the ironic part being that 90% of "non-official" laser and lights you can buy online just violate the power laws and restrictions anyways, it's purely on the manufacturer to follow the rule and really shows you the insane markup on these devices
I really like where this crew is heading with their gear. I am real close to snapping up one of these. If I get a small PCC, i feel like this is an administrative must due to lack of rail space.
whether or not you have a multi-function illumination device isnt your problem... its considering a PCC is good for anything at all rofl. why would you not get a rifle caliber... zero change in form factor, zero change in ammo cost, zero change in weight... youre just voluntarily gimping your performance and versatility of your firearm.
@@maximusjoseppi5904 go check out brass facts' pdw video. tldr, overall length, portability in daily life, concealability. also helps to have an auto boi, but you gotta be crafty
Dude when the CTF3 comes out, its literally going to have the best of everything on it. You could easily put a Class 3B laser and a 50mW VCSEL IR diode pack.
Dude, this is the best gun UA-cam channel on the Internet. Hop is the freaking man and does so much research. I love how informational these videos are. You really have to pay attention and you’ll learn so much so quickly. Thanks for making videos this great. Keep it up!
@@charmingmander331 I just binged all of them and I think it’s hilarious how fast his voice went from 13 years old to 30. Love hops gaming vids even the old ones go hard
I hope you're getting some free kit or sponsorships man, your information and research youve done on these products is incredible. Thanks for all your effort 👊
I know I'm probably one of the 1% here but I really want a visible laser as well. I know, I know, I just like it as an option and it really completes the unit as being a true "back up" sight. As far as I know only the perst 2 has all of this in one unit.
Toss a Viridian HS1 grip-stop-laser thingie on there. No… they’re not co-aligned… but deal with it. Takes like 5 minutes to look through an line up a laser, no big deal.
Thanks for putting all this together. As a guy that wants a kit for fox hunting / farm work, you do all the numbers work that makes my decisions easier.
I didn’t know about this product until this video came along. Looks like something that is more user friendly for the average enthusiast, which is important to a lot of us.
Definitely a fan of the form factor and star trek aesthetic but I kind of wish it had an option with an offset laser for fixed front sight block gang. If I do get one I may have to experiment with drilling a hole through a pic mounted front sight because I still love the look and feel of the peq16 tucked up tightly to the fsb on an M16/M4. For any normal person this seems like a great product line and having the laser directly over the bore seems like a lot more intuitive hold over like a red dot would be compared to more traditional options like the peq15/16 that are off to one side for a parallel zero.
me with a 5lb maglight duct taped and shoelaced to a vintage AR-10.. "good enough for the girls i go out with 👌" That being said, love your stuff as always. Im a rugged minimalist, but appreciate the tech.
Thanks Hop, I've been waiting for this to release. Great review. The MAWL is 500 off right now, so I was slowly breaking down and thinking of pulling the trigger. Glad this unit finally released. Seems like an innovative device that holds its own.
I immediately went to their website after your previous review and saw this new model. I just knew you’d be reviewing it, too. If I were to get any kind of laser/IR/light module it would definitely be this one since it’s an all in one system. Hopefully I’ll be able to get one!
One of the things I REALLY like about Phantom Hill's products is that the IR laser is directly in line above the bore, that greatly improves its utility with not having to factor in any weird side to side offset.
I always run the ir laser parallel to the barrel, and just remember that the laser is either an inch to the left or an inch to the right of where my bullets are going. It's not that difficult, and if you zero it to a certain range (such as 50 yards) it isn't very good when you shoot at any other range other than what it was zeroed for. At 100 yards the laser is now way off to one side or the other. Having the laser in the center is absolutely better for sure, but offset ir lasers aren't really a problem either, so it's not really a big deal imo.
@@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 but it still draws a straight line whereas bullets drop. Centerline above bore works best because you can zero it just like a rifle and have a close zero and far zero, and then hold over for farther shots.
@@Kross8761 it's the same principle with it offset to the left or right, so long as it's running parallel to the barrel. The only difference is it's an inch off on the windage depending which side the ir laser is on. It's not even enough difference to make a difference unless you're shooting a really small target at extreme distances. I absolutely agree that being centernis better, but that also means you need to put buis behind the ir laser, shortening your sight radius as well. I don't see a hige benefit either way, as they both have pros and cons.
