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Archive for the ‘Lights’ Category

Rheinmetall VTAL – the Compact and Modular Laser Module for Special Forces

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

The modular laser module VTAL from Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, designed especially for special forces, is extremely robust and compact. The “Variable Tactical Aiming Laser” is suitable for use on today’s shorter assault rifles as well as on other small arms.

Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Because the VTAL protrudes only about 25 mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming. The VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, an infrared dot laser, and an infrared illuminator. The superior quality of the lasers and their consistency of form enhances the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. Importantly, the VTAL is compatible with all standard image intensifier devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple. The VTAL can also be configured according to customer requirements.

Owing to the device’s modern design, the operator can adjust the intensity of both dot lasers with the aid of a colour-coded cable switch. The illuminator can be focused using a separate control knob. Furthermore, the VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights and can be operated using a combined two button cable switch.

Rheinmetall offers the “TL-MissionLight” as such a separate weapon torch. It is available in a standard version with a dual LED head and a special version for hostage rescue operations. Typically, the LM-VTAL and one of the two weapon lights are mounted on the weapon. The robust design assures stability and dependability. The system can withstand the worst battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30 metres. This way, operators know they can rely on the device at all times.

Rheinmetall’s laser light package is already in use with various special operation formations. Among others it is a component of the Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Assault Rifle (“Sturmgewehr Spezialkräfte Bundeswehr, leicht”).

Thyrm Launches Two New SwitchBack Flashlight Accessories

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

Sunnyvale, CA – March 3, 2025 – Thyrm, a leading innovator in tactical and everyday carry gear, today announced the release of two new additions to its popular SwitchBack line of flashlight accessories: the SwitchBack 3.0 Duty and the SwitchBack 3.0 Deep Carry. These innovative accessories enhance the functionality and grip of tactical flashlights, providing users with improved light retention and allowing their hands to remain free for other critical tasks.

The SwitchBack 3.0 Duty is built for rugged use and optimal performance in demanding environments. Its larger diameter ring is compatible with patrol gloves, while its heavy-duty construction ensures impact resistance. Additional traction features provide a secure grip even when wet, and a shortened clip improves pouch compatibility. A full-size lanyard hole accommodates 550 paracord. Like all SwitchBack products, the Duty mounts securely between the light’s tailcap and body.

The SwitchBack 3.0 Deep Carry is designedfor discreet carry. A steel wire clip provides a low visual profile and a premium feel.Users can select from two clip heights,allowing for a customized ride height in the pocket and enhanced access to the tailcap switch. Its slim ring enables users to engage the SwitchBack ring even when positioned below the pocket opening.

“We are thrilled to introduce our two new SwitchBack models, each crafted to address the unique needs of our varied customer base,” said Andrew Frazier, CEO of Thyrm. “The Duty offers exceptional durability and functionality for tactical professionals, while the Deep Carry provides a discreet and ergonomic option for everyday carry and covert operations. Both products are proudly manufactured in the USA.”

Key Features and Benefits:

SwitchBack 3.0 Duty:

• Larger diameter feature ring for use with gloves

• Heavy-duty construction for impact resistance

• Additional traction features for secure grip

• Shortened clip for improved pouch compatibility

• Full-size lanyard hole

• Secure mounting between tailcap and body

• Made in the USA

SwitchBack 3.0 Deep Carry:

• Slim finger ring for discreet carry

• Additional ring traction features for enhanced grip

• Steel wire clip for low visual signature and premium feel

• Two-position clip for customized carry and improved switch access

• Secure mounting between tailcap and body

• Made in the USA

Target Audience:

Duty: Military, law enforcement, search and rescue teams.

Deep Carry: Civilians, law enforcement (plain clothes), military (covert operations).

Pricing:

SwitchBack 3.0 Deep Carry – MSRP $24.99

SwitchBack 3.0 Duty – MSRP $19.99

Streamlight Names Michael F. Dineen to President

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Dineen Promoted to Head Global Flashlight Company

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 26, 2025 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance lighting, announced that it has promoted Michael F. Dineen to President. Formerly Chief Revenue Officer, Dineen succeeds Raymond L. Sharrah. Sharrah will retain the title of Chief Executive Officer while continuing to provide overall corporate executive oversight.

