VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO Review

My first impression of VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO

The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO promises rapid target acquisition for Springfield Hellcat Pro owners, and in the world of tactical gear, promises often fall short. However, Viridian has a solid reputation, so I was cautiously optimistic. This red laser sight boasts ambidextrous controls, windage and elevation adjustments, and a trigger guard mounted design, all at a price point of $99.00.

I was looking for a compact, easily activated laser that wouldn’t add bulk to my Hellcat Pro for concealed carry. I needed something I could quickly rely on in low-light scenarios without compromising the pistol’s ergonomics.

Upon unboxing, the VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO felt surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its thermo-molded polymer construction. The build quality seemed decent, although the polymer felt a bit less robust than the Hellcat Pro’s frame itself. Compared to Crimson Trace laser guards and Streamlight TLR VIR series weapon lights, the Viridian seemed less bulky than the Streamlight and slightly less refined than the Crimson Trace. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, leaning towards impressed, but real-world testing would be the ultimate judge.

Real-World Testing: Putting VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO at an indoor shooting range to control environmental factors. The installation was straightforward, snapping securely onto the Hellcat Pro’s trigger guard. Activation with either hand was intuitive, thanks to the ambidextrous switches.

The red laser was easily visible in the relatively bright indoor lighting, projecting a clear dot on the target at 15 yards. I did some drills in low light settings and the laser proved to be very effective. After the first few magazines, I needed to make minor windage adjustments to align the laser with my iron sights. No major issues arose; however, I noticed the polymer housing flexed slightly under recoil.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of concealed carry and multiple range sessions, the VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO held up surprisingly well. There were no major signs of wear and tear besides some minor scuff marks on the polymer housing. I wiped it down after each range visit and occasionally cleaned the laser lens with a microfiber cloth.

Compared to other laser sights I’ve used, the Viridian‘s battery life seemed shorter; requiring a replacement after approximately 5 hours of use over a month. Despite the shorter battery life, the ease of use and quick target acquisition made it a worthwhile addition to my EDC.

Breaking Down the Features of VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO

Specifications

  • The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO utilizes a 650 nM red laser beam. This wavelength is commonly used for laser sights, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • It has a reported range of 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night. These figures are based on ideal atmospheric conditions and may vary.
  • The unit weighs just 0.78 oz, adding minimal weight to the host pistol. Its light weight doesn’t negatively impact the balance of the firearm.
  • It is powered by a 1/3N battery. These batteries are readily available but it’s important to keep spares on hand.
  • The laser is a red color, a common and easily visible choice for targeting. Red is typically preferred for indoor or low-light environments.
  • The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO is specifically designed to fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro. This ensures a secure and snug fit.
  • The unit features a high strength thermo molded polymer construction. This keeps the weight down while offering reasonable durability.
  • It is designed for trigger guard mounting. This provides a low-profile attachment that is easily accessible.
  • The advertised battery life is 6 hours. This isn’t particularly long compared to some competitors.
  • The laser has a 5-minute auto shutoff feature. This helps to conserve battery life if the laser is accidentally activated.

Performance & Functionality

The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO excels at its primary function: rapid target acquisition. The red laser is bright enough for daytime use, though visibility is reduced in direct sunlight. In low-light and nighttime scenarios, the laser is exceptionally effective.

A minor weakness is the relatively short battery life; however, the ease of activation and accuracy far outweigh this drawback. It largely meets expectations, providing a reliable laser aiming solution at a reasonable price.

Design & Ergonomics

The polymer construction keeps the weight down, contributing to comfortable carry. The ambidextrous activation switches are easily accessible without altering grip.

There’s a minimal learning curve; the intuitive design allows for immediate and effective use. The activation is very simple and it is very unlikely that the user would miss it.

Durability & Maintenance

The thermo-molded polymer appears reasonably durable, but long-term reliability remains to be seen. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a microfiber cloth to wipe down the lens and housing.

Occasional battery replacement is the only maintenance required. Overall, its simple construction points to a decent lifespan with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO comes with only the necessary hardware for mounting and adjustment. There are no included accessories beyond the battery.

There aren’t really any customization options beyond adjusting windage and elevation. It is compatible with any holster designed to accommodate a weapon-mounted laser on a Hellcat Pro, offering some degree of flexibility.

Pros and Cons of VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO

Pros

  • Easy to install and operate. The simple design allows for quick mounting and intuitive use.
  • Ambidextrous activation switches. This accommodates both left- and right-handed shooters.
  • Lightweight and compact. It adds minimal bulk to the Hellcat Pro, maintaining concealability.
  • Bright red laser for rapid target acquisition. Enhances accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions.
  • Affordable price point. Offers a good value for a laser aiming solution.

Cons

  • Relatively short battery life. Requires frequent battery replacements.
  • Polymer housing may not be as durable as metal alternatives. Could be susceptible to damage with rough handling.


Who Should Buy VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO?

The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO is perfect for concealed carriers who want an added layer of aiming assistance, particularly in low-light situations. It’s also suitable for home defense users looking for a simple and effective aiming solution.

Those prioritizing maximum durability or extended battery life should consider other options. Also, those who do not own the Springfield Hellcat Pro should skip this product due to the incompatibility.

Must-have accessories include extra 1/3N batteries and a quality holster that accommodates the laser.

Conclusion on VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO

The VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO offers a solid value proposition for Springfield Hellcat Pro owners seeking a compact and easy-to-use laser sight. Its quick target acquisition and intuitive design make it a valuable addition to any concealed carry or home defense setup.

The $99.00 price point is justified by its performance and ease of use, despite the shorter battery life and polymer construction. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable laser aiming solution for their Hellcat Pro.

If you’re looking to enhance your Hellcat Pro’s capabilities with a simple, effective, and affordable laser sight, the VIRIDIAN E SERIES Round LSR HELLCAT PRO is worth considering.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top