point:

MSRP = $228.00 and $298.00 as tested

Retail = LED’s start at $168.00

LEP’s start at $288.00

I need it now! Availability:

Z-Bolt Electro-Optics

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

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight

  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.

ProTac 2.0 light output on “HI”

Vehicle “Hi Beams”

  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.

Charging port slid open

  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

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Handheld version

Price point:

MSRP =  $245.00

Retail = $169.99 at Primary Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

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

Surefire X300 Turbo

By: Shan Hemphill

  Surefire is known for supplying quality, robust lights that are made in the USA, and supplies heavily to law enforcement agencies. Surefire products have a lifetime warranty, and there are many comments on the Internet about how Surefire has quickly resolved problems. Surefire is also known to be slow to release new lights, so their Turbo versions of the X300 and Scout have been heavily anticipated since their announcements at Shot Show 2022.

  I obtained 4 samples of the X300 Turbo, allowing me to gather data from multiple lights, then compare versus some of the best in the industry.

Specs:

Lumens: 650

Candela: 66,000

Runtime: 1.5 hours

Batteries 2x CR123A

Switches: Ambidextrous push (momentary) / toggle (constant)

Water Protection: IPX7

In the box:

  Inside the packaging is the light itself, 2 Surefire-branded 123A lithium batteries, instructions, and rail keys depending upon whether you’ve purchased the “A” or “B” version. The “A” version utilizes a spring rail key attachment system, and as a result, the box includes an extra spring rail and a tool to remove. The “B” version includes an extra rail key. Both also include a battery door pin to help keep the door from opening unexpectedly. 

  Fitup of either version is easy, but be aware that this is a large pistol light. It fits on the majority of pistols that utilize a full size rail, but it sticks out beyond the muzzle on most full size pistols. It even sticks out beyond the end of my compensated Glock G19x.

  The X300 Turbo is exactly the same size as the X300 Ultra. That’s important because there are a million holsters for the X300U;  you should be able to find concealment holsters for IWB or OWB, and if you’re on duty using a X300U already, you can keep your existing retention holster.

  Even though the package is long, I have been comfortably carrying the pictured package AIWB. Yes, that means I appendix carry one of the longest pistol and light packages on the market. I do so in the Werkz M6 holster, but I carry in the deep position with a little negative cant dialed in. I find this quite comfortable and easy to carry day in and day out. While it’s not G43x small, it’s workable.

  The light takes two CR123A batteries. While many people now prefer rechargeables for their lower cost and higher output capability, I do appreciate prime batteries for their long-lasting power output, and that I can easily swap batteries while training. 

  I tested all 4 of the X300T samples for lumen output in my integrating sphere, capturing both the absolute maximum, and calculating the ANSI / PLATO FL-1 lumens (which average readings from 30 to 120 seconds). Here are my results.

I also captured candela using similar measurements.

  All the lights performed well, but I did observe some variance between them. This is typical of lights; the electronic components (especially the LEDs) can vary from light to light giving different readings. 

  It is interesting how the light seems to get stronger for about the first 15 seconds, then it levels out and drops off.

The competition

  Given the high candela output of this light, probably the best light to compare to is the Modlite PL350 using either the OKW or the PLHv2 head. The PL350 is similarly priced, and the OKW head is rated at similar candela output at a rated 69,000cd. Here are my measurements:

  As we can see here, the new X300 Turbo has significantly more candela than the Ultra, and has competitive output compared to the PL350 with the OKW head. This is impressive output from CR123A batteries.

  I measured candela at angle, which provides a graphical view of the width of light intensity. If wider angles have higher candela output, then the light has more flood. If a light has a peak, then drops off near zero, then it has all throw and almost no flood.

    In this case, you can see that the PL350 with the PLHv2 head has a fair amount of output up to 5 degrees. In comparison, the X300U is much flatter, showing in graphical terms how it provides much more flood than the other lights.

  I also gathered lumen data, which allows me to measure instant max lumens, and calculate ANSI / PLATO FL-1 lumens, and runtime.

In this chart, we see that the highest lumen is from the Ultra, which is no surprise given that light’s focus on output and flood. There are two Turbo samples here because sample 1 seemed to have an issue with runtime that I didn’t see in the other 3, so I included sample 2 as an example of how the majority of the units tested out. It’s good to see that the Turbo can run 1:15 still outputting almost 400 lumens. 

Practical Testing

I stood downrange and had each of the lights shone into my eyes. Excepting the Ultra, all of these lights were painful to look at and I had a hard time determining distance or position of the person holding the lights. From the camera angle, you can see that all of these lights provide a degree of flood, and each light has a slightly different color tint.

Summary

Here is a summary of the data shown here:

Based upon the data gathered here, I personally am upgrading from my Streamlight TLR-1HL to the Surefire X300T. In particular, sample 3 impressed me not only with output but also with a slightly warmer color temperature out of the group. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Candela is competitive with the best pistol lights, backed by the Surefire reputation and fits in existing X300 holsters.

Target Market:

Military, law enforcement, and citizens who want some of the highest throw possible in a pistol light.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Feature: 66,000 advertised candela

    • Benefit: Provides high throw capability – can illuminate further out than most pistol lights

    • Benefit: Defeats photonic barriers such as auto glass, headlights, and dark corners better

    • Benefit: Helps control subjects better by blinding themselves

  • Feature: Same form factor as the X300U

    • Benefit: Fits in all your existing X300 holsters

  • Feature: Retains X300 existing momentary and constant switches

    • Benefit: Operator can select between momentary activation and constant activation

  • Feature: Surefire build and reputation

    • Benefit: High quality made in the USA product with an excellent warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Comes in “A” and “B” flavors. The A version uses a sprung lever & key to lock in to the rail. The “B” version uses a key but has a screw to clamp to the rail. My personal preference is the “B” as I can clamp it down and eliminate rate. However, many people also have good success with the A version by using the correct key, or by putting some electrical tape on the top to reduce or eliminate the rattle.

Comes in black and tan.

What others are saying?:

T-Rex Arms:

Surefire was able to change the throw of this light without changing the external dimensions or size of the light itself, so you’ll be able to use with the holsters out there. They were able to squeeze this power out of CR123A batteries.

Big Tex Ordnance: 

“Still the standard, I regretted trading up to the 1000lm from the 500, this has the right spot and a nice flood, fits my existing setup and I might be losing it but the switches feel a lot easier to manipulate than the ones on the 1000.”

“Great light; amazing throw, intense hotspot, but still has a decent amount of flood. This is nearly as good outdoors as my Cloud Defensive Rein while being much smaller and still being the same size as my X300U. I don’t think you need to run out and replace all your old X300s and TLR-1s, but if you’ve got a handgun that needs a light, this should be a no-brainer.”

Link to other reviews:

https://youtu.be/Ra2j0mo_5zU

https://www.lowlightdefense.com/surefire-x300-turbo-the-king-reclaims-the-throne/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalgear/comments/wjrnue/x300_turbo_is/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ne1U85IEBA 

Price point:

MSRP = $379   

Primary arms = $322   

Big Tex Ordnance = $322

I need it now! Availability:

Seems out of stock everywhere. I think Primary Arms might be a good source.

