Released in 2020, the WILD1 by Inforce is the company’s newest pistol light that replaced the previous APL polymer body design. The Weapon Integrated Lighting Device1 (WILD1) includes improved lumen output, and an all-aluminum body for medium handguns and sub-compacts.
Made from an overall body of 6061-T6 aluminum with Type III mil-spec anodized finish, the WILD1 features a 500 lumen output.
The aluminum body offers a compact, streamline design with an integrated, dual thumb-paddle switch module.
The 500 lumen WILD1 offers the same functionality as past Inforce WMLs, with a steady ON/OFF operation. The LED bulb technology allows the WML’s single Lithium CR123A power source to have a two hour continual runtime, while the light’s bezel features a ¼ turn lockout mode that allows for safe travel/storage of the light. In addition, rubberized gaskets ensure the WILD1 is waterproof up to 66ft.
The WILD1 includes an integrated picatinny rail clamp as part of the chassis that engages with any MIL-STD 1913 rail without tools.
The WILD1 has an overall dimension of 2.53” in length with a bezel of 0.95” in diameter.
The Inforce WILD1 is only available in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With its list MSRP of $139.99, the WILD1 is readily found on Inforce’s website, and on various second-party websites (such as on Amazon) in which there is risk of counterfeits). The WILD1 provides an all-aluminum weapon light with 500 lumens in a sleek, modern design that is easily mounted to any standard 1913 rail. Market alternatives to the WILD1 include Streamlight’s TLR-7 ($140 @ 500 lumens), Surefire’s X300 ($329 @ 1000 lumens), or Surefire’s Mini Scoutlight Pro ($299 @ 500 lumens). Obviously higher lumen weapon lights exist; however, this comparison demonstrates that for its cost, the Inforce WILD1 is appropriately (or of average) priced for its emissive output and design/materials.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Inforce WILD1 mounted to the standard MIL-STD 1913 picatinny rail easily, and thus with its fixed rear-facing paddle switch placed comfortably within reach of the support hand. The switch itself did have a slightly tangible and audible click to it denoting activation, and the serrated surface gave a good recognizable texture on the paddles. The 500 lumen output was a good level of light intensity for indoor use, as its brightness reflecting off interior walls did not become blinding (as could be an issue with high lumen output weapon lights) nor flood the space. Outdoors the 500 lumen rapidly dissipated beyond 20 yards. One nice aspect from a comfort view was the mounting screw was secured using a common flathead screwdriver, and didn’t necessitate a specialty key. Furthermore, the battery was accessed from the front of the light through the bezel, not necessitating removal of the light from the handgun to perform.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Inforce is well-known for its former APL polymer-based handgun WML chassis. However, the WILD1 was an upgrade from the APL in that the design shifted to an all-aluminum chassis (with stainless steel mounting pin) and now adds increased strength and durability to the overall unit (a longstanding criticism to the previous design). Over the course of evaluation, the WILD1 was subjected to a number of range iterations over specific courses of fire, on a 9mm handgun, and struck by a fully loaded AR magazine 10 times each side, on the lens housing, and switch paddles. Then the unit was removed and drop tested 10 times on finished concrete. In all scenarios the housing and bezel received the most impact (due probably to balance of the unit while falling) with observable surface marring noted – none of which penetrated into the chassis or compromised the unit. The WILD1 continued to function as intended, with a consistent light output that did not flicker or falter after testing was completed.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the WILD1 performed as intended and the light correctly activated in either the momentary or continual ON setting (no strobe feature was one limiting aspect in terms of function to other market alternatives). The audible and tangible switch activation did provide a good non-visual que of activation, and the serrated surface did provide sufficient texture to press the thumb into for positive control. The lockout control and battery access at the bezel had added improvements over the older APL design and could be performed without removing the light from the firearm. In field trials, the WILD1 gave a focused and bright center hotspot (where the candela was most concentrated), with an appropriate (or average) amount of lux (or spillage) to the definable area around it. Internet research found that in February 2022, YouTube user ‘Werkz Holster’ posted an online video using a calibrated photonic device to measure the light output of the WILD1, and found the actual measurable output of the device was under the advertised output of 500 lumen. The user went on to state this could possibly be the result of a number of factors such as emitter advertisement that went unverified, battery state, or design.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at just 3.0 ounces (with battery) for the 500 lumens module, the WILD1 lends its relative light weight to its aluminum chassis design comparable to other market alternatives utilizing the same material. This weight felt neither off-balancing nor bulky, on the end of the firearm, or while it was cycling during the firing process. In comparison, the alternatives listed to the WILD1’s role or lumen output include the Streamlight TLR-7 (2.4 ounces), Surefire’s X300 (4.1 ounces), or Surefire’s Mini Scoutlight Pro (4.1 ounces). This all reflects that the weight of the WILD1 is appropriate (or average) amid the market for similar weapon lights that utilize the same materials, and have similar roles or lumen output.
Overall Rating – Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://inforce-mil.com/products/handgun-lights/wild-1/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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