The VIP Light NSW (Naval Special Warfare) Edition by the Canadian company Adventure Tactical is a light designed for the hardcore military consumer.

Design:

The Light is built similar to most lights in its class (if it ain’t broken, why fix it) constituting of the light itself in the front, and the thicker battery pocket in the back. The battery part itself, takes a standard 3V Lithium battery (though there is the option to get an adapter cap for AA). The battery compartment is smartly designed with dual polarity in that it can take the battery both ways which is great if you’re switching batteries in the dark, any direction will work.  On the bottom, you have an interchangeable part, where many adapters that are sold separately can be placed. We got it standard with a metal clip and added a velcro piece, but more about that later. On to the light itself. This model comes with three modes. A green light that can either shine continuously, or flashing. The third mode is an IR Strobe. The light is activated by turning the knob clockwise or counterclockwise around the light itself. Every 90 degree turn activates a different mode. The clicks are audible and can blindly be turned in the dark, even with gloves on. The IR strobe itself is very powerful, and can be seen up to 6 miles away! The device is completely waterproof up to 100m, making it perfect for naval operations. The battery life is disappointing however, since the battery tends to run out rather quickly.

Material:

The material used for the VIP light is absolutely top notch and will withstand the most extreme temperatures known on the planet. The main body of the Light is made of high quality polymer, while the light dome is made of High Impact Polycarbonate. This will protect the light from extreme drops or impact. It can however, get very scratched up, which won’t affect the light too much, but it could have been more scratch resistant. The VIP comes in Black and Tan.

Comfort:

While the light can be worn almost everywhere, we tried it on the back of a plate carrier and on a helmet. On the helmet it is barely noticeable but when worn on the back, the dome-like shape of the light can hurt when trying to sit up or lie against something, especially when you forget it’s there. The device isn’t the lightest, but the weight feels right and gives it a good feel.

Storage:

Adventure Tactical ships these standard with a metal clip that could fit almost anywhere, even Molle. Getting different adapters for bikes, velcro (for helmets mainly) and headbands, requires purchasing different adapters. These aren’t the easiest to install, as there are no quick mounts but rather screws involved, which makes switching in the field near impossible to do. You had better head out in a way that you want it the entire time. That being said, the mounts are durable and won’t cause any issues when properly attached.

Versatility:

Usable in almost every environment, in any condition, this item was however, designed mainly with Military Operators in mind. That being said, it could be a powerful aid for just anyone, though the IR isn’t necessarily useful for everyone. With the right mount, it can be attached almost everywhere and used easily and quickly. For those who like to tie down their equipment, you can either use a high quality rubber band to hug the light, or use the tiny hole in the back to run a cord through.

Price:

Price runs around $230 which isn’t too bad for an IR strobe. The civilian versions (which are similar) that come without IR come in at around $100 which is a lot cheaper and more applicable for those who don’t need IR. Yet durable and high quality lights of this kind are hard to come by, and for serious operators, this would be a good buy.

The VIP Light NSW Edition is a class apart in durability and has been tested all around the globe, in the harshest climates and under the worst possible conditions and stood its ground. For military personnel, specifically team leaders and the like, this light is invaluable to have when deployed and to know it won’t fail on you when you most need it, something that can’t be said for most lights today. This is used by SOF around the world, including most Israeli SF.