Other than making the gun look like it's got Mickey Mouse ears, this setup makes a lot of sense. The power button is easily accessible; the indicator light tells if the laser is on or not; there's a provision for back-up sights in case of battery or equipment failure; and the placement of the unit allows for most standard holsters to continue to be used. The price is also attractive - MSRP of $200, as opposed to $350 for Laser Max or $230 for Crimson Trace.
So what am I missing? I've wanted to get a laser sight for my carry gun for a while now, and this seems like the perfect opportunity. The Laser Max looks cleaner, but at nearly twice the price I just can't see dropping the extra cash. It would be a fantastic training aid for dry-firing and allow for faster target acquisition in drills, all while still being able to fit in my Crossbreed Supertuck.
Anyone have any experience with LaserLyte, either good or bad? What about Laser Max?
That is all.
UPDATE: (and shameless plug) If anyone from LaserLyte, Crimson Trace, or LaserMax happen to stumble across this entry, I'm completely open to the idea of getting a unit(s) for testing/comparison...
17 comments:
Unless it is made of steel, there is a real breakage risk. It is in a high-traffic area for a gun (don't forget your one-hand rack drills!)
That is a good point, to be sure.
I just checked MidwayUSA, though.
Laser Max for G30: $320.
LaserLyte for G30: $140. (
$180 difference is something...
I wonder if I could get LaserLyte to send me one for evaluation?
Now, you all know I've gotten plenty of goodies from Crimson Trace, but I like their products regardless. Here's why -
1. The CT's attach to the frame of the pistol, i.e. a part that doesn't get battered around with each shot. This means longer life AND that it stays in alignment. I've heard from various people that the guide rod replacement lasers have a terrible track record of staying zeroed.
2. The switch for the CT's are based on a good grip. As soon as you grab your pistol, the laser is on. With the other systems, you have to manually switch them on. Think you'll have time to fiddle around and find a tiny switch when the SHTF?
Just something to think about. Either way, I wholeheartedly support better aiming and training via light amplification through stimulated emissions of radiation.
The main drawback I can see is that the laser sits on the slide, which cycles back and forth with great force with each round fired. That little unit is going to get jolted hard, unlike the lasers that mount to the frame. I'd be surprised if it can survive a 200-round training session without losing zero...or worse, flinging small, expensive bits all over the range.
Just something to think about: battery cost. I tried to compare all 3 brands but I can't quickly find runtime specs for the Laser Max. As far as the other 2 go:
Crimson Trace = $5 worth of batteries for 10hrs of run time.
LaserLyte = $40 worth of batteries for 10hrs of run time in normal mode. If you use the pulse mode the cost drops to $20.
Seems to me if you are going to be using it as a training aid, the LaserLyte quickly ends up costing more then the Crimson Trace.
I really would love to see how the Laser Max fits into this.
Mopar - Crimson Trace has lifetime replacement on batteries too.
Turing word - poter
Which was one letter off from being awesome.
Robb,
Crimson Trace lists their G30 grips for $229. That's in between the LaserLyte and the LaserMax, and a quick glance at the CT webpage shows the CT grips to be fairly easy to install (on a par with either of the other two options.
Definitely a consideration. Thanks for making my life harder... ;)
Marko,
I'd wager that pretty much ANY laser sight on a centerfire handgun is going to take a pretty substantial pounding, and be built accordingly.
Your point is taken, though - the laser mounted high on the axis like that, combined with the repeated cycling of a subcompact .45 ACP, means a much greater chance than an internal unit like the LaserMax or a grip-mounted unit like the Crimson Trace.
Now, like I said, if someone wanted to send me a unit for torture testing... ;)
Just to make it even harder on ya Jay, just checked Midway and they show the Crimson Trace for your 30 as $185 with the C&R discount, or $200 without.
Y'know, Mopar, that actually makes it easier.
That brings the price difference between the LaserLyte and the CT to only $55. With the lifetime battery replacement, I consider that more than even.
Robb, do you have the CT grips on your G29? If so, how do they affect the regular operation of the pistol? This may be the way I go...
Do you really want the batter-on light winking at you while you aim?
FWIW, the Son has a Laser Max on one of his pistols, & CT grips on his mdl 60.
He much prefers the operation of the CT grips.
Just as a note - the Free Batteries For Life may have been a limited time offer thing. Can't find the ad right now. I'm checking.
But they're standard C2032 batteries anyway which aren't that expensive as it is.
And 10 hours of RUN time is a loooooong time.
What Robb said. 2 batteries at a buck each or less every 4hrs (per CT) vs 4 batteries at a buck each every 1-2hrs (per LL).
Reminds me, I've been wanting to buy the CT for the wife's Kel-Tec. Hmmm.... maybe a Christmas present idea!
If anyone from the Ferrari Corporation is reading this, I'd be glad to drive one of your products for a year or two in return for blogging about it.
I don't personally care for lasers on civilian carry weapons.
I do think lasers can be very useful for training. During dry fire practice they will let you know if you are jerking the trigger or flinching.
However, They're not all that useful in broad daylight and you can't see the beam if you're off target when there is no background nearby.
But, they are fun to play with your cat with.
I got tired of the constant zeroing and replacing batteries. Granted they have come a long way and I can see the usefulness to some and for practice for others, but you can buy a lot of practice ammo for the price of a decent laser.
Lately, I just stick to basic dry firing drills.
I've got CT grips on 2 of my guns, a 638 and my Kimber. Can't say enough good things about them, and with ooodles of screw around time on them, I've still not killed the batteries..
YMMV
Definitely suggest crimson trace for the snubbie from hell. I can't aim the damn thing anyway.
Post a Comment