Originally Posted by
Defaultmp3
The DBAL-A3 utilizes a laser-based illuminator that is adjustable and focusable, with essentially the same form factor as the DBAL-I2. Bonus is that it's also cheaper than the DBAL-D2 and APTIAL-C. There is also the manual override port for the visible laser that one can use in conjunction with a Steiner white light, so that you have one pressure pad for the IR stuff, and one pressure pad that will simultaneously turn on both the visible laser and the white light; I suspect the Unity/TNVC TAPS will also allow for that functionality, but with Surefire lights, too.
Given the many additional features the DBAL-A3 has over the APTIAL-C (green laser, superior IR illumination solution, visible override port, cheaper, ), I think the DBAL is the clear winner on paper. If you're absolutely sure you've no need for a visible laser, consider the DBAL-I2 single spectrum, which has an adjustable and focusable laser-based IR illuminator and an IR laser, at
less than 800 USD on TNVC.
Although I do not own a DBAL-A3, I've shot one next to my D2 and ATPIAL-C. I could not tell much difference between the two laser-based illuminators. The D2 blew both out of the water but like I said, apples and oranges. Thus, I'd go with the D2 if I needed that extra LED IR illumination. Otherwise, I see it as a toss-up between the A3 and ATPIAL-C with a possible edge to the A3 for the reasons that you mention.
I like my rifles like my women - short, light, fast, brown, and suppressed.
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