Which FDE light and pressure pad would you choose?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which FDE light and pressure pad would you choose?

Posted: 5/9/2020 4:19:19 PM EDT

I'm looking for one and I really don't know that much about lights but I'm trying to learn as I go. Rail is a KAC URX 3.1

Posted: 5/9/2020 8:01:24 PM EDT

[#1]

it'll be really governed by you end task and budget. once we know that, we can guide you in the right direction.

ETA - some things you want to consider:

expected distances of use
temperature of use (cold weather - use lithium batteries - rechargeable or disposable)
run times - one cell is usually lower that 2 cell
battery types - lithium disposable is more expensive, but lithium rechargeable is guilt free lumens - just recharge

few brands come to mind:
surefire
streamlight
arisaka
modlite
malkoff devices

Mark

Posted: 5/9/2020 8:10:06 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Originally Posted By TacticalConcepts:
it'll be really governed by you end task and budget. once we know that, we can guide you in the right direction.

ETA - some things you want to consider:

expected distances of use
temperature of use (cold weather - use lithium batteries - rechargeable or disposable)
run times - one cell is usually lower that 2 cell
battery types - lithium disposable is more expensive, but lithium rechargeable is guilt free lumens - just recharge

few brands come to mind:
surefire
streamlight
arisaka
modlite
malkoff devices

Mark

View Quote

Mark,

It's just going to be used for HD and of course #1 rule, it has to look cool. I'm not worried about run time or battery type, will be changed out yearly.

Posted: 5/9/2020 8:16:12 PM EDT

[#3]

ok,

surefire M300
Surefire M600U
surefire scout light pro
Surefire scout - M600DF

Arisaka defence
single and two cell - tan available

Inforce - I have a rifle and pistol light - they are not confidence inspiring to me for Duty use (LE) but they may be fine for HD.
Inforce

Mark

Posted: 5/9/2020 8:18:03 PM EDT

[#4]

oh ya, forgot, take a look in the EE. You are going to save a bunch of shekels buying used vs new....especially on surefire.

Mark

Posted: 5/9/2020 9:05:04 PM EDT

[#5]

Mark what about the Surefire M300 Mini?

Posted: 5/9/2020 9:07:12 PM EDT

[#6]

yup, its in there. the surefire scout links - excellent light

Mark

Posted: 5/10/2020 10:49:27 AM EDT

[#7]

Arisaka with the clicky tailcap. Wires get in the way. Krylon is your friend.

Posted: 5/10/2020 10:54:10 AM EDT

[#8]

I've got a Streamlight TLR1-HPL. This thing is like staring into the sun.
1000 lumens 60,000 candela

Posted: 5/10/2020 4:45:48 PM EDT

[#9]

I have a Surefire M600 DF in tan. I also got the matching tan DS00 with ST07. Also got a matching Cloud Defensive LCS in FDE. M600 DF isn't as bright as my Cloud Defensive OWL (on another rifle), but I wanted all FDE/TAN for this setup. Everything works well and looks good.

Posted: 5/11/2020 4:16:58 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Originally Posted By BmNJ:
I have a Surefire M600 DF in tan. I also got the matching tan DS00 with ST07. Also got a matching Cloud Defensive LCS in FDE. M600 DF isn't as bright as my Cloud Defensive OWL (on another rifle), but I wanted all FDE/TAN for this setup. Everything works well and looks good.

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You guys need to show some pics!

Posted: 5/12/2020 1:02:05 PM EDT

[#11]

Heading into work now I’ll post them tomorrow.

Posted: 5/13/2020 1:25:15 PM EDT

[#12]

I vote Arisaka. But Surefire, Modlite and the rest mentioned are excellent choices as well.

I would say for you HD gun - Arisaka 300 series with mount of choice and/or pressure switch.

This is my Arisaka 600 fde going on my next build

Attached File

Posted: 5/13/2020 3:09:53 PM EDT

[#13]

Cloud Defensive sells an FDE Streamlight HLX... the Streamlight pressure pads suck though and dont come in tan. There are tail adaptors to use Surefire pressure pads available. HLX has a better beam pattern than anything Surefire sells... but the build quality is not as nice.

Everything Arisaka/Malkoff sells is super pencil beam throw oriented at the moment. Nothing general purpose with good throw and spill.

Posted: 5/13/2020 3:59:37 PM EDT

[#14]

I haven't seen any mentions of Cloud Defensive.