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Some of the highest candela in this segment. 30 seconds in, my 4 lights averaged 61k. Some people think candela is only for rifles, but it is also useful for defeating photonic barriers such as when shining a light through a car windshield and against the car’s headlights. Candela also helps blind a subject, making it difficult or impossible for them to see you.

  • Still has decent flood, similar to the Modlite OKW. Not as wide as the Ultra, but testing shows it sufficient for most indoor operations. Output is good, and for indoors it is possible to shine the light up (umbrella lighting) or down against the bottom of the wall (baseboard) to help diffuse the light.

  • Consistent output: our testing shows 96% output consistency from run to run. Some lights are much lower, down around 85%. 

  • Generous runtime of 1.5 hours

  • Utilizes existing X300 holsters, and literally everyone makes holsters for pistols with the X300.

  • Switches provide both momentary and constant activation, and do so intuitively.

  • Utilizes common CR123A batteries.

Cons:

  • This is an expensive light at just over $330 street price.

  • Switches are adequate and provide both momentary and constant activation, but they can feel stiff or sticky, and the momentary activation pokes my thumb  under recoil. 

  • Some people will see the high candela and lack of flood as a reason not to run the light. My experience is that high candela lights do restrict some of the peripheral view, but I know how disorienting a high candela light can be when it’s aimed directly at my face. I can overcome most of the concerns about “blinding myself” or “it’s too focused” through training.

  • It’s still a large light, one of the largest on the market. 

Score:

This is now my EDC light on my Glock 19x. 

I rate it at 8.50 - Great. 

Favorite Link: Geek out on all the data HERE

Powertac E9R-G4

  When Powertac contacted me about reviewing a flashlight, I honestly was a little hesitant. I shouldn’t have been! They sent out one of their E9R-G4 tactical lights. The E9 is the model, the G4 just means it’s the fourth generation of this light. This handheld light is way better than I expected. It’s also a very useful handheld light.

G43 for size reference

  I’ll start with saying that the E9R has plenty of features. Some of these features even rival more expensive lights. High on the priority list, at least for me, is the use of an 18650 rechargeable battery. The E9 comes with one 3200maH high discharge 18650. On the battery note, it will also work with 2 CR123 batteries, but the max output will be limited. The light also comes with extra O-rings, a lanyard, and a magnetic USB charging cord. The magnetic charger cord is useful, since it just snaps on and starts charging. But, if you don’t like the magnetic, or you lose the cord, you can pop out the magnetic button and charge the E9 with a standard micro USB connector. There is also a charge indicator light, opposite the charging port. It shines red when charging and blue when fully charged.

Target looking dot, at the front, is for the magnetic charger cord

  Operation of the E9R is pretty easy and self explanatory. Push the tailcap button lightly and the light turns on momentarily. Pushing the tailcap button, until it clicks, gives you constant on. The last setting, you previously used, is what setting the light turns on at. The E9R has 6 adjustment settings. These settings are done with a button, on the side of the tail cap, when the light is on. If you push the side button, with the light off, it goes into the strobe mode, which is 1 of the 6 modes. That leaves 5 other modes for brightness. To cycle through the modes, turn the light on and then push the side button. The modes just cycle up from the lowest to the highest brightness settings. These settings are: “Firefly” at 0.64 lumens, “Low” at 71 lumens, “Medium” at 270 lumens, “High” at 1135 lumens, and “Turbo” at 2550 lumens. These are rated using the ANSI FL1 standard, a good article on the standard can be found HERE. Run time at the highest setting is 2 hours and goes up a lot on the lower settings! I found the E9 easily adjustable. I usually throw it in my pocket on the medium setting so I don’t blind myself when using it to look for stuff. Then if I need more light, it’s just a couple of taps on the side button.  If using the light as a tactical light, I would leave it on the Turbo setting, but I use it as more of a task light. I also found the Firefly setting to be very useful as a super minimal task light.

Vehicle Hi-Beams only

E9R-G4 on Turbo, no vehicle lights

  Since the E9R is more of an EDC light, It has more of a flood pattern to it. That means that the beam is more spread out. At 9800 candela and 2550 lumens, I would expect that. The light doesn’t really have a “hotspot” either, which is also expected from this style of light. Inside, you can see a hotspot, but it’s nothing like a high candela rated light. This lets the E9 work well in enclosed spaces, like a house. It also has enough of a lumen rating to work well outside. Powertac rated the throw at 197 meters max, but we all know that at 197 meters, you will see light, but can’t make out what anything is. I would say the max usable distance for this light is around 100 yards. Even at 100yds, you wouldn’t be able to make out what someone is holding. It has a very “white” tint to the light, so getting through fog or smoke might be a bit difficult with the “Turbo” mode, but turn down the brightness to “low” and the light doesn’t reflect back near as much. For everyday use, I really liked the beam pattern of the E9R.

On “Turbo” mode

  The E9R uses an aluminum body. This means that it is quite durable. Powertac also type 3 hard anodizes it for better durability. I’ve dropped it a few times onto concrete without any damage. The Bezel has aggressive cuts to use as an impact weapon. The lens is recessed back from the bezel to help keep it from getting damaged. The light is knurled extensively for good grip. I appreciate the knurling, as I can get a really good grip on it. The rear tailcap switch is slightly protected. The button actually sits up past the end of the light slightly. I don’t like this for two reasons. One, the light can turn on easier in your pocket, and Two, the light can't stand up by itself. Being able to stand the light up can be useful when using the light and having your hands free to do other stuff. I do carry the E9 in my pocket, but it does have a removable pocket clip. The pocket clip worked well, at least the few times I used it, but these type of clips are prone to getting pulled off if you catch it on something. I do find the E9 a little bit long for pocket carry, if it were about an inch shorter, it would be perfect, but I’m not sure that’s possible in an 18650 light. If you don’t like either of those carry options, Powertac includes a belt holster for the E9. It holds the light way too tight for it to be useful for me. It also comes with a lanyard, which is pretty decent compared to others I’ve seen.

I E9R isn’t without flaws. If the threads get dirty or oily, the light doesn’t want to go into Turbo mode. Just keep them clean by wiping them off every now and then, and you shouldn’t have problems. I also noticed that when the battery is getting lower, the E9 also doesn’t want to go into Turbo mode. It will default back to the High setting, similar to like it does when using CR123 batteries.

  I was really surprised at how well I like the E9R-G4. The beam pattern works well for an EDC light, it is super bright, has good run time, and even has a super low “task light” function. The E9 is just a good all around EDC light. Powertac has a bunch of other lights also, after using the E9, I wouldn’t hesitate to go see what they have.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Rechargeable high output tactical handheld light

Target Market:

Every day carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Cree XHP50 White LED

  • 18650 3200mAh Rechargeable Battery included

  • Optional CR123 use

  • Magnetic USB Charging

  • Plastic Holster

  • Spare O-Rings

  • Lanyard

  • Length: 138 mm (5.43”)

  • Bezel Diameter: 25.4 mm (1”)

  • Body Diameter: 23 mm (0.905”)

  • Weight: 85g - 3 ounces (without battery)

  • IPX8 waterproof (submersible to 2 meters) 

  • 2550 lumen max output

  • 9800 candela

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Other flashlight models

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Amazon

 Bright and Compact.

