Nightstick NS-WM1 Wire Management Clamps attach to any standard Picatinny rail and allow the user to route pressure switch cables in a variety of ways. Each side of the NS-WM1 Clamps has 2 ports that, when used together, make it possible to run wires straight through, turned back on itself 180 degrees, turn corners, and more.
These are made from glass-filled nylon and have a steel cross bolt. They come in a package of 2 clamps.
The Nitecore P18 is one of Nitecore’s newest lights in their P Series (Precise Series). It is aimed at the “tactical” market and manages to shoe-horn 1800 lumens into a surprisingly compact package. It also packs a number of interesting ideas that made me jump at the chance to review it.
The P18 is just over 4″ long and weighs in at 3.7 ounces. It utilizes a CREE XHP35 HD LED to pump out up to 1800 lumens and is powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery (included). It comes packaged with a manual, sheath, extra o-ring, and lanyard.
This light boasts a completely silent “tactical switch” and die-cast aluminum construction, both of which really piqued my interest.
I consider this light to be very ambitious with a number of forward-thinking ideas and concepts. It is VERY different in construction and operation than any light I have ever used so it should come as no surprise that some of the ideas in this light really connect and some could probably be improved.
Beam – The P18’s beam is balanced with an emphasis on flood. It has a relatively wide, defined hotspot with an ever-so-slightly donut-like hole in the middle. This “hole” is slightly noticeable on a white wall but it is so slight that you do not see it outdoors. The spill portion of the beam is wide and bright. The engineers at Nitecore appear to have successfully balanced both throw and spill. I find it excellent for all-around use.
Construction – I think the die-cast aluminum body design of this light is very successful. It is a unique shape for sure but it is a shape and construction method with some strong advantages. First, it seems to handle heat very well, staying cooler on turbo mode than other lights I have with even less output. Second, the flat-ish sides allow this light to ride in the pocket VERY comfortably and easy to index which is important given the switch configuration. The overall shape and benefits of the die-cast body are some of my favorite things about this light. I was pleasantly surprised with how much of a difference it made in the overall experience with the P18 and I hope Nitecore continues to play to with this concept with future lights.
Switches – The P18 has two switches: a small round switch on the side that controls only the red LED and a larger switch that controls all of the white light options on the tail of the light. Both switches are metal so there are no rubber boots to wear out.
The tail switch is shaped roughly like a rectangle and is located directly next to the P18’s battery cap which can make pressing the switch a little awkward unless the light is oriented in your hand correctly (which is easy to do thankfully). It is what Nitecore calls a “silent tactical switch” which means it has no feedback at all – no click and no real change in resistance. This can take some getting used to since half presses are required to move through the UI (user interface) and the line between a half and full press is minimal. I would prefer that the switch offered more feedback as I think that would make the UI a little easier to deal with. As it stands, I think that one of the things holding this light back is the main switch.
User Interface – The user interface of this light is relatively easy to move through, but, as stated above, the switch can feel like it is fighting you at times. I actually like the output spacing between modes but given the complexity, I find this better suited as an outdoor light than a tactical light.
The UI offers 5 levels of white light, 3 flashing white light modes, a red light mode, and a battery charge level indication. All modes are accessed via two switches.
The side button controls the red light and allows direct access to ultralow white light.
The rear button controls numerous white light functions.
From Off:
From On:
As with most flashlight UIs, they look more complicated on paper than they really are. However, this is more complicated than I would like in a tactical light but the multiple modes and all-around useful beam shape make this handy as a camping/hiking light in my opinion. In fact, I really like it in that role. It is also important to point out that this UI has two important features: direct access to turbo and direct access to ultralow.
Battery – The P18 can be powered by 2x CR123A/RCR123 or 1x 18650 battery. It comes with a flat-top 3100 mAh 18650 cell. The light is limited to cells under 67mm in length. It can operate with longer protected 18650 cells but the tail cap will not fully close rendering the light susceptible to water ingress. The use of CR123A or RCR123 cells will remove access to the turbo mode (high mode replaces turbo for all direct-access functions). The cap will fully close on 2x CR123A cells.