Dineen joined the company in 2009 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he was responsible for the overall sales management and leadership of all Streamlight markets, both domestic and international, including Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Industrial, Military and Federal Government, Automotive, and Fire/EMS. During his tenure, he managed the company’s sales organization, which includes direct sales staff and a network of independent sales representatives and distributors, while also leading the development and execution of the company’s marketing strategy.

He was appointed Chief Revenue Officer in 2022, where he oversaw the company’s Materials and Operations departments, in addition to directing Sales and Marketing.

In his new role, Dineen will maintain his previous responsibilities as well as lead Product Management, Accounting and Finance, and IT operations.

Dineen joined Streamlight following a 17-year career with MSA Safety, a global leader in advanced safety products for markets including public safety, military and industrial, which account for a significant portion of Streamlight’s business. He served as the Director of Sales – North American First Responder Markets managing a 35-person sales organization, as well as collaborating on product development and marketing strategies for the company’s Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and Military Base markets. He formerly was Northern North America Sales Manager for the MSA Fire Service Market and held several other sales posts at the company.

“Mike’s deep understanding of our business, combined with his forward-thinking approach to leadership, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Streamlight into its next phase of growth,” said Sharrah. “During his tenures as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and as Chief Revenue Officer, he consistently demonstrated his ability to drive results, foster innovation and build strong relationships with our employees, customers, and suppliers. I am confident that he will show the same exemplary leadership as president of our company.”

Dineen holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Saint Joseph’s University as well as an MBA with a focus in Marketing from Seton Hall University.

NEXTORCH TA22 Tri-Mode Tactical Penlight

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

Cleveland, TN – (February 14th, 2025) – NEXTORCH North America, the primary U.S. distributor of global manufacturer NEXTORCH Industries, is proud to announce the new TA22 Tri-Mode Tactical Penlight. This high-performance tool combines cutting-edge technology with practical features; making it a must-have for tactical professionals, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The TA22 is a professional-grade tactical penlight delivering unmatched power in a compact platform. This penlight sets a new benchmark with 850 lumens of tactical illumination; making it an ideal self-defense light for law enforcement professionals and civilians alike. This tactical penlight is built with a silent activation switch for stealth operation and a nano-ceramic glass breaker tips for emergency needs. It is powered by a USB-C rechargeable battery with an integrated battery status indicator on the light for reliable field performance. Designed for single-handed operation, this self-defense penlight excels in both tactical and everyday carry situations.

The NEXTORCH TA22 redefines tactical penlights with its compact design and high-performance capabilities. It’s 850 lumens of output brightness ensures you can illuminate large areas and identify objects clearly. With its innovative circuit technology, the TA22 provides a beam distance of up to 95 meters in high mode, offering enhanced visibility and safety in low-light conditions. The patented one-step-strobe feature enables quick access to strobe for emergency situations. This function is accessible with a simple full press on the tactical mode setting, ensuring immediate response when needed. The TA22 features a multi-mode design with three selectable settings: LOCK, DUTY, and TAC. The tail switch operation in TAC mode allows for a half press for momentary high and a full press for the one-step-strobe. The DUTY mode offers a half press for momentary on, full press for constant high, and subsequent half presses to toggle between brightness levels (high, medium, low). The LOCK mode prevents accidental activation, making it ideal for storage or transport.

Crafted from durable A6061-T6 aluminum alloy, the TA22 is lightweight yet robust. It has passed ANSI 6.5 ft. drop tests and is IPX8 waterproof submergible up to 6.5 feet. The nano-ceramic strike bezel adds functionality for emergency glass breaking and self-defense. Additionally, the anti-rolling design ensures the flashlight stays in place when placed on uneven surfaces. The TA22 is equipped with a USB-C rechargeable 10880 Li-ion battery for long-lasting power and up to 500 charge cycles.

Technical specifications:

– Maximum output: 850 lumens

– Beam distance: 312 feet

– Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion (included)

– Battery Status indicator, Nano-ceramic bezel

– Runtime: Up to 15 hours

– Dimensions: 5.8” L x .62” W x .56 dia.

– Weight: 1.4 oz. (without battery)

MSRP: $69.99

To learn more about the complete product offerings from NEXTORCH, please visit www.nextorch.com and follow them on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

UNITY Tactical Expands AXON Line with Three-Button Switch

Monday, February 24th, 2025

AXON™ XL brings dedicated visible laser override capability

UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, unveiled the third product in its line of AXON™ switches – the three-button AXON XL – at Enforce Tac 2025.