@@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 I don't run BUIS on my NV gun, they're impossible to use through NV in the first place. There's no downside (for me personally) to running the laser above and center. I also like being able to not have to account for offset when everything is already 10x harder to see. Multiple directions of offset just complicate the system unnecessarily. It's the same reason we always mount optics directly in line above the bore: it's objectively the best way to do things with the technology available to us at this time.
@@not_sure... the one I tried was configured as pictured in the promotional material (Malkoff/ KIJI). Yeah it's a huge improvement like hop said, the modularity is great especially for the price and best of all it gives you everything in a neat little package saving you rail space. Now if they could throw in a tapeswith port or two? That'd be something otherworldly.
@@BallisticAviation thank you for getting back to me, this helps a lot. By any chance can you compare it to a Dbal-D2? I'm gonna pull the trigger on one or the other buy any input helps.
@@BallisticAviation well that pretty much settles it lol. Unfortunately I just found out these are sold out. Seems like I can't fucking win in this nvg game 😭. But seriously, thanks for getting back to me, I would love to ask you many more questions but you've helped me more than enough and I really appreciate it.
As USUAL Hop, top NOTCH explanations and visuals. Great stuff... i dont have night equip so i dont really look at alot associated equip.. But i now KNOW the Phantom Hill products and the differences between the 1 and the 2...
This is just so close to being a overall great device that would really be better than anything out there. If Phantom Hill incorporated a Gen. 1 REIN head for the white light, added another port in the middle for a visible green laser, used a VCSEL IR Laser module, used an adjustable Z-Bolt Blazer LED for the IR Illuminator, and had extended tailcaps for 18650s, you know how much this would be worth it? The fact that they're used a Direct Metal Laser Sintered Body, the buttons are 100% ambidextrous, and they both use independent batteries, means that this thing should be better than a MAWL.
I'm holding out for an 18650 or dual fuel cell unit. I keep my CR123A cell consumption to a minimum where possible, I like them as disposable backups, but like sticking to rechargeable cells where I can, and trying to keep my NV setup centered around batteries I can recharge from a solar panel and small power bank (AA for PVS-14 & 552 EOTech & 18650 if possible for white light & IR devices).
So, basically, Perst-2\Perst-Leader, but without vis laser, CR123 powered, modular and for half price or less. Noice. Wish Zenitco made modular stuff, but I guess durability takes the lead in mil-spec devices. CTF-3 is shaping up to be a direct competitor to Persts, looking forward to your review of it in a year or so :3
Remember, the U.S has "lost" multiple wars "against godless" heathens who don't use the AR platform. *_cough_*_ _*_cough_*_ AK Supremacy _*_cough_*_ _*_cough_*
@@wannabecarguy that's fucking way affordable. I'm not mister 5000 rounds a month so I don't the d bal but this little thing look cool. Will check out. Thanks man
Ok, the CTF2 seems like a really viable option.... the surefire pattern swappable heads is a major plus. $1500 for a kiji head model isn't too bad, much better than most Ir laser illuminator models on the market in that price range.
How does the CTF-2 IR laser compare to the MAWL-C1+ IR laser? The CTF-2 is an attractive option for civilian IR solutions and I like the new modularity. You're absolutely right about needing more competitors in the market. Despite the ridiculous cost of the MAWL-C1+, I've been absolutely astounded by its performance.
@@printingwithpeek4897 I'm not asking about IR illuminators. I'm not asking about the types of switches. I'm not asking about the housing. I'm not asking about the batteries. I'm not asking about what wattage the civilian legal IR lasers are. I'm not asking about the modularity. I'm not asking to be sold on the CTF-2 or a comparison of its many features to the MAWL-C1+. I've already acknowledged some of the CTF-2's many strengths and what makes it attractive to me as a possible alternative to the MAWL-C1+. I've already acknowledged that more competition in this market is a good thing. I AM genuinely interested in the answer to my one specific question, which is the one thing that your very long reply did NOT actually address: How does the IR laser emitter on the CTF-2 compare to the IR laser emitter on the MAWL-C1+? I'm looking for a comparison on the dispersion and range between the two devices. B.E. Meyers did an absolutely amazing job on the projected shape of the laser on the MAWL-C1+ and on the minimal dispersion and maximum range of it. (The visible laser is similarly outstanding and the fact that the two share the same zero is an incredibly convenient feature as well.) I'm quite happy with the durability, performance, form factor, and usability of the MAWL-C1+ that I already own. I'm less happy about the cost of a second MAWl-C1+ for my second rifle. I can weigh all of the known factors, which have been discussed at length already. There are pros and cons to both platforms. What it's going to come down to for me is the quality of the laser. (Durability and return to zero on the mount are things that I'll have to evaluate myself.)
