The King of Budget LAMs? | SMS HFXC

[@4MRRanch]

Thank you guys for watching. This is some initial performance metrics I wanted to get out due to the massive demand. A future video getting deeper into long term reliability will be coming.

[@M_White_VA]

Looking forward to the update!

[@dedum52]

SMS Laser posted on IG that, based on reviews, they've updated the HFXC so you can adjust the power on the IR laser and IR illuminator independently. They also removed the strobe mode and replaced the fire button. Fire button is now double press for constant on, and press and hold for momentary. 18650 battery cap will also be available.

[@4MRRanch]

They’re definitely hustling. Gotta give them kudos for that.

[@KalashmanNC]

Well that just made this thing much better

[@llnaanll]

Is this the next model that will be coming out? If so I'll hold out for that one, i was about to purchase the fde one

[@Gnolomweb]

@@llnaanll I'd also like V2... That's what Hop said to do. Wait for next ver =)

[@roflchopter11]

Sweet! How can we distinguish the new ones from the old?

[@armasight_usa]

We're thrilled to see our Armasight PVS 14 featured in your detailed analysis of budget LAMs. Your thorough approach really showcases the capabilities of the equipment. Thanks for including us in your testing and for the great content you continue to produce!

[@4MRRanch]

I appreciate your mutual support.

[@GreatLoner]

You are the definitive budget LAM reviewer on YT.

[@4MRRanch]

I try to review all price ranges

[@johnym9051]

OMG! 4MR's new video. Time to grab a popcorn and enjoy a show. Thank you for your work. I really love it!

[@4MRRanch]

Hope you like this one, I appreciate the kind words.

[@iHateQwest]

Thank you for getting these on your tench best, I appreciate it

[@4MRRanch]

lol yeah I must have been stroking out or something, when I was editing I was like “wtf” did i just say? But in all seriousness this was filmed after my fever from COVID broke for the first time in 4 days.. so I’ll blame that lol

[@RunningWithSauce]

This man is the Pew Science of Lasers. As a fellow engie (electrical), I appreciate the data and not the conjecture.

[@4MRRanch]

Glad you appreciate my style of reviewing. More to come. Iris testing has started

[@FronkG]

This just might be my first LAM. Waiting for more updates from SMSLaser before pulling the trigger

[@4MRRanch]

Solid starting point. Even as the dubbed “laser king” I started with a somo peq 15 because it’s what I could justify spending at the time when first getting into nv

[@christoperdevore3617]

Not all heroes wear capes. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.

[@4MRRanch]

I’m humbled to feel so appreciated by those who enjoy my videos. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@christoperdevore3617]

@ your videos stay relevant in large part because of the format you chose. It’s heavy on hard data and pretty light on opinion. Even when you deviate from this you base that on real world experience. Stay frosty fellow patriot.

[@nickpetrowski6873]

I just got mine, ran a couple hundred rounds through it, impresses with it for the price. My biggest complaint so far is you have to hold the fire button for too long untill it becomes momentary. They seem to be listening to customer input and are constantly changing and adjusting the units, so hats off too them.

[@4MRRanch]

I noticed that as well. It’s a nuance for sure, but it’s a $250 unit

[@grunzfm]

The version shipping now has a revised fire button. Now it’s momentary mode with a single tap/hold and a permanent mode with a double tap just like we’re used to.

[@nickpetrowski6873]

Sounds like the company is taking feedback seriously and fixing the complaints which is amazing considering they are selling a $250 unit.

[@taylorjackson8464]

Using their included switch makes momentary far easier even for a south paw

[@nickpetrowski6873]

I bought a knock off unity hot button and with that the momentary works properly

[@hebrewhammershooting]

Fantastic review, and I appreciate that you did the power metering (I don't have the gear for this... yet!). Lines up with my impressions of it as well. The turrets and mode selector definitely need some rework in the next hardware version, but I appreciate that they aggressively got on top of the IRL mode power selection problem. Really hard to believe they delivered this much solid functionality at $250!

[@4MRRanch]

I did not expect anywhere near this performance for the price point.

