History of One Hundred Concepts
One Hundred Concepts is a small company based out of Tennessee focussing on the development of tactical kit and equipment that provides an edge for customers across the globe. Frustrated with gear and lack of ingenuity, the team are building upon a line of products and striving to make our lives easier through better kit applications.
For more info - visit the One Hundred Concepts website.
Why the LightCap by One Hundred Concepts?
One Hundred Concepts is not a name that I'd come across before and a browse through their catalogue of products was both refreshing and intriguing. I typically run a rifle complete with torch and laser combo along with a red dot or magnified sight. Being at the front end of the rifle the torch bezel and lens are two items that are likely to be impacted through debris when shooting rounds on the range, the torch is used at an airsoft event and ends up being shot out or the lens is cracked or caught on a doorframe causing damage. Working in low light environments and at night in an outdoor environment, the accidental press of a rear button can suddenly cause yourself and team mates to be illuminated by IR light, or worse, white light. This is where the LightCap came in as a product designed to negate accidental light discharge as well as offering a layer of protection to the torch bezel and lens. At a very reasonable price and with a couple of other products in the cart, I checked out and sat waiting for the package to be delivered.
Product details
Herein lies the product description from the website;
One Hundred Concepts - LightCap
The highly reflective head of a weapon light is a glaring hole (literally) in the camouflage system of your rifle. The LightCap is a durable, quiet, low profile, and user serviceable cap that eliminates that reflection and fits a majority of weapon lights on the market.
The LightCap is designed with an integral lever that allows the shooter to flip the LightCap off the bezel of the light for rapid deployment of the white light. The included ranger band allows the LightCap to be retained near the bezel when removed so that it can be quickly placed back over the bezel.
The LightCap also acts as a safety against negligent light discharges that would reveal the user’s position. This is especially important if running night vision and IR laser/illuminators where an unplanned white light discharge could be catastrophic.
Weapon lights are not the only application for LightCap. They can be attached to helmet flashlights or any other rail mounted lighting solution you might need.
The table below breaks down what size LightCap you'd require based upon torch brand and model variant.
Packaging exterior
The LightCap and components were shipped in a typical rugged transparent sealable bag. The only feature on the exterior was the product label detailing the company logo and product name and size.
Components
The LightCap package comes with four components; LightCap, Ranger band (rubber) and 2x 12" shock cords (coyote and black).
LightCap exterior in detail
The LightCap is a single piece moulded item manufactured using black coloured UV-resistant and durable thermoplastic.
Measurements
The LightCap itself measures;
Height 4 cm
Width 4.5 cm
Depth 1 cm
The LightCap by itself weighs 6g
LightCap + shock cord weight 7g
LightCap + cord + band weighs 8g
As mentioned, the LightCap is a single moulded piece with several noticeable features. On the front face of the Light Cap in the centre is the One Hundred Concepts logo. To the left and right hand sides are 2 sunken holes through the entire depth of the LightCap, through which the shock cord is passed and tied, securing the LightCap to the torch. At the bottom of the front face is the large tab used to flip the LightCap off the end of the torch bezel when illumination is required. The large size of this ensures that it can be quickly flipped even when wearing thicker gloves.
The rear face of the LightCap features in the centre the letter 'S' denoting the LightCap is the 'small' variant (as required for fitting the Surefire M300V).
The raised edges of the LightCap on the underside ensure that when the torch is sitting flush with the rear face of the LightCap, the LightCap cannot simply come off by accident and requires the user to exert a small amount of force to remove the LightCap from the bezel. The flat head of the bezel and flat nature of the rear face of the LightCap ensure that the LightCap sits flush against the torch bezel.
The coyote 12" shock cord was used to tie off the LightCap and provide the securing method. Dependant on the size of torch used, the shock cord may be wrapped several times around the torch body to ensure that the LightCap remains tightly in place.
The below photos illustrate when the LightCap is engaged and is fitted securely onto a Surefire M300V attached to a Unity Tactical FUSION LightWing Adapter.
The below photos illustrate when the LightCap is not engaged and is fitted securely onto a Surefire M300V attached to a Unity Tactical FUSION LightWing Adapter.
The below photos illustrate the LightCap when engaged and fitted to a Tokyo Marui HK416 via a Unity Tactical FUSION LightWing Adapter used in conjunction with an AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL.
The below photos illustrate the LightCap when not engaged and fitted to a Tokyo Marui HK416 via a Unity Tactical FUSION LightWing Adapter used in conjunction with an AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL.
As it can be seen, when positioning the LightCap on the left hand side of the M300V, when not engaged, the LightCap and shock cord do not interfere / touch the AN/PEQ-15 and remains a separate entity.
I did undertake one small and very cheap modification to the LightCap. When fitted tightly using the shock cord, the torch was still able to be moved around the rear face of the LightCap, which after time may cause slight wear and tear to both the LightCap and the torch bezel. I decided to fit a lightweight foam insert to protect both the LightCap and torch bezel as well as prevent the torch from moving around. The torch bezel was the same diameter as a British 2 pence coin, which when inserted into the LightCap sat neatly central as seen in the fourth image. I then used 2mm black self adhesive foam as a base and drew around the 2p coin whilst adding a few extra millimetres all the way around for a snug fit in the LightCap. Once cut out and the foam adhesive backing cover removed, the foam was inserted and stuck down. This now means that the torch bezel sits against a thin layer of foam instead of thermoplastic and it prevents the LightCap from moving around, with the final product being shown in image nine below.
Maintenance
Maintenance of the LightCap is absolutely minimal.
Use stiff or soft brush to remove excess dirt from the interior and exterior of the LightCap.
Warm water can also be used in conjunction with tougher to remove debris.
Allow LightCap to dry naturally.
Periodically check the shock cord for wear and tear and if required, replace to prevent possible loss of the LightCap when in the field.
Thoughts and opinion
The LightCap by One Hundred Concepts is a simple yet ingenious design that is small, cheap, fit for purpose and ultimately a very useful and lightweight addition to your weapons platform. Not only does it serve the primary purpose of preventing discharge of white or IR light by accident, it also offers a heavy layer of protection to your torch lens from debris, drops and knocks.
Having used the LightCap on the range, it's barely noticeable when fitted and using it with and without gloves on is simple, effective and I've not come across any issues with it so far. For me personally as I use the Surefire M300V which is a short bodied torch, I've not utilised the 3rd component of the package, the Ranger Band as it doesn't neatly fit on the M300V anywhere, but not using it hasn't caused any issues. The M300V also allows the user to change between white light and IR light, even with the LightCap fitted and when changing from one mode to the other, the LightCap can simply be twisted back into position and it remains in place.
If you're after a cheap and lightweight addition to your weapons platform to prevent light discharge and offer protection to your torch lens, then the LightCap is a contender worth looking at, especially as your purchase will be supporting One Hundred Concepts as they continue their journey of development, manufacturing and ingenuity. This is one of two products purchased from One Hundred Concepts and they have a great collection already with a ton more ideas for tactical kit in the pipeline. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.
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Final Note
I am not paid for my blogs by the manufacturers or companies that I purchase my items from. I am not offered freebies to promote a product. These blogs are purely written from my own experience in truth to help advise and inform others who may wish to purchase the items or understand more about them. If I am sent a freebie to review this will be stated at the beginning to make you aware.