Insight XTI Procyon review

[OverToad]

I finally after a long wait, I received the new Insight XTI Procyon. I've always been a bit of a weapon light nut and thought I'd add this to my collection as well. After the LED weapon lights hit the market, I've put to rest my old M3X in favor of the Surefire X200b and X300. Even bought the TRL-1 and Insight SSL.

The new XTI Procyon is a rated 125-150 Lumen LED and the reflector has an add shape to it. It has long groves in the reflector. I have no idea what this does. The switch is independent and has a strobe feature. You push down twice to activate the strobe. The light is really small and even shorter than the short Surefire X200B. It fits tight on the Glock 35 and has adjustable rail to tighten it if needed. Once on the Glock, I tested it out at night in a dark room. The light is very bright. Throws a very nice tight hotspot and a very good flood. It's without a doubt brighter than any of my weapon lights. The quality is very good. The finish is textured and matches the Glock finish very well. I'm very happy with it and it's replaced my 300X and 200B for duty use.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/tompratt/xti.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/tompratt/side3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/tompratt/frontxti.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/tompratt/surefirex300hotspot.jpg
x300


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/tompratt/xtihotspot.jpg
XTI

[Face_N_The_Crowd]

Thank you for the post. It looks promising. I'd love to see a pic of it outside and searching for something at like 50 yrds. Also, while I am sure it will do great - I'd love to hear it made it through 1k rounds.

Thanks again

[NCPatrolAR]

This is the first review of this light I've seen. Are they out on the markt for commerical sales yet? Also, has anyone done any kind of durability tests with these yet?

[ToddG]

I've probably put ~500 rounds through my M&P9 wearing a Procyon. So far, no troubles. That might double tomorrow night at the range. I got mine about a month ago when I was up in Manchester meeting with Insight.

The only video I have of it strobing was done with an IR camera, so you lose some of the effect. It's been posted to M4C before, so sorry for the repeat to those who've already seen it:
Procyon at Rogers (http://pistol-training.com/excluded-pages/night-shoot-at-rogers-shooting-school)

My only complaint is the switching. The strobe feature requires a weird double-bump of the switch to turn on. While it's not hard to do, it takes a little practice and I'm doubtful whether it will be intuitive under stress. If you watch the video, you'll see that I fumbled it at least once ... and that was just during one segment of one low light drill. Earlier in the night I was having a hell of a time getting it to strobe while still doing other stuff like, you know, shooting.

http://9x19mm.com/photoalbum/albums/userpics/normal_mp9-procyon.jpg

It's not a fatal fault and I've been using the Procyon as my nightstand weapon light. Still, hopefully Insight will come out with optional switching configurations for folks who want the strobe to be the default action when the momentary switch is pressed.

[JLM]

I've probably put ~500 rounds through my M&P9 wearing a Procyon. So far, no troubles. That might double tomorrow night at the range. I got mine about a month ago when I was up in Manchester meeting with Insight.

The only video I have of it strobing was done with an IR camera, so you lose some of the effect. It's been posted to M4C before, so sorry for the repeat to those who've already seen it:
Procyon at Rogers (http://pistol-training.com/excluded-pages/night-shoot-at-rogers-shooting-school)

My only complaint is the switching. The strobe feature requires a weird double-bump of the switch to turn on. While it's not hard to do, it takes a little practice and I'm doubtful whether it will be intuitive under stress. If you watch the video, you'll see that I fumbled it at least once ... and that was just during one segment of one low light drill. Earlier in the night I was having a hell of a time getting it to strobe while still doing other stuff like, you know, shooting.

http://9x19mm.com/photoalbum/albums/userpics/normal_mp9-procyon.jpg

It's not a fatal fault and I've been using the Procyon as my nightstand weapon light. Still, hopefully Insight will come out with optional switching configurations for folks who want the strobe to be the default action when the momentary switch is pressed.

Todd, I really hope they listen to you on that one, because its a bit of a deal breaker for ME.

[VA_Dinger]

Interesting, what is the price on these?

I've been mildly pleased with my SSL-1 but not enough to totally replace my X200's.

The Procyon's strobe feature does sound interesting though.

[DBautista]

Interesting, what is the price on these?



I would like to know as I also own an x200. I would be great to have another reliable light.

