Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit Review

First Impressions of Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit

Night hunting has always presented unique challenges, demanding specialized equipment to effectively navigate the darkness. I’ve spent years relying on various lighting solutions, and the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit immediately caught my eye with its promise of extended range, innovative beam control, and user-friendly design. From the moment I learned of its rear-mounted beam adjustment and enhanced battery life, I was eager to put it through its paces in the field.

I had been struggling with consistently identifying targets at longer distances during nighttime hog hunts. My previous light, while decent, lacked the throw and intensity needed for confident target identification beyond 150 yards. The Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC addresses this directly with its upgraded LED and larger bezel.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the robust construction and thoughtful component selection. The light feels solid and well-balanced in hand, suggesting a durable build that can withstand the rigors of hunting. The included accessories, such as the adjustable mount and halo shield, further hinted at the kit’s readiness for immediate use.

I considered the Streamlight TLR series and the ATN IR lights, but ultimately chose the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC for its advertised beam adjustability and longer run time. The rear-mounted control was a significant factor, promising easier manipulation while mounted on a rifle. My initial impression is definitely one of excitement. I’m keen to see if it lives up to the hype and addresses my long-range target identification needs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC was during a nighttime hog hunt on a sprawling ranch in central Texas. The terrain consisted of open fields interspersed with dense brush, presenting a varied environment to test the light’s capabilities. I mounted the light on my AR-15 using the included picatinny rail mount and paired it with a night vision scope.

The light performed exceptionally well, even in the slightly damp conditions. The 850nm infrared beam cut through the darkness, providing a clear and bright image through my night vision scope. The rear-mounted beam adjustment was intuitive and easy to use, allowing me to quickly switch between a wide flood beam for scanning and a tight spot beam for target identification.

I was initially concerned about the light’s weight, but it didn’t noticeably affect the rifle’s balance. The intensity control was smooth and responsive, allowing me to fine-tune the brightness to avoid spooking game. There were no issues with the light flickering or malfunctioning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. It has accompanied me on numerous hunts in varying weather conditions, from dry and dusty to cold and rainy. The light has consistently performed without any noticeable degradation in brightness or beam quality.

The T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. Cleaning the light is straightforward; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. The battery life is impressive, easily providing five hours of continuous use on a single charge, as advertised.

Compared to my previous infrared light, the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC offers a significant improvement in both range and beam adjustability. It has consistently outperformed my expectations, solidifying its place as my go-to night hunting light.

Breaking Down the Features of Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit

Specifications

• The Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit utilizes an 850nm infrared LED bulb, invisible to the naked eye and designed for use with night vision devices. The 850nm wavelength provides excellent illumination for night vision scopes.
• It’s powered by two high-capacity 21700 Lithium Ion batteries providing a runtime of approximately 5 hours. This extended runtime is essential for long nights in the field.
• The light is constructed from T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum, offering excellent durability and resistance to the elements. The rugged construction ensures reliability in harsh hunting conditions.
• The W404iC weighs 15.5 oz and has a length of 8.5 inches. The weight is manageable when mounted on a rifle.
• It features a quick detach mount for easy attachment to picatinny rails. The quick detach mechanism allows for rapid installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

The Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC excels in its primary function: providing long-range infrared illumination for night hunting. The adjustable beam allows for precise control over the light’s coverage, enabling both wide-area scanning and focused target identification. The intensity control is smooth and responsive, allowing for subtle adjustments to minimize spooking game.

One minor weakness is the size, which can feel bulky on smaller rifles. However, the performance benefits outweigh this slight inconvenience. It definitely meets and even exceeds expectations for clarity, range, and adjustability.

Design & Ergonomics

The W404iC boasts a robust and functional design. The rear-mounted beam adjustment is a standout feature, allowing for easy manipulation with one hand while maintaining a shooting grip. The light feels solid and well-balanced, inspiring confidence in its durability.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. The intensity control knob is easily accessible and provides smooth, precise adjustments. There is a slight learning curve with the beam adjustment lock ring, but it quickly becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction ensures the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC is built to last. It has proven to be highly resistant to scratches, impacts, and the elements.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The battery compartment is easily accessible for battery replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes a fully adjustable quick detach light mount, a picatinny scope mount (for 1-inch or 30mm scope tubes), a rubberized halo shield, a standard intensity control tail cap, a coil cord intensity control tail cap, a 2-position 21700 smart charger with AC/DC adapters, and two 21700 high-capacity Li-Ion batteries. The inclusion of both standard and coil cord tail caps is a thoughtful addition, catering to different user preferences.

While the W404iC is primarily designed for use with its included accessories, the picatinny rail mount allows for compatibility with other aftermarket mounting solutions. The interchangeable LED design allows for ease of color change.

Pros and Cons of Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit

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Who Should Buy Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit?

Perfect for dedicated night hunters, particularly those targeting hogs, coyotes, or other varmints, who need long-range identification. This is also a solid choice for law enforcement or security personnel operating in low-light environments.

Hunters on a very tight budget might consider less expensive options, although they will likely sacrifice performance and features. Those primarily hunting at very close ranges (under 50 yards) may not need the W404iC‘s extended reach. A quality night vision scope is a must-have accessory to make full use of the light.

Conclusion on Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit

The Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC 850nm Infrared Night Hunting Light Kit is a top-tier illumination solution for serious night hunters. Its exceptional range, innovative beam control, and durable construction make it a standout performer in its class. The price is justified by the superior performance and complete accessory package.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC to anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing infrared light for night hunting. Equip yourself with the Wicked Hunting Lights W404iC and experience the darkness like never before!