History of Modlite Systems
Modlite Systems based in the United States was created to deal with an industry wide desire to tackle equipment that existed on the market but which did not suit Military or Law Enforcement requirements fully. The company focussed on designing, re-designing, manufacturing and releasing a wide range of interoperable parts that could in effect be used immediately by customers for the main torch and laser systems operated by modern users.
For more info - visit the Modlite Systems website.
Why the ModLite ModButton Lite?
I've been using my TM HK416D with a number of tactical accessories, red dot / holosight, PEQ15 (which I've reviewed here - PEQ-15 ATPIAL) and Surefire M300V (which I've reviewed here - Surefire M300V), for a couple of years, but having used it in a multitude of environments and weather conditions I was looking for some new accessories to help add functionality to my existing kit. Running a PEQ15 & torch combination is extremely useful in a number of settings, especially urban, but I have always ditched the original pressure pads as being too big, bulky and finding that there is nowhere comfortable for me to secure them to the handguard within reach that doesn't involved tape, glue or cable ties. I began researching a huge variety of push to enable buttons from a ton of manufacturers; Modlite, Axon, Maglite etc and after reading reviews across the board I honed in on the Modlite ModButton Lites (MBL). Again after watching many review videos and reading a range of blogs highlighting the pros and cons I decided to go for the single Modlite Modbutton buttons instead of the dual buttons on offer. Whilst the MBL offered momentary light up activation instead of constant, that to me wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Product details
Herein lies the product description from the website;
Modlite Modbutton button (Surefire & Laser)
ModButton Lite is a smaller lighter weight cousin to the original ModButton. The switch features the same momentary only activation as the original ModButton. It also features the same high power cable and switch from ModButton but in a slightly smaller package without the integrated mount. The switch is made from injection molded plastic and fully potted to provide extra degree of protection in harsh environments and ensures a durable long lasting switch.
ModButton Lite utilizes a patented Unity Tactical design which supports power delivery needed by the next generation of high output weapon lights like Modlite. A Unity built Surefire® compatible cable lead allows ModButton Lite to be backwardly compatible with all Surefire®, Arisaka and Modlite Scout bodies as well as Surefire UE and DS00 tail caps. If constant on is a requirement we recommend using a SF DS00 tail cap which can be found here.
One problem that exists today is older legacy switches are not able to pass the current needed to run current and future generation lights. These older switch designs do not allow Modlite light heads to run at full power. Typically these switches reduce output by 15-20%. ModButton Lite utilizes an updated plug design as well as improved electronics that allow the ModButton Lite to output at full power so all the lumens and candela can be put to good use.
The package includes the switch PIC mounting rails and mounting hardware only no tail cap is supplied. We recommend the Surefire UE or DS00 tailcap which can be found here. Additionally an adapter is also available for MLOK rails here.
Install torque for rail grabber bolts is 5 Inch-lbs.
Made in the USA
Weight: 1.8oz Dimensions: 1.0 × 3.8 × 5.7 in Mounting Side: Left or Right Color: Black or Tan
Packaging exteriors
The Surefire MBL is packaged within a thin plastic bag. The front has the product name, model, barcode and other general information on it. The rear of the bag is transparent.
The ATPIAL MBL is packaged within an identical thin plastic bag apart from the product information.
Components
The bags contained the MBL which can be broken down into 5 component parts; cable & fitting, pressure button, 2x rail clamps, 2x screws and 3x nuts.
MBL exterior in detail
The MBL can be split into two simplistic parts; button and cable. The button part itself consists of three parts. Main button section featuring a contoured rubberised press button which has the image of a torch on it (this is identical for both the Surefire and Laser MBL), housed within a plastic injection moulded base exterior containing the connection. Aside of the main button section, there are also 2 clamps pieces which fit on the left and right hand side and are used to clamp the MBL onto the weapons platform rails. Both of the clamps are unique and cannot be used on both sides. The non-cable side features the Unity Tactical logo and sunken screw holes whereas the other cable side clamp features a cut out section through which the cable neatly fits into as well as two sunken nut wells into which the nuts are housed.
Measurements
The MBL measures;
Height 2.3 cm
Width 2.9 cm
Length 3 cm
The MBL weighs 30g
The MBL for the Surefire is manufactured by Unity Tactical and the compatible cable ensures that it's compatible with a range of Surefire products using the UE or DS00 tail caps.
The MBL for the Laser is manufactured again by Unity Tactical and the compatible cable ensures that it's compatible with PEQ15, DBAL, BE Meyers MAWL and Wilcox RAIDx lasers.
