TNVC sent me the new Torch Pro IR illuminator for field testing this past week. I was on my way to CSAT to demo Paul Howe and Bill Wilson, so I also was given the LDI SPIR and DBal D2 for comparison, but due to very limited time with the devices, I was only able to make some short unpolished video clips. There will have to be more editing done before my other, more in-depth videos are released. Keep in mind, what you are seeing is just a quick trip out back on the WRR range, which goes up to 800 yards. I just wanted you guys to get a down & dirty first look at this amazing device.
For a quick match up, I used the Streamlight, SuperTac IR, which is a great value, but cannot be focused. Thus, the Super Tac is too bright at close range, and the center spot washes out reticles on the D-740 / 760's and the Class 1a laser of the DBal D2 . OTOH, the Torch Pro can be instantly focused with just one finger. The focus ring is silky smooth in its travel, and I was surprised at the overall range. This light illuminated the fence line at the far end of the range, at 800 yards! You can see the 600 yards silhouette easily and I believe that + ID can be made at that range in good conditions with this light, provided that you have magnification on your NVD, whether it be a PVS-14 with 3X mag, or a D-740-760 or PVS-22/27.
Folks, this light is made in Germany....that's right, no commies making this one! Hats off to TNVC for going to the Germans for the glass and body. The focus mechanism allows for smooth transition and focus and the switch was easy to operate, though I did notice that care must be taken to prevent accidental battery drainage, as with almost any other light. There is a constant on and fire button, and the head will fit on other Surefire housings, standard 1" so those mounts will work fine.
All in all, a Hell of a nice IR light!
Some pictures of the light, compared to other IR, thermal and NV devices. From Left, PVS-14 w/ 3X mag, M24 thermal, LDI SPIR, New Torch Pro, Old Torch ELR, and Streamlight Super-Tac IR:
Close up of the Old Torch and Torch Pro :
Here is some video of the Torch Pro in action, compared to the SuperTac IR (video is copyright, Wild River Ranch, LLc):
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IH70WGdv4Ww&feature=g-all-lik"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IH70WGdv4Ww&feature=g-all-lik" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
For a quick match up, I used the Streamlight, SuperTac IR, which is a great value, but cannot be focused. Thus, the Super Tac is too bright at close range, and the center spot washes out reticles on the D-740 / 760's and the Class 1a laser of the DBal D2 . OTOH, the Torch Pro can be instantly focused with just one finger. The focus ring is silky smooth in its travel, and I was surprised at the overall range. This light illuminated the fence line at the far end of the range, at 800 yards! You can see the 600 yards silhouette easily and I believe that + ID can be made at that range in good conditions with this light, provided that you have magnification on your NVD, whether it be a PVS-14 with 3X mag, or a D-740-760 or PVS-22/27.
Folks, this light is made in Germany....that's right, no commies making this one! Hats off to TNVC for going to the Germans for the glass and body. The focus mechanism allows for smooth transition and focus and the switch was easy to operate, though I did notice that care must be taken to prevent accidental battery drainage, as with almost any other light. There is a constant on and fire button, and the head will fit on other Surefire housings, standard 1" so those mounts will work fine.
All in all, a Hell of a nice IR light!
Some pictures of the light, compared to other IR, thermal and NV devices. From Left, PVS-14 w/ 3X mag, M24 thermal, LDI SPIR, New Torch Pro, Old Torch ELR, and Streamlight Super-Tac IR:
Close up of the Old Torch and Torch Pro :
Here is some video of the Torch Pro in action, compared to the SuperTac IR (video is copyright, Wild River Ranch, LLc):
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IH70WGdv4Ww&feature=g-all-lik"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IH70WGdv4Ww&feature=g-all-lik" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