[@yupyup4209]

Another great video from Sean William Scott

[@4MRRanch]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@darthvader906]

Appreciate these, Laser King 👑

[@4MRRanch]

I aim to please (just sometimes with IR devices)

[@Sandmanthesniper]

Great review! As usual keep up the good work i know sms has said that they have made changes already to the fire button and added independent control of the illuminator and laser power levels making it that much better i have one all i can say is it has held zero so far and for the money cant be beat

[@4MRRanch]

Yes, and I’ll be testing that when I get one

[@DirectActionReviews]

Another Great video from the IR/NODS SME! Can't wait to see this HFXC compared to the IRIS!

[@4MRRanch]

Filming it this weekend!

[@bkhix208]

Righteous, nice vid this will work perfectly for my MP5’s

[@4MRRanch]

Should fit the bill

[@64ig6kg0]

I ordered an FDE one and I'm waiting on it.

[@4MRRanch]

Keep us posted on how it does for you

[@psycoguy500]

Good research

[@4MRRanch]

Thanks for watching

[@welderdude1]

"tench best" I caught that. Great channel.

[@nationwidewraps]

I've purchased 2. It's a no-brainer for a budget buy

[@4MRRanch]

I agree; and see why there’s the level of interest there is

[@kelbini]

Thanks for what you do for us..

[@4MRRanch]

Happy to do it

[@vepr12allday12]

Sure the laser is great, but can we talk about those spicy ass PCC reloads at 3:18??

[@4MRRanch]

I appreciate you noticing I actually train in addition to testing lasers lol

[@got556]

Pre ordered an FDE model.

[@4MRRanch]

Let us know what you think of it when you get it!

[@natefields7178]

Where did you get FDE?

[@mjolnirdynamics8789]

TYFYS!

[@josiahb55]

Holosun Iris time! :) give us that quick hustle

[@4MRRanch]

I’ll be getting the IRIS video out asap

[@josiahb55]

@4MRRanch awesome

[@bt1959]

Thanks for the video, good information, the zero shift is a no go for me, but i look forward to a gen 2. I like the features and price.

[@yeredfarias7662]

Peqs and steiners shift too

[@dp5007]

great detailed reviews!

[@4MRRanch]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment.

[@whiskeyactual.]

Congrats on the sponsors man!

[@4MRRanch]

Thank you, they’re helping me with bigger and better videos, and I’m excited for what’s in store.

[@flooid5506]

Boutta put picatinny rails on my roof rack and use 2 of these as ir headlights.

[@4MRRanch]

There’s a thought…

[@addisonkempf649]

i love tench best

[@iamcreedburg9946]

Nice video. Thanks!

[@4MRRanch]

Thanks for watching!

[@coffee_5.56x45]

Finally!! I’ve been telling everyone even people commenting on my video to wait for your review if they are really on the fence because you have the most data driven opinions. I haven’t done specific zero confirmation on mine yet but it seems like it’s still right on, I’d be curious if yours was actually off because of the heat.

[@4MRRanch]

I’ll be revisiting reliability more in depth in a future video. I was a bit rushed to put this out due to all the requests

[@coffee_5.56x45]

@ I hear you! I’m a nobody on KZbin and felt rushed but only because I wanted to get the word out after see the performance on this. Obviously didn’t want to jump the gun if it turned out to be trash but for the money you can’t beat this thing. Are you going to be getting the new version with the updates when they come out?

[@davidmartwick5420]

I'm glad you mentioned the wait time on the invisible sight VCSEL NGAL... I ordered mine last March and am still waiting! Supposedly coming this month but I'm not holding my breath. To be honest I'm a little irritated because that's already way past when I was quoted originally. Actually wondering if I'm getting ripped off at this point.

[@4MRRanch]

I have heard of continued delays, but do hear about people getting them. As much as I like the product, the wait is a deal breaker for me personally and I hope they get it under control

[@davidmartwick5420]

@4MRRanch yeah had i known that would have been a deal breaker for me as well... I like to support the "little guy" but I'm feeling a bit burned at this point. I was really impressed with your initial review so thats what made my decision but its all good. Like I said, hopefully this month lol. 🤞 Semper Fi brother.

