clasky
07-15-10, 17:23
Tactical Lights have come a long way in the past years. The latest technology is LED which gives the user brighter, more robust light sources with longer run times. Surefire is the unmatched king of tactical lights. Their design and build quality is unsurpassed. But, the one place we felt they could improve is with their lumen output. In our field experience, high light output is better for actions on the objective. So, we began development on a series of drop-in upgrades and conversions for existing Surefire lights. Since Surefire is the king, we figured there was no sense in developing a brand new light. Most guys in the military and LE community are running Surefire already, so we set out to augment an already great product.
Our foray into the tactical light world was a natural progression. After all, TNVC is known as the source for professionals seeking night vision and related tactical accessories. We go to work in low light/no light situations so tactical lights dovetail nicely with our area of expertise. This endeavor afforded us to create our version of the perfect tactical light. All of our lights come in the form of a retrofit kit for existing popular Surefire lights. We have developed drop-in lamps, complete sealed bezel conversion heads, adapter rings, and replacement multifunction tail caps.
Our lumen count is higher than the legacy lamp and we have designed the reflector to produce a brighter spill. This requirement comes from our own experience with close quarters operations. Many companies boast about their perfect white beam of light. Of course, this is important because it allows you to illuminate the target effectively. But, many times, soldiers and cops are wounded or killed by what they don't see. Having a tightly focused beam of light in an enclosed environment like a room or alley can cause tunnel vision on the immediate threat. But, there can be multiple threats lurking on either side, just outside the beam's spill. We decided to develop a light that would place more lumens into the spill area around the central "fireball" so that a single operator can light up the entire room with his/her single light giving them better situational awareness and increasing their survivability. Of course, we still have the nice smooth hot spot fireball in the center, too.
Lumens. A lot is said about this topic. In fact, there is an entire "flashlight culture" that sits around arguing in online forums about lumen count and scientific light techno-speak that is miles above my head. This topic is akin to the argument about decibel reduction in suppressors. Does one or two decibels really make a difference in the middle of a gunfight? Nope. It's the same with lights. People can sit around arguing that one light might produce X lumens only up to 5 feet from the emitter, while another light can produce X lumens up to 10 feet from the emitter. So, the first light is losing 2.5 lumens by time it reaches 10 feet, blah blah blah. Our theory is this: if it works, it works. In the middle of a drama, you want a dependable, high-output white light.
So, let me introduce you to the current lineup of TNVC LED Conversions for Surefire lights:
Q5 Gree LED Drop-In Lamp
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/q5_lamp.html
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/q5_lamp.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_5.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_6.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_4.jpg
The Q5 is a direct drop-in replacement lamp for the Surefire G2, G2L, G3, 6P, 6PL, 6PD, 9P, Z2, G2Z, C2, C3, M2* Please note that it is only compatible with the lights mentioned here. The light models listed do share common lamps with other Surefire lights, but due to the design of our lamp's reflector housing, the Q5 is only compatible with the models listed. Anyway, The Q5 provides 256+ lumens at the emitter and about 220 lumens usable. It is a massive upgrade to the legacy Surefire lamp output. At $44.99, it is a very affordable conversion for your workhorse G2's and 6P's. These lights are often found on Police duty belts and are standard issue tertiary lights to US Armed Forces. Because of their light weight, they are being used as weapon lights too. One thing to keep in mind with LED's: they get hot. Depending on your use, you may or may not be able to use a standard Polymer Bezel G2 as the host light. If you use a G2 as a weapon light, you will be OK with the polymer bezel because weapon light doctrine is to not run the light constantly. But, if you are using the G2 as an all purpose light, you should consider upgrading to a model with an aluminum head to avoid heat damage to the bezel.
The TNVC Q5 Cree LED has been written up in SWAT Magazine by Pat Rogers, who uses them in the G2's mounted on EAG Tactical Training Guns.
