The hlx is a decent light, but the execution of the tapeswitch, and tail cap is a flaw, that could leave your light un-usable, if your tape is damaged. If you use a tape switch on a defensive weapon, having a redundancy is smart.
I know you can buy the Arisaka adapter, SF tail cap, and remote…but after buying all of that, you may as well have just gone a different route completely.
I recently ditched 3 of my 4 hlx’s for this reason.
But, I’ve been thinking…I’m pretty good with electronics, wiring, and general fab…I’ve build several potted p60 modules, built momentary switches…retrofitted switches…etc.
I haven’t run into many issues, that I cannot fix.
So, I decided to modify my last hlx…and successfully, I might add! Using only basic tools, industrial epoxy, tape-switch, and tail cap I already had.
Both switches work perfectly independent from one another. Iv’e preformed several drop tests from 6" on my concrete floor, it doesn’t miss a beat.
What do you all think?
Thanks alot.
It was pretty straight forward, easy mod to accomplish. The hardest part was figuring out all bases, before any work was done. The work was easy, because the hole was measured, remeasured, and remeasured before it even went to the drill press. It needed to be right in the center of the retaining ring, between the threads, and the switch…in the correct orientation to my mounting requirements. After I mocked it up, I drilled it, I cleaned it up, soldered my connections, and potted it all with industrial epoxy, Including the exit of the cable. Then I rubberized over the epoxy, on the outside.
It took me about 40 minutes total.
I didn’t toss any out, I donated 3 of them to people who could use them. I kept one. I have never had any problem with their tapes either…
I just prefer redundancy, and decided all my weapon lights will have it.
I just picked up the Streamlight Pro Tac Rail mount 2. I forgot about this thread and just searched to see if these units hold up and are trustworthy for home defense.