[@lorteti]

You have probably ordered the mk4 version. My friends group ISeg order from August already received. And they are ip67 waterproof now.

[@davidmartwick5420]

@lorteti yeah I can't remember exactly. I just know it was the more expensive one that I was able to customize with VCSEL, green laser and Crane port. I emailed the guy a couple months ago and he said something about a bad batch and that he'd get me one in January so who knows at this point. I think I paid about $1100-$1200 ish.

[@meanmarine24]

For the IR laser output, you could put a filter over it to reduce the output power.

[@4MRRanch]

Yes but it may not be as precise of an aiming point then either

[@Dea7hWarran7]

“Is it something you want to put up with…until things finally settle.” How many rounds is that? Out of a sample size of 2, 1 went verticals, the other went horizontal. Who’s to know if that’d be consistent, or it wouldn’t go “off”, faster? That’s my biggest takeaway from the testing. They suffered from inconsistent shift, with no known outcome. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the long-term testing. Keep up the phenomenal work, 4MR.

[@4MRRanch]

I agree. The only reason I’m still comfortable with it is because it wasn’t the diodes walking apart, so I can make tweaks every so often. The vis laser is super bright and easy enough to pick up during the daytime to confirm zero with. If the diodes lose alignment, then the usability is out the window

[@yeredfarias7662]

Peqs and steiners shift zero too

[@carlh4350]

Thank you!!

[@4MRRanch]

You're welcome, I appreciate you watching.

[@billbeam8069]

Good video. I would love one

[@4MRRanch]

Hard to beat for the money thus far. Future testing to be continued.

[@yeredfarias7662]

Pretty good review. If steiners and peqs shift zero, why are people shitting on gl4 and sms? It seems that with all lasers, there is an acceptable amount of shift. Only one ive heard of being close to solid zero is a mawl. Im sure ogl and higher tier lasers hold a tighter zero.

[@hebrewhammershooting]

I didn't think it was an unacceptable level of shift, especially given the barrel getting that hot.

[@4MRRanch]

Even peq 15s need to be realigned from time to time. This is a normal thing to do before going out on a patrol.

[@cameronwashington7650]

@@4MRRanch Facts! we were required to verify our zero weekly, or anytime there was a lot of firing/abuse on the weapons. All lasers lose zero over time.

[@4MRRanch]

@@cameronwashington7650 yep. So I’m not totally bothered by a bit of drift

[@M_White_VA]

I cant wait to see how this holds up to some moisture and regular use. I wonder if it could be potted like the somogear to improve reliability?

[@4MRRanch]

I’m sure it’s potted, but if moisture gets behind the lenses it makes the illumination or lasers undesirable due to being diffused and dirty looking. It’s only IPX4 rated

[@paulbunion1244]

nice

[@4MRRanch]

Thanks for watching.

[@martymcfly6098]

I have a first Gen and it is pretty impressive for the money. I think it was @$130

[@4MRRanch]

I played with the XK68 to represent the budget tiers on my laser comparison. Definitely had strong output

[@StacyTheDude]

I bet it’s the best budget LAM for a 22 .

[@4MRRanch]

I’d say it’s arguable it’s the best under 500 bucks, let alone 250 for platforms larger than 22lr

[@StacyTheDude]

@ yeah I’m gonna go on and get one. No point in not getting one they seem really good for the price and there’s no way a 22. can do anywhere near the repercussive damage that a 9mm or 556 can. I seen on another review that the white light is comparable to some Surefires. The only issue I’ve seen is it being not very watertight when totally submerged, but it still ran with water in it but messed up the IR considerably. I definitely don’t have to worry about that or most people for that matter I baby my guns.

[@roflchopter11]

8:06 my GL4pro does this. Still in the return window and thinking about it.

[@4MRRanch]

I would get it swapped. Not supposed to happen.

[@somefellern]

Thanks for the detailed video. Will the HFXC lasers clear a folded MBUS Pro front sight? Struggling to figure out the height over the rail for the lasers lol

[@4MRRanch]

No, they’re centered over the bore so I don’t think you can run a sight in front. Only downside to centered lasers

[@spoonskill7080]

Kyle, You are a great resource. Ordering the HFXC this week. How long is the current wait? Thanks brother.

