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Posted: 5/24/2012 8:25:05 AM EDT
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Anyone familiar with the NEBO 5569 Protec Elite HP190 Weaponlight? For only $35, I'm tempted to try one just to see how good it is.
24's out! |
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Okay, I took some pics and will post later, but here's the short version: CON - My biggest complaint is the lack of a momentary control. I consider a light with momentary control a must on a HD firearm, personally, so I would never use this particular light on a HD firearm. The single light control on the unit is a slide switch toward the top-rear of the housing, behind the mount/release control (similar to other cheaper-end rail lights I've tried) which is pushed right-to-left. It has fairly positive engagement with a solid sound/feel and is easily reached with the trigger finger if you are right-handed; southpaws will have to use their off-hand to activate unless they happen to have mutant-long thumbs. While on, switching it off-on again quickly (an off-hand/two-hand operation) activates the strobe function. In either case, a push left-to-right cuts the light/strobe off. PROS - Despite the significant (to me) drawback of its controls, it has a lot going for it... especially at that price. It seems quite bright to me (the pkg. says 190 lumens) for an LED powered by a single CR123A (included). The aluminum housing is light and seems durable (I've paid a lot more for lights with plastic housings). The strobe function is interesting (and seems unique in this price range), although I am skeptical of its utility. For someone who does not insist on momentary controls and/or for someone on a very tight budget, it might be worth a try. I plan to use them on some of my recreational, non-HD firearms that have rails (e.g., my railed threaded 22/45 MkIII) and see how they do in that capacity. |
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I grabbed one of these recently, because my friend was selling them at his shop. I have only used it as a flashlight, although I did check fitment on the rails of my weapons to insure proper fitment, if needed.
It would certainly be better than not having a light, on a home defense type setup, although it should not really be considered for law enforcement type roles, I have been somewhat rough with mine, and it still works. Battery life has been a bit closer to two hours, than the three advertised. I have only used SureFire brand batteries with it so far. It is pre-focused, and the beam reaches out reasonably far, for a one battery light. As seen in the photos above, there is a circular plate in the rear of the light, which has two holes in it. I would assume this is to attach an accessory remote type switch, but I have not seen any that fit, as of yet. Besides the complaints already mentioned, as the battery begins to need replacement, the strobe function does not operate, giving a clear indicator that you are fixing to be without power or light. I was surprised when I first opened it, because I was expecting a lightweight-plastic unit. This is not the case, and the metal housing is quite robust. I have dropped it many times, and have experienced no problems. As most other similar LED type lights, when the battery is drained, it will simply stop working, and may/ or may not produce noticeable reduction in brightness. Also of criticism is the strobe function, which is easily manipulated, however not quite set at the right rate for tactical use. I have plenty of SureFire, Insight Tech and Streamlight lights, but find myself using this one more often for non-tactical applications and household tasks, simply because I am not worried about breaking it. It is not first class, but is definitely worth the money spent, IMHO. -PC- They also have brighter two battery models, as well as combination laser/ light units as well. |
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I can't speak for this particular light.
But the shop i used to work at tried selling Nebo lights and over half of them either wouldn't work when we got them or people were returning them all the time. Nebo does not have a good reputation. I am anxious to read your reviews to see if they have improved. Good luck. |
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