The Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
The tactical world is flooded with accessories, but finding a reliable and compact aiming solution can be a challenge. Enter the Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black, a device promising quick target acquisition in a lightweight package. This combo unit from Firefield piqued my interest with its M-LOK compatibility and ambidextrous design, features crucial for adaptability in diverse operational environments.
My mission was simple: find a laser/light combo that wouldn’t break the bank but could still deliver dependable performance on my patrol rifle. I needed something rugged enough to handle the rigors of training and reliable enough for duty use.
Upon unboxing, the Firefield Rival XL Combo felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The matte black finish gave it a tactical aesthetic, and the overall weight felt negligible, a welcome change from some of the bulkier units I’ve used. The digital switch felt responsive, a definite plus.
I considered a Streamlight TLR-2 and a Crimson Trace Rail Master Pro, both reputable options. Ultimately, I chose the Firefield Rival XL Combo due to its aggressive price and the promise of M-LOK direct mounting, minimizing the need for additional adapters. The prospect of a streamlined setup was appealing.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the budget-friendly price raised some concerns about long-term durability, the features and design seemed promising. Only real-world testing would reveal its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Firefield Rival XL Combo at my local shooting range, mounting it on my AR-15 equipped with an M-LOK handguard. The initial zeroing process was straightforward. The laser held zero throughout the first 100 rounds, which was encouraging.
The weather was clear, but overcast, offering a good test of the green laser’s daytime visibility. At 25 yards, the laser was easily visible on a tan paper target; at 50 yards, it was noticeable but less distinct, confirming Firefield’s stated range. The flashlight, on its high setting, provided ample illumination for target identification within 30 yards.
The ambidextrous switch proved to be intuitive and easy to manipulate, regardless of which hand I used. I did notice that the flashlight’s 75-lumen low setting was almost useless in daylight but could be beneficial in very low-light conditions to preserve battery life.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including approximately 500 rounds fired, the Firefield Rival XL Combo has held up surprisingly well. There are a few minor scratches on the housing from handling, but nothing significant. The laser has maintained its zero, requiring only minor adjustments after the first few range sessions.
Cleaning the unit is simple; a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is usually sufficient. I did notice that the battery compartment can be a little finicky to open, requiring a small tool or knife to get the cap unscrewed if tightened too much.
Compared to my previous experience with a much more expensive laser/light combo from a high-end brand, the Firefield hasn’t exhibited any noticeable degradation in performance. While the higher-end unit had a brighter laser and more powerful flashlight, the Firefield Rival XL Combo provides a similar level of functionality for significantly less money. It has exceeded my initial expectations for a budget-friendly option.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black
Specifications
The Firefield Rival XL Combo boasts a 5mW green laser with a 532 nm wavelength. This wavelength is known for its excellent visibility to the human eye. The flashlight offers two output settings: 75 lumens and 150 lumens. Mounting is achieved via the M-LOK system. The unit is housed in a matte black finish.
The green laser’s 5mW power ensures maximum visibility within legal limits. The variable lumen output on the flashlight is beneficial for adapting to different lighting conditions. The M-LOK mount is a huge plus, allowing for direct attachment to compatible handguards, resulting in a more secure and streamlined profile.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield Rival XL Combo performs its primary function – target acquisition – reasonably well, particularly in low-light scenarios. The green laser is bright and easy to see at night out to the stated 600 yards, though visibility diminishes significantly in bright daylight. The flashlight provides adequate illumination for close-range target identification.
One area for improvement is the beam focus of the flashlight; it’s somewhat diffuse, lacking a tight hotspot for long-distance identification. The laser adjustment screws are also a bit small and fiddly. Overall, it meets expectations given its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with a polymer housing that feels relatively robust. The unit is lightweight, adding minimal weight to the firearm. The ambidextrous digital switch is well-placed and easy to access, even with gloved hands.
The Firefield Rival XL Combo is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup. Zeroing the laser is straightforward, although as mentioned, the adjustment screws could be larger and easier to manipulate.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Firefield Rival XL Combo seems reasonably durable for its price. The polymer housing is resistant to scratches and minor impacts. With regular cleaning and proper battery maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the unit is simple: wipe down the lens and housing with a clean cloth after each use. Replacing the batteries is a straightforward process, although, as I mentioned earlier, the battery compartment cover can be tight.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Rival XL Combo doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories; it’s primarily a standalone unit. Since it mounts directly to M-LOK rails, it can be paired with other M-LOK compatible accessories such as angled foregrips or hand stops.
It’s not designed for extensive customization, focusing instead on providing a simple, integrated laser/light solution. The standard M-LOK mount makes it broadly compatible with a wide range of firearms equipped with M-LOK handguards.
Pros and Cons of Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Green laser offers excellent visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
- M-LOK direct mounting provides a secure and streamlined attachment.
- Ambidextrous digital switch is easy to operate for both left- and right-handed users.
- Lightweight design minimizes added weight to the firearm.
Cons
- Flashlight lacks a focused beam for long-distance illumination.
- Laser adjustment screws are small and fiddly.
- Battery compartment can be difficult to open.
Who Should Buy Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black?
The Firefield Rival XL Combo is perfect for budget-minded shooters looking for a functional and lightweight laser/light combo. It’s well-suited for home defense, recreational shooting, and airsoft applications. Those with firearms already equipped with M-LOK rails will appreciate the direct mounting capability.
This product might not be the best choice for law enforcement or military personnel requiring the highest levels of performance and durability. Someone needing extreme brightness from a flashlight or maximum daytime laser visibility should explore higher-end options. A must-have accessory would be a quality set of CR123A batteries to ensure reliable performance.
Conclusion on Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black
The Firefield Rival XL Combo 5mW 532 nm Wavelength Green Laser, 75/150 Lumens Flashlight Matte Black provides a solid value proposition for those seeking an affordable and functional laser/light combo. While it may not compete with higher-end units in terms of raw performance, it offers a respectable level of capability at a fraction of the cost.
The price is definitely justified. You are getting a usable laser and flashlight in one compact unit.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an entry-level or budget-friendly aiming solution. If you need an affordable and reliable laser/light combo for your M-LOK equipped firearm, the Firefield Rival XL Combo is definitely worth considering. Give it a try and see how it improves your shooting experience.