[@4MRRanch]

I’ve heard about 15-20 days

[@spoonskill7080]

@4MRRanch Thank you

[@M_White_VA]

Ord 1/16 Dlv 1/22

[@M_White_VA]

18650 cap is listed, not sure how that would effect lead time.

[@spoonskill7080]

@@M_White_VA Thank you brother

[@declineofthewest.]

They need to do away with the white light and put the batty cap up front. If running the pressure switch on top, you have to remove the switch to remove the battery. Nobody cares about a white light in a laser unit anymore. Well done SMS

[@4MRRanch]

It’s actually a fairly decent white light. A 4 in 1 unit is nice for small PCC builds

[@CiviTac]

The only cheapo laser I’ve used that isn’t a complete crap shoot is the somogear NGAL. It’s a crap shoot sometimes but not the majority of the time

[@4MRRanch]

This feels like it’s built better than the clones

[@jerry7663]

Do you believe that this unit can retain zero under the recoil of a 7.62 Tavor and 7.62 AK. I know it's not a data question, but your insight would be appreciated. Keep up the great work!

[@4MRRanch]

It’s supposed to. My 9mm PCC I tested it on is pretty snappy and I did experience drift, so I think you may just need to occasionally adjust from time to time.

[@jerry7663]

@4MRRanch Thanks.

[@UncleDanBand64]

Not bad.

[@4MRRanch]

Agreed. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@spoonskill7080]

I guess the big question here is go with the HFXC or InvisibleSight NGAL? And thank you for the amazing videos.

[@4MRRanch]

Tough call dude to lead times on the IS

[@spoonskill7080]

@ I wanted to ask, and I don't know any other way to contact you... I'm getting the 18650 cap with my HFXC order. Will it take the flat top or button top batteries. Thanks again Kyle.

[@jnazars]

Would you be willing to do a review of the sightmark lopro laser? They sell two different versions. One is a standalone green or red laser. The other is a green/red laser and light combo. It's supposed to be their top of the line laser sights. They're made in Europe and you can pick them up for around $100. I'm never going to buy these 4 in 1 devices. These night vision setups are just too expensive and unless I was a SWAT team member kicking in doors for a living, I just don't see the justification in these 4 in 1 devices but a basic laser light combo device, absolutely. But I don't really want to cough up surefire prices for a laser or laser light combo.

[@4MRRanch]

Sorry, that simply wouldn’t be worth the cost in ammo or time spent on it. The only budget lasers I review are ones I get overwhelming requests to cover.

[@MattB613]

Are you going to do a torture test with this module? I'm curious to see if it'll hold zero after a couple bumps or scrapes. I saw a video from another youtuber where he hit it with a rock (to simulate dropping your weapon, I guess) and it dented the outer casing quite badly, specifically on the outside of the battery compartment. He commented that the battery was "tight," instead of just falling out, when trying to remove it from the device.

[@4MRRanch]

Yes, video 2 will be testing reliability in adverse conditions. This was more focused on performance

[@MattB613]

@ thanks for the reply, I look forward to the video!

[@blancs3030]

I saw you had a thermosight. What model and are you liking it?

[@natepaul5403]

Does the device remember the power setting for each setting? For example can you do full power for the vis laser, switch over to the ir laser and have it dim, then when you go back to vis laser will it still be on full power?

[@4MRRanch]

Yes, it remembers the previous settings for each mode

[@doug1907]

have you made a review of the specprecision is-eg ngal?

[@4MRRanch]

I have reviewed the one from InvisbkeSight directly but not from spec precision

[@natefields7178]

Where did you get FDE?

[@evanhart5537]

Do you think using a black paper/fabric would help minimize bloom on the lasers and help with a more accurate measurements? You could mark it with one of the "metallic" sharpe's.

[@4MRRanch]

Yeah, it’s worth a try. It’s a less reflective surface. I’ll see if it helps

[@evanhart5537]

​@4MRRanch did I miss how far apart the diodes were, and the moa difference at range?

[@tfwwhennofitlitgf3300]

I'd rather have less battery life in exchange for more common battery (18350).