Build Quality – The build appears to be very good on this light. The threads and o-ring came greased from the factory. The tail cap turns smoothly with no grittiness. The LED is well centered in a flawless reflector. There is no dust under the lens. The finish is evenly applied and attractive.
Other Observations – The pocket clip on this light is excellent. It grips the pocket well and, because of the mostly flat sides of the light, it allows the light to carry very comfortably in the pocket. It is not reversible which seems like an unfortunate oversight.
Nitecore markets this light for the “tactical” market and I think that is a miss. The switch and user interface conspire to make it just a bit too complex for that market. The switch doesn’t offer enough feedback to allow the user to work within the UI effectively. However, I find this to be an excellent light for outdoor use and I applaud a UI design that offers direct access to both the brightest and dimmest white light settings.
I was surprised at what a positive functional difference the shape and unibody, die-cast construction make. I hope that Nitecore continues to innovate this unique shape and construction method.
Nitecore provided this light, free of charge, for review.
The Beez Combat Systems APTUM PC (plate carrier) system was introduced recently. As part of that release, we are covering many of the available options for this new PC. This installment covers the 2 front flap options that the end-user can select based on their mission.
The BCS APTUM can be utilized with or without a front flap over the cummerbund. For those who need the additional MOLLE compatible real estate, BCS offers two front flap options. Both front flaps feature BCS’ exclusive laser cut GRID material to keep weight to a minimum and maintain a slick profile when there are no pouches mounted.
Both front flaps also offer quick-detach functionality but the method by which the flaps attach/detach is what differentiates the options. Users can select a front flap that attaches via G-hooks or Velcro.
See all of the available options for the APTUM at BeezCombatSystems.com.
The FACTR Trigger for Generation 5 Glocks is now shipping. This trigger features a machined 6061 trigger shoe, slightly curved trigger face, 420 stainless steel springs, reduce pre-travel, and more. It comes with a reduced power striker safety spring that FACTR maintains will not reduce reliability. All 3 safeties remain functional with this trigger. These triggers are made in the USA.
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIF. – July 15, 2019 – Holosun Technologies, Inc., an innovative designer and manufacturer of sport optics products and accessories, announced today that Gordon Myers has joined the company as Director of Sales.
“We are pleased to announce the addition of Gordon Myers to our corporate leadership team as Director of Sales,” said Victor Sun, President of Holosun. “Gordon’s extensive sales and leadership experience in manufacturing companies, including within the sport optics space, fits well with Holosun’s current and future plans. We are confident his addition will allow us to strengthen our overall position within the industry.”
Myers’ most recent experience had him building and leading the Nightforce Optics Sales and Marketing teams, with similar previous experience at Creative Tent International and Smiths Power, as well as other organizations.
As Director of Sales, Myers will be charged with developing Holosun’s sales strategies and leading the company’s sales teams. “I am excited to be bringing my background and experience to such an innovative organization,” Myers said. “Holosun products offer an amazing value proposition: Excellent quality, innovative features and a great price. I’m looking forward to working with the team to create new strategies to drive success for the company, as well as for all those organizations who work to sell and promote the Holosun brand.”
Myers has an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, as well as two bachelor’s degrees from Washington State University.
About Holosun Technologies, Inc.
Holosun Technologies, Inc., located in City of Industry, California, is committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies that benefit a broad range of shooting, hunting, law enforcement, and professional needs. Using the quality manufacturing standards demanded by some of the best-known optics brands in the world, with a wide range of affordable options, Holosun is at the forefront of development of new sight technologies. Key innovations include Shake Awake TechnologyTM, 100,000- hour battery life, Solar FailSafeTM, Multiple Reticle SystemTM MRS, Super Green LED, and IR/Laser units that utilize the most recent advancements in laser and LED technology. At Holosun, we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge equipment at a competitive price that astounds the competition and the end-user.