[ToddG]

I shot an email to one of my contacts at Insight asking for delivery info and their guess at street price. A few web sites seem to be advertising them at around the $120 mark.

[Dave L.]

I shot an email to one of my contacts at Insight asking for delivery info and their guess at street price. A few web sites seem to be advertising them at around the $120 mark.

That would be a sweet price.

[ToddG]

Put approximately 800 rounds through the pistol tonight with the XTI Procyon installed. Zero problems with the light, except that it fits a little loose (a common issue with M&Ps and lights, I've found). Gun had no problems, light still works great. Showed it to a buddy, I think he's added it to his wish list.

[ToddG]

Response back from Insight:

We have shipped 300+/-. The street price is $125ish. MSRP- $169.99.

Having seen first hand what their production capacity is, they'll be shipping Procyons as fast as they get orders (and get all the necessary components from sub-vendors passed through their QC department). I've got a second one coming my way and will put a k or so through rounds through the gun with it mounted for comparison.

[AwaySooner]

Botachtactical has them for $115, plus a 10% fathers day discount, so $103. I have to warn you that they don't have the best reputation though, so get it at your own risk.

[Magsz]

They're also out of stock.

I called last week and asked about it.

[NCPatrolAR]

My unit is being issued these as our handgun lights in the next week or so. Cant really say I'm too happy about it. I kind of feel like I'm a guinea pig which is uncomfortable since we will be using these on warrant services, vehicle takedowns, etc and it doesnt seem like there has been any real testing of them.

[ARin]

My unit is being issued these as our handgun lights in the next week or so. Cant really say I'm too happy about it. I kind of feel like I'm a guinea pig which is uncomfortable since we will be using these on warrant services, vehicle takedowns, etc and it doesnt seem like there has been any real testing of them.

insight is not exactly new to the pistol-light game, so i wouldnt lose too much sleep over it.

[NCPatrolAR]

insight is not exactly new to the pistol-light game, so i wouldnt lose too much sleep over it.

Neither was Surefire and I remember having to change out the battery covers on all my original X200s as well.

[ToddG]

NCPatrolAR -- As much as I love my Procyon, I understand completely how you feel. Yeah, somebody has to go first. But who wants to be that somebody? Hopefully, you'll get a chance to beat on it, shoot it, and abuse it before actually having to go live.

Be confident, but always remember the words of Ronald Reagan: Trust, but verify.

[ARin]

Neither was Surefire and I remember having to change out the battery covers on all my original X200s as well.


ya, you're right....but so is Todd.:D

[NCPatrolAR]

Hopefully, you'll get a chance to beat on it, shoot it, and abuse it before actually having to go live.





THat is my main issue. We are getting the lights, qualifying with them, and that's it. No extended tests or anything like that. Hopefully everything turns out good with them

[ToddG]

Get the light. Qualify. Go home. Beat the shit out of it.

If it works, no problem.

If it breaks, not your problem.

[ARin]

ive got one in the mail right now. plan is to run as a dedicated carbine light.

[NCPatrolAR]

Well, I now have my Procryon and have put a couple hundred rounds through it. As of right now; I cant really say that I like it. The switching is the main problem that I have. I find that the independent arms are more of a hinderence to me and cause me a fair amount of problems. I also dont care for the strobing or the directions in which the arms move.

I'm happy that I have my X300 for my personal gun. :)

[OverToad]

I'm the exact opposite. I guess it's because I'm use to Insights weapon lights. I find the arms are fine for me. Surefires stiff switch always was a drawback for me.

[ToddG]

My personal opinion, based on using the X200 as well as other pistol lights over the past few years:

The X200/X300 switching is the best for a light that just does Off/Momentary/On. Being able to push the switch for activation is, pardon the over used pun, brilliant. It's also patented, which is why Insight doesn't do it.

The split rocker used by the Procyon and other newer Insight lights is a good second best. You don't have to remember to do one thing on the left and one thing on the right, the switching is identical. But, you have to hold it down to get momentary. As I've mentioned, I really wish the default operation for the momentary press down was to strobe, eliminating the double-pump movement needed.

