My first introduction to Inforce was their WML (Weapon Mounted Light) for my AR15. And that's awesome light; friendly ergo, easy to use switch, and lightweight. So I'd added their APL (Auto Pistol Light) to my weapon's lighting arsenal. Again, Inforce didn't disappoint me with their APL's rugged, simple, and lightweight design. The APL's light switches are really easy to use.
Wanting to replace my cheap LED EDC, and given those above results, I'd went and acquired their handheld lights. I didn't want anything large for my pocket carry, so I got their 6VX and 6VT models. Both models were carried for about one week to see their differences.
I'll start with the 6VX model. Basic specs are LED w/ 200 lumens max output, body is 1.0" diameter by 4.85" long, and weights 3.3oz. It also have a 200 high, 40 low, and 200 strobe modes. And it takes two CR123 batteries. Like their rugged weapon's lights, the body is made from the same hard polymer. And given the diameter, I'm sure it can also be use with an adapter, that will hold a light of similar diameter, as a weapon's light. The non-textured body makes it easy to put in and pull out of your pocket.
As you can see, it has a built-in clip for added security. This also prevents the light from rolling off a smooth surface, if you were to place it on a table. I carry this light in my support side, back pocket. Therefore, I don’t really use the pocket clip, as I like a deeper carry. A neat feature is the added loop hole, above the pocket clip. This allows the user to add a lanyard. So I added a small lanyard to mine. I really like this feature, since it serves two purposes. First, given that I like to seat deeper in the pocket, the lanyard sticks out and hangs over my pocket. This gives me a quick and easy way to retrieve the light. And second, I wrap the lanyard around my fingers for added retention of the light. This case, if I need to use my support hand to pick up anything or change a mag, I can let go of the light without putting it completely down.
There's a rubber o-ring, inside the tail cap, so the light is water proof up to 66 ft. The rubber covered tail switch feels pretty good to the touch. As stated above, the light has three modes. You can reprogram the light to have either the high or low to come on first. I have mine set to have low/high/strobe. If held in for more than 1.5 second, the light will go into momentary on mode. So once you let go of the switch, it will turn off. But if you want a constant on, just tap the switch and the light will stay on. To use the other programmed mode, you'll need to push the switch, within a second, to alternate to the next mode. And if you quickly push the button in twice, this will instantly activate the strobe.
The switch is harder to press, meaning it takes more force to activate it. I don't have any Surefire lights or the likes to compare against. But, to me, it doesn't seem to be out of the ordinary. Just comparing it to my cheapo LED light, which has a pretty light push button. The good thing about the 6VX's button is it reduces the accidental activation when I'm sitting or moving around. The light is great for primarily use with a handover technique. For me, it's harder to use the Rogers (aka syringe) technique since the body doesn't provide enough traction to hold and activate the light. But if you have some kung-fu grip, the Rogers technique won't be problem. However, by holding the light with my lanyard, I can use it to pull the light toward your palm, so it aids with the Rogers technique. And in the front, there are some teeth molded in bezel, so they can be use to strike against soft or hard target.
On to the 6VT model. This light looks almost identical to its brother, the 6VX. Two noticeable features that sets it apart of the 6VX are: 1) the lack of pocket clip, and 2) the fingers' grove added to the body. The body's overall dimensions are identical. This light is the more "tactical" between these two models. There are other features that sets it apart from the 6VX model. Instead of an electrical tail button, it has a mechanical button, so there are no low / high / strobe functions. This light is set up to use all 200 lumens with the momentary-on push button. Or if you want a constant 200 lumens, you'll have to twist the tail cap.
First, the 6VT is primarily designed to be use with a Rogers hold technique. Therefore, the added fingers' grove to help with better purchase of the light between your two fingers. This grove is pretty low profile and doesn't interfere with carrying the light in my pocket. I've tried carrying it both in the front and back pockets, and the light can easily be taken out without the grove catching on the pocket's edge. This grove also helps my middle finger to index, when I hold it with a handover method.
Second, the mechanical button is easier to push in, when compare to the 6VX. You can also set the sensitivity of the button by tightening or loosening the tail cap. This allows the button to be either closer or farther away from the batteries, thus either adding or reducing the tension on the button. A nice feature. But the only thing is, this mechanical button is only water resistance, and not proof. So unless, you're planning on swimming with your light, it should serve you well in your EDC.
The 6VT has the same loop area molded into the body, so you can add a lanyard to the flashlight. But it just doesn't have the pocket clip. This isn't an issue for me, since I don't use it. If you want to use a clip, I'm sure you can call up Inforce and see if they will sell you a pocket clip.
So, after using these lights for a while, I really like them both. Their minimalist design doesn't snag on your clothing. Can easily be slip in and out of your pocket. Built ruggedly. Playing around with the light in my hands, I've managed to have dropped them quite a few times, but there are no dings nor scratches. A couple of times they were dropped while the LED was on, and there weren't any disruptions to the beam pattern or output. But if I must choose, I would have to give the edge to the 6VT, not because it's "tactical," but I simply like the momentary-on aspect of the mechanical button. I rarely use the constant-on mode. And if I want a constant on, I can just twist the tail cap. I think the 200 lumens is perfect for all around use, bright enough to put light where you need, while not too bright that it will cause temporary blindness, if you shine it on a whitish wall.
I'm really happy with these lights as my EDC. There's a lot of light here for the money.
No comments:
Post a Comment