Hop, you are the only guntuber I would share a beer with, can't wait for you to talk about some random 40 smith and wesson pistol that not even the designers remember anything about
OK the ability to switch my setup with surefire compat8ble heads is nice, I still think I'd rather have tape switches and being able to program my own options there personally but this looks like an interesting option. I like quite low power white lights so the option for building something to my specific settings is a really awesome shift.
*"We The People in America",* all truly appreciate your expertise and your demonstrations of the products that you advocate. Reliability is the only thing that matters in life. If the Sun didn't shine, we all would be dead.
I hope these buttons are just soft covers for the actual switches, not something similar to how calculator buttons are made (PCB contacts and a piece of conductive polymer on the inside of a silicone button dome) and they aren't glued/molded together with a lid. If that's true, it must be possible to print or better cast a replacement in any color.
I was kind of hoping for a version with the ability to accept a tape switch so I could run it on a riser further back for better weight balance and without having to worry about my lightweight handguard screwing with the zero...I guess I'm gonna have to wait for a CTF3, but if I ever put together some sort of PDW build, this thing will be going on it in a heartbeat
I know someone who owns a IR laser who doesn't even plan to buy night vision goggles, they just saw people recommending one and bought one. They're also the type of person who doesn't train for SHTF situations and overweight, which to be fair I don't either and so am I, I'm also legally disabled so I'm never going to be a badass soldier in my condition. I'm a hobby shooter, but at least my gun loadout reflects the type of shooter I am. I have a red dot because they're easy to use, backup sights for if I forget to change the battery and a flashlight attachment for home defense and that's all I need.
the ir laser always being on with white light seems like it would be a cocnern for force on force or cqb larp training. even if the FDA says its eye safe, an invisible laser is still incredibly dangerous if your pointing it around unknowingly.
I think I accidentally burned another dude’s eyes with my PEQ-2A in 2002 doing exactly that at the big MOUT site on Fort Bragg. We were doing force-on-force with blanks at night. After we finished that exercise and got the poop the next day, they said something about one of the guys from that Company getting his eyes damaged from someone’s IR laser. This was with the peacetime blue limiters in-place, not even in the wartime mode.
I’d love to see a version of this without white light. I like having 2 separate units. Having a max civ legal laser with a modular IR light head would be awesome. Even if it didn’t save cost.
Good video Hop, my only complaint is you did not pet that stray kitty, who clearly wanted some love (at least on camera.) Keep up the reviews homes, good stuff.
Damn bro you're unreasonably pretty. Like i imagine a gun reviewer to be this middle aged dude that you'd find in a pub waiting to regale his entire life story, but you're looking like a straight up full course meal.
Every night I pray to Hop. Hop is love i say. Hop is life. I prayed that Hop would review the CTF2 and Hop is a generous god. Today he delivers the gift of a review. Thank you Hop. Hop is love I say. Hop is life
... If they just reduce the power, ... You know you could try just removing a resister with one of a lower Ohlm rating ( be careful or parts with burn out). and you could just get the current up and maybe the power in the device.
Thanks for this. i have been looking for somethign reliable in the sub 1K range. Plus researching affordable night vision. There is so much out there it is daunting for a complete amature like myself. 4K just seems crazy expensive but I could be wrong. If i could find suitable NV for ~2K to go with this I would be quite happy.
Depends on what your definition of "suitable" is. I looked through a $2k monocular and a $4k monocular, and after looking through the $4k monocular, I won't accept anything less when I eventually buy mine.
I'm in a similar boat, think I'm gonna go with a pvs14, elbit WP. Might be 3.5k or so but think it will be worth it. If you find a used one from a reliable source it should be a good deal
Now they need to make a UP-1. (Ultra Poors model 1). Similar all-in-one form factor with just a single SF compatible head for those of us with Pistol/SBR in need of just a top activated white light without a tape switch. Kind of like an OWL but with the SF type head of your choice, or like an Inforce WML that’s actually good.
I really don't get why this is being relegated to back-up unit status. I get the kiji has slightly wider spill than a D2, but for the form factor and the fact that it has a white light for no extra weight cost, it seems like a top-tier option. I'll be excited to see the CTF 3 drop though since the only thing that bugs me on initial inspection is that the CTF 2's grey polymer and green buttons look like a 90's video game controller.
