View Full Version : Unity Tactical EXO mini review
The Unity Tactical EXO is a replacement mount for the X300 Standard and Ultra lights. It's designed to help block inadvertent activation. Sometimes a negligent light discharge is just as bad as a negligent discharge when trying to keep stealth. The EXO helps by keeping the X300 from lighting up when being bumped from the side. It also keeps the X300 from ending up dead when being stored in a soft case. Weapon lights have a habit of turning on in soft cases.
For the purposes of this review - I will only be talking about the X300 mounted in the 12 O Clock position in front of the front sight post. I've used both fixed and folding. Having tried the EXO on a pistol, I can't say I recommend it. But I don't think the folks at Unity Tactical do either.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/ete3u5ed.jpg
While I didn't take pictures, installation is simple. Remove the 6 screws from the base of the X300, remove the rails, slide on the EXO, put screws back on, and mount the light to the rail. The EXO seems every bit as sturdy and robust as the OEM Surefire mounting rails it replaces. It is made from a high strength polymer.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/y7urunyq.jpg
Changing batteries remains the same as always with the EXO mounted.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/hy5apuje.jpg
You can see the nice little pocket for the thumb....
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/vutubadu.jpg
... no matter how you hold your rail.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/me5u7y2e.jpg
The EXO is flared to allow an ergonomic activation and plenty of room - even with the giant thumbscrew of the fixed front sight.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/dyzebene.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/y6y7a3aq.jpg
Switching to a folding front sight (in this case the Unity Tactical FUSION) allowed even more room while the sight was deployed. Flipped down made it incredibly easy to access the controls. The flared opening guides the thumb straight in.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/2ehura6a.jpg
The X300 at 12 o'clock doesn't offer a ton of free room on top of the sight. The EXO doesn't sit more than a touch higher than the battery latch. Above is with a 1/3 cowitness Trijicon SRS when looking through the irons.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/a5ynenud.jpg
With rear iron sight folded.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/egysudes.jpg
Closer view.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/yre5a9e6.jpg
Business end.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/9eteda2a.jpg
The Surefire X300 at 12 o'clock has became so popular because it offers the most minimal shadowing of the barrel without putting a light right next to the muzzle device to take abuse. It's lighter than full size weapon lights, can be mounted to a pistol / match the pistol light for streamlining gear, easy to activate, is ambidextrous (as is the EXO), has great run time, and plenty of lumens - particularly with the 500 Lumen Ultra being introduced last year.
But the X300 doesn't have a lockout feature. For some this can be a deal breaker. While the EXO isn't a true lockout feature, it significantly reduces the chance of a light accidental discharge. It is superior to a dedicated lockout in that it doesn't require any changes or movements to activate the light as a lockout feature would.
One complaint I could see is the EXO covers up the "Surefire" and "X300" markings on the light. While few would admit it, many folks like having the brand name of the product stick out, especially on high dollar items like Surefire lights. A semi circle cutaway would fix this, and I may alter mine just to see if it affects the EXO structurally. I think it would give it a more aggressive look, but would also take away some of the protection offered to the side of the X300 (not that an X300 needs it).
In my opinion, the Unity Tactical EXO makes the Surefire X300 series that much more versatile. If you run an X300 or X300 Ultra on your carbine, the EXO is worth the $28 price of admission.
ETA : Manufacturer's link.
http://www.unitytactical.com/shop/exo-surefire-x-series/
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/madcatjoe/IMG_20131115_161753_408_zps52df15f0.jpg
there's my setup. I'm worried that the EXO could put my thumb too close to the FSB, increasing the liklihood of burning. Thoughts?
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/madcatjoe/IMG_20131115_161753_408_zps52df15f0.jpg
there's my setup. I'm worried that the EXO could put my thumb too close to the FSB, increasing the liklihood of burning. Thoughts?
That's a fair point. I use to run the DD FSP rail, and ran an X300 at 12 o'clock - but its been a long time. I never noticed an issue, but I also never ran more than a few mags without some cool down time in between. I also almost always wear gloves when I shoot carbine.