With regard to the functionality of the strobe, all I can say is that you have to play with it and understand its usefulness to appreciate it. I did a demo for two different folks (both very experienced shooters, one a full-time tactical team guy) and they both leaped out of their skin when I was able to walk right up to them in the dark without realizing I'd moved. It's not a laser beam, it won't make your enemies break down and cry, but it gets much closer to the "light as force option" approach than was every possible with normal flashlights.

[NCPatrolAR]

I've never cared much for the strobing feature. I played around with the Gladius when it first came out and found that I was just using the light mainly in the momentary on function. I'm sure I'll be doing the same with this light

[JLM]

As I've mentioned, I really wish the default operation for the momentary press down was to strobe, eliminating the double-pump movement needed.

IIRC, you mentioned this to them yes? Do you think a change will come down the road?

[ToddG]

I'm not holding my breath at this point. I should be talking to them later this week (trying to scam myself one of the special M3x lights they're making exclusively for Crane) and will inquire.

[WS6]

For use on a long-gun, which will allow use out to a longer distance, the M3X or Procyon? I have an M3X and am amazed at how tight the beam is. Anyone own both and care to comment?

[OverToad]

I'm a bit of a weapon light nut. I have the Surefire X300, X200A, X200B, M3, M3X, Insight SSL and the new Insight XTI Procyon. So far I like the Procyon the best hands down. The M3X is a good weapon light but it uses a bulb. Bulbs burn out and take abuse while shooting. Leds don't. Side by side the Procyon blows away the M3X.

[WS6]

I'm a bit of a weapon light nut. I have the Surefire X300, X200A, X200B, M3, M3X, Insight SSL and the new Insight XTI Procyon. So far I like the Procyon the best hands down. The M3X is a good weapon light but it uses a bulb. Bulbs burn out and take abuse while shooting. Leds don't. Side by side the Procyon blows away the M3X.

For long-range lighting? As in, at 75 yards would the Procyon allow a better shot than the M3X? Outdoors is where 99% of my usage will occur, wouldn't the incandescent (M3X) have better throw and work better for that environ?

[OverToad]

It's really hard to say because some will never like the LED lights. There's a few in my department that love bulbs. They still carry the old maglits around. I love blinding white lights that are very bright. IMHO I think the Procyon has a better throw. I have not tested it that far because I use mine on handguns, not rifles. Both lights are rated at 125 lumens, but the bright white light just kills the 125 lumens on the M3X.

I like the fact I know my LED will work when I need it most unlike the lights with bulbs that burn out at any time. The procyon is also much smaller and compact.

In the end it will be what you like. Try them both out if your local gun store has them both.

[ToddG]

In my experience with the few Procyon's I've played with, they have a less blue light than other LEDs. At least in theory this should give them better throw. The reflector is also specifically designed with providing farther throw outdoors.

If you want the benefit of an LED bulb but great throw, and can afford the size & weight, you might want to look at the Streamlight Super-Tac (http://streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=136#). A friend of mine is a muckety-muck at Streamlight, he told me the Super-Tac can provide facial recognition level identification well past 100yd. I haven't seen one on a hard use gun, though, and cannot tell you what kind of durability you'd get from it.

[WS6]

It's really hard to say because some will never like the LED lights. There's a few in my department that love bulbs. They still carry the old maglits around. I love blinding white lights that are very bright. IMHO I think the Procyon has a better throw. I have not tested it that far because I use mine on handguns, not rifles. Both lights are rated at 125 lumens, but the bright white light just kills the 125 lumens on the M3X.

I like the fact I know my LED will work when I need it most unlike the lights with bulbs that burn out at any time. The procyon is also much smaller and compact.

In the end it will be what you like. Try them both out if your local gun store has them both.


Up-close, my 3-D cell maglite with the LED bulb conversion is = to my M3X (already bought it the day before I found out about the procyon, but am still considering as there is more than one weapon in the house that could use a light). However, at 75 yards, the M3X is a lot better. It seems the LED doesn't carry as well, even though both beams are equally tight.

