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Posted: 1/30/2020 10:12:46 PM EDT
[#1]
I run a hellstar now, but for years I ran an air soft knock off. Worked fine. Like 40 bucks on eBay. Always an option if you want to be cheap.
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Posted: 1/30/2020 11:27:46 PM EDT
[#2]
I have several kinds, none pricey.
I usually stick with a Phoenix Jr and I soldered wires to it and it runs to a 9V in my mohwak. I made some Phoenix Jr copies using 555 timers. It was fun, but not good enough IMO. The others I have just sit in my NV stuff. |
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Posted: 1/30/2020 11:36:55 PM EDT
[#3]
If it's just for hunting, I wouldn't even bother. Just get a Cejay Phoenix JR that plugs into the top of a 9v and velcro that to your helmet.
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Posted: 1/30/2020 11:54:11 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
What is everyone using for a helmet mounted IR strobe? Hunting and shooting at night with friends. Starting a new rule where all of us has an IR strobe. Most of my friends have the helstar 6s. They seem to be pretty pricey but that is fine if they offer that much more features and quality. I really don’t have any experience with anything else. Is it worth the $175 or are there other strobes out there that can do the job just as good or close for less? Also, which model do you recommend if I do go with the Helstar... Thanks in advance The 620-01 and 620-02 models I think are the most versatile. The Manta has a bright IR strobe but it’s too bright to use around others. The HS 6 dim IR flash or steady dim IR works better around others. I use the Manta on my dog’s harness because I can see his ass far away. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 12:03:39 AM EDT
[#5]
I run a Glo-toob IR which is extremely bright. I run velcro around it so I can control the amount of light output and also to secure it to my helmet.
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Posted: 1/31/2020 2:13:35 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I run a Glo-toob IR which is extremely bright. I run velcro around it so I can control the amount of light output and also to secure it to my helmet. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 3:26:36 AM EDT
[#7]
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Posted: 1/31/2020 4:37:03 AM EDT
[#8]
Yea, Nitecore NU05MI ^^^ is the the ticket - $25. If you need more than the 3/6hr Beacon, or 18/20hr Strobe - it'll run off an external power supply too.
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Posted: 1/31/2020 7:13:24 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thank you. I’ll be picking up a couple of these soon. Never heard of them, perfect for my intended usage. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 7:59:30 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yea, Nitecore NU05MI ^^^ is the the ticket - $25. If you need more than the 3/6hr Beacon, or 18/20hr Strobe - it'll run off an external power supply too. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 9:14:31 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can you elaborate on the external power supply for this please? I'm trying a ms2000 now, but that one for 25 bucks isn't a bad deal at all. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 9:20:29 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I assume he means a rechargeable power pack for a phone or tablet since the strobe would share the same usb connection. I'm trying a ms2000 now, but that one for 25 bucks isn't a bad deal at all. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 9:27:48 AM EDT
[#13]
I've used phoenix JR's with Velcro for cheap, Phoenix cr123 model is good as well. I use S&S Manta now though. Much better. The vibrate function is nice because you can easily tell if it is on or off. Also can be switched to Visible if needed.
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Posted: 1/31/2020 9:50:10 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yea, Nitecore NU05MI ^^^ is the the ticket - $25. If you need more than the 3/6hr Beacon, or 18/20hr Strobe - it'll run off an external power supply too. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 9:54:51 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can you elaborate on the external power supply for this please? |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 11:16:50 AM EDT
[#16]
I use a phoenix JR cr123 with their rubberized velcro-on enclosure. It attaches to my helmet by velcro, uses cr123s which is common to all my other lights/lasers/NODs, and is only $45.
I can store the battery in the "off" position by putting it in upside down. Just flip the battery to turn it on and that can be done without taking the strobe off the helmet. I'll upload a picture tonight. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 11:28:01 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If it's just for hunting, I wouldn't even bother. Just get a Cejay Phoenix JR that plugs into the top of a 9v and velcro that to your helmet. I keep the Phoenix and a battery in my mohawk. When I need it, I connect the battery and stick it in top of my helmet. Velcro on the battery to stick to the mohawk. When I'm done, unplug and back to into the mohawk pouch |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 11:56:05 AM EDT
[#18]
I use a Adventure lights IR Guardian. The nitecore looks really nice, but I think it falls short on the battery life.
The IR Guardian is 250 Hours Minimum Strobe, 100 Hours Minimum Constant. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 2:09:06 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I use a Adventure lights IR Guardian. The nitecore looks really nice, but I think it falls short on the battery life. The IR Guardian is 250 Hours Minimum Strobe, 100 Hours Minimum Constant. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 3:06:43 PM EDT
[#20]
I have the Nitecore and really like it for the included mounting options and price with a small size. Additionally it can be run off a remote battery if needed.
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Posted: 1/31/2020 4:21:17 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How easy is it to take the battery out to replace or flip? |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 4:26:24 PM EDT
[#22]
Nitecore NU05 is the hotness. Get two if needed.
It's also proof that not everything in this game has to have a pathetically unsubstantiated NV-tax associated with it. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 4:52:58 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nitecore NU05 is the hotness. Get two if needed. It's also proof that not everything in this game has to have a pathetically unsubstantiated NV-tax associated with it. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 6:02:28 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nitecore NU05 is the hotness. Get two if needed. It's also proof that not everything in this game has to have a pathetically unsubstantiated NV-tax associated with it. Is it easy to use with one hand while on the helmet? I watched the Nitecore video and it looked like you had to press the button a couple of times to turn it on, go past green, and wait for it to go into IR mode. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 6:49:36 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I thought about trying one but I already have a bunch of IR strobes. I’ll probably get their red/white visible version. Is it easy to use with one hand while on the helmet? I watched the Nitecore video and it looked like you had to press the button a couple of times to turn it on, go past green, and wait for it to go into IR mode. Long press on to IR Strobe > Press, press to IR Beacon > Press, press to Green Strobe > Press to Green Beacon >Long press off. I've got the LE one too just because it was like $14 on BF - that one is less intuitive to use. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 7:26:43 PM EDT
[#26]
That NiteCore looks great too.