I'd say if you we're on an op where sustained fire is a possibility, then you'd likely have gloves. If its for home defense where you won't have gloves, such a sustained fire fight to the point of getting burned is probably unlikely.
But good point - I only reviewed this with non-gasblock front sights. I will say the channel was wider than I thought it would be. And it creates a nice little cavity for the thumb to sit in between the activation lever and the "wing" of the EXO.
The President of Unity Tactical is a member here. Hopefully he or someone else with experience chimes in about this particular issue.
That's a fair point. I use to run the DD FSP rail, and ran an X300 at 12 o'clock - but its been a long time. I never noticed an issue, but I also never ran more than a few mags without some cool down time in between. I also almost always wear gloves when I shoot carbine.
I'd say if you we're on an op where sustained fire is a possibility, then you'd likely have gloves. If its for home defense where you won't have gloves, such a sustained fire fight to the point of getting burned is probably unlikely.
But good point - I only reviewed this with non-gasblock front sights. I will say the channel was wider than I thought it would be. And it creates a nice little cavity for the thumb to sit in between the activation lever and the "wing" of the EXO.
The President of Unity Tactical is a member here. Hopefully he or someone else with experience chimes in about this particular issue.
I would like to hear more on this.
My weapons are all candidates for self defense, duty use, and resistance of tyranny, therefore it is important to me that they are as usable as possible.
Gloves are always a good idea, but sometimes not an option, so I would like to hear some experience with the setup that i have in mind.
I love front sight gas blocks for everything... except that they get annoying when trying to use lights!
This seems to me like a really well thought out product, with pretty much no downside. Can't wait to try one!
can you post a picture looking directly at the back of the x300 with the EXO installed?
SpeedRacer
11-20-13, 13:23
Thanks for the pics and writeup, Steve.
can you post a picture looking directly at the back of the x300 with the EXO installed?
This help at all? I'll see if we can get a similar pic mounted on a rifle as well.
http://www.unitytactical.com/images/EXO_Rear.jpeg
We considered everything and utilized a ton of T&E feedback before jumping into production of the EXO, and we found what we believe is the best balance between overall size and space for switch operation. Running a light at 12:00 with a nice hot FSB obviously creates its own issues, but I doubt it will be any worse with the EXO mounted, and using the "wing" as a place to stage your thumb away from the FSB may actually be an additional benefit.
If you do decide to give one a shot, we'd love to hear your feedback on that setup.
Thanks for the pics and writeup, Steve.
This help at all? I'll see if we can get a similar pic mounted on a rifle as well.
http://www.unitytactical.com/images/EXO_Rear.jpeg
We considered everything and utilized a ton of T&E feedback before jumping into production of the EXO, and we found what we believe is the best balance between overall size and space for switch operation. Running a light at 12:00 with a nice hot FSB obviously creates its own issues, but I doubt it will be any worse with the EXO mounted, and using the "wing" as a place to stage your thumb away from the FSB may actually be an additional benefit.
If you do decide to give one a shot, we'd love to hear your feedback on that setup.
Ok, thanks for the response, I am very much considering purchasing one.
Final question: it was mentioned before that the unit is sligtly higher than the X300 by itself, and therefore obscures a little more of the FSP. There are pictures above, but with the SRS red dot, I cant really see the FSP. Does anyone have a picture without the red dot activated?
Thanks
SpeedRacer
11-20-13, 18:27
Ok, thanks for the response, I am very much considering purchasing one.
Final question: it was mentioned before that the unit is sligtly higher than the X300 by itself, and therefore obscures a little more of the FSP. There are pictures above, but with the SRS red dot, I cant really see the FSP. Does anyone have a picture without the red dot activated?