Multifunction Tail Cap Kit
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/muli_tc.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/MultiTC/MFTailCap_02.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/MultiTC/multiTC_1.jpg
The TNVC Multifunction Tail Cap Kit is 2-piece drop-in upgrade for the Surefire G2, G2L, G3, 6P, 6PL, 6PD, 9P, Z2, G2Z, C2, C3, M2* The kit consists of a Q5 Cree LED Lamp and our Multifunction Tail Cap. Again, please note that the Q5 is only compatible with the lights mentioned here. The light models listed do share common lamps with other Surefire lights, but due to the design of our lamp's reflector housing, the Q5 is only compatible with the models listed. Moving on: the Multifunction Tail Cap replaces the standard tail cap of the lights mentioned above and provides (you guessed it) multiple functions. The Cap utilizes two buttons; a clicky button on the end and a smaller momentary button on the side. It is the perfect setup for duty belts and tertiary lights. The end button can be used as a momentary or click-type and allows you to step up or down the brightness of the beam. We have it available in both infinite and 5-stage modes of operation. Basically, repeatedly pressing or holding the end button will dial up and then dial down the brightness. So, you can have a low level navigation light and a full blown high power light in one package. The side button is a momentary switch that allows you to instantly produce the highest power regardless of where you are in the scale using the end button. Lastly, holding the end and side buttons simultaneously, produces a strobe effect.
E2 Conversion Head
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/e2_head.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX_strk.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX_std.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_6.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_7.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_8.jpg
The E2 Conversion Head is a drop-in replacement head for the Surefire E2, E2D, E2L, E2E, and M600A Scout Light. It completely replaces the head assembly and upgrades the output with a 200 lumen LED. The E2 Conversion Head is available in both single and dual stage models and comes in black or natural metal anodized finish. The bezel crown is available in both standard and strike versions. A note about the strike version: This is an upgrade too. We felt the legacy Surefire strike serrations were not as threatening as they should be. We figured that if we got to a point where we needed to engage a threat with our flashlight, things have gone from bad to totally fucked. So, why skimp on the ability to inflict pain and misery on the enemy? Our bezel serrations are both longer and sharper than the Surefire Defender Head. The corners are mean. These strike bezels are designed to to do one thing: tear up bad guys.
TX-4 Conversion Head
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/tnvc_tx4_conversion_head.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_HA_1-1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_4-1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TNVCsl_0694.jpg
The TX-4 Conversion Head is our newest offering and represents one of the biggest leaps forward in LED tactical lights yet. The TX-4 is designed to breath new life into the Surefire Millennium Universal Light Series in the way of a drop-in replacement LED head that pumps out blinding 600 usable lumens. Yup, 600 lumens. The M951 is still a standard issue light and the standard issue incandescent lamp just doesn't cut it. By dropping in the TX-4, you practically get a brand new light. But, we didn't just stop there. By using our M2C and M2E Adapters, the TX-4 can fit on to just about every light made by Surefire. Take a look at the compatibility chart below.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_COMP.jpg
The TX-4 gives you a weapon light with high beams!
So, that is a quick rundown on the LED conversion heads and upgrades we are offer. We are constantly working on new lights and kits.
Our foray into the tactical light world was a natural progression. After all, TNVC is known as the source for professionals seeking night vision and related tactical accessories. We go to work in low light/no light situations so tactical lights dovetail nicely with our area of expertise. This endeavor afforded us to create our version of the perfect tactical light. All of our lights come in the form of a retrofit kit for existing popular Surefire lights. We have developed drop-in lamps, complete sealed bezel conversion heads, adapter rings, and replacement multifunction tail caps.
Our lumen count is higher than the legacy lamp and we have designed the reflector to produce a brighter spill. This requirement comes from our own experience with close quarters operations. Many companies boast about their perfect white beam of light. Of course, this is important because it allows you to illuminate the target effectively. But, many times, soldiers and cops are wounded or killed by what they don't see. Having a tightly focused beam of light in an enclosed environment like a room or alley can cause tunnel vision on the immediate threat. But, there can be multiple threats lurking on either side, just outside the beam's spill. We decided to develop a light that would place more lumens into the spill area around the central "fireball" so that a single operator can light up the entire room with his/her single light giving them better situational awareness and increasing their survivability. Of course, we still have the nice smooth hot spot fireball in the center, too.
Lumens. A lot is said about this topic. In fact, there is an entire "flashlight culture" that sits around arguing in online forums about lumen count and scientific light techno-speak that is miles above my head. This topic is akin to the argument about decibel reduction in suppressors. Does one or two decibels really make a difference in the middle of a gunfight? Nope. It's the same with lights. People can sit around arguing that one light might produce X lumens only up to 5 feet from the emitter, while another light can produce X lumens up to 10 feet from the emitter. So, the first light is losing 2.5 lumens by time it reaches 10 feet, blah blah blah. Our theory is this: if it works, it works. In the middle of a drama, you want a dependable, high-output white light.
