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.
Princeton Tec introduces their new Modular Personal Lighting System (MPLS). Based on the popular, LED-based Pilot the MPLS is not only compact, but lightweight as well. The secret is in the flexible boom allows you to position the light in your workspace so you can see clearly without having to crane your neck or look out of the side of your eye. In addition the boom the mounts are designed to allow 45 degrees of rotation to further fine tune your light’s orientation. I have used the light while attached to a helmet rail and it is fantastic. In addition to a MOLLE attachment, the light also comes with a magnetic bracket in addition to an adapter that fits OPS-CORE rails. The MPLS can quickly be moved from mount to mount by twisting the light free. The fit on my MPLS was good and I didn’t see any problem with it coming free accidentally. A simple push of the large button in the center of the light transitions it from off to low to high.
