Many, if not most fights, happen in low-light. But for EDC -- particularly concealed carry -- having a dedicated weapon light with a special holster isn't a reasonable option.
Plus, for those of us on a budget, having your EDC light double as your weapon light is appealing. I've used Safariland's Rapid Light System in the past and I'm a big fan. It is easy to use, it can be attached and detached quickly eliminating the need for a special holster and it allows you to maintain a two-handed grip. But, it is conspicuous. Not to mention it is more bulk than I want on my belt or in my pocket when I'm running more to the grocery store.
That leaves many of us relying on a backup light that will force us to sacrifice a two-handed grip on our weapon in a low-light confrontation.
Enter the SwitchBack developed by Thyrm in partnership with Costa Ludus.
The SwitchBack offers a cheap weapon light solution for under $20 and can be used with a pistol, or held by the forward hand on a rifle or shotgun.
See it in action here.
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The SwitchBack is easy to install by unscrewing your light's tail cap, sliding it over the end of the light and then reinstalling the tail cap sandwiching it securely. That should prevent it from coming free even if dropped, banged, used in wet conditions or in temperature extremes where materials are likely to expand and contract.
According to its producer the SwitchBack was designed to allow for faster deployment of lights and searching without sweeping everything with your muzzle all "without having to own a drawer full of illumination tools."
"After taking a look at all the options available for flashlights and weapon-lights we realized that there was a big disconnect: Weapon-lights are great for shooting, but they create a lot of liability when searching. Flashlights are better for searching, but they require awkward grips to align the flashlight and firearm. SwitchBack allows the user to rapidly deploy the flashlight for searching or single-hand shooting techniques, but then reorient the flashlight for use with a two-handed grip just like a weapon-light. We also made sure users could perform reloads and clear malfunctions without having to stow or hang the light," according to the company's website.
The SwitchBack is available in two sizes -- large for $18.99 and backup for $16.99. The backup size, which is the one that caught my eye, is made to work with SureFire's EB1 and EB2 backup lights. It is only compatible with SureFire's tactical tailcap, however, and not clicking or shrouded tailcaps.
The large SwitchBack is made for use with a larger duty lights and according to Thyrm's website is compatible with many makes and models including:
- SureFire: G2X, P2X, P3X, 6PX, Z2X, G2ZX, Z3, 6Z, 6P, 6PL, 9P, C2, C3, Z2L, and flashlights with tail cap part numbers 12708-1. Other older lights MAY be compatible but have not been tested for function/safety.
- Streamlight Polytac Series (only most current models).
- Pelican M6 series (metal)
- Elzetta Bravo (2 cell) lights and Charlie (3 cell) lights. Note that attachment of the SwitchBack impedes use of the rotary switch on Charlie (3 cell) models, but the momentary switch is still accessible. There is no issue with switch control on the Elzetta Bravo light with SwitchBack installed.
- Some other 1-inch diameter lights. Tailcaps larger than 1.004 inches in diameter are not compatible with SwitchBack.
The only drawback I foresee is that you do sacrifice the purchase of a single finger on the gun when holding the light, as opposed to a two-handed grip without the light. But, that still offers far better control of your weapon than a one-handed grip.
All that said, I like the idea. The price is right. Now we are working to get our hands on some SwitchBacks to use and abuse on the range, in the field, and on the street.
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