Developed as part of a SOF requirement, AXON XL brings additional functionality to the industry-leading AXON family. A third button provides users with a dedicated visible laser override capability for the NGAL (LA-23/PEQ) laser. The forward two buttons feature the same tactile differentiation as AXON, while a prominent wall separates the flat (pill-shaped) center pad from the rear (round dome) button.

“We constantly seek to innovate and expand the capability of our product lines,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “AXON XL is the direct result of customer feedback, bringing together a technically advanced and ergonomically correct solution in the same or smaller footprint as many two-button switches on the market, giving the end user utmost efficiency in space and capability.”

There are three non-restrictive versions of AXON XL. The angled button on one supports momentary and constant light activation. On the second, the angled button operates in a SYNC capacity, firing both white light and visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Also operating in SYNC, the angled button on the third version simultaneously fires white light and the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The front angled button supports both momentary and constant activation on SYNC variants as well.

The center and rear buttons fire in the same way across all three commercial variants. The center button fires the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The rear button fires the visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Both the center and rear buttons offer momentary-only and laser double-click-for-constant-on control.

AXON XL is only available for UNITY’s LINK™ USB-C System with GASCAP™, and NGAL (LA-23) lasers with versions for other next-generation / visible-override-capable devices available in the future.

At only 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters) in length, AXON XL is1.03 inches shorter than UNITY’s first-ever two-button TAPS™ switch that launched in 2014 and has since been discontinued.

M1913 Rail Clamps include three pass-throughs for zip ties, with an M-LOK® Mounting Kit sold separately.

AXON XL is available in black and FDE and retails at $349. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers, with orders starting to ship on or before March 7, 2025. AXON XL is on display at the UNITY Tactical stand #7-329 at Enforce Tac in Nürnberg, Germany from Feb. 24-26, 2025.

Streamlight Introduces New Colors for Wedge EDC Series

Monday, February 10th, 2025

Wedge® Flashlights Now Available in Orange and Lime Green; Wedge® XT Adds Silver

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 4, 2025 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, has introduced vibrant new colors to its popular USB-C rechargeable Wedge® series of everyday carry (EDC) flashlights. The original Wedge® now comes in Orange and Lime Green, and the Wedge® XT is now available in a Silver finish. The new options are designed to offer greater personalization while providing the same compact design and exceptional performance that outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, auto and industrial technicians, and consumer users rely on.

“As the Wedge series grows in popularity, we’ve expanded the color options to meet user demand for lights that stand out while maintaining the rugged durability and high-performance features Streamlight is known for,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer. “These new colors allow for greater individuality and ease of identification when using these trusted EDC lighting tools.”

The slim, USB-C rechargeable Wedge provides 300 lumens in constant-on mode and a 1,000-lumen THRO® (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode for a 35-second burst of high intensity light. Its intuitive rotating thumb switch allows for easy one-handed operation, and the light features a rugged anodized aluminum body with a textured grip. Compact and portable, the Wedge measures 5.46 inches long, weighs just 3.3 ounces, and is IPX7-rated for waterproof operation. The Wedge also comes in Black, Coyote, Red, Blue, and Purple.

The Wedge XT delivers 500 lumens on high for two hours and features a tactical push-button tail switch for momentary or constant-on use. Its compact size, at 4.25 inches long and weighing 2.62 ounces, makes it ideal for clean pocket carry. The light includes a Five-Tap® lockout feature to prevent accidental activation and is IPX7-rated for waterproof performance. The Wedge XT also comes in Black and Coyote.

All Wedge Series lights include a USB-C charge cord and a convenient pocket lanyard.

The new Wedge in Orange and Lime Green has an MSRP of $173.49, while the MSRP for the Wedge XT in Silver is $159.65. All models come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

www.streamlight.com

NEXTORCH P91 Dual Switch Flashlight with 5000 Lumens

Sunday, February 9th, 2025

Cleveland, TN – (January 31st, 2025) – NEXTORCH North America, the primary U.S. distributor of global manufacturer NEXTORCH Industries, is proud to announce the P91 Dual Switch Flashlight with 5000 Lumens.The new P91 delivers a staggering 5,000 lumens of dominating output with an intuitive dual-switch interface. This powerful flashlight is for those who demand superior performance.

