Polarion Helios 40W HID Searchlight

http://www.polarion-store.com/pd_helios.cfm

Having worked with a lot of HIDs, I can say that this monster looks like it is one helluva deal. 4000 Lumens from a 4 lb light that is waterproof to 100 ft... That's nothing shy of amazing. The ballast system in this this must be super-efficient to push a 40W like that, and keep the weight that low.

To top that off... It's only $1600.

Seeing this light come to fruition makes me wonder what Ken and company have up their sleeves for smaller (10W) HIDs...

Hello,

Very nice laid-out forum!

First post here. Was just cruizin and was surprised to see a post on the Helios HID.

I am very, very, very happy, excited, pleased with the way this light turned out!

I have the integrated handle version right now, with the straight bodied version to follow in approx. 3 weeks. I am told the straight-bodied version will be even a bit more sleek/trim in the body diameter.

First thing I noticed, very balanced, when carried with the handle or just cradled in the palm.

The thing looks awesome just sitting there. My initial photography just does not do it justice. Apologize in advance for the poor images.

The handle has some integrated stanchions to keep it level on a flat surface. Nice touch. The handle has a lanyard attachment hole just as the handle meets the body. Production versions are supposed to have a forward shoulder strap attachment point that will snap into the cooling fins area.

The rotating ON/OFF switch is perfect in terms of tension. You can rotate it either way to activate or de-activate the light.

When you turn the light on and look at the rear tailcap, you can check the status of the battery in terms of charge through a translucent plastic that reveals the 5 green LED's embedded in the cylindrical battery that effortlessly slides into the light body. The LED's stay lit for 5 seconds whenever the light is initially activated then they deactivate.

The battery is removed or replaced by removing the rear tail cap.

Also you will notice the connection point for the soon-to-follow cradle charger. The light will be backwards compatible with the cradle charger.

For now, you remove the battery and connect it to the AC charger.

DC charger will be available soon as an accessory.

A remote switch and power cable for continuous operation off military vehicle power and heavy-weapons mounting is in development.

IR Filter will also be available soon.


I took a picture of the Helios right next to a Night-Ops Gladius Light for size comparison. The Gladius is a 6-volt, two CR123A battery tactical light that is 6.23" in length.


Oh yes....the output on this is thing is AWESOME.

We used out on the water with Naval Special Warfare, Special Boat Team 20. From 200 yards away everybody in the contact boat was forced to avert their eyes. The situational awareness and coverage it gives you is amazing.

I sold a few lights that nite....

I will let the HID reviewers come to their own conclusions on head-to-head testing. This thing will no doubt rise to the top of the charts, of that I am confident.

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...-by-Handle.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...ld-by-Body.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/polarion/Profile.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...tic-Switch.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...Stanchions.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...Green-LEDs.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...Comparison.jpg

Some more images:

Polarion is playing with a Titanium Finish:

1. Highly Polished (Looks like Chrome)
2. Duller Silver
3. Smoked or Charcoal Silver

These finishes are experimental if you will.

We will actually be shipping the Standard Tried & True Type III HA in Black. Eventually there will probably be Type III HA in Olive Drab as well.

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...os-Trunk-2.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...os-Trunk-1.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...elios-Hood.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...elios-Hood.jpg

http://strategosmedia.com/images/pol...ios-Ground.jpg


Finally got a bevy of test units earlier this week in and they are already sent out to a few folks.

One is an agent on the Border in the San Diego area. We had a phone conversation last evening....He was jumping out of his skin!

He is blown away by the optical quality of the Helios. Glad to hear it!

Everybody who witnesses this thing kick off of the first time generally blurts out some type of explicative, usually several…..”Holy SH$%T!”

We are in full production now with units arriving late next week for shipping.

Best to Everybody.

Ken J. Good