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Archive for the ‘Lights’ Category

Manta Strobe from V-lite

Monday, February 1st, 2010

It’s been almost a year to the day since we introduced you to V-lite. At this year’s SHOT Show they introduced the Manta Strobe. A lot of work has gone into this piece of equipment. It velcros to the helmet and the chassis is smooth without any sharp edges to catch on equipment, obstacles, or shroud lines. Additionally, the base is slightly curved to follow the profile of the helmet. What’s more, it’s about half the size of an MS-2000. It is both a visible Green light and IR strobe and does not require a filter. Rather, by simultaneously depressing both side buttons the output is changed. Finally, the on/off switch features vibrating feedback to let you know it is on.

We got quite a few requests asking for a better photo of The Manta so here you go.

To order visit VliteUSA.com.

Posted in Comms, Helmets, Lights, SERE, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Manta Strobe from V-lite

The Surefire RAID M720 – Best in Show

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Surefire noticed that customers were beginning to use their pistol lights in ways many hadn’t thought of before such as in place of the scout light on their carbine so they looked for a way to introduce more functionality in a similar foot print. The result is the new RAID series of lights. There are three versions of the RAID M720 coming including a white light only variant, high intensity white light, and the white light/IR combo. An added bonus is that Surefire has introduced a strobe function to this series of lights.

As for the M720V (IR), they took the Vampire technology released last year and applied it to their weapon light but with a difference. A simple twist of the bezel located behind the head switches from white to IR to disable. Integrating both white and IR lights into the same package, the new M720V packs a lot of power into a compact package. There are three IR settings (Low, Med, High) and four white light functions (Flashlight, Med, High, and Strobe). The RAID can be dismounted from the weapon and used as a flashlight or the same function can be used as a navigation light.

Notice that the battery compartment is at an angle. This is so that you can swap the two CR123 batteries without removing the light from the weapon. In addition to the light’s integral switches, there is also an optional tape switch.

Out of everything I saw at the show, this is the one thing that everyone with a weapon can use. The M720V is available in March from Surefire with other models to follow throughout the year.

Tags: Surefire
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Ryobi Tek4 4V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

I know it seems odd that we would profile products from a tool manufacturer but several new products from Ryobi utilizing their Tek4 4V Lithium-Ion battery technology caught our eye. In addition to being handy around the house, several items might find a well deserved spot in either individual or small unit deployment kits.

In particular, Ryobi is offering the Tek4 DuraShot 8MP Digital Camera. Designed to withstand the rigors of a construction site the 8 megapixel camera features 3x Optical Zoom, voice memo recording linking the memo to the photo, as well as impact resistance and water and dust proof body.

Other products include the Tek4 Motion Sensing Alarm which has a remote control for arming and disarming and Infrared Motion Detection for larger protection coverage. There is also a flashlight, multimeter, and laser distance measure. All of these product rely on the new Ryobi 4V Lithium-Ion battery. It is equivalent to 3 AA batteries and has over 2,000 recharge cycles which eliminates 6,000 AA batteries.

Still not convinced? That same battery also works as a universal power source when combined with the Portable Power Source adapter.

Visit www.ryobi.com for more information.

Tags: Ryobi
Posted in Gadgets, Lights | Comments Off on Ryobi Tek4 4V Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

Phantom Products Wins Big, Well Sort Of

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Phantom Products, Inc., of Rockledge, Florida has been awarded a maximum $31,250,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for flashlights, light kits, and transmitters by the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP). Their proposal was the winning bid in a field of 63 responses which is pretty impressive.

Sounds pretty awesome but what does this mean? Their medical and other lights will be available on the electronic catalog and over the period of performance which lasts until 1 November, 2014, they can sell up to the contract ceiling. Additionally, they have already set the price for their lights over the life of the contract. So Phantom Products has won the opportunity to sell a lot of lights and I think they will. They build a great product and I have been using one for over ten years. My experience with Phantom products began due to the unique characteristics of their lights.

Phantom has been an industry leader for years in providing low signature NVG secure flashlights. Their lights combine LEDs of different colors to produce white light. This means that you can find blood on a casualty. Along the same vein, map features aren’t washed out under a colored light. In a tactical situation an NVG equipped foe cannot detect the light. They have also taken the technology and applied it in other directions including landing lights. All-in-all, it makes sense.