Perfect light for my duty belt, powerful yet compact, and easy charging. This is my second PowerTac flashlight, and just like the first it does not disappoint. The holster could be better engineered though, found it to difficult to get in and out in a hurry if needed. Bought an aftermarket holster that works better.

Link to other reviews:

EveryDayTacticalVids

Price point:

MSRP = $129.95

Retail = $90.97 with code “GGR” 

I need it now! Availability:

Powertac or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Aggressive knurling

  • Bright

  • 5 brightness settings

  • CR123 compatible 

Cons:

  • Longer than other 18650 lights

  • Holster is too tight

Score:  7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Nightstick LGL-170 Weapon Light

  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

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Favorite Link:   Atibal optics





NightStick TWM-850XL Weapon mounted light

  NightStick lighting products are fairly new at weapon mounted lights. Don’t let that fool you, these lights are robust and powerful. Nightstick is a division of Bayco products, who have been doing portable lighting products for over 30 years. I saw them at SHOT 2018 and they were gracious enough to send out one of their new TWM-850XL weapon mounted lights for review.

 The TWM-850XL is a full size light. Not the mini’s that are made to fit the smaller handguns. Being that it is full size, it is a comparable size to the common TLR-1 HL. So much so, that many holsters made for a pistol with the TLR-1 will fit the Nightstick. The TWM-850XL does not have the strobe option, but they do make the same light with a strobe option.

 Let’s get into what makes the Nightstick weapon light shine. As with pretty much all high output lights, it uses a CREE LED rated at 850 lumens and 15000 candela. Bright enough to go 245 meters, or so they say. But identifying something at that distance is not something I would try. The house at the end of the street, about 125 yds away, probably hates me now. Even with street lights on, the 850XL did a decent job of lighting up their house. Could I identify someone? No, but make out figures and trees, yes. As with most lights, they appear to work better at distance without much ambient light. In the pictures you can see the spill pattern to some extent and also how the different distances affect detail.The light wasn’t on a firearm when I shined it down the street or at the shady person on the side of the road.

Approximately 75yds Dark

Approximately 75yds. This also does a decent job of showing the beam pattern

Approximately 25yds

Approximately 50yds

Approximately 35yds

 Nightstick did a pretty good job putting in lots of useable features. The first one that comes to mind is their switch mechanism. The switches are made from a glass filled nylon to give them strength and are ambidextrous. Probably my favorite feature, is how the switches operate. Pushing down on either side operates the momentary on. Yes, down on either side, unlike the TLR-1. Pushing up on either side turns the light on. To turn the light off, just push down on either side of the switches and it turns off. When turning the light from constant on to off, It will go to momentary on the opposite side from which it was flipped to on, then just let up and it is off. If you switch it off on the side that it was turned to “on”, it will go to the off position. I found that, in this case, the switch just passed off and went to momentary also. Not a big deal, just something to mention. Once I got use to the way the switching worked, I really liked it.

 I’ll try not to bore you to death with the specifications, because most are listed below. The 850XL does use a hardcoat anodized aluminum housing. For now, it is only available in black. It is water resistant. It also uses 2 of the CR123 batteries, which are supplied. One must take the light off of a handgun to replace the batteries. If you have it mounted on a rifle, it is possible to replace them with the light still mounted. The battery door flips down once the screw is loosened that holds it on. The lens is made out of polycarbonate, the same material many safety glasses are made from. Nightstick also adds an anti scratch coating to the lens. Battery life is specified at 1.75 hrs. After about 1.5 hrs, the output started dying off for me. Yes, it does get hot if left on. Each weapon light is also has its own serial number.

 When mounting to a pistol, or rifle, the 850-XL came with 2 cross rail inserts. These cross rails allow the user to mount the light on different types of rails. On the top of the light, where it mounts to a rail, are 4 tiny slots. The slots are used to position the light onto the rail by installing 1 or both of the cross rail inserts. Depending on who’s rail you are using. I just held the light up to the rail and lined it up with the appropriate cross rail slot. The instruction tell you what handgun to use with what slot, but that’s no fun. I put a tiny amount of threadlocker on the screws holding the cross rail in, just for added protection.

 I have tried the 850XL on a few firearms. Typically I use it on my Polymer80 compact. The light does extend out about an inch past the muzzle. But I have had zero problems with it at all. I did mount it on an AR to try out. It wasn’t as weird as one might think. I just put my support hand right behind it and was able to operate the light with my thumb. I didn’t put many rounds downrange with the light mounted on the rifle, but I did run around the house with it mounted up. Nightstick does make a rifle version that uses a push button end cap.

 I think it is good to have another weapon mounted light in the market. The Nightstick TWM-850XL has worked well for me. I think it is on par with the TLR-1. The quality is nice, it won’t break the bank, and it’s bright. Go take a look at the Nightstick line, they might have something worth using.

 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

High output weapon mounted light

Target Market:

Those wanting a high output weapon mounted light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 850 Lumens

  • 15000 Candela

  • 2 m drop rating

  • IP-X7 Waterproof (1m for 30 min)

  • Flashlight Runtime: 1.75 hours

  • Length: 3.75 in (95 mm)

  • Width: 1.5 in (38 mm)

  • Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)

  • Weight: 5.4 oz (155 g)

  • Head Diameter: 1.2 in (30 mm)

  • Ambidextrous toggle switch

  • Momentary or constant-on flashlight

  • Aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum housing

  • Glass-filled nylon polymer toggle switch

  • Type III hard anodized finish

  • Beam distance rated at 245 meters

  • Impact & chemical resistant

  • Serialized for personal identification

  • 2 CR123 batteries (included)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

With Strobe option

What others are saying:

Chris K. at Bayco Products: 5/5 stars
Absolutely AWESOME FELLAS!

  This thing feels SOLID as a rock, and the light output is INSANE...I can see why Police/First Responders would use this - because the controls are ingenious and easy, and the amount of "light 'em up" it produces is, well, GREAT!!! 

When I'm out with my dog at night, I've got this on my M&P Pro 9mm and if a coyote pack is lurking, simply point and hit the light and it's almost like a car's headlight on high!

  Thanks for making an excellent product! ABSOLUTELY WORTH $100 - NO DOUBT! I now want this in a flashlight form, and the light for my long guns! 100% endorse - get this bad boy if you do ANYTHING REQUIRING LIGHTING AND GUNS!!

Link to other reviews:

Ammoland TWM-850XLS review

Price point:

MSRP = $150.96

Retail = $85.87 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bright

  • TLR-1 size

  • Adjustable cross rail inserts

Cons:

  • Must take off to replace batteries

  • Size

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:   Polymer 80

VLTOR SM-O QD Offset Scout Mount

This VLTOR flashlight QD mount goes by SM-O: Scout Mount Offset

Here at the Firearms Insider, we've reviewed a lot of rifle accessories. I've seen my fair share of flashlight mounts, in polymers and pot metals alike. Like flashlights themselves, the options for mounting solutions that exist in the firearms market come in all shapes and sizes.... with lots of terrible, cheap and faulty options on the market. Lucky for you, I was in the market for a quality "cry once, buy once" light mount about a year ago, and have only positive results to report back. 

