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Posted: 6/15/2008 11:34:05 AM EDT
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I was looking for an inexpensive, serviceable weapons light for an M4gery build and saw these at the NRA convention in Louisville. So after I got home I ordered a few different items. These were listed on MFIs website @ $135. But right now they're closing them out @ $75, including a spare bulb and both types of activation switches. The light came packaged in bubble wrap with no instructions but a specification sheet was included, along with a spare bulb, shock spring, 2 CR123 batteries, extra velcro, and both activation switches. Also notice the spring that's next to the spare bulb, that is the shock absorber that mounts between the lens and bulb.  The light appears well made, of an aluminum alloy (6061-T6) and anodized a semi matte black. All of the electrical connections are plated and look quality. It has a 1" diameter tube and is about 6" long weighing 6.4 oz on my wife's postal scale. There are 2 rubber "O" rings on the main body of the tube that are supposed to assist with grip but I think they look cheap, I would have left them off and knurled that area.  Notice in the above picture the 2 silicone grease coated O rings at both ends of the lights main body, MFI claims that the light is waterproof to 1 meter. So I thought I'd test it. I submerged at the bottom of a kiddie pool, about 3' for 30 minutes. No leaks found after disassembly. I also filled the kitchen sink with hot water and submerged it, again no leaks. The 2 activation switches worked as advertised, both were silent and of good quality construction. The push button switch is covered with a textured, non slip rubber, and the tape switch is 9" long. It was longer than I needed for my M4 so I had to route it over the top of the hand guard and then on the forward grip. The sticky sided velcro seemed to hold fine but I used some "field expedient " electrical tape for added security.   MFI rates the light at 125 lumens/38,500 candel power with a halogen bulb burn time of 25 hrs. I have no way of measuring that. But in comparison to my Surefire G2, X200, and Insight Technologies X6 it's much brighter and casts a wider more diffuse beam.  The lens ring has "teeth" machined into it, "Used to gouge/poke an aggressor", I'm not sure of the value of that if you use it as a mounted weapons light. I understand it's use if hand held. But I'd rather shoot an "aggressor".  I used a B Square 1" scope ring to mount the light. It requires a hex head wrench to remove the light.  Overall I think the MFI Spec Ops Flashlight is a good value @ $75.00. I put 200 rounds through the carbine with the light mounted and turned on at night. The light never dimmed or flickered. I didn't expect it would as this isn't much of a durability test. I'm sure this light is made in China although I couldn't find it written anywhere on the light or packaging. My understanding from talking to several manufacturers that import and use Chinese equipment is that you can get quality if you're willing to pay for it and you have on site QC people that you can trust. China haters flame on. All of MFI's other products are made in the USA except this light and their Aimpoint knock off they call a QRS. MFI link: www.mfiap.com/smallarms/flashlight.htm |
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