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X300
SureFire's
next generation LED WeaponLight is
ultra-compact, lightweight and 110-lumens bright
By Eugene Nielsen
|
Since
its introduction of the first WeaponLight, SureFire set a standard by
which weapon lights are compared. Surefire has now redefined that standard
with its new X300 LED WeaponLight. The X300 takes the Surefire X-Series
to a new level with higher output, more run time and a lower price.
The new X300 is of the one of the most versatile weapon lights available.
It's suitable for both close-quarters and longer range applications.
Utilizing
a state-of-the-art, ultra-bright CREE LED, the X300 is over five times
brighter than a two-D-cell flashlight. Based on solid-state technology
and consuming one-tenth of the power of an incandescent bulb, the LED
has no filament to break or burn out. Recoil is the of enemy of the filament in incandescent bulbs. Filaments are prone to break, especially when hot. The solution has been to shock-isolate the bulbs, which comes at the expense of compactness and light weight.
The
X300 features a new, computer-engineered focusing lens with Total Internal
Refection (TIR) focusing that's designed to provide a tightly focused
central bream and an enhanced peripheral corona. The special lens allows
the X300 to project a tightly focused beam at greater distances for
threat identification than comparably sized lights while at the same
time producing a wider corona to accommodate peripheral vision. Maximum
output of the X300's CREE LED is rated at 110 lumens by the manufacturer—50
lumens more than the maximum output of SureFires's earlier X200A. It
should be noted, however, that Surefire has found that there's a slight
variance in output from LED to LED of the same rating. The bezel window
of the X300 is constructed of tempered Pyrex glass and has an anti-reflective
coating to maximize light transmission. Run
time of the X300 is of 2.4 hours of tactical level light (60 lumens
or higher). Sixty lumens is generally considered to be the threshold
for an incandescent tactical light. However, as the color temperature
of a light source increases, the amount of light required to achieve
comparable brightness and visual acuity decreases. The color temperature
of the CREE LED greatly surpasses the color temperature of incandescent
bulbs. For
many applications, such as those encountered by K9 officers and SWAT
operators, more throw is essential. The higher lumen output of the X300
really shines over the older X200 in this regard.
The
X300 has a modular switching system. Several switching options are available.
The X300 comes with a toggle switch that has both momentary and constant-on
activation. For constant-on operation, press the switch up or down.
For momentary activation, press the switch forward. The
toggle switch is ambidextrous and easy to use. The switch is easily
operated with the trigger finger in a properly indexed position (Uniform
Cover Position) or with the thumb of the supporting hand. It should
be noted, however, that there isn't any way to momentarily operate the
X300 in one-handed firing until the pressure switch becomes available.
There is no disable switch on the X300, although the design of the toggle
switch makes a "white light AD" unlikely. Weapon-specific SlimLine (SL) and Dev Group (DG) remote switches for a variety of popular service pistols are available from Surefire for the X300.
The
X Series SL Remote Tailcap Switch and X Series DG Remote Tailcap Switch
allow activation of the light with grip pressure for precise control
without altering the grip on the firing grip on the weapon. The SL remote
switch has a wraparound pad. The DG remote switch has minimal center-mounted
pad. Surefire is also developing different switching options for use
on shoulder arms. The
X300 is designed to fit the two dominant rail systems, the MIL-STD-M1913
(Picatinny) rail and the Universal Standard rail (first pioneered by
GLOCK . Although the X300 was primarily designed for use on pistols,
it will fit any firearm with a Picatinny rail. However, it will be more
applicable to long guns when the removable tape switch module for the
X-Series becomes available from Surefire The X300 is compatible with
handgun laser sighting systems from both Crimson Trace and LaserMax
. The
X300 mounts on the weapon using either a lever latch (standard) or rail
lock (included). The rail lock differs from the lever latch in that
it has a bar that slides into the Universal or Picatinny slot, instead
of pivoting into with spring pressure. It's a very solid mount, but
it sacrifices the quick detach and quick installation of the lever latch.
The X300 ships with the Universal lever latch in place, which will fit most handgun rails. The operator will have to reconfigure the X300 to use the lever latch on Picatinny rails or to install the rail lock. Reconfiguration is easy, requiring only a 5/64-inch Allen wrench (included).
The
X300 includes Universal and Picatinny rail interfaces for both the lever
latch and rail lock, identified with a "P" for Picatinny and
a "U" for Universal. Although some manufacturers (not Surefire)
advertise their Universal interfaces as Picatinny interfaces, the Universal
rail and Picatinny rail have different specifications and do require
different adapters for a proper fit. The
X300 is built to Mil-Specs and is both CE and FCC rated. The X300 features
a precision-machined aerospace-grade aluminum body with a Mil-Spec Type
III hard-anodized black finish. The rails and rail adapter are a durable
polymer, as is the back plate. The X300 is O-ring sealed. It's waterproof
to a depth of 22 meters (66 ft.). The
X300 is ultra-compact and light in weight. It measures just 1.39-inches
high by 1.43-inches wide by 3.53-inches long (w/standard switch) and
has a 1.06-inch diameter bezel. The total weight of the X300 (w/batteries)
is only 3.7 oz. For purposes of comparison, that's less weight than
a loaded pistol magazine. From a practical standpoint, the differences
in size and weight between the X200 and X300 are so small as to be nonexistent. Suggested retail price for the X300 LED WeaponLight is $225. As with all Surefire lights, the X300 is covered by SureFire's lifetime "if it breaks, we fix it" warranty. l X300 Specifications: |