In picking up quite a few "modern sporting rifles" as well as pistols and a scattergun or two, I was in the market for a quality mount that had a quick detach function so my light could jump from weapon to weapon as I see fit. What I landed on was the VLTOR SM-O: Scout Mount Offset QD. The VLTOR SM-O comes in a QD cam lever version, which is made by American Defense. If you are looking for rock QD solid mount that will hold up on all weapon platforms - from rifles and carbines to even the jarring recoil of the shotgun, ADM makes some fantastic mounts. In my experience with buying cheap mounts and then later replacing them with better quality versions, almost everything made by American Defense straight up rocks! Seeing this mount was a combined effort between VLTOR and ADM was almost reason enough to give it a shot.

The SM-O is unique in that it's clamping mechanism simultaneously grips the picatinny rail AND tightens the one piece ring around the light. When adjusted correctly to your light's body diameter, it secures the light when the cam locks down, but easily releases the light when the cam is unlocked, allowing for easy adjustment for your ergonomics.

The headline act of VLTOR SM-O is its QD mount. Easy to remove, easy to reverse for your rifle.

Adjusting the SM-O for your specific light does require some light tinkering. This is the only time a tool is ever really needed. Basically you need to adjust a bolthead when the light is removed, then try inserting the flashlight into the ring body, and throw the QD lever to check for difficulty and resistance. Too hard to throw completely 180 degrees and you'll need to unlock the cam and remove the flashlight to loosen the fit. Too loose and your light can spin in the ring body and the cam won't snug that rail like it should. Its a bit of a back and forth dance to find the proper balance of secure fit, but once you find it, its clear sailing.

I've been primarily mounting a pair of SureFire G2X Pro lights on just about every railed part I own over the last year, from AR-15 handguards, AK-47 forends, Tavor MLOK rails, shotgun barrel clamps, and even tactical scope rings. The SM-O worked on everything, and the tension never loosened from my initial configuration no matter how many times I played musical picatinny rail with this thing. Removal and replacement can be done in seconds, and with just one single hand. If the offset is putting the light too high or low for your liking, just invert it and reverse the flashlight. No one will call you out on the VLTOR logo being upside down.

Got tactical scope rings? The SM-O makes for a great optic mounted light for nighttime shooting without interfering with scope turrets. 

Even if you don't have a tactical plinker decked out in all the bells and whistles, this simple mount is quite handy for the varmint hunter as well. Mounted on a railed scope ring cap or tactical accessory scope ring, this mount provides a perfect offset light that will hold up to whatever you can throw at it. And if you find yourself needing and handheld light for not shooting purposes, you've got one in seconds.

All in all, this product leaves me conflicted. I wish I could afford more of these for each one of my modern sporting rifles. Then again, I don't need to because of how easy it can jump from gun to gun. So until this one blows up or grows legs and runs away, the SM-O will always have a home in my arsenal.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Offset Scout Mount is manufactured in conjunction with American Defense Manufacturing, and is a fully ambidextrous, offset light mount available with either conventional thumb screw mounting or throw-lever quick disconnect.

Target Market:  Civilians and Professionals with railed rifles or carbines

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Either thumb screws or throw lever mounting
  • Made from 6061 T6 aluminum
  • Hard coat anodized
  • Adjustable tension
  • Minimal / Low Profile 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Only

What others are saying?: "I've tried a lot of light mounts over the years. This is by far the best. The unique mechanism of the American Defense cam lever is easier on rails that the LaRue mount, making this mount better in my opinion, and less expensive. The cam makes for a secure mount that will not loosen like thumb screws, and because of the large bearing surface does not require much pressure to hold it securely in place. I also like that the caming action also holds the light in place. This enables the light to be quickly and easily removed from the mount, turned around or reconfigured. This enables it to work with every rifle I've tried it on. I've now got a box full of used light mounts for sale." Brownells User Review

"I love this QD flashlight mount. I've bought several flashlight mounts for my rifles and shotguns. I have had the cheaper plastic mounts that just can't hold the flashlight securely with the recoil of a shotgun. This mount is also much easier to use than others due to the QD feature. The off-set angle mounts the flashlight at an angle I prefer, keeping it out of the way of a DBAL or other accessories you may also want to mount. I plan on replacing several of the mounts with this model.

." Amazon User Review

PRICE POINT:

I need it now! Availability: BrownellsAmazon or many online stores

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Very durable finish
  • Mount can be removed easily for attaching to another position or weapon
  • Light itself easily removable when cam in unlocked for maintenance or reconfiguration
  • Minimal footprint on the rail

Cons:

  • Minimal instruction for adjusting tension

SCORE: 8.5 GREAT

 


Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design


Pelican MityLite 1960 LED

Pelican MityLite 1960 LED

I am by no means a portable illumination connoisseur, but I seem to go through a flashlight about once every year. Either borrowed and never returned, lost, or broken, I never seem to have a flashlight handy when I need one. I'm not one for expensive name brand flashlights either, so you won't find any SureFire torches in my toolbox. That said, I always try to keep a handheld flashlight in my vehicle. Two is even better, with one being brighter than the other. The reason for this is if I'm ever broke down with a dead battery, especially at night, a flashlight is the most important tool to have. If you ain't got it, you're gonna be hurting. Even if I'm just digging around for something in the cab, under the seats, or helping someone under the hood... a light in your hand is your best friend.

Pelican MityLite 1960 LED

The light I keep in my glovebox is the Pelican MityLite 1960 LED. I got this mini pocket light as a stocking stuffer for Christmas a couple years ago. Like the cases Pelican is better known for, this flashlight is watertight and dustproof.

Pelican MityLite 1960 LED

With a runtime of only 3 hours on 2 AAA batteries, this flashlight is really better kept as a emergency light in the glovebox of your vehicle or in your pocket for casual illumination, NOT as an EDC carry flashlight. There are shorter, longer lasting lights with higher lumens that are better suited for checking out what's going bump in the night. However this lights underpowered lens helps in keeping you from blinding yourself when looking for your keys or that missing charger. It's rugged ABS body will take a beating like you'd expect from a Pelican product, so this makes a decent light in a pinch.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An evolution of the popular MityLite 1900, the 1960 LED brings the latest in LED technology, built compact and lightweight to fit inside your pocket yet bright enough to illuminate with 24 lumens.