In the middle of a meeting and I hit WATCH NOW. As we all should.
In the middle of a meeting with my toilet and I hit play, as we all should
Share your screen to the whole Teams call
Same but it's an OT seminar
Should be released for standards.
That takes guts. This company needs guts.
the ironic part being that 90% of "non-official" laser and lights you can buy online just violate the power laws and restrictions anyways, it's purely on the manufacturer to follow the rule and really shows you the insane markup on these devices
One of the only people to go over different ir laser and lights options and I really appreciate it
I like that they're pushing tech forward and trying to innovate, especially because they have a civilian focus.
I really like where this crew is heading with their gear. I am real close to snapping up one of these. If I get a small PCC, i feel like this is an administrative must due to lack of rail space.
i love having shit on my gun that costs more than my gun.
this is my fav idea for where this module goes so far though.
PCC for hunting what? What caliber what animal am curious I love PCC’s as well and know they are more than powerful enough to take game
@@dsrrecordsent 10 mm for anything bigger
whether or not you have a multi-function illumination device isnt your problem... its considering a PCC is good for anything at all rofl. why would you not get a rifle caliber... zero change in form factor, zero change in ammo cost, zero change in weight... youre just voluntarily gimping your performance and versatility of your firearm.
@@maximusjoseppi5904 go check out brass facts' pdw video.
tldr, overall length, portability in daily life, concealability.
also helps to have an auto boi, but you gotta be crafty
I'm probably gonna wait for the CTF-3, but this is absolutely a great option for guys like me looking to get into NV.
Dude when the CTF3 comes out, its literally going to have the best of everything on it. You could easily put a Class 3B laser and a 50mW VCSEL IR diode pack.
@@picklerick9578 What is the CTF3 going to change from the 2?
@@mig1nc I'm betting it's gonna use a single 18650 so it can power the 6volt heads.
I can’t afford any of these devices but they are soo cool. I want one but it’s useless without having night vision goggles, which I also can’t afford.
@@picklerick9578 did they say that somewhere ?
Dude, this is the best gun UA-cam channel on the Internet. Hop is the freaking man and does so much research. I love how informational these videos are. You really have to pay attention and you’ll learn so much so quickly. Thanks for making videos this great. Keep it up!
This channel is a close second. The best gun channel on the internet is Paul Harrel. Anything else is promulgating misinformation!
Without a doubt the best
His game reviews were awesome too
@@charmingmander331 I just binged all of them and I think it’s hilarious how fast his voice went from 13 years old to 30. Love hops gaming vids even the old ones go hard
@@charmingmander331 what’s his gaming channel??
Thanks Hop. Took 25th out of 102 at Midnight Brutality with this, only my second time shooting Night Vision. Used the Z-Bolt IR head, no problems.
DBAL-D2 is a tank, can confirm. I wish Phantom Hill all the luck, I hope I can get one someday.
I love the idea that this company is making a very solid civilian option that has room to grow with the swappable heads.
I hope you're getting some free kit or sponsorships man, your information and research youve done on these products is incredible. Thanks for all your effort 👊
Always have enjoyed that you review products that aren’t so mainstream. Thanks for the review Hop!
I know I'm probably one of the 1% here but I really want a visible laser as well. I know, I know, I just like it as an option and it really completes the unit as being a true "back up" sight. As far as I know only the perst 2 has all of this in one unit.
I use my visible laser to practice when I don't want to throw on a lid. They have their place I think.
No
Toss a Viridian HS1 grip-stop-laser thingie on there. No… they’re not co-aligned… but deal with it. Takes like 5 minutes to look through an line up a laser, no big deal.
The holosun 420s also have visible lasers.
visible laser is super useful for zeroing
Short, sweet, and to the point, but with excellent attention to detail. Wish there were more folks like you posting on here.
And without unnecessary B-roll interruptions of gunfire. I like watching videos ABOUT guns. I don't enjoy listening to guns firing.
Thanks for putting all this together. As a guy that wants a kit for fox hunting / farm work, you do all the numbers work that makes my decisions easier.
I didn’t know about this product until this video came along. Looks like something that is more user friendly for the average enthusiast, which is important to a lot of us.