Thanks
It's actually designed to sit perfectly flush with the battery latch and not impede any additional sight picture at all. If it was slightly higher due to manufacturing variance in the mount or light, we'd be talking in the thousandths of inches. We certainly had 12:00 mounting in mind when designing it, as that's how several of us have our own carbines setup. :cool:
It's actually designed to sit perfectly flush with the battery latch and not impede any additional sight picture at all. If it was slightly higher due to manufacturing variance in the mount or light, we'd be talking in the thousandths of inches. We certainly had 12:00 mounting in mind when designing it, as that's how several of us have our own carbines setup. :cool:
Good to hear, I'll place my order now. I will post the results with my setup here.
Ok, thanks for the response, I am very much considering purchasing one.
Final question: it was mentioned before that the unit is sligtly higher than the X300 by itself, and therefore obscures a little more of the FSP. There are pictures above, but with the SRS red dot, I cant really see the FSP. Does anyone have a picture without the red dot activated?
Thanks
Here's without the optic - a few different views. These folding sights have NOT been rezero'd since the reconfiguration. The fixed fronts were zero'd. I can break them back out tomorrow if you need pics with the fixed front - since they were zero'd with an X300 in front. Your post will sit a little different regardless.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/21/dy9areta.jpg
0-2 Aperture. Close to the actual FOV. White background for contrast.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/21/uheha4eq.jpg
Close up of 0-2.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/21/7usaja7u.jpg
EXO might be a hair (literally) taller or shorter - but pretty damn even with the latch.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/21/y4ehe8ym.jpg
"Thumb Pocket"
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/21/6u3etape.jpg
"Thumb Pocket" with flashlight to help see.
Thinking on it and playing with it more, I really don't think you will have a problem with your gasblock front sight. Honestly, I think the EXO would help reduce the chance of touching the front sight base / post versus just an X300. It provides a sort of index point.
*If pics are out of focus, sights misaligned, etc - it's because it's tough juggling a carbine and camera while trying to keep things steady.
Those pictures are PERFECT, very reassuring for me. great news, thanks, my order was just placed (free shipping yay) and I will look forward to receiving it.
Ok, thanks for the response, I am very much considering purchasing one.
Final question: it was mentioned before that the unit is sligtly higher than the X300 by itself, and therefore obscures a little more of the FSP. There are pictures above, but with the SRS red dot, I cant really see the FSP. Does anyone have a picture without the red dot activated?
Thanks
I'm running two of them and on both my X300's, the EXO's highest points are exactly inline with the Surefires' battery latch. BOTH the Exo top and the battery latch are slightly shorter than the X300s' bezel. Short answer- no reduction in sight picture with the EXOs added.
also, since you were asking specifically about a fixed FSP-
215632156421565
Thanks for those pictures, Jason. It looks like this will work well for me.
One more question: does this work with the Surefire XT07 backplate? I'm not using one, but I'm just curious.
SpeedRacer
11-23-13, 07:35
One more question: does this work with the Surefire XT07 backplate? I'm not using one, but I'm just curious.
Yes it does. :cool:
well, I just got the EXO, and installed it. I was definitely afraid I was going to break it by stretching it so much, but it held up well.
The downside is... it does infact force my thumb to contact the FSB in order to use the light. Its unfortunate because I really like it, but I know that when that FSB gets hot, I will burn the crap out of my thumb, with no way to avoid it.
Not really sure what I'm gonna do at this point.
well, I just got the EXO, and installed it. I was definitely afraid I was going to break it by stretching it so much, but it held up well.
The downside is... it does infact force my thumb to contact the FSB in order to use the light. Its unfortunate because I really like it, but I know that when that FSB gets hot, I will burn the crap out of my thumb, with no way to avoid it.
Not really sure what I'm gonna do at this point.
Maybe wrap some paracord tightly around the forward post of the FSB to insulate (or some other appropriate material).
Maybe wrap some paracord tightly around the forward post of the FSB to insulate (or some other appropriate material).
After some testing, I decided to remove the EXO, and store it for now. I will save it just in case I decide to get a IWC/HSP offset 1913 mount (I used to have one and sold it, damn!) and Surefire XT07/SR07 setup. For now I will be sticking with the setup that I have pictured above.