They have the OWL in FDE. The only downside I see to it is the weight. If you could get over that, it covers light+mount+switch.

https://www.primaryarms.com/cloud-defensive-optimized-weapon-light-flat-dark-earth

Posted: 5/16/2020 2:34:06 PM EDT

[#15]

Surefire M300 or 600 series always a good go to. I've recently started slowly switching out my m300 series to the SF M600 DF series. Anything surefire is always dependable, but are pricey...but as they say, you get what you pay for. With that said, I own a couple of the Streamlight HLX rail mount lights, and they have held up.

Posted: 5/17/2020 7:51:08 AM EDT

[#16]

Modlite and a can of Krylon....

Posted: 5/17/2020 8:28:12 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Johnny_Longslide:
I vote Arisaka. But Surefire, Modlite and the rest mentioned are excellent choices as well.

I would say for you HD gun - Arisaka 300 series with mount of choice and/or pressure switch.

This is my Arisaka 600 fde going on my next build

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/137230/IMG_20200513_132037_jpg-1414102.JPG

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Damn it! I need a Modbutton! @Johnny_Longslide where did you find one in stock?

Posted: 5/17/2020 8:52:01 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

Damn it! I need a Modbutton! @Johnny_Longslide where did you find one in stock?

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I vote Arisaka. But Surefire, Modlite and the rest mentioned are excellent choices as well.

I would say for you HD gun - Arisaka 300 series with mount of choice and/or pressure switch.

This is my Arisaka 600 fde going on my next build

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/137230/IMG_20200513_132037_jpg-1414102.JPG

Damn it! I need a Modbutton! @Johnny_Longslide where did you find one in stock?

@Synyster06Gates .... Yeah, I ain't tellin'!

I got lucky and bought a few of these... ok 5... when they were available. Get yourself on the notification list of the retailers that sell these.

I really like them but there is a caveat. They push the light higher over the rail than I prefer but for how they preform it's a fair trade off.

*Edit - I also wanted to mention that these aren't for everyone and they do have some limitations. For my applications, they work fantastic.

My next goal is to find the Unity Hot Button to test out.

Posted: 5/17/2020 9:35:46 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Johnny_Longslide:

@Synyster06Gates .... Yeah, I ain't tellin'!

I got lucky and bought a few of these... ok 5... when they were available. Get yourself on the notification list of the retailers that sell these.

I really like them but there is a caveat. They push the light higher over the rail than I prefer but for how they preform it's a fair trade off.

*Edit - I also wanted to mention that these aren't for everyone and they do have some limitations. For my applications, they work fantastic.

My next goal is to find the Unity Hot Button to test out.

View Quote

Lucky! I just need one for my Modlite to run immediately behind my laser. I've been on a list but every time I get a notification I'm at work and they're OOS by the time I have a chance to get to it

.

Where should I try besides Modlite, BigTexOutdoors, Arisaka, and Mil-Spec Retail?

@Johnny_Longslide and at if any point you decide to get rid of one, let me know and I'd gladly take one off your hands!

Posted: 5/17/2020 9:59:32 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Johnny_Longslide:

@Synyster06Gates .... Yeah, I ain't tellin'!

I got lucky and bought a few of these... ok 5... when they were available. Get yourself on the notification list of the retailers that sell these.

I really like them but there is a caveat. They push the light higher over the rail than I prefer but for how they preform it's a fair trade off.

*Edit - I also wanted to mention that these aren't for everyone and they do have some limitations. For my applications, they work fantastic.

My next goal is to find the Unity Hot Button to test out.

View Quote

Looks good. Were you able to compare it to a Surefire tape switch to see if there is any noticeable difference?

Posted: 5/17/2020 10:08:55 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Originally Posted By KCode98:

You guys need to show some pics!

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Posted: 5/17/2020 11:22:03 AM EDT

[#22]

Attached File

Attached File

I just got the upper on the right yesterday after a 4 month wait from Triarc... 11.5". And I'm trying it the Arisaka Malkoff E2XTD light on the 12.5".

@BmNJ - I honestly can't tell the difference white walling it. I haven't had the chance to get it out at night at distance but will soon.

@Synyster06Gates - Nah, sorry. I plan on getting more though. My CC is ready.

/threadhijack

Posted: 5/17/2020 1:42:15 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Johnny_Longslide:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/137230/IMG_20200517_111156_jpg-1420022.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/137230/IMG_20200517_111319_jpg-1420023.JPG

I just got the upper on the right yesterday after a 4 month wait from Triarc... 11.5". And I'm trying it the Arisaka Malkoff E2XTD light on the 12.5".

@BmNJ - I honestly can't tell the difference white walling it. I haven't had the chance to get it out at night at distance but will soon.

@Synyster06Gates - Nah, sorry. I plan on getting more though. My CC is ready.

/threadhijack

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Johnny,
If you get the chance could you compare those light heads and let us know what you think?