Target Market:  Everybody and their mothers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • ABS resin body resists chemicals, corrosion and extreme temperatures
  • 24 Lumens LED
  • 2 AAA Alkaline (Included)
  • Runtime 3 hr
  • Tough xenoy pocket clip and trademark faceted body
  • Clear Polycarbonate lens
  • Rotary Switch Operation
  • On/Off mode only
  • Phosphore Bronze contact, spring & retainer
  • O-ring for waterproof / submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes
  • Pelican Limited Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Yellow

What others are saying?: None Found

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Small enough for EDC or enclosed space illumination (vehicle cab, engine compartment, etc.)
  • Faceted body so won't roll on level surfaces
  • Dustproof, Waterproof, and submersible
  • The light can be activated with the shroud removed, improvised morse code signal

Cons:

  • Low Runtime of 3 hours for AAA powered LED

Score: 7.5 Good

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Maratac AAx2 Tactical LED Flashlight Review

Maratac 2AAThe Maratac AAx2 LED Flashlight is a compact, powerful flashlight, powered by two AA batteries. The body is aluminum and is 7/8” wide. The tailcap is “Zombie” green, for no apparent reason. It activates by pressing it until it clicks. This means that there is no momentary-on. There are three brightness modes available: High – 620 lumens, Med – 110 lumens, and Low – 5 lumens. There is also a secondary set of modes when you loosen the head by ¼ turn. They are: Strobe, Fast Beacon(flash every 1 second), and Slow Strobe(flash every 3 seconds). To switch betweenMaratac 2AA Button modes, you simply “soft” tap(tap without fully depressing) the button, or quickly click it off, then back on again. There are raised fins around the activation button that shrouds the button from accidental activation. Personally, I believe it makes the button awkward to press. They get in the way, if you don’t position the light correctly in your hand. The crown of the light is crenulated, similar to a lot of other tactical lights, but it is not very pronounced, so I don’t think it would really do much damage if used defensively. Maratac 2AA Sharpie

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Compact and bright LED light

Target Market: Anyone that needs a light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Bright
  • Compact
  • Many modes
  • AA batteries
  • Cree XP-G2 LED
  • 620 Lumens (advertised)
  • Mode Memory
  • Military Grade Anodized

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: TheMaratac AAx2 Tactical LED Flashlight is only available in black.

What others are saying?: I couldn’t actually find any reviews for this particular model light.

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this light from County Comm.

Our Rating:

+-Bright +-Multi-mode +-Mode Memory +-Reversible clip

--Awkward button --No momentary on

Score 7.575

 

Maratac AAA LED Flashlight with Diffuser Review

Maratac AAAThe Maratac AAA Led Flashlight with diffuser is a pretty minuscule little power-house of a light. With an advertised brightness, in Hi mode, of 138 lumens, this is a dazzling little pocket light. The body is all aircraft aluminum that has been anodized for protection. The reflector is orange-peel textured, to provide a smooth, even beam. The reflector is made from an aluminum alloy. The light is powered from a single AAA battery and is reverse-polarity protected. The clip is very sturdy and is reversible to either end of the light. You could carry it with the clip toward the back, which would place the head facing down, if clipped to at pocket. Or, you could place the clip toward the head, which would be useful for clipping it to the bill of a hat, and giving you a makeshift head-light. There is also a very low-profile lanyard ring, for attaching it to a key ring or cord. Maratac AAA Compare

There are three brightness modes: hi, medium, and low. To power on the light, you simply tighten the head. This turns the light to its default level of Medium(advertised 40 lumens). To cycle through the power levels, just loosen and retighten the head. When the light is turned off for over three seconds, it will revert to its default brightness.

Maratac AAA DiffuserIn the package, there are extra O-rings and a glow diffuser. The glow diffuser slips onto the end of the light and spreads the beam, like a lantern. This is very useful for lighting the inside of a tent while camping or for playing card games when the power is out. When you turn the light off, the diffuser will glow in the dark for a few hours. The glow is bright enough to navigate in pitch black and also save your night-vision, as long as you charge it while its under a cover, so you don’t temporarily blind yourself. It is made of a flexible material, which makes me worry that it will eventually stretch out and not stay snug on the head.

All-in-all, this is a great little light for carrying in a pocket. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a small, but incredibly functional, utility light.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Tiny, but amazingly bright

Target Market: Anyone that needs a small light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Small
  • Bright
  • Twist User Interface
  • Diffuser included
  • Strong and reversible clip
  • Lanyard loop
  • AAA Battery powered
  • 3 brightness modes
  • Diffuser glows in the dark

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: These lights are available in black, stainlesspolished stainless, and copper, though I think all but the black version are a previous generation, so they may lose some brightness and features.

What others are saying?: “So, after 6 months of using this thing clipped to my left pocket every day, even through power outages at work, I can say it's pretty awesome.” - Vicarious_Lee, ZombieSquad

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this light from County Comm, but their website says that they are out of stock until July.

Our Rating:

+-Tiny +-Bright +-Reversible clip

--Twist U/I (not my preference)

Score 8.5 85

Brite-Strike EPLI Flashlight Review

2014-03-28 20.07.00 By Steve Kirkpatrick

The Brite-Strike EPLI (Executive Precision Lighting Instrument) is a great (slightly larger than) pen sized flashlight.  At 5.125" long and just over .5" wide this is a small yet surprisingly bright pocket flashlight.  I think carrying a flashlight is one of those things that you don't realize how much you can use until you have it.

While I do my share of outdoor activities, my day-to-day routine is in an office environment.  Because of this, I don't want to carry a flashlight that would be much larger in size.  It would be bulky and out of place.  However, with the EPLI, I have it clipped on my left pants pocket almost every waking hour, on jeans, khakis, dress pants, you name it.

The flashlight has three settings than can be rotated between by pressing the tailcap button. The first is high (160 lumens), the second setting is low (80 lumens) and the third is a strobe setting.  All three have their purposes and work great! The light is turned on by pressing the tailcap, obviously, but it can be pressed lightly and turns off when pressure is relieved or pressing it harder locks the light on.  When the light is on, turning it off and back on switches to the next setting, whether it was locked on or not.  After a small period of time of the light being off, it will reset to come on at the first (high) setting again. I’ve heard some arguments against setups like this because users may want only one option that always works as expected. I, however, think this is a great setup for an everyday, lightweight light that could be used for many situations. If you’re worried about pulling this in an emergency, possibly life-threatening, situation, you can train to know how many clicks you want for each setting (it’s as simple as 1, 2, or 3 clicks or taps).

This may not be the ideal flashlight for a camping trip or a long hike. I’m sure a heavier duty, longer lasting, and brighter flashlight would be a better choice in a situation where you are certain you’ll need one for a long period of time.  However, for day-to-day use, this is great!  And that’s not to say I wouldn’t trust it for the aforementioned tasks, it just might not be the BEST for them.  Requiring AAA alkaline batteries, the power source is often easily replaced in any environment.  I believe every concealed carrier should carry a light along with their firearm, and I believe this would be a great option for that situation.

Functionality aside, this is a really sharp looking flashlight. The black anodized finish and polished stainless steel and brass bezel look great on this flashlight! The only downside I found with this light is that the paint on the clip chipped within a month and not from heavy use. I wrote to Brite-Strike customer service and they eventually were willing to replace the clip for free, but I would have to pay shipping. Knowing it would be the same clip and likely to do the same thing, I just stuck with what I have, not willing to pay any extra for the same result. It’s tolerable, but not what I’d expect from a light that retails at $80.00. The body of the light itself is starting to show a little bit of wear on the edges, but I would expect that after a year of carrying almost every waking hour. Besides the clip paint chips within the first month, it has held up very nicely.

