Insight XTI Procyon review

[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?