First Thoughts on the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless handgun sight options come and go. I remember the days when tritium was the only low-light option; now, we have fiber optics, LEDs, and hybrid systems. The Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight caught my attention by combining two proven technologies: tritium and fiber optics.
My aging eyes needed an upgrade from the factory Glock sights on my Gen 3 G19. I wanted something that would provide excellent visibility in both daylight and low-light situations. I’d considered several options, including all-tritium sights and fiber optic-only sights, but neither seemed to offer the best of both worlds.
Upon unboxing the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight, I was immediately impressed with the solid steel construction. The sights felt substantial and well-made, far surpassing the polymer sights that came standard on my Glock. The green fiber optic front sight and orange fiber optic rear sights were vibrant, even in dim indoor lighting.
I briefly considered the Trijicon HD XR sights and the XS Sights F8 Night Sights. The Hi-Viz offering seemed to provide a brighter daytime sight picture than the Trijicons, and a more precise aiming point than the XS Sights, which prioritize speed of acquisition over pinpoint accuracy. My initial feeling was excitement – this seemed like the perfect upgrade to enhance my Glock’s capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered varied lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to shaded bays. Installation was relatively straightforward, requiring a sight pusher tool.
The sights performed exceptionally well in bright daylight. The fiber optic elements gathered ambient light, creating a bright, easily visible sight picture. I also tested the sights in a low-light indoor range; the tritium inserts provided a consistent glow, allowing for accurate target acquisition. There were no immediate issues after the first range session, and the improved visibility was immediately noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight continues to perform reliably. I have approximately 1000 rounds through my Glock 19 with these sights installed. There are no signs of loosening or shifting.
The sights show minimal wear and tear, with only minor scuffing on the edges. I periodically clean the sights with a soft cloth and a bit of gun solvent to remove any residue. Compared to my previous factory Glock sights, the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 sights provide a significantly improved sight picture in all lighting conditions. The combination of fiber optics and tritium has proven to be a winning formula.
Breaking Down the Features of Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight
Specifications
The Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight is constructed from durable steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to the rigors of daily carry and use. The front sight features a green fiber optic insert combined with a tritium vial for 24-hour illumination. The rear sight boasts orange fiber optic inserts and tritium, creating a contrasting sight picture for faster target acquisition. These sights are specifically designed for Glock Gen1-5 models, excluding the 42 and 43.
These specifications matter because steel construction provides superior durability compared to polymer sights. The combination of fiber optics and tritium ensures excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to complete darkness. The green/orange color combination aids in quick sight alignment, enhancing shooting speed and accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight excels in providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture in various lighting conditions. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to standard Glock sights, especially in low-light scenarios. The contrasting colors of the front and rear sights help the eye quickly focus on the target.
The main strength is the hybrid design, offering the best of both worlds with fiber optics and tritium. A potential weakness is that the fiber optic elements are exposed and could potentially be damaged, though I have not experienced this in my testing. These sights definitely meet and exceed my expectations for a handgun sight upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The all-steel construction gives the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 sights a solid, robust feel. The sights do add a slight amount of weight to the slide, but it’s barely noticeable. The sight profile is relatively low, minimizing the risk of snagging during holstering and drawing.
The sights are user-friendly, requiring no special training or adjustments. The green/orange color combination makes sight alignment intuitive and natural.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight suggests a long lifespan. The tritium vials are expected to maintain their glow for at least 10 years. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories come with the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight. However, they are compatible with most standard Glock holsters. No real customization options are available for the sights themselves, beyond potentially painting the sight bodies. The sights offer a significant upgrade to the factory Glock sights without requiring further customization.
Pros and Cons of Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight
Pros
- Exceptional Visibility: Combines fiber optics and tritium for 24-hour illumination.
- Durable Construction: All-steel construction ensures longevity and reliability.
- Improved Accuracy: Enhanced sight picture leads to more precise shooting.
- Easy Installation: Relatively straightforward installation process.
- Clear Sight Picture: Contrasting green/orange colors aid in quick target acquisition.
Cons
- Fiber optic elements are exposed and potentially susceptible to damage.
- No significant customization options.
Who Should Buy Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight?
The Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight is perfect for Glock owners looking to upgrade their factory sights for improved visibility and accuracy in all lighting conditions. This is a great option for concealed carry holders, law enforcement officers, and home defense enthusiasts. Anyone who relies on their Glock for personal protection will benefit from these sights.
Those seeking extreme durability above all else, might prefer all-steel, non-fiber optic sights. Also, if you have a Glock 42 or 43, these sights will not fit. A must-have accessory would be a sight pusher tool for easy and damage-free installation.
Conclusion on Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight
Overall, the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3 For Glock Gen1-5 (except 42/43) Set Green/Orange Tritium Handgun Sight is an excellent upgrade for any Glock owner seeking improved visibility and accuracy. The combination of fiber optics and tritium provides a bright and easily acquired sight picture in any lighting condition. At $85.99, the price is justified given the quality of construction and the performance benefits.
I would highly recommend these sights to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their Glock. If you want to take your Glock’s performance to the next level, upgrade your sights to the Hi-Viz LiteWave H3.