CQBL-1 + illuminator vs Dbal D2

[Ironman8]

@Ironman8

Pretty sure your recommendations in other threads are what “inspired” me with the CQBL. I also have a dual lead Modbutton Lite ready for use. Good point with the QD option. I guess I could emulate that, but would need to as a 1913 segment, since all I have is MLOK at this point.

Have you compared the EX 250 to a DBAL D2’s illuminator? Per others, the D2 seems like it should be better, but you note as peer options.

No need for 1913 bro
https://www.bobroengineering.com/M-L...OUNT_p_63.html

As for comparison, I didn’t mean it to sound like I’ve compared them directly. This was mainly going off of what reviews I could find of the D2. Based on reviews, I think the main thing you lose with the Malkoff vs D2 is the ability to focus the illuminator.

Just for reference, I started with the Modlite IR 850 and moved to the Malkoff due to how bad the Modlite autogated the tubes. The Malkoff still does it to some extent but I’ve been able to mitigate some of that by using a 950nm filter glued into a Butler Creek cap that fits onto the end of the light bezel. It also cuts some of the red glow. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07S9...b_b_asin_title

All that said, as Rhinowso confirmed below, the Kiji 3° is probably the best way. It should give you MAWL-ish performance for a fraction of the cost and all the benefits of the separate illuminator system that I personally like.

[Ironman8]

For $2K and that combo weighs 10oz more than the D2

How so? How does your math work out to that?

*Referring to your weight estimate. CQBL has been discontinued (as far as I know) but they were pretty prevalent on the used market for $5-600. There are other options for a IR laser only to pair with a Kiji such as an OTAL or Holosun units that wouldn’t work up to your $2k claim.

[JediGuy]

For pricing, the DBAL becomes the lower price once adding a Kiji, assuming no deals on the Kiji.

DBAL $1237
CQBL-1 $590 + Kiji 3° $850 + Bobbi mount $87 = $1527


The CQBL+Kiji combo stays lower weight, substituting an Arisaka since I don’t see a weight for the Bobro:

DBAL 12.5oz

CQBL-1 w/battery 6.0oz + Kiji 3° w/battery 3.1oz + Arisaka inline mount 0.6oz = 9.7oz

We’ll see. I haven’t heard back about the sale, so it may be a non-issue.

[prepare]

How so? How does your math work out to that?

*Referring to your weight estimate. CQBL has been discontinued (as far as I know) but they were pretty prevalent on the used market for $5-600. There are other options for a IR laser only to pair with a Kiji such as an OTAL or Holosun units that wouldn’t work up to your $2k claim.

I was looking at a different Kiji

[1168]

.

Just for reference, I started with the Modlite IR 850 and moved to the Malkoff due to how bad the Modlite autogated the tubes. The Malkoff still does it to some extent but I’ve been able to mitigate some of that by using a 950nm filter glued into a Butler Creek cap that fits onto the end of the light bezel. It also cuts some of the red glow. [

You might appreciate the Modlight IR 930.

[Ironman8]

You might appreciate the Modlight IR 930.

Due to viz signature? How is it on throw? I understood that it wasn’t much different than a vampire so I passed on it trying to get more juice down range.

[1168]

Due to viz signature? How is it on throw? I understood that it wasn’t much different than a vampire so I passed on it trying to get more juice down range.

Its not big on throw. But it won’t usually gate my tubes, and as you say, it has less vis signature vs a 850. I still think a laser/illuminator combo unit is the way, though.

[Ironman8]

Its not big on throw. But it won’t usually gate my tubes, and as you say, it has less vis signature vs a 850. I still think a laser/illuminator combo unit is the way, though.

I hear you. I’m not a professional end user so I don’t have (legit) access to full power units and I can’t bring myself to spend MAWL money. So to me, this was the best bang for buck setup.