Definitely a fan of the form factor and star trek aesthetic but I kind of wish it had an option with an offset laser for fixed front sight block gang. If I do get one I may have to experiment with drilling a hole through a pic mounted front sight because I still love the look and feel of the peq16 tucked up tightly to the fsb on an M16/M4. For any normal person this seems like a great product line and having the laser directly over the bore seems like a lot more intuitive hold over like a red dot would be compared to more traditional options like the peq15/16 that are off to one side for a parallel zero.
Honestly, that would probably work really well
me with a 5lb maglight duct taped and shoelaced to a vintage AR-10.. "good enough for the girls i go out with 👌" That being said, love your stuff as always. Im a rugged minimalist, but appreciate the tech.
Thanks Hop, I've been waiting for this to release. Great review. The MAWL is 500 off right now, so I was slowly breaking down and thinking of pulling the trigger. Glad this unit finally released. Seems like an innovative device that holds its own.
I immediately went to their website after your previous review and saw this new model. I just knew you’d be reviewing it, too. If I were to get any kind of laser/IR/light module it would definitely be this one since it’s an all in one system. Hopefully I’ll be able to get one!
I appreciate the night vision cat outro 👍
Excellent, Keep it up hop. You are in the top echelon of firearm content creators and deserve more exposure.
I just wish it didn't look like you have a Gameboy strapped to your gun
That's what you chose to complain about?
@@picklerick9578 yes
Agreed. Looks like a kids toy….no tnx
@@nancymartinez9123 maybe some rattlecan could help
Awesome video man! Thanks for exposing all of us to this new product. I’ll definitely try to order one on their next drop!
One of the things I REALLY like about Phantom Hill's products is that the IR laser is directly in line above the bore, that greatly improves its utility with not having to factor in any weird side to side offset.
Yeah way easier to zero and shoot with it that way.
I always run the ir laser parallel to the barrel, and just remember that the laser is either an inch to the left or an inch to the right of where my bullets are going. It's not that difficult, and if you zero it to a certain range (such as 50 yards) it isn't very good when you shoot at any other range other than what it was zeroed for. At 100 yards the laser is now way off to one side or the other. Having the laser in the center is absolutely better for sure, but offset ir lasers aren't really a problem either, so it's not really a big deal imo.
@@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 but it still draws a straight line whereas bullets drop. Centerline above bore works best because you can zero it just like a rifle and have a close zero and far zero, and then hold over for farther shots.
@@Kross8761 it's the same principle with it offset to the left or right, so long as it's running parallel to the barrel. The only difference is it's an inch off on the windage depending which side the ir laser is on. It's not even enough difference to make a difference unless you're shooting a really small target at extreme distances. I absolutely agree that being centernis better, but that also means you need to put buis behind the ir laser, shortening your sight radius as well. I don't see a hige benefit either way, as they both have pros and cons.
@@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 I don't run BUIS on my NV gun, they're impossible to use through NV in the first place. There's no downside (for me personally) to running the laser above and center.
I also like being able to not have to account for offset when everything is already 10x harder to see.
Multiple directions of offset just complicate the system unnecessarily. It's the same reason we always mount optics directly in line above the bore: it's objectively the best way to do things with the technology available to us at this time.
Got to play with one of these a few days ago. Probably the most anticipated Laser/IR device for NVG guys since the CTF-1 came out
Did the one you try have the same configuration as this video, and if so, do you agree with everything said?
@@not_sure... the one I tried was configured as pictured in the promotional material (Malkoff/ KIJI). Yeah it's a huge improvement like hop said, the modularity is great especially for the price and best of all it gives you everything in a neat little package saving you rail space. Now if they could throw in a tapeswith port or two? That'd be something otherworldly.
@@BallisticAviation thank you for getting back to me, this helps a lot. By any chance can you compare it to a Dbal-D2? I'm gonna pull the trigger on one or the other buy any input helps.
@@not_sure... I own a DBAL-D2 and If I knew this was coming out I would have just saved upt and bought the CTF-2.
@@BallisticAviation well that pretty much settles it lol. Unfortunately I just found out these are sold out. Seems like I can't fucking win in this nvg game 😭. But seriously, thanks for getting back to me, I would love to ask you many more questions but you've helped me more than enough and I really appreciate it.
So glad to see the review of CTF-2 as early as possible!
You’re without doubt the most underrated channel.
As USUAL Hop, top NOTCH explanations and visuals. Great stuff... i dont have night equip so i dont really look at alot associated equip.. But i now KNOW the Phantom Hill products and the differences between the 1 and the 2...
