HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery Review

First Impressions of HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery

Weapon-mounted lights are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity, especially in low-light or nighttime scenarios. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless weapon lights come and go, each promising the ultimate in brightness and reliability. The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery caught my eye with its promises of being a modular, ambidextrous, and simple solution for modern weapon light needs. Its Omni Directional Activator (ODA) tailcap, designed to eliminate accidental white light discharges, intrigued me the most.

My need for a reliable, high-output weapon light stemmed from recent nighttime hog hunts and participation in low-light training courses. I needed a light that could provide enough illumination for positive target identification at a reasonable distance, without being overly cumbersome or difficult to operate under stress. The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite appeared to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing the AWLS Lite, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. The anodized aluminum body felt solid and durable, and the compact size was a welcome change from some of the bulkier weapon lights I’ve used in the past. It feels like a substantial piece of kit, not some flimsy plastic toy.

I was debating between this light, a Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X, and a Surefire Scout Light Pro. The Streamlight is a proven workhorse, but its mounting options felt a little less integrated. The Surefire is the gold standard, but its price tag is significantly higher. I chose the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite due to its innovative ODA tailcap and the direct MLOK mounting, which seemed like a cleaner, more streamlined solution.

Initially, I was excited about the potential of the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite. It appeared to be a well-designed and thoughtfully engineered weapon light that could offer a significant advantage in low-light situations. I hoped it would live up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to put the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite to the test was at an outdoor shooting range during a low-light training session. The session involved navigating a course with various targets at distances ranging from 5 to 50 yards. I mounted the light on my AR-15 using the direct MLOK interface.

The AWLS Lite performed admirably. The 1600 lumen output provided plenty of illumination for target identification, and the beam pattern offered a good balance of throw and spill. The 5500k daylight-balanced color temperature made it easy to distinguish colors and details, even in the dim light.

The ODA tailcap took a bit of getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, I found it to be intuitive and responsive. The adjustable sensitivity allowed me to fine-tune the activation to my preference. I didn’t experience any accidental activations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite in various conditions, including nighttime hog hunts and more training sessions, I’m happy to report that it has held up exceptionally well. The anodized finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after being bumped around in the field. I even subjected it to a moderate rain shower, and it continued to function without any issues.

The AWLS Lite has proven to be easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to remove any dirt or debris. I haven’t had to replace the battery yet, but I’ve noticed that the runtime of 32 minutes at full power is accurate, though somewhat limited.

Compared to other weapon lights I’ve used, the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite offers a more streamlined and intuitive user experience. The ODA tailcap is a significant improvement over traditional pressure switches, and the direct MLOK mounting eliminates the need for cumbersome adapters. The light feels more integrated with the weapon.

Breaking Down the Features of HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery

Specifications

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery boasts a number of impressive specifications:

• Light Output: 1600 Lumens (raw): This provides ample illumination for a wide range of tactical and outdoor applications.
• Bulb Type: LED: LEDs are known for their efficiency, durability, and long lifespan.
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion (18350): This battery type offers a good balance of energy density and rechargeability.
• Beam Color: White (5500k daylight-balanced color temperature): This provides true-to-life color rendition for accurate target identification.
• Color: Black: A standard, non-reflective color for tactical applications.
• Gun Model: Universal: Designed to mount on a variety of firearms with MLOK rails.
• Diameter: 1.25 in: A compact size that doesn’t add excessive bulk to the weapon.
• Length: 5.5 in: A reasonable length for a weapon-mounted light, balancing size and performance.
• Weight: 5.4 oz: Lightweight enough to not significantly affect weapon handling.
• Bezel Diameter: 1.25 in: A standard bezel size that’s compatible with some aftermarket accessories.
• Finish: Anodized: Provides a durable and corrosion-resistant finish.
• Gun Type: Rifle: Primarily designed for use on rifles, but could also be adapted to some larger handguns.
• Candela: 58,000 (raw): High candela translates to a focused beam with good throw.

These specifications are important because they directly affect the performance and usability of the light. The high lumen output ensures adequate illumination, while the daylight-balanced color temperature improves target identification. The compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to handle and doesn’t significantly affect the balance of the weapon.

Performance & Functionality

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite performs its job exceptionally well. The 1600 lumens are more than sufficient for most tactical scenarios, providing a bright and focused beam that can reach out to a reasonable distance. The ODA tailcap is a standout feature, offering intuitive and reliable activation without the risk of accidental discharge.

One of the strengths of this light is its beam pattern. It provides a good balance of throw and spill, allowing for both close-range navigation and long-distance target identification. The adjustable sensitivity of the ODA tailcap is another plus, allowing users to customize the activation to their preferences.

One area that could be improved is the runtime. At 32 minutes on full power, the AWLS Lite has a relatively short battery life compared to some other weapon lights on the market. However, this can be mitigated by using the light sparingly or carrying spare batteries.

Overall, the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations. It’s a well-designed and thoughtfully engineered weapon light that offers a significant performance advantage in low-light situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite features a sleek and ergonomic design. The anodized aluminum body feels solid and durable, and the compact size makes it comfortable to handle. The direct MLOK mount is a welcome addition, eliminating the need for bulky adapters and providing a clean, integrated look.

The ODA tailcap is the most distinctive design element of the AWLS Lite. Its large, textured surface is easy to grip and manipulate, even with gloved hands. The adjustable sensitivity allows users to fine-tune the activation to their preferences, minimizing the risk of accidental discharge.

There is a slight learning curve to the ODA, but overall the light is very user-friendly. After a few minutes of practice, most users will be able to operate it effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite appears to be built to last. The anodized aluminum body is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and the LED bulb is known for its long lifespan. I expect this light to withstand years of use and abuse.

The AWLS Lite is easy to maintain and repair. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to remove any dirt or debris. The battery is easy to replace, and the modular design allows for easy replacement of other components, if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite comes with an 18350 battery. It utilizes a low-profile fully integrated MLOK mount body, which in itself is already a great accessory as the light affixes very close to the rail.

While the AWLS Lite is primarily designed for use with its proprietary ODA tailcap, it may be compatible with some aftermarket tailcaps and switches that are designed for similar weapon lights. The 1.25″ bezel diameter may also be compatible with some aftermarket lens filters or diffusers.

Pros and Cons of HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery

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Who Should Buy HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery?

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery is perfect for:

• Law enforcement officers who need a reliable and high-output weapon light for patrol and tactical operations.
• Military personnel who require a durable and dependable light for use in demanding environments.
• Hunters and outdoorsmen who need a bright and focused light for nighttime navigation and target identification.
• Home defense enthusiasts who want a reliable weapon light for use in low-light situations.

Those who primarily need a light for extended use with minimal weight should consider a different option. If budget is a primary concern, there are more affordable options available.

A must-have accessory for the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite would be extra 18350 batteries.

Conclusion on HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery

The HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite Advanced Weapon 1600 Lumens LED Light w/18350 Battery is an exceptional weapon light that offers a compelling blend of performance, durability, and innovation. The high lumen output, intuitive ODA tailcap, and streamlined MLOK mount make it a standout choice for tactical professionals and serious enthusiasts alike. The build quality is superb and shows great attention to detail.

While the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite is more expensive than some comparable weapon lights, the unique features and performance justify the price. It’s an investment in quality and reliability that will pay off in the long run.

I wholeheartedly recommend the HRT Tactical Gear AWLS Lite to anyone who needs a high-performance weapon light that can withstand the rigors of demanding use. Upgrade your low-light capabilities today.