Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black Review

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black promises to be a compact, yet powerful lighting solution for universal firearm applications. Viridian Weapon Technologies is a well-known name in the tactical gear industry, so my expectations were high when I decided to give this light a try. What initially drew me to this light was its purported universal fit and the convenience of a rechargeable battery, features that would ideally eliminate the constant need to purchase and replace disposable batteries.

My aging eyes needed a brighter weapon-mounted light for low-light training scenarios. I was previously using an older model that barely put out 200 lumens and lacked a rechargeable option, making it costly and cumbersome for extended use. Opening the box, the Viridian CTL felt solid in hand, a reassuring sign of its potential durability. Its compact size was also immediately noticeable, which is critical for avoiding unnecessary bulk on my pistol.

Compared to Streamlight TLR-7A and SureFire X300U, the Viridian appeared to offer a compelling balance between size, output, and cost. I picked this Viridian over others mainly because it advertises universal compatibility and comes with a rechargeable battery for $99. The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black presented itself as a practical and economical alternative that I hoped would deliver similar performance to more expensive lights.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The sleek design and solid feel piqued my interest, but I was also keen to see how it would perform under actual shooting conditions, particularly concerning its advertised 400-lumen output and universal fit.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black at an indoor shooting range during a low-light training session. The range offered a controlled environment to assess the light’s performance in a dimly lit setting. The Viridian CTL was mounted on my Glock 19, which I frequently use for both training and everyday carry.

The light performed adequately under the controlled conditions of the indoor range. The 400 lumens were sufficient to illuminate targets at typical handgun engagement distances, even with some ambient light. The light’s beam profile provided a focused hotspot with adequate spill, allowing for both target identification and situational awareness.

Installation was fairly straightforward, though achieving a truly secure fit required some adjustments with the provided shims. I did notice that the light activation switch felt slightly stiff initially, requiring a deliberate press to activate. Otherwise, the light functioned as advertised during this first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black has shown some signs of wear, but overall it’s holding up. The finish on the light body has started to exhibit minor scratches and scuff marks, especially around the mounting points. I used the light during weekly training sessions, and it reliably activated each time, but the switch stiffness never truly went away.

The light has survived numerous draws from the holster and sustained recoil from various drills without any issues. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove powder residue and grime.

Compared to my previous experience with other weapon lights, the Viridian CTL offers a decent value proposition, especially given its rechargeable battery. However, it does not quite match the robust build quality and refined user experience of higher-end options.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black

Specifications

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black is designed for universal fit, making it compatible with a wide range of handguns. The unit boasts a 400-lumen output, providing ample illumination for various tactical scenarios. It operates on a rechargeable battery, offering a cost-effective and environmentally conscious power source.

Weighing in at approximately 2.7 ounces, the Viridian CTL is designed to minimize added bulk to the firearm. Its durable polymer construction helps reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The light features ambidextrous momentary and constant-on activation switches, catering to both right- and left-handed users. Its black finish provides a low-profile aesthetic.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black generally performs its intended function, providing sufficient illumination for close-quarters engagements. The 400-lumen output is adequate for target identification and situational awareness within typical handgun ranges.

While the output is sufficient, the beam profile could benefit from some refinement. The hotspot is reasonably focused, but the spill light is somewhat uneven, creating shadows that can obscure peripheral vision. The activation switches function reliably, but the aforementioned stiffness may require some getting used to.

Overall, the Viridian CTL meets basic expectations for a weapon-mounted light in its price range. It offers a useful level of illumination and a decent feature set, but it falls short of excelling in any particular area.

Design & Ergonomics

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black features a compact and streamlined design. Its polymer construction keeps the weight down, which is crucial for maintaining balance on the firearm.

The light’s ergonomics are generally good, with the ambidextrous switches positioned for easy access. However, as mentioned previously, the switches require a deliberate press to activate, which could be problematic under stress.

The light’s universal mounting system offers a degree of flexibility, but it can be finicky to achieve a truly secure fit on certain firearms. The provided shims help to address compatibility issues, but the process can be time-consuming and require some trial and error.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black appears to be reasonably durable, but its polymer construction is not as robust as metal-bodied lights. As previously noted, the finish is prone to scratches and scuff marks.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. However, the battery compartment is not fully sealed, so care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive moisture or debris.

With proper care and maintenance, the Viridian CTL should provide a reasonable service life, but it may not withstand the same level of abuse as more ruggedized lights.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black comes with a rechargeable battery and a charging cable. The package includes various mounting shims to accommodate different firearm platforms.

There are limited aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Viridian CTL. However, its universal mounting system may be compatible with some generic weapon light holsters.

There are no readily available options for upgrading the light’s LED or other internal components. The Viridian CTL is primarily intended as a standalone unit with limited customization possibilities.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black

Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a reliable, rechargeable weapon-mounted light for home defense or recreational shooting. It is also a good option for those who own multiple handguns and want a single light that can be easily transferred between them due to its universal fit.

This product might not be suitable for law enforcement officers or individuals who require the absolute highest level of durability and performance. Those who prioritize a refined user experience with smoother switch activation may also want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory for the Viridian CTL is a weapon light-compatible holster. It is also a good idea to keep a spare battery on hand to ensure uninterrupted use during extended training sessions.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black

The Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black offers a compelling blend of affordability, functionality, and convenience. Its rechargeable battery and universal fit make it a practical choice for a wide range of shooters.

At $99, the price is justified given the features and performance. However, the light is not without its flaws; the switch stiffness and polymer construction are potential drawbacks.

I would recommend the Viridian CTL to anyone seeking a budget-friendly weapon-mounted light for general use. If you need a light that provides great performance for a reasonable price, this is it. Consider the Viridian Weapon Technologies CTL Tactical Light 400 LUM Black and experience the convenience and reliability it offers.