All-in-all, I love this flashlight.  If I were to lose it today, I’m pretty certain I’d get the same one again. Sadly, these seem to go for $55.00+ now, whereas I was able to get mine for $40 new on eBay in April 2013. Still, for as great of a flashlight as it has been for me, I’d spring for the extra $15 that the price has risen.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Slim and sleek penlight

Target Market: In their own words, “for the warrior whose battlefield is the board room”...in reality, it’s great for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-carry but bright flashlight.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Max Output: up to 160 lumens / Lo-80 Lumens
  • Waterproof and Shockproof
  • Battery: Two AAA Alkaline (included)
  • Length: 5.125 inches
  • Runtime: Hi-(.5 Hours) Lo-(6+Hours) Strobe-(.75 Hours)**
  • Gift Box (included)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Brite-Strike EPLI Flashlight is only available in black.

What others are saying?: "the Executive light is indeed a white LED with a focused beam.  Of the two lights featured herein, this one is ‘long and thin’.  The Executive’s size is actually deceptive, looking at it you wouldn’t believe the light is as powerful as it is (220 Lumens) or that it is so stout and well made." - Paul Markel, Officer.com

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this flashlight from many retailers, including Amazon, Optics Planet, and directly from Brite-Strike.

Our Rating: + Bright + Compact + Small + Lightweight + Sturdy + Functional

  • Could use a more durable finish on the clip

Score: 9.0 Amazing 90 

Maglite XL200 LED Flashlight Review

TJG Maglite XL200 Main 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. ToTJG Maglite XL200 Button 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 easily65 - Somewhat bulky

Score: 6.5

 

FourSevens Maelstrom Regen MMR-X

DSC_0529.jpg

MMR-X 2 The FourSevens MMR-X is another light in the family of quality products available from FourSevens. This platform is one of their larger offerings (though still pretty small for its level of light output) and is unique in the fact that it is rechargeable through a micro-USB cable. This would be an excellent duty-gear, truck, or nightstand light for nearly any consumer.

The MMR-X offers the ability to program the light from a series of 5 different options, including varying combinations of moonlight, low, high, max, strobe, beacon, and SOS. I found configuration 2 to fit my everyday needs best, allowing me to cycle between max and low depending on what I needed it for.

The MMR-X is powered by a proprietary 18650 lithium ion rechargeable battery; a non-FourSevens 18650 battery can be used, however certain features of the light are lost. At a replacement cost of $15 from FourSevens, there should be no need to use any other branded battery. For a multiuse rechargeable battery, I applaud FourSevens for not charging a ridiculous amount of money for a replacement. On max output the battery is listed to last 2 hours, although in testing I found it to last closer to 2.5 hours before seeing a significant reduction in brightness. From a full discharge, it took between 4-5 hours to recharge the flashlight to full capacity. A sealed micro-USB input is contained where the head meets the body and a small red or green light informs you of where your battery is at in the recharging process.

The light itself has a very nice fit and finish and has a nice aggressively scalloped bezel that can be used as an improvised striking tool if things got nasty; it would definitely leave a mark. For those who don’t want such an aggressive bezel, you are in luck because it also comes with a smooth bezel which easily screws on. In “burst” mode, the MMR-X powers out 800 lumens of light which is reduced to 400 lumens after 1 minute of continuous run time. In FourSevens fashion, the light comes with a few spare o-rings, a lanyard, and an alternate tail cap clicky and boot so the user can choose from a long click or a short click. Their 10 year no-hassle warranty also allows owners to rest assured they won’t need to spend any more of their hard-earned money on a replacement should anything go wrong.

The MMR-X is advertised to survive a 1 meter (3.2ft) drop which I feel is a little low. Under testing, the light survived a 3 meter (10ft.) fall on concrete. The light also survived an even larger fall at 6 meters (20ft.), but the battery did not. I can’t fault the battery for breaking at 20ft. because it is only advertised to 3ft., but I’d like to see more impact resistance in the future. It is certainly rugged enough for everyday use but having an extra 18650 battery around wouldn’t be a bad idea. The light performed well in water submersion tests, meaning that puddle and shallow lake drops won’t hurt this beast. It also operated properly after being subjected to freezing temperatures for 24 hours.MMR-X 1

Overall this is an excellent light with various uses and the convenience of being rechargeable via any USB port. Replacement batteries, although proprietary (to use all functions of the light), are reasonably priced as well. In the future I’d like to see some ultra-impact survival lights from FourSevens, focused on the market of users who need a light to work no matter what they do to it. If FourSevens offered a fully potted model with some of their best features from their most popular flashlights, they would posture themselves to crush their competitors with functionality, reliability, and toughness.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An extremely bright, user configurable, rechargeable light.

Target Market: Anyone who enjoys being able to see things in the dark.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery.
  • 800 max lumens and 1 low lumen (moonlight).
  • User programmable configuration of light options with the tail cap.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? You can get any color, as long as it is black.

What others are saying? “There is nothing more capable or flexible on the market.  It is also a superior value, both because of the price and because of the rechargeable battery that is included.” –Everydaycommentary.com

Price point:

  • MSRP = $100
  • Retail = $83 plus free shipping at etoolscity.com

I need it now! Availability: In-stock and available through the manufacturer and multiple online retailers.

Our Rating:

+ Extremely bright emitter with great throw. + Micro-USB recharging feature is excellent. + User programmable format allows for customization. + Reasonably priced replacement batteries. + 10 year no-hassle warranty.

- Keep the manual so you can remember how to program the light. - Pocket clip would be an excellent option, especially to clip onto/into a bag or backpack. - Assembled in China with components from USA, China, and Malaysia.

Score 8.0 (Great)80

 

Steve’s links: Firearmsradio.tv

Sunwayman V20c Tactical Flashlight Review

Sunwayman V20c

I was turned on to Sunwayman flashlights by a friend of mine who had a similar model. I was looking for a good flashlight and I liked his. When I started looking at flashlights, I had issue with the multiple click programming to change brightness. Then I found the V20c, the button on the back just turns the light on and off. It has a collar behind the light head that changes the brightness from 0 to 430 lumens and strobe. I carry this flashlight everyday, at home and at work. I purchased two 18650 3000mah rechargeable batteries. I try and swap them out the 1st of the month so i always have a good battery. I have been running this light for over a year and have no complaints. I comes with a fairly well made canvass holster with a velcro enclosure. The belt loop is both permanently attached and velcro attached which allows you to put it on your belt without removing your belt.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Innovative, high output flashlights.

Target Market:  Anyone wanting a high quality, variable output flashlight.