This is just so close to being a overall great device that would really be better than anything out there. If Phantom Hill incorporated a Gen. 1 REIN head for the white light, added another port in the middle for a visible green laser, used a VCSEL IR Laser module, used an adjustable Z-Bolt Blazer LED for the IR Illuminator, and had extended tailcaps for 18650s, you know how much this would be worth it? The fact that they're used a Direct Metal Laser Sintered Body, the buttons are 100% ambidextrous, and they both use independent batteries, means that this thing should be better than a MAWL.
I'm holding out for an 18650 or dual fuel cell unit. I keep my CR123A cell consumption to a minimum where possible, I like them as disposable backups, but like sticking to rechargeable cells where I can, and trying to keep my NV setup centered around batteries I can recharge from a solar panel and small power bank (AA for PVS-14 & 552 EOTech & 18650 if possible for white light & IR devices).
Do people still use vis lasers?
Same thing the only ir lasers that take 18650 are perst 2 & holosun LE420
FYI if you get a surefire m600AA body the malkoff ex ir250 head will work on the AA body
@@elcidcampeador9629 Seems like it would be an added benefit for night self defense.
So, basically, Perst-2\Perst-Leader, but without vis laser, CR123 powered, modular and for half price or less. Noice.
Wish Zenitco made modular stuff, but I guess durability takes the lead in mil-spec devices. CTF-3 is shaping up to be a direct competitor to Persts, looking forward to your review of it in a year or so :3
Mine just arrived. Love it. Good workable ergos on a
Remember, the U.S has "lost" multiple wars "against godless" heathens who don't use the AR platform. *_cough_*_ _*_cough_*_ AK Supremacy _*_cough_*_ _*_cough_*
How much?
@@ROOSTER333 ...did it cost?
@@ROOSTER333 went to the website, everything is sold out. The ctf2 was 699. Seems reasonable to me.
@@wannabecarguy that's fucking way affordable. I'm not mister 5000 rounds a month so I don't the d bal but this little thing look cool. Will check out. Thanks man
Fantastic, in-depth video as always!
Hop is one of the very few GunTubers that I take their reviews at their word rather than some dude who schills for companies/manufacturers
If only the company still existed lmao
Ok, the CTF2 seems like a really viable option.... the surefire pattern swappable heads is a major plus. $1500 for a kiji head model isn't too bad, much better than most Ir laser illuminator models on the market in that price range.
Finally someone made a laser/light combo with the laser in the center. I get frustrated at all the offset designs out there.
great content. i have a dbal d2 and perst 3, this will probably be my next ir unit
Cat is unimpressed by your night vision capabilities.
He likes to walk around at night to show off his tapetum lucidum
@@Hoplopfheil Dr. Doolittle ova here.
I’d be interested in 3rd gen. With further spread out buttons, a vis laser for zeroing and gas mask shooting. Plus the ability to use 18650 batteries
How does the CTF-2 IR laser compare to the MAWL-C1+ IR laser? The CTF-2 is an attractive option for civilian IR solutions and I like the new modularity.
You're absolutely right about needing more competitors in the market.
Despite the ridiculous cost of the MAWL-C1+, I've been absolutely astounded by its performance.
@@printingwithpeek4897
I'm not asking about IR illuminators.
I'm not asking about the types of switches.
I'm not asking about the housing.
I'm not asking about the batteries.
I'm not asking about what wattage the civilian legal IR lasers are.
I'm not asking about the modularity.
I'm not asking to be sold on the CTF-2 or a comparison of its many features to the MAWL-C1+.
I've already acknowledged some of the CTF-2's many strengths and what makes it attractive to me as a possible alternative to the MAWL-C1+. I've already acknowledged that more competition in this market is a good thing.
I AM genuinely interested in the answer to my one specific question, which is the one thing that your very long reply did NOT actually address:
How does the IR laser emitter on the CTF-2 compare to the IR laser emitter on the MAWL-C1+? I'm looking for a comparison on the dispersion and range between the two devices.
B.E. Meyers did an absolutely amazing job on the projected shape of the laser on the MAWL-C1+ and on the minimal dispersion and maximum range of it. (The visible laser is similarly outstanding and the fact that the two share the same zero is an incredibly convenient feature as well.)
