The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum Made a Bold First Impression
Tactical weapon lights are a dime a dozen these days, all promising the world but often falling short on real-world performance. That’s why I approached the Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum with a healthy dose of skepticism, despite Crimson Trace’s established reputation. Boasting 800 lumens, a remote switch, and a durable aluminum body, it certainly talked the talk.
My interest in this light stemmed from needing a reliable, weapon-mounted light for nighttime hog hunting. I was tired of fumbling with handheld lights, spooking game, and generally feeling less effective during low-light situations. The promise of easy rail mounting and a remote switch was particularly appealing.
Unboxing the light, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the anodized aluminum. It felt substantial without being overly heavy, and the finish was clean and professional. The remote switch and mounting straps appeared well-made.
Compared to a Streamlight TLR-1 and a Surefire Scout Light that I own, the Crimson Trace offered a similar lumen output at a lower price point. I chose it for the included remote switch and the promise of waterproof construction. My first impression was positive: this light seemed ready to take some abuse.
Real-World Testing: Putting Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place during a nighttime hog hunt on my property. The light easily mounted to the Picatinny rail of my AR-15 and the remote switch allowed for intuitive activation while maintaining a solid grip. The 800 lumens provided ample illumination for target identification out to about 75 yards.
Conditions were damp, with a light drizzle falling throughout the evening. The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum performed flawlessly, showing no signs of water ingress. I appreciated the ease of switching between the solid and momentary modes, using the remote pad.
The only minor issue was that the hook and loop mounting straps for the remote switch cord needed some adjusting to prevent snagging. Otherwise, the initial experience was extremely positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Crimson Trace light has proven to be a reliable performer. The anodized aluminum shows minimal signs of wear, despite being bumped and scraped against brush and tree limbs. The light continues to function flawlessly, even after being exposed to mud, rain, and temperature extremes.
Maintaining the light is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use keeps it clean and functioning optimally. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper weapon lights, this Crimson Trace model is proving to be significantly more durable and dependable.
Breaking Down the Features of Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum
Specifications
The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum is designed for rail-equipped long guns. It fits standard 1913 Picatinny rails. The light features an 800-lumen LED white light and includes a remote on/off pad with cord and hook and loop mounting straps. It operates in solid and momentary modes.
It has a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes on a single CR123A battery. The housing is constructed from anodized aluminum and is waterproof up to 1 meter. The light weighs 4.9 ounces and comes in a black finish.
These specifications are important because they dictate the light’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The 800-lumen output provides sufficient illumination for most tactical and hunting applications. The waterproof construction ensures reliability in adverse weather conditions. The light weight minimizes added bulk to the firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum performs its job admirably. It provides a bright, focused beam of light that is ideal for target identification and engagement at reasonable distances. The remote switch is intuitive and allows for easy activation in both solid and momentary modes.
Its strengths include its bright output, durable construction, and easy-to-use remote switch. The only weakness is the relatively short battery life. It meets and exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The light features a simple, functional design. The anodized aluminum construction feels robust and durable, while the compact size minimizes added bulk. The weight is well-balanced and doesn’t negatively impact the handling of the firearm.
The light is user-friendly, with a simple on/off switch and an intuitive remote pad. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum appears to be built to last. The anodized aluminum construction is resistant to scratches and corrosion. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The battery is easy to replace.
Accessories and Customization Options
The light comes with a remote switch, mounting straps, and a single CR123A battery. There are no other included accessories. There are no official customization options available from Crimson Trace.
However, the light is compatible with most standard Picatinny rail-mounted accessories. Users could potentially replace the remote switch with a different model if desired. The CR123A battery is a common size and readily available from numerous brands.
Pros and Cons of Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum
Pros
- Bright 800-lumen output provides ample illumination.
- Durable anodized aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Intuitive remote switch allows for easy activation in both solid and momentary modes.
- Waterproof up to 1 meter provides reliability in adverse weather conditions.
- Affordable price point makes it an excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Battery life is relatively short (1 hour 10 minutes).
- The hook and loop mounting straps for the remote switch cord can be prone to snagging if not properly adjusted.
Who Should Buy Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum?
This light is perfect for hunters, tactical shooters, and home defense enthusiasts who need a reliable and affordable weapon-mounted light. It’s also a good choice for law enforcement and military personnel who require a durable and dependable light for duty use.
Those who should skip this product are users who require extremely long battery life or need a light with more advanced features, such as adjustable brightness levels or strobe modes.
A must-have accessory would be a supply of high-quality CR123A batteries.
Conclusion on Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum
The Crimson Trace Tactical Weaponlight White LED 800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (1) Battery Black Aluminum is a solid, reliable, and affordable weapon-mounted light. It offers excellent performance in a durable package, making it an excellent value for the money. Despite its relatively short battery life, the light’s other features more than compensate for this shortcoming.
The price is absolutely justified for the quality and performance you receive. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable weapon light. If you’re looking to add a weapon light to your setup, you won’t be disappointed with this Crimson Trace model. Give it a shot – you might be surprised at just how much this light can improve your low-light shooting capabilities.