Released in 2020, the WILD2 by Inforce is the company’s newest pistol light that replaced the previous polymer body design. The Weapon Integrated Lighting Device2 (WILD2) is an extended version of the WILD1 and includes improved lumen output, and an all-aluminum body for large handguns and standard sized.
Made from an overall body of 6061-T6 aluminum with Type III mil-spec anodized finish, the WILD2 features a 1,000 lumen output that can throw said light approx. 1,036 feet before dissipation.
The aluminum body offers a compact, streamline design with an integrated, dual thumb-paddle switch module.
The 1,000 lumen WILD2 offers the same functionality as the WILD1, with a steady ON/OFF operation and an added strobe feature. The LED bulb technology allows the WML’s dual Lithium CR123A power source to have a 1.5 hour continual runtime, while the light’s lockout features via the paddles allows for safe travel/storage of the light. In addition, rubberized gaskets ensure the WILD2 is waterproof up to 66ft.
The WILD2 includes an integrated picatinny rail clamp as part of the chassis that engages with any MIL-STD 1913 rail without tools.
The WILD2 has an overall dimension of 3.5” in length with a bezel of 1.1” in diameter.
The Inforce WILD2 is only available in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With its list MSRP of $179.99, the WILD2 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 WILD2 provides an all-aluminum weapon light with 1,000 lumens in a sleek, modern design that is easily mounted to any standard 1913 rail. Market alternatives to the WILD2 include Surefire’s X300 ($329 @ 1000 lumens), and Streamlight’s TLR-9 ($134 @ 1000 lumens). Obviously higher lumen pistol lights exist; however, this comparison demonstrates that for its cost, the Inforce WILD2 is appropriately (or of average) priced for its emissive output and design/materials.
- Comfort – Fair (2/5): From a comfort aspect, the Inforce WILD2 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 1,000 lumen output was a good level of light intensity for indoor use, as its brightness reflecting off interior walls was not significantly blinding (as could be an issue with high lumen output weapon lights) nor flood the space. Outdoors the 1,000 lumen rapidly dissipated beyond 20 yards. A positive aspect from a comfort view was the mounting screw was secured using a common flathead screwdriver, and didn’t necessitate a specialty key. However, after two minutes of continual runtime, the exterior of the WILD2 actually became warm to the touch from the emissivity of the LED emitter—and after three minutes became somewhat painful and use was discontinued. Another drawback to the WILD2 is the battery compartment was only accessed by fully removing the light from the weapon and utilizing the patented cap from the rear of the light. Other market alternatives listed also have this similar design approach for changing out power cells.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Inforce is well-known for its former APL polymer-based handgun WML chassis. However, the WILD2 represents 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 WILD2 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 WILD2 continued to function as intended, with a consistent light output that did not flicker or falter after testing was completed.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the WILD2 performed as intended and the light correctly activated in either the momentary or continual ON setting, and was easily converted over to the programable strobe setting using the ascribed procedure (that necessitated removing the light from the pistol). 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 programable lockout control was very easy to activate/deactivate while mounted to the pistol, and necessitated no twisting of the bezel. In field trials, the WILD2 gave a focused and bright center hotspot (where the candela was most concentrated), with an good amount of lux (or spillage) to the definable area around it. Another area of note for functionality was the patented battery cap itself had a thick rubberized ring, ensuring a noticeably tight fit and ensured no penetration of dust or liquids into the compartment space.
- Weight – Fair (2/5): Weighing in at 4.8 ounces (with battery) for the 1,000 lumens module, the WILD2 lends its relative light weight to its aluminum chassis design comparable to other market alternatives utilizing the same material. The weight of the WILD2 felt slightly off-balancing on compact/sub-compact handguns (most likely due to the amount of mass extended beyond the bore), but was more comfortable on full-length handguns where the overall length was paired to the handgun. In comparison, the alternatives listed to the WILD2’s role or lumen output include the Surefire’s X300 (4.1 ounces), and Streamlight’s TLR-9 (4.26 ounces). This all reflects that the weight of the WILD2 is heavier than any of the similar products, and fair amid the market for weapon lights that utilize the same all-aluminum body, and have similar roles or lumen output.
Overall Rating – Average (15/25)
Product Link: https://inforce-mil.com/products/handgun-lights/wild-2/
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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