I'm quite happy with the durability, performance, form factor, and usability of the MAWL-C1+ that I already own. I'm less happy about the cost of a second MAWl-C1+ for my second rifle. I can weigh all of the known factors, which have been discussed at length already. There are pros and cons to both platforms. What it's going to come down to for me is the quality of the laser.
(Durability and return to zero on the mount are things that I'll have to evaluate myself.)
I dig it. Might sell one of my low end Holosun lasers for this setup. Just needs a dusting of paint over it honestly
Ranger Wrap vinyl covers. Call them. Stupid reliable wraps.
looks good, will probably try one when they are back in stock. thanks
I hope they make a suppressor and call it the Silent Hill.
Hop you're almost at 100k subscribers dude. That's because your channel kicks ass. Change NOTHING
The only change I'm going to make is my new RAID SHADOW LEGENDS SPONSORSHIP
Hop, you are the only guntuber I would share a beer with, can't wait for you to talk about some random 40 smith and wesson pistol that not even the designers remember anything about
Very nice. I would like for those buttons to be slightly bigger with a bigger gap between them. Love that the caps are customizable
Really wish they would add support for tape switches that would push me over the edge to cop one of these.
How long is your rail
Tape switches are ghey
@@Hoplopfheil 11.75
I believe the CTF-3 may have this option when/if it comes out
You aren't going to have room for a tape switch
Hop is the man. Thank you for what you do.
OK the ability to switch my setup with surefire compat8ble heads is nice, I still think I'd rather have tape switches and being able to program my own options there personally but this looks like an interesting option.
I like quite low power white lights so the option for building something to my specific settings is a really awesome shift.
I've been waiting for this!
*"We The People in America",* all truly appreciate your expertise and your demonstrations of the products that you advocate. Reliability is the only thing that matters in life. If the Sun didn't shine, we all would be dead.
i love how you answered my 2 burning questions last second 😆
I was literally just searching for a review on this yesterday and saw your Gen 1 video
Full power master race but this is a pretty intuitive device...
Now thats a smart design. I like that a lot.
I hope these buttons are just soft covers for the actual switches, not something similar to how calculator buttons are made (PCB contacts and a piece of conductive polymer on the inside of a silicone button dome) and they aren't glued/molded together with a lid.
If that's true, it must be possible to print or better cast a replacement in any color.
I was kind of hoping for a version with the ability to accept a tape switch so I could run it on a riser further back for better weight balance and without having to worry about my lightweight handguard screwing with the zero...I guess I'm gonna have to wait for a CTF3, but if I ever put together some sort of PDW build, this thing will be going on it in a heartbeat
I was hoping if the buttons glowed in the dark that you'd run them over with your truck.
Lmao
The buttons Glowing in the dark would actually be slick. If you really wanted to, you could use Glow-On with a low emitting color.
@@picklerick9578 yeah and then you instantly get spotted
No you don’t get instantly spotted. Nods glow much brigter than few tiny buttons with glow paint on them.
@@tab8k yeah that's why there's the eye cups so that you don't glow
I know someone who owns a IR laser who doesn't even plan to buy night vision goggles, they just saw people recommending one and bought one. They're also the type of person who doesn't train for SHTF situations and overweight, which to be fair I don't either and so am I, I'm also legally disabled so I'm never going to be a badass soldier in my condition. I'm a hobby shooter, but at least my gun loadout reflects the type of shooter I am. I have a red dot because they're easy to use, backup sights for if I forget to change the battery and a flashlight attachment for home defense and that's all I need.
Ok
I'm not even into some of this tactical shit, but honestly Hop does such a good job presenting that I watch anyway.
SO COOL! CANT WAIT TILL THEY ARE BACK IN STOCK
the ir laser always being on with white light seems like it would be a cocnern for force on force or cqb larp training. even if the FDA says its eye safe, an invisible laser is still incredibly dangerous if your pointing it around unknowingly.
You don't carry with a round in the chamber and the safety on.
Try staring into a hyper throw head for long enough to damage your vision
I think I accidentally burned another dude’s eyes with my PEQ-2A in 2002 doing exactly that at the big MOUT site on Fort Bragg. We were doing force-on-force with blanks at night. After we finished that exercise and got the poop the next day, they said something about one of the guys from that Company getting his eyes damaged from someone’s IR laser. This was with the peacetime blue limiters in-place, not even in the wartime mode.
Props to the Hop for the Colt Mag AR9.
I’d love to see a version of this without white light. I like having 2 separate units. Having a max civ legal laser with a modular IR light head would be awesome. Even if it didn’t save cost.
