AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount Review

Let’s Talk About AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount

The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount promises to be a budget-friendly solution for adding illumination to your rifle or pistol. Coming from AIM Sports Inc, a company known for its affordable tactical accessories, this light aims to bridge the gap between expensive, high-end weapon lights and cheaper, less reliable options. I was intrigued by the claimed 500-lumen output, the inclusion of an offset mount, and the strobe/S.O.S. mode, all at a price point that seemed too good to be true.

My old weapon light gave out during a night hog hunt. I needed a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank but still provided decent performance. The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount fit that bill, at least on paper.

Upon unboxing, the light felt surprisingly solid for its price. The anodized aluminum housing had a decent heft, and the included offset mount seemed sturdy enough. My initial thought was, “This might actually be a decent deal.”

Compared to Streamlight or Surefire, the AIM Sports Inc light felt less refined, especially the push-button switch. However, compared to some no-name brands I’ve tried in the past, it seemed a step above. I was hoping it would provide decent, reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to test it at the range and see how it held up under live fire.

Real-World Testing: Putting AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at an outdoor range during a low-light evening session. I mounted the AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount on my AR-15’s rail using the included offset mount. The initial mounting was straightforward.

The light performed adequately in dry conditions. The 500 lumens were sufficient for illuminating targets out to about 50 yards. However, the beam wasn’t as focused as higher-end lights, creating a noticeable “corona” effect around the central hotspot.

The push-button switch felt a little mushy and less responsive compared to my higher-end lights. After about 20 rounds, the light started flickering intermittently. I quickly disassembled it and tightened the battery connection, which seemed to solve the problem temporarily.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the light’s reliability became questionable. The flickering issue resurfaced after every shooting session, no matter how much I tightened the battery compartment. The light output seemed to diminish slightly over time.

The anodized aluminum held up well, with only minor scratches after repeated mounting and dismounting. Cleaning was simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. However, the overall performance was disappointing compared to more expensive weapon lights I’ve used in the past. The money saved initially was definitely offset by the constant need to fiddle with the light to keep it working.

Breaking Down the Features of AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount

Specifications

The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount boasts the following specifications: 500-lumen light output, utilizing a CREE LED bulb. It runs on a single CR123A battery.

Other key specifications include a white beam color, black matte finish, universal gun model compatibility, and a 5.5-inch length. The weight is 8.7 oz. Included accessories are an integrated belt clip and an ambidextrous push on/off button. The mount type is Weaver, and the housing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.

These specifications suggest a versatile weapon light suitable for various firearms. The CREE LED should provide decent brightness, while the aluminum construction hints at durability.

Performance & Functionality

The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount provides adequate illumination for close-to-medium range engagements. The strobe/S.O.S. function could be useful in emergency situations, though the strobe activating during firing, as some users have noted, is a significant drawback.

The light’s biggest weakness is its reliability. The intermittent flickering and inconsistent switch performance severely detract from its usability. While the light provides a decent beam, the reliability issues make it hard to trust in a critical situation.

It meets basic expectations for a budget weapon light but falls short in terms of consistent performance. I expected a reliable light, but this failed.

Design & Ergonomics

The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount has a simple, functional design. The aluminum housing feels solid, but the overall finish isn’t as refined as higher-end lights. The weight is manageable, but it does add noticeable bulk to the weapon.

The push-button switch is easy to access but lacks tactile feedback. The offset mount positions the light well, minimizing barrel shadow.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the strobe mode.Accidentally activating it under stress would be counterproductive.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum housing appears durable and resistant to scratches. However, the internal components seem to be the weak point, as evidenced by the flickering issues. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and battery contacts.

Given the reliability issues, I don’t expect this light to last for years of heavy use. It seems best suited for occasional use or as a backup light.

Accessories and Customization Options

The AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount comes with an integrated belt clip and a 45-degree offset Weaver-style mount. It also includes a tape switch.

The light is compatible with any firearm equipped with a Weaver or Picatinny rail. However, there are limited options for further customization or aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this light.

Pros and Cons of AIM Sports Inc CREE LED Weapon Light w/ Offset Mount