ATPIAL-C vs DBAL A3 - Page 1

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Posted: 2/11/2016 4:54:44 PM EDT

Ok, i know this thread has been done before, but Ive read through reviews and old posts and am still really struggling between the ATPIAL-C and DBAL A3.

ATPIAL-C
Pros
Low profile
Lighter Weight

Cons
$100 more expensive
Red Laser

DBAL A3
Pros
High/Low Setting for IR Illuminator and IR Laser
Adjustable Illuminator width
Green Visible Laser
QD lever

Cons
1 oz heavier
Higher Profile (blocks part of the my view through my T2)

Just for reference the rest of the light/laser setup...
Surefire SR-D-IT Dual Tape Switch
Surefire M300 Mini
UE-BK Tail Cap
Arisaka Offset Scout Light Mount
All on a 9" BCM KMR Rail w/ 10.5" Barrel

If you can think of anyhing im missing or if those who own both could say which they prefer I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Posted: 2/11/2016 5:45:58 PM EDT

[#1]

I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

Posted: 2/11/2016 5:53:40 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

View Quote

Why? I thought that switch worked with both the ATPIAL-C and DBAL A3 as they use the same plug.

Posted: 2/11/2016 6:11:34 PM EDT

[#3]

DBAL-A4

Posted: 2/11/2016 7:27:43 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:

Why? I thought that switch worked with both the ATPIAL-C and DBAL A3 as they use the same plug.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

Why? I thought that switch worked with both the ATPIAL-C and DBAL A3 as they use the same plug.

They have a bad habit of popping out of the DBAL under recoil.

What I did is put a small peice of velcro on the back of the tape switch plug, one on the top of the dbal, bottom of the dbal, and run a strip across all three. Held it in place wonderfully.

Posted: 2/11/2016 7:45:35 PM EDT

[#5]

I love the ATPIAL-C and as bad as I want to pick it, I have to go with the A3 for the adjustable illuminator. That, for me, is the only reason I'd pick the A3 over the ATPIAL-C.

Posted: 2/12/2016 10:25:00 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:
I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

How does the A3 illuminator on the widest width compare to the fix width of the ATPIAL-C?

Which one is brighter?

Quoted:
DBAL-A4

At the rate LED white light technology progresses Its nice to be able to replace a $200 surefire instead of buying a new $1,600 laser/light combo unit.

Posted: 2/12/2016 3:26:20 PM EDT

[#7]

I will use them side by side and try to take pics this weekend.

Going off memory, they are about equal with the A3 on its widest width.

Posted: 2/13/2016 9:58:03 AM EDT

[#8]

I am having the same issue so I subbed. I'm also considering 2 of the i2 singles for both of my rifles.

interesting thread.

Posted: 2/13/2016 12:58:04 PM EDT

[#9]

Trying to do it tonight.

What distances do you guys want to see so I can best of service to ARFCOM

I can do a wooden fence at 15 yards, inside a house at 5 yards, and outdoors as far as 238,900 miles to the moon.

Posted: 2/13/2016 1:19:33 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Trying to do it tonight.

What distances do you guys want to see so I can best of service to ARFCOM

I can do a wooden fence at 15 yards, inside a house at 5 yards, and outdoors as far as 238,900 miles to the moon.

View Quote

I am interested in this moon shot

Honestly I would like to see the 15yds. I wanna get one for hunting and night steel shooting.

Posted: 2/13/2016 4:02:35 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have both (Well, the I2 which doesn't have the green vis laser) and my ATPIAL rides on a BCM 9" KMR.

I would go DBAL A3 any day of the week. The only real con is that it won't interface very well with the Surefire SR D switch, but by 2025 TNVC should have the TAPS switch out.

View Quote

I see what you did there!

Posted: 2/13/2016 4:57:57 PM EDT

[#12]

whats good laser for shooting 200 yards or so at night ?

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:51:17 PM EDT

[#13]

DBAL I2 on left. ATPIAL-C on right.

After seeing this, I really have to give the DBAL I2 (or A3 if you want to compare apples/apples) the edge hands down. I just do not see where the ATPIAL-C has any edge over the DBAL A3 except for weight and profile in mounted at 12:00 in front of a RDS. The illuminated area of the DBAL was noticably brighter, bigger, and cleaner than the ATPIAL-C.

Posted: 2/13/2016 10:55:18 PM EDT

[#14]

Be nice to see a range of specs to look for.

Posted: 2/14/2016 3:48:23 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
DBAL I2 on left. ATPIAL-C on right.

After seeing this, I really have to give the DBAL I2 (or A3 if you want to compare apples/apples) the edge hands down. I just do not see where the ATPIAL-C has any edge over the DBAL A3 except for weight and profile in mounted at 12:00 in front of a RDS. The illuminated area of the DBAL was noticably brighter, bigger, and cleaner than the ATPIAL-C.

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w521/6234987u02/IMG_4911_zpsextjaktv.jpg

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w521/6234987u02/DSC02168_zpsbknavevb.jpg

View Quote

Great picture, I really appreciate the comparison.

I started off really wanting the ATPIAL-C but the more I look into it I'm starting To like the DBAL A3.

Can anyone confirm if a aimpoint T1 micro with 1/3 co witness (or 7mm riser) will clear the top of the DBAL A3 and leave a open field of view in the optics?

Also are there any aftermarket QD mounts that might be lower profile than the one provided with the DBAL A3?

Posted: 2/14/2016 5:06:43 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

Great picture, I really appreciate the comparison.

I started off really wanting the ATPIAL-C but the more I look into it I'm starting To like the DBAL A3.

Can anyone confirm if a aimpoint T1 micro with 1/3 co witness (or 7mm riser) will clear the top of the DBAL A3 and leave a open field of view in the optics?

Also are there any aftermarket QD mounts that might be lower profile than the one provided with the DBAL A3?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
DBAL I2 on left. ATPIAL-C on right.

After seeing this, I really have to give the DBAL I2 (or A3 if you want to compare apples/apples) the edge hands down. I just do not see where the ATPIAL-C has any edge over the DBAL A3 except for weight and profile in mounted at 12:00 in front of a RDS. The illuminated area of the DBAL was noticably brighter, bigger, and cleaner than the ATPIAL-C.

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w521/6234987u02/IMG_4911_zpsextjaktv.jpg

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w521/6234987u02/DSC02168_zpsbknavevb.jpg

Great picture, I really appreciate the comparison.

I started off really wanting the ATPIAL-C but the more I look into it I'm starting To like the DBAL A3.

Can anyone confirm if a aimpoint T1 micro with 1/3 co witness (or 7mm riser) will clear the top of the DBAL A3 and leave a open field of view in the optics?

Also are there any aftermarket QD mounts that might be lower profile than the one provided with the DBAL A3?

While the dot will clear no issue, you will see the top of the A3 in the very lower quadrant of the T1. It's no worry though becaue your never really looking THROUGH the T1. Rather you have noth eyes open looking at your target down range and placing the dot on the target. In this fashion you rarely see the A3 in the lower quadran.

Hope this helps.

Vic

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - ATPIAL-C vs DBAL A3

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