Don't Buy The SMS Laser HFXC

Published on December 31, 2024
Duration: 9:56

This review of the SMS Laser HFXC 4-in-1 unit highlights its potential as a budget-friendly tactical accessory, offering white light, IR illuminator, IR laser, and visible green laser. While it boasts a high feature-to-dollar ratio and good zero retention, significant ergonomic issues and performance quirks, particularly with the beam adjustment dial and laser artifacts, are noted. The reviewer advises waiting for potential future revisions before purchasing.

Quick Summary

The SMS Laser HFXC is a 4-in-1 tactical unit featuring white light, IR illuminator, IR laser, and visible green laser. While offering good value and zero retention, it suffers from significant ergonomic flaws like a stiff beam adjustment dial and performance quirks such as laser defraction artifacts. Battery life is also limited due to its 18500 battery.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to SMS Laser HFXC
  2. 00:13HFXC 4-in-1 Light and Laser Unit
  3. 00:21The Holy Grail or Monkey's Paw
  4. 00:45Is the HFXC the End All Unit?
  5. 00:52Full Disclosure & Price
  6. 01:10Ergonomic Issues and Quirks
  7. 01:15Basics: Weight and Components
  8. 01:24Controls: Power and Mode Buttons
  9. 01:38Rotary Dial Mode Selector
  10. 01:46Strobe Function
  11. 01:50Mode Memory
  12. 01:58Fire Button Placement
  13. 02:03Laser Adjustment Turrets
  14. 02:18Laser Mounting Position
  15. 02:33White Light and IR Illuminator Placement
  16. 02:44Mounting System
  17. 02:56Crane Plug and Tape Switch
  18. 03:03Battery Compartment
  19. 03:06Battery Size and Capacity (18500 vs 18650)
  20. 03:25Battery Life and Recommendations
  21. 03:45Low Battery Warning
  22. 03:53Future 18650 Version
  23. 03:58Don't Buy This Version Yet
  24. 04:02Performance: White Light
  25. 04:45Performance: IR Laser and Illuminator
  26. 05:07Targeting Laser Brightness
  27. 05:15Combo Mode Power Levels
  28. 05:26Laser Defraction Issues
  29. 05:46Visible Laser Performance
  30. 06:06IR Illuminator Power Modes
  31. 06:13Worst Part: Beam Adjustment Dial
  32. 06:43Compromise Beam Pattern
  33. 06:57Zero Retention Test
  34. 07:34Trusting the Unit
  35. 07:37SMS Laser as a New Company
  36. 07:51Quality Control Concerns
  37. 08:07Need for More Time and Fixes
  38. 08:13Value for $250
  39. 08:25Proposed Fixes and Improvements
  40. 08:35Ergonomic Switch Relocation
  41. 08:44Relocated Fire Button
  42. 08:51Current Value and Potential
  43. 09:03Future Potential with Fixes
  44. 09:13Making Design a Reality
  45. 09:16Price to Performance Comparison
  46. 09:25Skepticism of Long-Term Performance
  47. 09:31Checking Reputable Sources
  48. 09:48Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of the SMS Laser HFXC 4-in-1 unit?

The SMS Laser HFXC is a 4-in-1 tactical device that integrates a white light, an IR illuminator, an IR laser for aiming, and a visible green laser. It's housed in a compact aluminum body.

What are the primary criticisms of the SMS Laser HFXC's design?

Key criticisms include egregious ergonomic issues, particularly a very fine and stiff beam adjustment dial that is hard to operate. Laser defraction artifacts and a targeting laser that is too bright are also noted performance quirks.

How is the battery life and type for the SMS Laser HFXC?

The unit uses a smaller 18500 rechargeable battery, which has significantly less capacity than a standard 18650. This results in short battery life, typically lasting about one range session and a half of filming.

Does the SMS Laser HFXC hold zero effectively?

Yes, the reviewer found that their unit held zero well through aggressive testing, including simulated full-auto fire and recoil from being mounted on a riser, indicating good zero retention.

Is the SMS Laser HFXC recommended for purchase?

The reviewer advises against purchasing the current version, recommending users wait for potential future revisions that address the noted ergonomic and performance issues. However, for its price, it offers high features per dollar.

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