Since handling mine, I've come to believe that an enlarged switch would be appropriate. I'm wondering if I could modify my X300U to my liking? Because I only use the momentary-on feature in lieu of the constant-on toggle activation, I'm thinking an enlarged paddle type switch would benefit me more.
ETA: Enlarged thumb pads that fit within the EXO protective shroud.
I just acquired one of the EXOs (maybe 2) a few days ago. I run a X300u in front of a DD 1.5 front. I didn't like it when I first saw it but after I handled it in person, I like it a lot. My only complaint is that I still can't remove it from my rail to change the batteries without loosening the screws. This I am sure is the rail and not the light or the EXO.
To comment on the first post regarding the EXO covering the logos, I am super OCD so the Surefire and X300u upside down on my rifle drove me nuts, now it's covered!
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/11765896733_e9faafc250_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101418915@N07/11765896733/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101418915@N07/11765896733/) by corycop25 (http://www.flickr.com/people/101418915@N07/), on Flickr
I have one, so far very happy with it.22494
Yeah, removing the light is a PITA but can be done without removing the front sight*. In my case, I lift the locking bar tabs and pull the light towards the muzzle for each slot (wash, rinse, & repeat x4) till it's off. At least we know it's not going anywhere!
*If I understand you correctly...
SpeedRacer
01-05-14, 00:30
Good feedback guys, thanks.
Cory, we certainly mulled over the rail dimension since even the OEM rail mounts are so tight on many rails, but in the end decided to stick to Surefire's specs. As with the OEM mounts, some rails may require slight adjustment in the mounting screws for easier removal.
Gotta love the 12:00 X300/DD FS setup, that's how my primary is set up as well.
Good feedback guys, thanks.
Cory, we certainly mulled over the rail dimension since even the OEM rail mounts are so tight on many rails, but in the end decided to stick to Surefire's specs.
Most definitely the right decision. Always better to bee too tight than too loose.
karmapolice
01-05-14, 13:32
I bought one, I like the idea of it but for my retardedly large thumbs it doesn't work. I don't like using the tip of my thumb near the thumbnail but prefer to use the pad to momentary activate it but I can't fit anything but the very tip of my thumb with the EXO on. Second, turn it constant on, it's way harder to turn it off once on. I believe it is a good idea and most people it probably works great for them, it is definitely well made but just doesn't work for me.
I bought one, I like the idea of it but for my retardedly large thumbs it doesn't work. I don't like using the tip of my thumb near the thumbnail but prefer to use the pad to momentary activate it but I can't fit anything but the very tip of my thumb with the EXO on. Second, turn it constant on, it's way harder to turn it off once on. I believe it is a good idea and most people it probably works great for them, it is definitely well made but just doesn't work for me.
My thoughts as well. It is definitely a great product, one of those "Doh!!! Why didn't I think of that?!?!" ideas. Getting a thumb on that little nub/nipple to activate the light is it's only (very minor) drawback.
ETA: So I was thinking about it and removed the shim on the battery door to see if I could get the light to move back another slot but my flip up front sight was a tad too wide to allow any further adjustment. Maybe better luck with a different (narrower) front sight? Just thought it may help getting my thumb on the pressure nub a little easier...
SpeedRacer
01-05-14, 14:43
I bought one, I like the idea of it but for my retardedly large thumbs it doesn't work. I don't like using the tip of my thumb near the thumbnail but prefer to use the pad to momentary activate it but I can't fit anything but the very tip of my thumb with the EXO on. Second, turn it constant on, it's way harder to turn it off once on. I believe it is a good idea and most people it probably works great for them, it is definitely well made but just doesn't work for me.
For the design of the protective area we found the sweet spot and then erred on the side of overprotective. For most people it's "just right", but I promise we won't be offended if you take a file/Dremel/hacksaw (or whatever your preferred method of destruction is) and remove some material to make it work better for you. There's enough material there to modify to suit and still maintain the benefits.
Bro, it's definitely a good idea and a good product! Glad to have it.
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