MBL
The MBL can be split into two simplistic parts; button and cable. The button part itself consists of three parts. Main button section featuring a contoured rubberised press button which has the image of a torch on it, housed within a plastic injection moulded base exterior containing the connection. Aside of the main button section, there are also 2 clamps pieces which fit on the left and right hand side and are used to clamp the MBL onto the weapons platform rails. Both of the clamps are unique and cannot be used on both sides. The non-cable side features the Unity Tactical logo and sunken screw holes whereas the other cable side clamp features a cut out section through which the cable neatly fits into as well as two sunken nut wells into which the nuts are housed. The screws used are 3 cm in length and the nuts are 0.5 cm in width.
The Surefire cable must be fully inserted into the UE or DS500 tailcap until an audible click is heard and the silver collar section of the cable is sitting flush with the rear of the tailcap. An example of where this has not been achieved is in image 1 below, where it feels as though it's fitted correctly but actually isn't. The other images below show the Surefire M300V correctly fitted with a UE tailcap and the MBL when not mounted on Unity Tactical FUSION Light Wind Adapter.
The Laser cable again like the Surefire cable must be fully inserted until an audible click is heard. The images below again illustrate the MBL attached to a PEQ-15 when not mounted on a weapons platform.
Installing the MBL
To install the MBL on your weapons platform, I recommend that this is done over a clean and clear workbench area so as not to lose the screws or nuts. Use a 5/64 allen key to remove the screws and place to one side. Check the PIC (Picatinny) clamps and ensure that the nuts are still located within the sunken holes. Use this opportunity to check the top, side and underside of the MBL itself for any damage or wear and tear. Place the PIC clamp containing the nuts back against the MBL and hold in place. Putting the MBL onto the weapons platform, use this time to accurately place the MBL so that it's comfortable and within reach of your finger / thumb prior to attaching it securely. Once happy with its position, post the screws back into the other PIC clamp part and thread it into place on the MBL. Using the 5/64 allen key tighten the screws. Advice is to keep fingers over the nut side of the PIC clamp so as to not push the nuts out of place when tightening the screw as due to their size they're easily lost (hence why 3 are included in the packets). It's advisable to not over tighten the screws and once they're in place the MBL should not move or wobble.
The below images illustrate when the MBLs are affixed to the TM HK416. Whilst I have not fixed down or threaded the 4.5" cable as some people may do, after extensive use, I've found that they do not get in the way or cause any issues for me personally.
Testing
The Surefire and Laser MBLs have been tested on the range during dusk and hours of darkness as well as in an urban and woodland environment. Pressing the buttons provides only momentary illumination and even when wearing gloves there were no issues. Obviously having the MBLs mounted on the top and right hand side of the rails could potentially cause an issue by accidental activation, however the small pressure / exerted force required by the user to press the button would not likely happen if you run your finger over the button. Having used them over several weeks for several hours there has not been any apparent reduction in 'crispness' of the button and when it's been covered in dirt or out in wet weather, due to it's small design there isn't really anywhere for dirt or water to get caught up, other than under the clamps affixed to the the rails.
Maintenance
Periodic maintenance and cleaning of the MBL should be undertaken to help prolong the products' lifecycle. After a long day on the range, a weekend on exercise or running drills, it's imperative to look after your weapon, your kit and yourself.
The MBL should not be fully submerged in water and the exterior can be cleaned using a dampened cloth to wipe away excess debris and dust if required.
The MBL should be allowed to dry naturally, forced drying in direct sunlight or on a radiator can cause damage.
It is worth checking the button and cable periodically for any signs of wear or tear, particularly on the clamps and where the cable joins the button shell.
Thoughts and opinion
The Modlite Modbuton Lites are expensive, there's no getting around it and no point in trying to hide it. Manufactured by Modlite for Unity Tactical I can promise you that you're getting a rugged, tested and dependable weapons platform accessory that won't let you down when you need it most. In addition to the purchase of the MBL, I also had to purchase the Surefire UE Tailcap for compatibility which was another added cost, but a necessary one. When first looking at the products, it is a lot of money for what appears to be two very small buttons and 4.5" of cable.
Having used both MBLs together and separately on the range and at a number of events, I have not had any issues with them. They've continued to operate as expected in two extremes of weather conditions of 30C+ and non-stop rain for over 8 hours. As expected no issues, and you shouldn't expect anything from the price that's been paid which is obviously gratefully received! Settling on the 4.5" cable was the correct choice as placement on the HK416D on the top rail and side mounted rail when plugged into the Surefire M300V and PEQ-15 meant that there wasn't huge excess of cable requiring to be cable tied down. The ease of adding them on and removing them quickly with the correct allen key was also a plus for me as I was able to swap them from one weapons platform to another fairly quickly and easily. There are other switches / buttons available but sticking with a well respected brand I am confident that these will last a long time and if there were to be any issues, they'd be replaced quickly. The MBLs are another small yet fantastic addition to the TM HK416.
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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.