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Posted: 1/31/2020 7:30:09 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nah, it's easy - long press always turns it on in IR Strobe mode (rapid red light for 3 seconds). Then to verify/change modes, quick press - it'll tell you the mode (3 seconds rapid=strobe, solid=beacon), then press again to go to IR Beacon. Press, Press gets you to Green Strobe, single press get's you Green Beacon. Long press for off. Sounds harder than it is: Long press on to IR Strobe > Press, press to IR Beacon > Press, press to Green Strobe > Press to Green Beacon >Long press off. I've got the LE one too just because it was like $14 on BF - that one is less intuitive to use. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 7:39:49 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That NiteCore looks great too. This would be legit for the dog collar. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 8:10:18 PM EDT
[#29]
The Helstar 6 is awesome. I have one of those and a Manta. Both are good, but the Manta is a little brighter. I used to like the Helstar a lot better because the plastic cap on the Mantas sucked, but it looks like they are coming with metal caps now. I actually contacted S&S Precision about it and they sent me a metal cap for free.
TLDR: Helstar 6 and S&S Precision Manta are both great strobes. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 8:37:28 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Helstar 6 is awesome. I have one of those and a Manta. Both are good, but the Manta is a little brighter. I used to like the Helstar a lot better because the plastic cap on the Mantas sucked, but it looks like they are coming with metal caps now. I actually contacted S&S Precision about it and they sent me a metal cap for free. TLDR: Helstar 6 and S&S Precision Manta are both great strobes. They have that new ish LEO version too that does not have the White strobe since it is generally not needed for civ applications. Has Red and Green if I remember correctly. |
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Posted: 1/31/2020 10:06:44 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Helstar 6 is awesome. I have one of those and a Manta. Both are good, but the Manta is a little brighter. I used to like the Helstar a lot better because the plastic cap on the Mantas sucked, but it looks like they are coming with metal caps now. I actually contacted S&S Precision about it and they sent me a metal cap for free. TLDR: Helstar 6 and S&S Precision Manta are both great strobes. 
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Posted: 1/31/2020 11:05:49 PM EDT
[#32]
Thanks for the replies guys.
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Posted: 2/1/2020 12:16:13 AM EDT
[#33]
Most dealers now-a-days have an inventory of programmable Hel-Star 6's and do the coding based on the model they want so I think they can change it again down the road.
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Posted: 2/1/2020 12:52:26 PM EDT
[#34]
Anybody have an opinion on the S&S V-lite? Looking at that and the Nitecore. Here’s what I can tell:
V-lite: -appears to be more low profile -120 hour battery life. Not rechargeable and no batteries. Throw away once it dies Nitecore: -bulky -20 hour battery life but it is rechargeable |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 1:54:29 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Here’s what I can tell: Nitecore: -bulky  The V-Lite is: 111mm(Long) x 28.5mm(Wide) x 13mm(Thick) |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 2:38:40 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anybody have an opinion on the S&S V-lite? Looking at that and the Nitecore. Here’s what I can tell: V-lite: -appears to be more low profile -120 hour battery life. Not rechargeable and no batteries. Throw away once it dies Nitecore: -bulky -20 hour battery life but it is rechargeable |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 3:18:00 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I need to send them a message. My cap is broken and my helmet has never even been dropped. One thing I noticed about the metal cap is that I had to really tighten it down to get it to work. 
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Posted: 2/1/2020 3:20:12 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I still need to buy a few. This would be legit for the dog collar. I’ve been leaving the vis on the collar and mainly use a helmet strobe for IR on a Ray Allen harness. I find it works better on the dog’s back shining straight up. I just picked up my NU05. @KPog the Nitecore is smaller and fits a webbed dog collar better than the Guardian. It is indeed tiny and it's a nice light. After using it, I'd still choose the more expensive Hel-Star or Manta as a primary helmet mounted strobe/marking device due to the better one handed tactile switching/feedback. |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 4:00:33 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Here’s what I can tell: Nitecore: -bulky 
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Posted: 2/1/2020 4:04:16 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The NU05 is 30mmx30mmx15mm Thick. The mount isn't much bigger and it's handy as heck - but the strobe itself has a MOLLE clip on the back if you wanted a super tiny strobe. In the mount, it sits ~25mm above the base of the helmet https://i.imgur.com/SG1chOh.jpg The V-Lite is: 111mm(Long) x 28.5mm(Wide) x 13mm(Thick) |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 4:17:46 PM EDT
[#41]
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Posted: 2/1/2020 4:39:10 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://i.imgur.com/BswAfM7l.jpg |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 4:54:26 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is one button press ir strobe? |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 5:03:22 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOk this made me laugh. Well done sir lol
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Posted: 2/1/2020 5:17:33 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://i.imgur.com/BswAfM7l.jpg |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 6:03:55 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is the battery replaceable? If so what type? |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 6:49:42 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://i.imgur.com/BswAfM7l.jpg It’s insanity! |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 7:59:36 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How can you walk around with all that bulk on your dome? It's insanity! |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 8:13:48 PM EDT
[#49]
I’ve got a couple MS2000s I use. They’re relatively cheap, albeit a bit bulky, but they work.
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Posted: 2/2/2020 2:16:16 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I’ve got a couple MS2000s I use. They’re relatively cheap, albeit a bit bulky, but they work. |
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