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5/12/2004 7:48:45 AM EDT
I have been testing a XM tail cap for the past couple of weeks.  This is probably one of those designs that has an end all and be all concepts.  For an approximate retail price of 120.00, the cap is expensive but value added is not without cost. And the ability added to this cap is worth the 120 dollars upgrade to your M96x or M95x light system.  

The switch allows the operator to use the instant on pressure pad, but at the same time, if an operator chooses to turn on the light constantly, the push button is available for a constant on mode.  Also if the operator does not like the remote pressure pad because unintended lighting can be a problem since the remote pressure switch is on the vertical grip so some times under stress the hand can activate the light accidentally, then the push button on the tail cap can also act as a momentary switch and the pressure pad removed from the tail cap.  Notice the plastic cap strap to the tail cap, which is for your pressure switch socket when it is not in use.







5/12/2004 9:15:12 AM EDT
[#1]
Or you could just get a M900a...


Chen,

Excellent review and pics!  If I get a M962 I will definitely need a XM tailcap with it!  

Too many goodies and not enough money...
5/12/2004 9:26:52 AM EDT
[#2]
Nice review Chen.  How big does that cap make the light feel?  Is it considerable, compared to the std. C cap?
Also, far be it for me to fuss over the cost of products, especially when they're superior and they bring together the answers to existing shortcomings, but Is the cap only available as an upgrade? ie. 962 systems are now, the original $300 plus $120 for the cap?  wow...

/S2
5/12/2004 12:52:56 PM EDT
[#3]
C4iGrant, has them for sale already. Check out www.gandrtactical.com
5/12/2004 2:37:05 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
Nice review Chen.  How big does that cap make the light feel?  Is it considerable, compared to the std. C cap?
Also, far be it for me to fuss over the cost of products, especially when they're superior and they bring together the answers to existing shortcomings, but Is the cap only available as an upgrade? ie. 962 systems are now, the original $300 plus $120 for the cap?  wow...

/S2



Hey S2, they are bigger than the DEVGRU tailcap. As it stands right now, you can only buy them as a seperate unit. As Dinger said, I do have them in stock!

C4

www.gandrtactical.com
5/12/2004 9:25:11 PM EDT
[#5]
I'm a little confused Lee

Are you saying that when the cable is plugged in, the push button is a "click on (and stay on) / click off" , but when you unplug the cable- the push button becomes a momentary-only pressure button like a regular old M962P?
5/12/2004 10:08:45 PM EDT
[#6]
That;s not how the XM TailCap I have works.

The push button pressure click switch works regardless of whether the tape pressure switch cable is plugged in or not.
5/12/2004 10:22:41 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
I'm a little confused Lee

Are you saying that when the cable is plugged in, the push button is a "click on (and stay on) / click off" , but when you unplug the cable- the push button becomes a momentary-only pressure button like a regular old M962P?




Quoted:
That;s not how the XM TailCap I have works.

The push button pressure click switch works regardless of whether the tape pressure switch cable is plugged in or not.



I think there's some confusion.  My understanding is the click on/off is always click on/off w/ or w/o the tape switch plugged in.  But, its also a momentary switch, w/ or w/o the tape switch installed.  In other words, one can use the click switch as a momentary w/ the tape switch by pushing on the "button" only slightly, a constant w/ the tape switch, by pushing on the "button" until it clicks into the constant on position, or the same momentary/constant way w/o the tape switch installed.  Is that not right?

/S2
5/12/2004 10:35:21 PM EDT
[#8]
Yes, it's just like a Z48/Z49/SW02 type cap with a tape switch added.

Chen was just saying if you like to use the tape switch, the XM cap allows you to use it as you normally would, but also gives you an instant constant on function by using the tail cap button.  

The tape switch does not affect the button switch in any way whatsoever.
5/12/2004 11:40:02 PM EDT
[#9]
Got it now, thanks!    

I remember when SF first was getting big with weaponslights several years ago, and their philosophy then was very anti- "click-on", for fear of pushing it in too far accidentally and potentially compromising your position.   Interesting how the more recent demands and customer input has changed their marketing.  