Thanks for all the NV content.
This is a cool upgrade
I just found out that Phantom Hill now goes by CTF Photonics. And, that they plan on releasing the CTF-2 on October 31, 2025.
When is Hop going to upgrade from Subscribestar to Only Fans?
😂😂😂😂
Been trying to swoop one… hopefully next drop! 🤘🏼
User configurable 1 mount system. No lead wires to move or break.
great video. Love your information rich pacing in these videos. Keep it up and thanks!
Good video Hop, my only complaint is you did not pet that stray kitty, who clearly wanted some love (at least on camera.) Keep up the reviews homes, good stuff.
That's Socko, he's my part time cat.
@@Hoplopfheil please tell me you pet him right after the video faded to black.
He gets one of those tubes of cat gogurt three times a week
Why are the buttons green?
Do you know if they glow in the dark and if they don't, why?
The button layout is too busy. I dont want to fire my ir and laser but hit white light instead
Damn bro you're unreasonably pretty. Like i imagine a gun reviewer to be this middle aged dude that you'd find in a pub waiting to regale his entire life story, but you're looking like a straight up full course meal.
There are a few like him out there
Sus bro
Every night I pray to Hop. Hop is love i say. Hop is life. I prayed that Hop would review the CTF2 and Hop is a generous god. Today he delivers the gift of a review. Thank you Hop. Hop is love I say. Hop is life
Love your content Hop. Keep it up. Give TLD something to reach for
I ended up doing a holosun LE221G and kiji 3 with mod dual button for my nvg setup. Working good for me.
I have nothing useful to say and nothing funny to add, so hi I hope whoever views this has at least an average day.
... If they just reduce the power, ... You know you could try just removing a resister with one of a lower Ohlm rating ( be careful or parts with burn out). and you could just get the current up and maybe the power in the device.
Iv had to re-subscribe to multiple channels including yours in the last 2 weeks
Mine gets here tomorrow. Great review. I’ll set mine up the same.
Really tempted to post something stupid so I can be featured on your IG.
Your my favorite tactical bro, I love you big bro
Great info!! Thank you!!
Great review! Thanks
The Dbal d2 is cheaper than $1,400 and has a visible laser and the activation button is on the back so you don’t NEED an activation pad.
Nice review, Hop. Can you check out the US Night Vision Designate IR-V next?
BrassFacts picked one up recently to review.
@@Hoplopfheil Right on, I just got one of those along with a Newcon LAM 3G, with a CTF-2 I'll have the weirdo LAM market cornered.
Thanks for this. i have been looking for somethign reliable in the sub 1K range. Plus researching affordable night vision. There is so much out there it is daunting for a complete amature like myself. 4K just seems crazy expensive but I could be wrong. If i could find suitable NV for ~2K to go with this I would be quite happy.
Depends on what your definition of "suitable" is. I looked through a $2k monocular and a $4k monocular, and after looking through the $4k monocular, I won't accept anything less when I eventually buy mine.
I'm in a similar boat, think I'm gonna go with a pvs14, elbit WP. Might be 3.5k or so but think it will be worth it. If you find a used one from a reliable source it should be a good deal
I like a night vision cat
Finally someone else whom a 16" rifle feels comfortable for
I really like this concept, but I will hold out until they offer one that takes 18350 batteries.
18650 for me
@@BobBob-il2ku That would be great too. The CR123A kinda kills it for me.
Now they need to make a UP-1. (Ultra Poors model 1). Similar all-in-one form factor with just a single SF compatible head for those of us with Pistol/SBR in need of just a top activated white light without a tape switch. Kind of like an OWL but with the SF type head of your choice, or like an Inforce WML that’s actually good.
James Jr out here killing it 🤣 great vid and awesome product
It's already sold out. Back to saving up for a maul.
They restock every week btw
I missed the first week but got it the second. Sign up for their notifications. They've been dropping them on Sunday ~7pm EST.
I'm liking this setup.
I really don't get why this is being relegated to back-up unit status. I get the kiji has slightly wider spill than a D2, but for the form factor and the fact that it has a white light for no extra weight cost, it seems like a top-tier option.
I'll be excited to see the CTF 3 drop though since the only thing that bugs me on initial inspection is that the CTF 2's grey polymer and green buttons look like a 90's video game controller.
"This one is for you serfs."
How'd they know I want an IR laser device that looks inspired by an NES Classic controller?