For more information on their line of lights, visit Phantom Products.

Tags: Phantom Products
Posted in Contracts, Lights | Comments Off on Phantom Products Wins Big, Well Sort Of

MiniScout Light Now Available

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

The SureFire M300A Mini Scout Light we recently wrote about is now available. It is an excellent option for those who want to reduce even more weight from their weapon and relies on a single CR123 battery combines with a shock-proof LED emitter and TIR lens to provide 110 lumens. Just like its big brother the mini scout comes with an integral Picatinny mount. The light is activated via the tailcap push button switch or by using a remote pressure-activated tape switch.

See all of the details at www.SureFire.com.

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Lights, weapons | Comments Off on MiniScout Light Now Available

SureFire Sneak Peeks

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

We had an opportunity to see a few of the new products from SureFire at the ADS Warrior Expo and Outdoor Retailer shows. Below is just a sampling of what’s next in tactical illumination and cutlery.

M300 Mini Scout Light

At half the size of the M600 Scout Light (hence the name M300), the Mini Scout Light utilizes a single CR123 battery. It makes for a more compact and slightly lighter alternative to the full-size M600. Unfortunately, it also translates into about half of the performance of the M600. However, as more compact and specialized weapons continue to see use, such a light may well find its place.

Surefire Helmet Lights

Now in its fourth generation, the Helmet Light has integrated several changes. Most notable is the new molded shrouds for the toggles. Instead of attaching an additional part to the light, the new shrouds are an integral part of the chassis which strengthens the design and reduces production time and material. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, the new light features a threaded battery cap with an integrated lock out switch. Rumor has it that an entirely new Helmet Light is under development and while no details have been released, features are being driven by user feedback and it won’t resemble the current model.

SureFire LX1 Lumamax

The LED LX1 is compact (4.1″ long) and features two brightness levels; 10 lumens low and 80 lumens high. Press lightly on the two stage tailcap switch for low and apply more pressure for high. Twist the tail switch for constant on in either of the brightness modes or to lockout the switch to avoid light ADs. Additionally, the pocket clip is reversible. There is also an LX2 model coming out that also features a two stage tailcap but goes to 200 lumens.

Edged Weapons
SureFire is also releasing two new folding knives; the Edge and Crank. As with their previous edged weapon designs, these are made in the U.S.A.

Surefire Crank

LENGTH CLOSED 3.97″
LENGTH OPEN 6.4″
BLADE LENGTH 2.56″
WEIGHT 3.2 oz.

The blade is manufactured from polished 154 CM steel. A single hexagonal opening machined into the aluminum frame accommodates 1/2″ nuts, and a slot extension holds a coin firmly in place for use as a field-expedient screwdriver. Additionally, there is a built-in cord cutter and a bottle opener.

SureFire Edge

LENGTH CLOSED 4.7″
LENGTH OPEN 8.1″
BLADE LENGTH 3.4″
WEIGHT 5.5 oz.

The modified spear-point blade is crafted from 154 CM steel and the the 7075 aluminum frame features a liner lock. Notice the prominent hex openings along the handle and set into the blade which can be used as wrenches (7/16″, 3/8″, 5/16″, 1/2″ nuts). It also features an integral finger guard/flip-open lever and a pocket clip.

With the exception of the prototype M300 all of the products will be released soon. For additional information visit www.surefire.com.

Tags: ADS, Outdoor Retailer, Surefire
Posted in Knives, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on SureFire Sneak Peeks

Vltor SM-OCG Light Mount on a Helmet

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Vltor’s unique low-profile light mount can be attached to a Ops-Core Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) via the Mil-Std 1913 adapter. ARCs are available in two styles; one is a component of the FAST family of helmets and the other is designed for the ACH and available directly from Ops-Core or MSA.

Vltor’s Scout Mount – Offset Classic G-series mount has been around for a couple of years but now that the ARC rails are seeing wider use we thought it was a good idea to remind our readers about this option.

Tags: Ops-Core, Vltor
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NVG Mount Lights

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

According to Ops-Core, several companies are working on lights designed to attach directly to a helmet’s NVG mount. None of the lights are quite ready for prime-time but we were able to sneak a picture of one example at the recent ADS Warrior Expo.

Tags: Ops-Core
Posted in Helmets, Lights, Rumor Mill | Comments Off on NVG Mount Lights