[SWAT2732]

Hey, I recieved this light in the mail a couple weeks ago.... Most places had it on backorder, but i was able to locate a site which does not. Let me first say that i had the X300 before ordering the XTI Procyon. But shortly after recieving the x300... i sold it to a friend for his p229r. Thats the light he wanted, and recommended it to me. While the X300 was shipping i discovered the XTI Procyon, and without much delay, but much research, i bought the XTI Procyon after agreeing to sell the X300 to my friend. As soon as i recieved it, put the batteries in, and put it on my gun, i fell in love with it. I wanted to confirm any doubts in my mind (from forum posts) about having difficulty switching, or strobing. It's a piece of cake, and does not hinder operation whatsoever... if your normal. I love the strobe....it's a powerful feature, and very instictive and easy to do. AND something i didn't know--- you can have momentary strobe by double tapping down, or constant strobe by going down, then up. In my opinion the procyon is cheaper, and a better overall light than the X300. I actually invited my friend to come over, and compare the lights, and there really isn't a comparison. He was swimming in jealousy, and regreted the transaction for the x300...especially seeing how he could have gotten a better light for a better price.!!!!

[NCPatrolAR]

Still using the Procyon at work and still prefer the X300. :)

[ARin]

procyon is very good, and i like mine a lot.....BUT, the x300 has a tighter more focused beam.....which i like for my purposes.

the procyon gives much more flood light, with a moderately collimated hot spot.

[OverToad]

Hey, I recieved this light in the mail a couple weeks ago.... Most places had it on backorder, but i was able to locate a site which does not. Let me first say that i had the X300 before ordering the XTI Procyon. But shortly after recieving the x300... i sold it to a friend for his p229r. Thats the light he wanted, and recommended it to me. While the X300 was shipping i discovered the XTI Procyon, and without much delay, but much research, i bought the XTI Procyon after agreeing to sell the X300 to my friend. As soon as i recieved it, put the batteries in, and put it on my gun, i fell in love with it. I wanted to confirm any doubts in my mind (from forum posts) about having difficulty switching, or strobing. It's a piece of cake, and does not hinder operation whatsoever... if your normal. I love the strobe....it's a powerful feature, and very instictive and easy to do. AND something i didn't know--- you can have momentary strobe by double tapping down, or constant strobe by going down, then up. In my opinion the procyon is cheaper, and a better overall light than the X300. I actually invited my friend to come over, and compare the lights, and there really isn't a comparison. He was swimming in jealousy, and regreted the transaction for the x300...especially seeing how he could have gotten a better light for a better price.!!!!

I thought the same thing. I have all the Surefire weapon lights except the X400 and the more I use the Procyon, the better I like it vs the Surefire weapon lights. More compact and easier to turn off and on. The strobe feature is great. Rugged textured finish as well.

[a308garand]

I have been watching this thread for a bit now,

I have the Procyon mounted on a Beretta M9A1 and have had no complaint in three weeks of use. Several house/building searches and like the strobe. It does take some getting used to, but so does any new equipment (holsters, gear,etc).

The Procyon is running like a champ. It fit into my duty holster without a problem (Safariland 6280) and is smooth on the draw. The batteries are still running strong and I am waiting to see them wear out.

Using the edges of the light seems to be enough to I.D. stuff, using the focused center of the beam to blind suspects.

I will get some photos of my set-up soon.

[SW-Shooter]

Put approximately 800 rounds through the pistol tonight with the XTI Procyon installed. Zero problems with the light, except that it fits a little loose (a common issue with M&Ps and lights, I've found). Gun had no problems, light still works great. Showed it to a buddy, I think he's added it to his wish list.


Mr. G

The Procyon does come with 2 retention bars that are different sizes, are you certain you have the right one installed?

[ToddG]

As a matter of fact, I am. Turns out the polymer bracket that holds the crosspiece in place was broken. Apparently, it was a problem with early production Procyons. I've got two newer ones that are fine, and Insight will send out a replacement bracket for anyone who experiences the problem.

There was no way the light was going to fall off the gun, but it did rattle due to the bad bracket.

[toasterlocker]

Just got my Procyon today, and it is leaps and bounds better than my X300. Near as I can tell, the X300 has a longer advertised runtime, but ZERO other advantages over the XTI.

The beam of the X300 compared to the XTI is a dimmer sickly yellow, while the XTI has a brighter, pure white beam which offers much better color rendition and clarity.

I know others have stated they like the switch on the Surefire better, but I don't. When using the push forward activation for momentary, I feel it throws off my aim. I think the switches of the XTI feel far more natural.