For constant light output on both "P" caps and switch tape caps, it was never too hard for me to simply reach over and twist the cap, which is only used (I would hope!) when the situation is no longer a threat.   And when that's the case, there's really no hurry to save 2 or 3 seconds to go to that constant-on mode.    I'll skip the $120 XM; at least for my uses its not needed because all of my SureFires are P models; my thumb hits the P button perfectly on KAC grips.    I have a new TD grip but have not installed it yet, and the longer length may require a tape switch on that project build.   And if that's the case, then:  


Also if the operator does not like the remote pressure pad because unintended lighting can be a problem since the remote pressure switch is on the vertical grip so some times under stress the hand can activate the light accidentally, then...the pressure pad removed from the tail cap


That's the only really practical reason I can see using the XM, but its still too expensive IMHO.
5/13/2004 7:22:15 AM EDT
[#10]
The push button always works with or without the pressure pad attached or not.  This way you can turn on your light for a constant on.
5/14/2004 3:42:34 AM EDT
[#11]
so can you operate the pushbutton from a firing grip or do you have to move your support hand around the VFG to push it?
5/14/2004 11:40:16 AM EDT
[#12]
As you wrap your hand around the VFG, your thumb lay just below the tail cap. all you need to do is stick out your thumb and press the tail switch.  no grip angle is alter on the VFG.
5/16/2004 5:51:48 AM EDT
[#13]
Hey Chen,

how are you doing bro ?

I have one of this XM stuff on my way , I'll let you have my opinion abt it .

PP out
5/16/2004 5:59:19 AM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:
Or you could just get a M900a...



Yojimbo,

I have two M900A , one mounted on my M4 with IR leds & IR filter , and another one mounted on my MP5 ,it is a great idea and a great flashlight but it's simply too heavy and bulky to stay mounted H24.

I find it good for SWAT teams or speed boyz action groups working with their hardware only for a limited time , just for a DA or something similar , but not good for somebody who has to carry it all day & night long.

Better idea one M962A , may be with the new XM stuff , to be attached to the carbine only when needed .

Just my € 0.2 .....

PP out
5/16/2004 12:36:44 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:

Just my € 0.2 .....

PP out



Shit! You opinion is worth more that .02! I have always enjoyed your perspective here and on LF.

Stay safe!

(3rd Gen Italian American here!)
5/16/2004 1:47:11 PM EDT
[#16]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Or you could just get a M900a...



Yojimbo,

I have two M900A , one mounted on my M4 with IR leds & IR filter , and another one mounted on my MP5 ,it is a great idea and a great flashlight but it's simply too heavy and bulky to stay mounted H24.

I find it good for SWAT teams or speed boyz action groups working with their hardware only for a limited time , just for a DA or something similar , but not good for somebody who has to carry it all day & night long.

Better idea one M962A , may be with the new XM stuff , to be attached to the carbine only when needed .

Just my € 0.2 .....

PP out



PP,

I know what you mean as I have one too.

The M900a is not too much havier than the other Millenium series lights but I'm looking forward to checking out the Scout lights that Surfire will be coming out with soon.  They look nice compact and light weight while still putting out enough lumens for combat use!
5/16/2004 6:43:16 PM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:
speed boyz action groups




5/17/2004 8:34:45 AM EDT
[#18]

Quoted:
Hey Chen,

how are you doing bro ?

I have one of this XM stuff on my way , I'll let you have my opinion abt it .

PP out



I saw your tail caps at our friends' place.  
5/18/2004 4:36:57 AM EDT
[#19]

Quoted:Shit! You opinion is worth more that .02! I have always enjoyed your perspective here and on LF.
Stay safe!
(3rd Gen Italian American here!)



Thanks so much for your words.
Take care,
PP out
5/18/2004 4:39:49 AM EDT
[#20]

Quoted:I saw your tail caps at our friends' place.  




PP out
5/22/2004 6:29:35 PM EDT
[#21]
So will the width of the XM tailcap preclude one from putting a KAC or other rail cover underneath the cap?

For example, I know that for a "C" Surefire model, the Z48 tailcap will allow a rail cover underneath it while the DEVGRU tailcap will not (as it is too wide).

Thanks!


P.S.  Sorry for bumping this but I rarely come in here.  
5/25/2004 1:30:00 PM EDT
[#22]
Matt,

I have my TD rail grip covering the rail next to the XM cap.
5/25/2004 2:20:29 PM EDT
[#23]
But is the TD rail cover thinner in profile compared to a KAC rail cover?  Thanks!
5/26/2004 7:34:41 AM EDT
[#24]
TD panel is actually the same thickness as the KAC panel.
5/27/2004 4:51:47 PM EDT
[#25]
So would you say that the XM tailcap is the same width as the Z48 tailcap?  
6/3/2004 7:26:58 PM EDT
[#26]
Well I have finally joined the world for Surefure owners as I just bought a 962U with the XP tailcap from BrightFlashlights here on the forums.  All I can say is WOW have I been missing out!  This is my first weapon light and the construction of the surefire and the great new XP tailcap really makes this a great addition for my M4A3 and I have a feeling I may need to add a couple more in the future!

Thanks to BrightFlashlights for almost overnight shipping!
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