Gerber is now shipping the Cortex Compact, a single cell light offering low, high (125 lumens at 2 hours) and strobe functionality. It is water resistant and the grippy Black textured body incorporates a pocket clip. It also incorporates Gerber’s Omnivore technology which will accept CR123 or AA batteries.
The much anticipated X400 Ultra with Green laser from SurFire is set to be available next month. It integrates the 500 lumens Ultra lamp along with a green laser.
Available in the UK through www.edgarbrothers.com.
Unity Tactical’s upcoming EXO is a replacement mount with an integrated action guard designed to allow SureFire X200, X300, and X300U weapon lights to be run on long guns. It is constructed from strong impact resistant polymer and is intended as a direct replacement for the standard plastic frame rails. The EXO is 100% made in the USA. It should be released later this month.
We collaborated with ADS to create an infographic on tactical lighting for Volume 10 of their tactical catalog. Order yours to see the entire graphic.
The goal was to classify tactical lighting into basic applications and to introduce readers to common terminology and attributes to use as selection factors.
Applications:
Tactical lighting is available in several different packages including handheld, head or helmet mounted, and weapon mounted. There are also modular light packages engineered for crossover use on helmets or MOLLE vests as well as weapon mounted configurations. Light performance will differ based on these various package options.
Attributes:
From lamp and bulb type, to battery efficiency, lenses, and reflectivity, engineers are continuously improving the various components and attributes of tactical lighting. When selecting a light, it is best to define your requirements up front. First, consider application and the associated type of lights available, then focus on the attributes that differentiate the models in that segment.
Filters & Bulbs
Lenses & Reflectors
Battery Type
Runtime
Total Cost of Ownership
-Eric Graves
A lifelong shooter and outdoorsman, Eric served in the US Army before retiring from the US Air Force after 21 years of service. After his retirement Eric also worked in industry and has served as the Editor of Soldier Systems Daily since launching the site in May of 2008.
Upgraded SureFire Outdoorsman Series lights are now available. The E1L/E2L models provide double their original output while still maintaining their small, compact size. Additionally, the E2LAA (as in powered by AA batteries) received a 50% increase in output. This series of lights is all about achieving the right balance of output and runtime for serious outdoor use, making them different from tactical lights, which are about putting out as much light as possible to deal with threats. This “right balance” is crucial in the wild, where carrying spare batteries can weigh you down, and supplies and civilization, may be miles or days away. These versatile and rugged outdoorsman models offer dual-output, extended runtime and are O-ring and gasket sealed against the elements and waterproof to 1 meter. The shock resistant LED emitter is optimized for maximum output and efficiency, and the SureFire Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens delivers light in a tight beam while allowing for enough surround light for close-range awareness. Made of high-strength aerospace aluminum with a Mil-Spec Type III hard-anodized finish, these lights are equipped with SureFire’s tailcap click-switch providing easy and secure operation. The built in 2-way high-strength steel clip makes securing the flashlights in a pocket or to a cap bill or brim hassle-free.
Features and Benefits:
• Virtually indestructible LED regulated to maximize output and runtime
• Two output levels—high for maximum light, low for extended runtime
• TIR lens produces tight beam with enough surround light for peripheral vision
• Coated, tempered window resists impact and thermal shock, maximizes light transmission
• Dual-output tailcap click switch—press for momentary-on low, click for constant-on low; return to off, then press or click again within two seconds for high
• Includes high-energy 123A batteries with 10-year shelf life
• Backed by SureFire’s No-Hassle Promise
*Click on images to download spec sheets.
I was introduced to Rob from Specialized Tactical Systems at SHOT Show a couple of years ago by the folks at Crye Precision. STS is a small yet innovative weapon manufacturer and they’ve built guns for a variety of people including my SSD carbine. At SHOT Show 2013, Rob showed me something very cool and I’ve had to keep quiet about it. Until Now.
NavLight® was designed to provide Just Enough Light™. NavLight® provides 0-5 lumens of light allowing for map reading, soft ambient light, SSE, chamber checks, etc. Every other weapon mounted light I’ve seen has a fixed beam, but the NavLight® takes a different approach. Its patent pending mounting system allows the light to rotate 360°, meaning you get illumination where you need it rather than directed coaxially with the barrel of a weapon. The patent pending rotation/locking system is really cool and allows you to reposition the light very easily.
The NavLight® features an adjustable intensity LED of 0-5 lumens with steady on and slow/med/fast strobe functions. In addition to the 360° Picatinny Rail Mount there is also a magnetic/hook Velcro mount as well as a wrist band. It can be also used with PALS through the use of a ITW QASM RAMP Picatinny Mount. The NavLight® can also be adapted to an Ops-Core ARC rail. Offered in White, Green, Red, Blue and IR LEDs.
For Quantity Government and Military Sales please visit www.buysourceone.com
www.specializedtactical.com/navlight/navlight
INFORCE has announced a lumen upgrade for the Picatinny Rail compatible Weapon Mounted Light.
North Kingstown, RI – Emissive Energy Corp. Effective immediately, the INFORCE WML Rifle/Carbine lights will be upgraded to a higher illumination level.
The WML White/IR will be increased from 125 lumens to 175 lumens with a 90 minutes runtime from a single 123 Lithium battery. It will also provide 75 mW of infrared light by using the side mounted, mode selection switch. The WML White/IR operates without IR filters. The WML produces penetrating, white light with a tight beam for close to mid-range applications and balanced peripheral light for discernment of surrounding areas. Features include field- programmable white light – from high-to-low or low-to-high – plus a strobe that is easily disabled. Its angled activation button is comfortable to operate without interference of wires or tape switches. The integrated, patent pending, rail clamping system is compact, and secure. Waterproof to 66 feet. Two distinct easy-to-operate lockout systems are incorporated to avoid accidental discharge. MIL-STD-810G certified.
The WML White will be increased from 125 lumens to 200 lumens with a run time of 90 minutes from a single 123 Lithium battery. The WML produces penetrating, white light with a tight beam for close to mid-range applications and balanced peripheral light for discernment of surrounding areas. Features include field-programmable white light – from high-to-low or low-to-high – plus a strobe that is easily disabled. Its angled activation button is comfortable to operate without interference of wires or tape switches. The integrated, patent pending, rail clamping system is compact, and secure. Waterproof to 66 feet. Two distinct easy-to-operate lockout systems are incorporated to avoid accidental discharge. MIL-STD-810G certified.
Bison Designs has added a new twist on the ubiquitous 550 cord bracelet. The BUKaLITE incorporates an LED bulb in the buckle.
Offered in Red or White lenses, the BUKaLITE has two functions, constant on and strobe. For many, it might make a handy, soft light.
