Let’s Talk About Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume
The Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume is a budget-friendly aiming solution aimed at recreational shooters and those looking to add functionality to their firearm without breaking the bank. Marketed by Firefield as a compact and lightweight combo, it features a green laser, a modest white light, and M-LOK compatibility. This combo is designed for quick target acquisition.
I was looking for an affordable laser/light combo for my AR pistol. I wanted something that would allow for quick target acquisition in low-light scenarios without requiring a dedicated weapon light and separate laser. The Firefield Rival XL Combo seemed to offer a good balance of features and price.
My first impression upon unboxing was that it felt surprisingly lightweight. The plastic housing didn’t inspire confidence, but it also kept the weight down. The ambidextrous digital switch felt decent, and the M-LOK interface seemed secure enough.
Compared to a Streamlight TLR-2 or a Crimson Trace Rail Master Pro, the Firefield Rival XL Combo definitely felt less robust. However, those options are significantly more expensive. I ultimately chose the Firefield because I was willing to sacrifice some durability for affordability, and because it seemed like a good starter unit. I hoped it would give me a taste of using a laser/light combo without a huge upfront investment. I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range. The range provided a controlled environment to assess the laser and light’s functionality at various distances. I primarily used it on an AR pistol at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards.
The indoor range was well-lit, but I also tested the Firefield Rival XL Combo in a darkened bay to simulate low-light conditions. The green laser was easily visible, even in ambient light, while the 75/150 lumen light provided adequate illumination for close-range target identification. The digital switch was easy to manipulate with either hand.
I did experience some issues with battery contact during the first range session. The unit flickered intermittently, suggesting a loose connection. It required some fiddling with the battery compartment to resolve.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use (approximately 5-6 range trips), the Firefield Rival XL Combo showed some signs of wear and tear. The plastic housing exhibited minor scratches, and the battery compartment continued to be a source of concern. The user feedback (provided) about the battery getting stuck also concerned me, and I took great care to insert the battery correctly, fearing I might have the same problem.
Cleaning was relatively simple, requiring only a dry cloth to wipe down the housing. However, I noticed that the laser lens collected dust easily, which affected its visibility. Disappointingly, there wasn’t a straightforward way to clean the lens without potentially damaging it.
Compared to my experience with more robust weapon lights like Surefire or Streamlight, the Firefield Rival XL Combo didn’t inspire the same level of confidence. Its performance was acceptable for its price point, but I wouldn’t rely on it in a high-stress or tactical situation. It underperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume
Specifications
* Manufacturer: Firefield. Firefield markets the Rival XL Combo as a budget-friendly option.
* Light Output: 75 – 150 lumens. This is a relatively low output compared to dedicated weapon lights, making it suitable for close-range use only.
* Bulb Type: LED. LED technology provides a decent balance of brightness and battery life.
* Battery Type: CR123A. CR123A batteries are commonly used in weapon lights and lasers due to their high energy density and long shelf life.
* Beam Color: Green. Green lasers are generally more visible to the human eye than red lasers, especially in daylight conditions.
* Color: Black. A standard black finish helps the unit blend in with most firearms.
* Gun Model: Universal. The M-LOK mounting system allows it to be attached to any firearm with an M-LOK compatible rail.
* Length: 4.33 in. Its compact length minimizes added bulk to the firearm.
* Weight: 3.2 oz. The lightweight design helps maintain the firearm’s balance.
* Finish: Matte Black. The matte finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface.
* Mount Type: M-LOK. M-LOK provides a secure and versatile mounting platform.
* Wavelength: 532 nm. This is the standard wavelength for green lasers, ensuring optimal visibility.
The specifications reveal a product designed with affordability and compactness in mind. The use of plastic construction and a lower lumen output light helps to keep the cost down. The green laser, however, is a significant advantage, offering improved visibility over red lasers in various lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo functions adequately for its intended purpose as a basic aiming solution. The green laser is easily visible indoors and at dusk, allowing for rapid target acquisition. The 75/150 lumen light is sufficient for illuminating close-range targets, but it lacks the power to reach out at longer distances.
The main strengths of the combo are its affordability and ease of use. The digital switch is intuitive, and the M-LOK mounting system is simple to install. However, the plastic housing feels flimsy, and the battery compartment is prone to issues. The light and laser adjustment dials felt cheap and not very precise.
The Firefield Rival XL Combo mostly met my low expectations, but the reliability issues were concerning. For recreational use, it’s acceptable, but I wouldn’t trust it in a self-defense situation.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Firefield Rival XL Combo is compact and streamlined. The ambidextrous digital switch is well-placed and easy to activate. The lightweight plastic construction makes it comfortable to handle, but it also compromises the overall build quality.
There isn’t a significant learning curve associated with using the Rival XL Combo. The digital switch has three modes: laser only, light only, and laser/light combo. It’s user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Firefield Rival XL Combo is questionable due to its plastic construction. It’s unlikely to withstand heavy use or harsh conditions. However, basic maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth.
Repairing the unit could be challenging due to the limited availability of replacement parts and the complexity of the internal components. The user feedback that mentions warranty replacements suggests that repairs might be a common occurrence.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Rival XL Combo doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the necessary mounting hardware. There aren’t any official customization options available from Firefield.
Because of its universal M-LOK mounting system, it is compatible with any firearm that has an M-LOK rail. While no official Firefield accessories are available, users could potentially modify the unit with third-party batteries or cleaning supplies.
Pros and Cons of Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume
Pros
- Affordable: This is the most significant selling point.
- Visible Green Laser: Offers superior visibility compared to red lasers.
- M-LOK Compatible: Easily mounts to a wide range of firearms.
- Compact and Lightweight: Adds minimal bulk to the firearm.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive digital switch and simple operation.
Cons
- Questionable Durability: Plastic housing feels flimsy.
- Battery Issues: Prone to battery contact problems and difficult battery removal.
- Low Light Output: 75/150 lumens is insufficient for longer-range illumination.
Who Should Buy Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume?
The Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo is perfect for recreational shooters on a tight budget who want to experiment with a laser/light combo. It’s also suitable for those who primarily shoot indoors or in low-light conditions at close ranges. This can be a decent starter set-up to determine if a laser/light combo is the right choice for their specific shooting style.
This product should be skipped by anyone who requires a highly durable and reliable aiming solution for self-defense or tactical applications. Law enforcement and military personnel should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a reliable supply of CR123A batteries.
Conclusion on Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume
The Firefield FF35011K Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 Nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lume is a budget-friendly option that offers basic functionality. While the green laser provides decent visibility, the overall durability and reliability of the unit are questionable.
The price is justified for what you get, but don’t expect premium performance. The build quality reflects the price.
I would cautiously recommend it to recreational shooters who understand its limitations. If you need a robust and dependable aiming solution, invest in a higher-quality product. Consider this a stepping stone rather than a final destination.