FNBs: (features & benefits of this product)

  • CREE XM-LED with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours
  • Digital Sensor Magnetic Control system - slightly twist the Rotator Ring from left to right to select desired mode from super-low current standby, output ranging from 0.5 to 438 lumens, to strobe function
  • Constant current circuit, constant output
  • Effective range of 300 meters
  • Uses two 3V CR123A batteries or one single 18650 battery
  • Working voltage: 3~8.4V
  • High quality reflector maintains great throw distance and spread with an ideal beam pattern
  • Dimensions: 134mm (length) x 32mm (head diameter) x 25.5mm (tail diameter)
  • Weight: 120g(battery excluded)
  • Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
  • Military Specification Type III- hard anodized body
  • Waterproof, in accordance with IPX-8 standard
  • Ultra-clear tempered glass lens resists scratches and impacts
  • Tactical forward click switch with momentary on
  • Tail stand capable- can be used as a candle
  • Accessories: Metal tactical ring, lanyard, holster, O-ring, rubber cap

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: This is an aluminum alloy, hard anodized grey finish.

 What others are saying?

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at stores like Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Reliable + Comfortable + Easy to use

- Lanyard clip bends and comes off

Score: 8.080 Great

FourSevens Atom AL

SR-Review-Atom-AL-1.jpg

Atom AL 2

The FourSevens Atom AL is an ultra-compact every day carry (EDC) LED light with useful features and great value.  FourSevens is known for their ingenuity and quality products and the Atom AL is no different.  This light fits in the palm of your hand and is great for pocket, truck, or desk carry.

The Atom AL is advertised to run on CR123A batteries with 110 max lumens and 6 low lumens.  On low setting it can run for 40 hours and also runs for 3.5 hours on max.  It is also submersible down to 3 meters and can withstand an impact resistance of 1 meter for you clumsy types.  During a submersion test, the Atom AL continued to run with no issues when placed in a vat of water to simulate puddle or shallow lake water drops.  The light continued to run during the entire 30 minutes it was submersed for, and even heated the water for those of you who like to sip on warm water.  The light passed the 1 meter concrete drop test with no issues, and as a test of its limits it continued to work after a 6 meter (20ft) concrete drop test as well.  Its compact size and stout construction makes it like a bulldog of ultra-compact lights.  The manufacturer specifications don’t mention anything about operating temperatures, but 24 hours in a freezer didn’t stop this bulldog from shining like it would in normal temperatures.

The light is considered a “mule” meaning it has no mirrored reflector, resulting in a flood-like shallow and wide throw of light.  The area around the LED normally reserved for a reflector is coated with a glow in the dark substance, which is a unique feature allowing for quick locating if dropped or lost in the dark shortly after a recent use.  The beam has no “hot spot” and is useful in short and medium range distances.  The light has a low setting (6 lumens) and a high setting (110 lumens) accessible by twisting the light in one of two stages.  This simple user interface makes it easy to access either setting; this is a welcome change to some of FourSevens’ other more complex and sometimes confusing user interfaces.

The exterior is slightly “grippy” which allows for sweaty or cold hands to firmly grasp the light when twisting it on.  As a side note, out of the box the light was a little hard to twist with one-handed Atom AL 3operation.  After cleaning the threads between the upper and lower portions of the light, it became much easier to operate.  The base of the light also contains a magnet allowing it to be affixed to any ferrous surface.  This magnet really comes into play during pocket carry because your car keys will stick to it, so just make sure you carry them in opposite pockets to avoid the hassle.  The magnet becomes the biggest benefit when the light is used in conjunction with the optional 360 degree headlamp kit available from FourSevens for only $15.  I tested this feature out as well and it makes for an excellent combination.  While wearing the headlamp and light combo kit might qualify you for the household geek of the year award, the convenience of the units together make the headlamp kit a must-have option.

The light comes from the factory with spare O-rings and a handy lanyard, which I think are nice touches.  Some people don’t like lights requiring more expensive CR123A batteries; these people are in luck because FourSevens also makes versions of this same light which handle AA, AAA, and CR2 batteries.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An ultra-compact rugged everyday carry LED light that is barely bigger than the battery it contains.

Target Market: Anyone who enjoys being able to see things in the dark.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • CR123A battery.
  • 110 max lumens and 6 low lumens.
  • Simple two stage user interface.
  • Optional inexpensive headlamp kit available.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Matte Stainless Steel.

What others are saying?:   “The Atom AL is a remarkably tiny CR123A light.” – User “selfbuilt” on candlepowerforums.com provides a highly detailed technical review of the Atom AL.

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: In-stock and available through the manufacturer and multiple online retailers.

Our Rating:

+ Extremely compact and rugged design. + Works well with optional inexpensive headlamp kit. + Simple user interface to access both low and high settings. + Extra O-rings and lanyard were a nice touch.

- Magnet in base has a tendency to stick to keys while utilizing pocket carry. - Lack of a reflector can make the light a little too “floody” for some users. - Assembled in China with components from USA, China, and Malaysia.

Score: 8.5 85

Steve’s links: Firearmsradio.tv

FourSevens Quark X AA2 Tactical Review

TJG-FourSevens-Quark-Main.jpg

FourSevens Quark

The FourSevens Quark X AA2 Tactical (what a mouthful!) is a great light. I chose this light for its relative compactness, its output, and the common battery it uses. Using the AA battery allows it to be much thinner than many other “EDC” lights. Most 123 battery lights are 1 inch in diameter. The Quark AA2 is only .86 inch in diameter. It is relatively close in dimensions to the classic Mini-Mag light, FourSevens vs MiniMagbut with so many more features. This allows you to carry it clipped to the inside of a pocket with much less noticeable bulk. Plus, I use my light so much, that I am thankful for the use of common, relatively inexpensive batteries. The lengthy name can be decoded for easy identification of the lights function. “Quark” is the actual model name. The “X” denotes that is the brighter version of that particular model. The “AA” is the battery used and the “2” is the number of that battery. The “Tactical” lets you know what the user interface is like. There are two interfaces, “Pro” and “Tactical”.  The Pro cycles through each of the modes by simply soft-pressing the tail cap switch. The Tactical is programmable. It only has two readily available modes, but those two modes can set to whatever you want. The way to switch between them is by either loosening or tightening the bezel. As an example, you can set it up as Loose = Max and Tight = Strobe. For such a compact light running off of AA batteries, it has an amazing output. FourSevens advertises 280 lumens on this X model. The standard(non-X) is advertised at 205 lumens. With my normal use, this light seems to have a pretty good runtime. I usually keep it on High, which is 115 lumens, and I seem to rarely change the batteries. The Tactical has a momentary/constant switch. To use the momentary, you soft press the switch. To make it constant on, you just press the switch all the way in. You can also swap the head and tail cap, which lets you choose if you want the clip to carry it head-up or head-down. I had to send my light back to the factory for repair, because I accidentally got water inside of the tube and the head malfunctioned. This was entirely my fault, and not a faulty seal, but FourSevens fixed it free of charge. My only ding against them would be that I didn’t get any sort of ETA when I returned it. Six weeks doesn’t seem like a terribly long time to wait, but when you have no clue how long it will be, that seems like an eternity.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Bright and compact

Target Market: Concealed carriers that want a relatively compact, tactical light.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key FeaturesFourSevens Quark Pocket

  • 280 Lumens
  • Compact
  • Many modes to choose from
  • Uses 2 AA batteries

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

The Quark only comes in black.

What others are saying?

