Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green Review

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green Made a Bold First Impression

As a tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve seen countless weapon lights come and go. But the Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green immediately caught my eye with its unique combination of a powerful white light and a highly visible green laser. The Viridian promise of a universal fit and rechargeable battery also piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a weapon light compact enough for my EDC pistol yet powerful enough for confident low-light target identification. Many lights are either too bulky or lack the laser aiming capability I’ve come to rely on in dynamic shooting scenarios. My standard setup involved a separate light and laser module, which added considerable bulk and weight.

Unboxing the C5L, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and surprisingly compact form factor. The black finish is sleek and seems durable. The weight felt substantial but not overly burdensome, a good compromise between durability and portability. It felt like a quality piece of kit ready for hard use.

Compared to Streamlight TLR series or Surefire X300U, the Viridian C5L distinguishes itself with its integrated green laser and rechargeable battery. I considered those other options, but the integrated laser and rechargeable feature, at this price point, ultimately swayed my decision. My initial thought was that this light offers a comprehensive aiming solution in a streamlined package.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential of this light to streamline my carry setup and improve my target acquisition speed. Whether it could truly deliver on its promises of universal fit and reliable performance remained to be seen.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green was at an outdoor range during a low-light training session. The session involved various drills, including target identification, moving and shooting, and scenario-based engagements. I mounted it on my Glock 19 with ease, thanks to the included universal mounting hardware.

The C5L performed admirably in the dim conditions. The 650-lumen beam provided ample illumination for target identification out to 25 yards. Even better, the green laser was clearly visible, even against moderately illuminated backgrounds. However, in direct sunlight, the green laser’s visibility diminished.

Using the light was intuitive. The ambidextrous controls were easily accessible, even with gloved hands. The light modes (light only, laser only, light and laser, strobe) were simple to cycle through. My only issue after the first range session was with the rechargeable battery life; it seemed shorter than advertised when using both the light and laser simultaneously.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green has proven to be a generally reliable addition to my kit. I’ve used it in varying conditions, from dry desert environments to damp, foggy forests. It has held up remarkably well.

The light shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only minor scuff marks on the housing. The lens remains clear and scratch-free. Regular cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth. I found the battery compartment to be well-sealed and watertight.

The C5L has performed better than some cheaper weapon lights I’ve used in the past, particularly in terms of beam intensity and laser visibility. While the battery life remains a minor concern, its overall performance and reliability have been satisfactory. It is still not a Surefire, but it is not priced like one either.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green

Specifications

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green boasts the following key specifications:

• 650 Lumen Output: Provides a bright, focused beam for target identification at close to medium ranges. This ensures positive identification and situational awareness.
• Green Laser: A highly visible green laser aiming point for rapid target acquisition. The green laser is far more visible to the human eye than a red laser, especially in daylight.
• Universal Fit: Designed to fit most railed handguns. This eliminates the need for specialized mounting hardware for many popular firearms.
• Rechargeable Battery: Eliminates the need for disposable batteries. It uses a convenient charging system.
• Black Finish: A durable, non-reflective black finish. It blends seamlessly with most firearms and resists wear and tear.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the light’s performance and usability. The high lumen output ensures adequate illumination, while the green laser aids in aiming. The universal fit makes it compatible with a wide range of firearms, and the rechargeable battery saves money and reduces waste.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green performs its core functions effectively. The light is bright and provides good throw, illuminating targets at reasonable distances. The green laser is easy to zero and holds its zero well, even after extended use.

The light has some definite strengths. The integrated laser and light combination saves space and weight. The ambidextrous controls are intuitive and easy to operate. The rechargeable battery is a convenient and cost-effective feature. On the downside, the battery life could be better, and the laser’s visibility in bright sunlight is limited.

Overall, it meets expectations for a weapon light in its price range. It is not a top-tier light, but it offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. For home defense or duty use it’s more than capable.

Design & Ergonomics

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green has a compact and well-thought-out design. The housing is made from a durable polymer that feels solid and robust. Its light weight makes it unobtrusive on the weapon.

The controls are easily accessible and intuitive. Even while wearing gloves, it is simple to operate. The light mounts securely to the rail and does not add excessive bulk. There is a slight learning curve associated with zeroing the laser, but the process is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green appears to be a durable piece of equipment. I’ve subjected it to moderate abuse during training exercises, and it has held up well. I expect it to last for several years with proper care.

Maintenance is simple. The light can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Regular inspection of the lens and battery compartment is recommended. A quick spray with a silicone-based lubricant can help to keep the controls functioning smoothly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green comes with a universal mounting kit. The light includes a charger and adjustment tools for the laser.

Unfortunately, there are limited customization options for this light. The integrated design limits aftermarket modifications. However, it is compatible with most standard weapon light holsters designed for railed handguns.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green

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Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green is perfect for:

• Home defense users seeking a reliable and easy-to-use weapon light.
• Law enforcement officers or security personnel requiring a compact and versatile aiming solution.
• Concealed carry permit holders looking to enhance their low-light shooting capabilities.

Those who should skip this product:

• Competitive shooters requiring maximum brightness and extended battery life.
• Users who primarily operate in bright daylight conditions.

A must-have accessory is a quality weapon light holster compatible with the C5L.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green

The Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green is a solid weapon light that offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it may not be a top-tier option, it is a reliable and versatile tool for home defense, law enforcement, or concealed carry. It is more affordable than many other comparable lights.

The $199 price tag is justified by its integrated laser, rechargeable battery, and universal fit. It provides good value for money. It’s a convenient and effective aiming solution.

I would personally recommend the Viridian Weapon Technologies C5L Tactical Light 650 LUM Green to anyone seeking a compact and versatile weapon light. If you are in the market for a weapon mounted light with green laser, this product is well worth considering.

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