So, let me introduce you to the current lineup of TNVC LED Conversions for Surefire lights:
Q5 Gree LED Drop-In Lamp
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/q5_lamp.html
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/q5_lamp.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_5.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_6.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/Q5/Q5_4.jpg
The Q5 is a direct drop-in replacement lamp for the Surefire G2, G2L, G3, 6P, 6PL, 6PD, 9P, Z2, G2Z, C2, C3, M2* Please note that it is only compatible with the lights mentioned here. The light models listed do share common lamps with other Surefire lights, but due to the design of our lamp's reflector housing, the Q5 is only compatible with the models listed. Anyway, The Q5 provides 256+ lumens at the emitter and about 220 lumens usable. It is a massive upgrade to the legacy Surefire lamp output. At $44.99, it is a very affordable conversion for your workhorse G2's and 6P's. These lights are often found on Police duty belts and are standard issue tertiary lights to US Armed Forces. Because of their light weight, they are being used as weapon lights too. One thing to keep in mind with LED's: they get hot. Depending on your use, you may or may not be able to use a standard Polymer Bezel G2 as the host light. If you use a G2 as a weapon light, you will be OK with the polymer bezel because weapon light doctrine is to not run the light constantly. But, if you are using the G2 as an all purpose light, you should consider upgrading to a model with an aluminum head to avoid heat damage to the bezel.
The TNVC Q5 Cree LED has been written up in SWAT Magazine by Pat Rogers, who uses them in the G2's mounted on EAG Tactical Training Guns.
Multifunction Tail Cap Kit
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/muli_tc.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/MultiTC/MFTailCap_02.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/MultiTC/multiTC_1.jpg
The TNVC Multifunction Tail Cap Kit is 2-piece drop-in upgrade for the Surefire G2, G2L, G3, 6P, 6PL, 6PD, 9P, Z2, G2Z, C2, C3, M2* The kit consists of a Q5 Cree LED Lamp and our Multifunction Tail Cap. Again, please note that the Q5 is only compatible with the lights mentioned here. The light models listed do share common lamps with other Surefire lights, but due to the design of our lamp's reflector housing, the Q5 is only compatible with the models listed. Moving on: the Multifunction Tail Cap replaces the standard tail cap of the lights mentioned above and provides (you guessed it) multiple functions. The Cap utilizes two buttons; a clicky button on the end and a smaller momentary button on the side. It is the perfect setup for duty belts and tertiary lights. The end button can be used as a momentary or click-type and allows you to step up or down the brightness of the beam. We have it available in both infinite and 5-stage modes of operation. Basically, repeatedly pressing or holding the end button will dial up and then dial down the brightness. So, you can have a low level navigation light and a full blown high power light in one package. The side button is a momentary switch that allows you to instantly produce the highest power regardless of where you are in the scale using the end button. Lastly, holding the end and side buttons simultaneously, produces a strobe effect.
E2 Conversion Head
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/e2_head.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX_strk.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX_std.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_6.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_7.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/EE/TX_Eseries/TX1_8.jpg
The E2 Conversion Head is a drop-in replacement head for the Surefire E2, E2D, E2L, E2E, and M600A Scout Light. It completely replaces the head assembly and upgrades the output with a 200 lumen LED. The E2 Conversion Head is available in both single and dual stage models and comes in black or natural metal anodized finish. The bezel crown is available in both standard and strike versions. A note about the strike version: This is an upgrade too. We felt the legacy Surefire strike serrations were not as threatening as they should be. We figured that if we got to a point where we needed to engage a threat with our flashlight, things have gone from bad to totally fucked. So, why skimp on the ability to inflict pain and misery on the enemy? Our bezel serrations are both longer and sharper than the Surefire Defender Head. The corners are mean. These strike bezels are designed to to do one thing: tear up bad guys.
TX-4 Conversion Head
http://tnvc.com/items/illumination_tools/tnvc_tx4_conversion_head.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_HA_1-1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_4-1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TNVCsl_0694.jpg
The TX-4 Conversion Head is our newest offering and represents one of the biggest leaps forward in LED tactical lights yet. The TX-4 is designed to breath new life into the Surefire Millennium Universal Light Series in the way of a drop-in replacement LED head that pumps out blinding 600 usable lumens. Yup, 600 lumens. The M951 is still a standard issue light and the standard issue incandescent lamp just doesn't cut it. By dropping in the TX-4, you practically get a brand new light. But, we didn't just stop there. By using our M2C and M2E Adapters, the TX-4 can fit on to just about every light made by Surefire. Take a look at the compatibility chart below.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/clasky/TX4/TX4_COMP.jpg
The TX-4 gives you a weapon light with high beams!
So, that is a quick rundown on the LED conversion heads and upgrades we are offer. We are constantly working on new lights and kits.