The NEXTORCH P91 Dual Switch Flashlight is a high-performance lighting tool designed to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement, security personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts. This flashlight delivers an impressive 5,000 lumens of intense illumination, ensuring that you are equipped with powerful lighting when faced with critical situations. The P91 combines advanced technology with rugged construction to provide reliability and adaptability for a variety of professional applications, from tactical operations to emergency response scenarios.

The P91 has a nano-ceramic strike bezel and concealed USB-C charging port that maintains the light’s tactical profile. A dual-switch interface and a one-step-strobe back switch put both momentary activation and mode selection exactly where you need them, giving you instant access to both momentary engagement and full power. With five distinct output levels and a dedicated strobe, this platform adapts to any scenario. The side switch allows users to cycle through five precisely-calibrated output levels, while the tactical tail switch provides immediate access to strobe or momentary activation.

The NEXTORCH P91 utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum housing with a hard-anodized finish providing excellent resistance to abrasion, corrosion and impact proof up to 6.5 feet. It’s IPX7 waterproof rating makes the P91 submersible to depths of up to 3 feet, ensuring reliable performance in rain, snow, or even while submerged in water. Powered by a high-capacity 21700 4800mAh Li-ion battery, the P91 offers an outstanding runtime of up to 60 hours on its lowest mode. The P91 casts its powerful beam of light up to 328 yards, providing the perfect illumination for any situation. At just 5.8 oz. (without battery), this flashlight maintains a perfect balance while providing maximum performance without adding unnecessary bulk.

Technical specifications:

– Maximum output: 5000 lumens – Battery: rechargeable Li-ion (included)

– Beam distance: 328 yards – Runtime: Up to 60 hours (lowest mode)

– Battery: rechargeable Li-ion (included) – Dimensions: 6.3” L x 1.4” W x 1.1 Dia.

MSRP: $119.99 – Weight: 5.8 oz. (without battery)

To learn more about the complete product offerings from NEXTORCH, please visit www.nextorch.com

Streamlight ProTac HL-X Selected by FBI as Tactical Flashlight

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

Tactical Express, LLC Partners with Streamlight to Provide Light Under Multi-Year Contract

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 4, 2025 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, announced that its distribution partner, Tactical Express, LLC, a provider of gear for federal law enforcement agencies, has been selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to supply the Streamlight ProTac® HL-X tactical light to its agents as part of a five-year contract. Delivering up to 1,000 lumens, the light features multi-fuel capability with USB rechargeable or disposable battery options.

Under the terms of the five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) (Award #15F06724A0001329, SKU 95313), the tactical light was chosen as the new agent-issued tactical handheld light for students of the Firearms Training Unit, Training Division of the FBI Academy and is also available for purchase across all other FBI divisions. Tactical Express began deliveries of the light to the FBI in November.

“Streamlight and Tactical Express are very pleased to have been selected for this contract and partnership with the the FBI,” said Matthew J. Baker, Director of Streamlight’s Military/Federal/Government sales division. “Having already shipped thousands of these high-performance lights to U.S. military police and security forces through commercial buys and using National Stock Number 6230-01626-6796 awards, we’re proud to now also provide the ProTac HL-X to new FBI agents and other personnel using this BPA.”

The ProTac HL-X flashlight, built for durability and a sure grip, is available as a complete rechargeable system that can use either a proprietary Streamlight®SL-B26® protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery or two easily sourced CR123A disposable batteries. This multi-fuel capability offers convenient and cost-effective charging options, making it ideal for agent use in remote locations and for long-term operations such as crime scene processing or low-light training.

Offering three modes, the ProTac HL-X uses a high-power LED to deliver 1,000 lumens, 27,100 candela, a 330-meter beam distance and a run time of 1 hour and 30 minutes on high when using the SL-B26 battery; with CR123 batteries, the run time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. On low, the ProTac HL-X provides an extended 23 hours of run time, 65 lumens and 1,600 candela over an 80-meter beam distance; with CR123 batteries, the run time is 20 hours. The light’s high-intensity strobe runs for 3.25 continuous hours with the SL-B26 rechargeable battery, and 2.50 hours with lithium batteries.

The light’s tactical tail switch permits easy, one-handed operation with firearms in room clearing, building search and target identification at a distance situations. Measuring just 5.43 inches in length, it is easily concealed under a uniform or other attire.  

The light is fabricated from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, and comes packaged with a removable pocket clip and holster.

www.streamlight.com