“Quality of fit and finish is excellent throughout the Quark AA2 Tactical and I anticipate all the Quark lights, including this one, to be lifetime lights.” - nutnfancy

Price point

I need it now! Availability:

Readily available from many retailers, including Amazon.

 Our Rating

+ Compact + Bright + Uses common batteries + Can use rechargeable batteries + Momentary and Constant on - Repair customer service was relatively slow and kept me in the dark

Score 9.5

Amazing

 

ATAC A1

ATAC A1

I was in the market for not just an EDC (every day carry) flashlight, but something that would also come in handy during a night time home invasion.  You see, I'm not into weapon mounted lights on my home defense handgun.  I know there are a lot of great arguments out there to have one on your gun, but I don't want to point the muzzle of my weapon at something/someone that I don't intend to shoot.  With a weapon mounted light, that is a scenario that does happen.

After reading a lot of reviews and doing some homework of my own, I decided to purchase the 5.11 Tactical ATAC A1 flashlight.  5.11 took the time to design this light with feedback from law enforcement officers and tactical operators to bring to the market a product of reliability, durability and utility.  The ATAC A1 uses a smart Cree LED bulb to throw 103 lumens on high/strobe up to 50 minutes or 28 hours on low (11 lumens) from 1 AA battery.  The tail cap switch of the flashlight allows you to move from high, low or strobe with no auditory sound.  In addition, the ATAC A1 also allows you to do a momentary on for a quick blast of light.

Last but not least, I truly am a fan of the pocket clip attached to this flashlight.  I know that sounds weird, but I hate when I'm trying to pull my pocket knife out and the clip gets stuck on my pants.  The pocket clip on this flashlight is smooth and has not yet gotten caught on any of my pants. "Happy Happy Happy"

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An all purpose built tactical flashlight.

Target Market: Police, security personnel and the every day people.

FNB's:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

  • Regulated circuit and CREE LED
  • Waterproof
  • Machined aerospace-grade aluminum
  • Multi-function tail cap switch with momentary-on (high/ultra low/strobe)
  • Anti-roll ring
  • 103 lumens for high and strobe, 11 lumens for low
  • 1 AA battery (included)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black is the only color choice that 5.11 offers this light in.

What others are saying?:

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Readily available online at stores like Optics Planet, Amazon and or 5.11 Tactical.

Our Rating: + Multi-function tail cap switch + Machined aerospace-grade aluminum + Break-away lanyard included + Pocket clip does not get caught on pants making it easy to access + Waterproof

Score: 9.090

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

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Surefire G2ZX Combatlight

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 surefire G2ZX Combatlight

I got this Surefire G2ZX Combat light in about a month and a half ago, I use it on a daily basis as part of my EDC, at first I was worried it was going to be too big for my pockets because I was used to an old E2D defender I’ve used since my first deployment in Iraq in 2006…But thats not an issue, fits perfectly, which leads me to why I chose Surefire over a competitor.  Surefire make solid products, but yes sometimes companies who make great products get so proud of them that they price themselves right out of business.  I think this was becoming true for Surefire and they had the due diligence to see it and came out with a new line of awesome polymer bodied lights that also come with increased battery life, more powerful LED lamps with increased lumens over the exact same lights they had a couple of years ago.  So thats enough for my rant, here are the specs and first impressions I have with this light.

The G2ZX Combatlight takes 2 cr123A lithium batteries, has a powerful 320 lumens with a 2.5 hour solid runtime and comes with a rubber ring for using the “Surefire” method when shooting a handgun in low light (which is my preference and found it works VERY well for maintaining a good grip on the light in your non-shooting hand, while also using that hand as support for the handgun.  Momentary pressure switch, with an option to turn the rear section for constant on.  It also comes with a steel lanyard ring and black lanyard.  The lamp head is made from Surefire's quality aluminum, and the rest of the body is very high strength polymer.  Overall length is 5.2 inches, weight is 4.3 OZ.  Very bright!  I shined it across a field and could see the trees pretty clear that were about 150 yards away! (and I have poor eyesight)  This is a great light, I would recommend it for anyone including Military, police, fire & rescue, and the everyday CCW holder. REMEMBER even if you are “just a ccw” holder, its very important to have a light.  Don’t be that boot who gets into a sticky situation where you cannot clearly see or identify your target.. it may mean your life, the life of a loved one or land you in the slammer if you take a bad shot.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Great for unattached light for pistol shooting.

Target Market: Great for police, military, fire/rescue and or CCW holders.

FNB's (features & benefits of this product):

  • Very bright 320 lumens
  • Long lasting LED lamp
  • Uses 2 common 123a lithium batteries
  • Rubber combat grip ring for using the “surefire method”
  • Very tough Nitrolon polymer body
  • Anodized steel lanyard ring with lanyard
  • Momentary pressure rear switch or turn for constant on
  • 5.2 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH
  • 4.3 OZ

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black

What others are saying?:

  • Would Expect Nothing Less
  • This is my third Surefire and the G2ZX is what I would expect from Surefire. Superb quality and a precision piece of equipment. I use this one as my nightstand light since it has a higher output than the others.Reviewed by R Capiola (Posted on 1/5/14)
  • Amazing!
  • One of the best illumination tools I have ever used! Extremely bright and goes very far too! It really is a handheld spotlight! I would choose nothing else for my lighting needs than surefire!Reviewed by Dunaj (Posted on 10/24/13)
  • G2ZX
  • Surefire is not a flashlight it's like holding a piece of the sun. I'll never own anything else after having my Surefire.Reviewed by Jerry (Posted on 10/12/13)

Price Point

I need it now! Availability: Optics Planet has them listed as discontinued by the manufacturer but LA Police Gear has them in stock.

Score: 90

Streamlight TLR1-S

 TLR1s-2

To me at least, there never seems to be enough money to support all the wants and needs of my hobby.  So for me, the ability to have a multitasker that can perform on pretty much any piece of hardware I own Is huge.  This light is so versatile, it can be fitted to TLR1s-3anything from a compact carry gun to an AR-15. To think of it, pretty much anything that you can slap a Picatinny rail to, you can  add this light.  For my needs, a product that is so versatile, reliable and affordable, can’t be passed up.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Quality and affordability.

 Target Market: Home Defense and tactical Operations.

 FNB's:

 Features

  • Durable LED lasting up to 50,000 hours
  • 300 Lumens LEDTLR1s-1
  • 10 year battery shelf life with 2.5 hours of runtime
  • Comes with “keys” for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90two, S&W 99 and S&W TSW
  • Strobe feature when you double tap the paddle
  • Incredible value
  • Waterproof to 1m for 30 seconds

Benefits

  • Super bright
  • Easy to use
  • Durable

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  This product is also available in its original non-strobe model.  Product Page

What others are saying?:

 Price point :  I grabbed mine up for $100 on Amazon a few months ago, but now they are going for around $115-$130.

  •  MSRP = None listed on Streamlight site.
  • Retail = Amazon

 I need it now! Availability: Very common easily found online and in many gun stores.

Our Rating

+ Price + Construction + Brightness + Versatility

- Strobe activation on draw with trigger finger may take practice.

Score: 9.090

My Links:

NJ Gun Blog