And when trying to use the switch the other way, I had a huge problem. Holding the gun with two hands and using my weak hand thumb to activate it was just fine. But when I was doing one handed drills at night, the switch was so stiff I couldn't easily turn the light on and off using my trigger finger, which is really the only choice you have one-handed.

Unless my unit just had an unusually stiff switch, the X300 is junk if you have have to use it one handed. It was embarrassing to be the guy at training who supposedly had the best light but I couldn't even turn it on and off when I needed to.

The XTI may not have the Surefire name, but is is clearly a superior product.

Surefire is one of those companies that has a great reputation that is often an exaggeration of reality. But such is life. Streamlight is in the same boat. Their Super-Tac flashlight has gotten plenty of attention (including a mention in this thread), but it is inferior to several LED lights from smaller manufacturers who spend their money on research and development instead of advertising (Dereelight, Lumapower, Tiablo, etc.)

I couldn't be happier I sold my X300 and got the XTI instead.:)

[Dennis]

I really like the strobing feature on my Gladius and the Procyon looks really interesting as well as full featured. However, I don't know how anyone can use a pistol mounted weaponlight without a tail switch.

The DG tailswitch makes the X300/X200B (Flood!) the most practical lights IMHO.

For those without this option, I can reliably activate the momentary function on my X300 with my trigger finger but the ON/OFF toggle is not so reliable. Otherwise our trainers solution is to just keep the light ON for the duration of the situation, kinda like turning on a light switch for a room.

Dennis.

[USG]

I've shot the snot out of mine during that last quarter cycle during night training. Lasted for two months with little light level loss. Superior to my experience with Surefire x200.

Very bright, great throw for out to 25 yards, plus a very nice spill beam for interior work. The strobing feature is distracting and disorienting to the user while searching, better to use the straight beam. The strobe works very well for subject control once he is located.

I think the switching is perfect. Nothing is "instinctive" under stress unless you practice it beforehand, and the system on the XTI is far better than other alternatives, especially the raccoon-thumbs Surefire design. I also don't think the strobe should be the default. You need a straight beam far more often in the real world than the disco ball.

[Pat.c]

Will it fit in Safariland 6004 holsters for M3 holsters? So far mine has worked with th e M3, TLR-1 and X200.

[ToddG]

Pat.c -- Yes. It's designed to fit in the same form factor as an M3.

USG & NCPatrolAR -- I really appreciate your input on the "strobe as default mode" suggestion. I'll be talking to Insight at SHOT and your thoughts will definitely be a counterpoint that they need to hear.

[Palmguy]

Got mine today (got the first a few days ago, no backplate in the package though!)...I'm very impressed so far. Replaced my TLR-1 mainly because I hated having to unscrew the TLR to take it off all the time.

I certainly prefer the momentary activation of the Procyon to the X300. Strobe feature is neat, I'm sure that will take some practice/training to learn how to use it effectively. It feels natural/comfortable to use my weak thumb to activate the switch on the Procyon while mounted on my M&P9...seems like the two are made for each other.

As many have already mentioned, the Procyon does seem to have a "whiter" color than the Surefire. I don't have an X300 anymore but my E2DL is pretty damn similar in output to an X300 and the Procyon seems to me to have a larger and brighter hot spot in the center, and better peripheral lighting as well.

On a side note, I like that the engravings are low-key and simple.

All in all I'm very happy with the Procyon...seems to be a great light.

[USG]

On the switching, for a pistol I definitely prefer the rocker type to the push type on the Surefire. I've found that thumb pushing action of the Surefire tends to loosen the support hand component of whatever grip style is being used, but especially with the Modified Isosceles. Shooters with average-smaller range cannot activate it consistently without losing their grip focus, due to having to overextend the weak thumb to activate the short push-forward switch. The results are evident during shooting drills.

The rocker style of switching, especially as improved for the left-hander as executed in the XTI, does not compromise the shooter's grip on the weapon. The switches are long enough to activate without stretching, and the downward motion reinforces the grip.

Individually, if you've got long thumbs then you're probably not seeing any problem with the x200/300 style. But across the board, there is a significant percentage of shooters than cannot manage it and maintain the proper shooting grip, which is critical IMHO.

Say hi to Pat if he's there at SHOT. Sorry I can't make it this year.