[@4MRRanch]

To each their own. If this currently has 1.5 hours of runtime, a cr123 may yield an hour or less. If it was laser only I wouldn’t be worried, but that’s too short to use as a white light.

[@tfwwhennofitlitgf3300]

@4MRRanch I'm the world's biggest CR123 hater. I'd be fine with the lower capacity of 18350, or moving up in size to 18650.

[@blancs3030]

New tail caps are soon to be out to allow for bigger battery

[@Gist258]

hate itar, when its gonna be launched in Canada?

[@KevinWood44]

Us the HFXC is better than the Invisible Sight??

[@PhuzzPhactor]

Bump

[@yupyup4209]

Bump

[@4MRRanch]

Appreciate you

[@Verlaine_FGC]

Did you use a Class 1 or Full Power LS-M6TR for the LAM comparison?

[@4MRRanch]

Full power

[@johnl-cz2qg]

Let's not do the whole precision grip thing while standing!!! LOL.

[@4MRRanch]

lol yeah I’m starting a bad habit with that grip

[@jnazars]

I have a serious question? You said you're giving away new units but what are your plans for the units you're testing? If you don't want to keep them and you're not planning on doing any destructive testing on them, any chance you might sell them? I live in an urban environment, so I'm never going to use it for long range shooting. So the drift and point of impact shifting issues you mentioned, for home defense/close quarters, it's not going to be an issue at all. If it's only drifting by .8 moa at 500 yards every 250 rounds or so and only requires one click to readjust it, I'm not worried about it. It's a non issue under 25 yards. What are we talking, like a hundredth of an inch at close range or something? Close range/self defense, indoors, absolutely this looks like it is an affordable option.

[@4MRRanch]

I plan to do destructive testing on one, and the other will stay in my inventory for future comparisons. Otherwise, I do sell things from time to time. Also .8 MOA would be a 4 inch shift at 500 yards. This is probably still less variation than the inherent accuracy of a round at 500 yards

[@jnazars]

@4MRRanch ok. Thank you. I am seriously considering buying one. I guess I'll wait for the destructive testing video. But most people always test products by doing things that you would never actually do in real life.

[@MARKSMAN108]

For $250 the only thing I’m concerned with does it hold zero and Is it full power… that’s so fucking cheap for night vision stuff it almost doesn’t matter if it sucks in every other way

[@4MRRanch]

Yeah, has to reasonably hold up and not fall apart, and not have major drifting and it would be good to go with other issues for this money. That said they are already released another updated version to make it even better. They are absolutely hustling lol

[@MARKSMAN108]

@ it’s very impressive but you get what you pay for, for $250 if you couldn’t shoot it in the rain or snow or cold I mean oh well it’s $250 lol I’d work around it because it allows me to equip all of my rifles with night vision capabilities and train which is what matter most

[@ep6727]

Was the M6TR comparison on Low?

[@4MRRanch]

Nope. High

[@ep6727]

@4MRRanch odd, it seems much less bright at 100 than in you couple other videos with it.

[@flavortown3781]

wonder if doing a turret tap would have prevented that shift

[@4MRRanch]

What do you mean by turret tap?

[@nickrichards8329]

Tap on the turret after you get done adjusting it. Supposed to release any tension on it.

[@flavortown3781]

@@4MRRanch tap the adjuster lightly with a casing, it will make the spring readjust itself and move stuff to where it should be. Old scopes have a similar issue to what you described where you'd make your adjustment and it would jam in place, taping it with a shell casing lightly was a good way to have to shoot less to zero, beat up old compm2s on M4s is actually where I learned to do that because they are basically as old as I am and with way more miles

[@daneblackburn2803]

is the vis laser on the lowest setting the same setting as it ships with in the locked out mode?

[@4MRRanch]

Yes, you need to enable the full output to access the green lightsaber lol

[@navarroooooooo]

is this going to be available ouside the US?

[@4MRRanch]

I would imagine it is. It comes from China

[@Sierra_18]

Do you know if I could use a mod lite button with this?

[@4MRRanch]

Yes, it has a crane port

[@theheavydutyamerican807]

Could this handle 308?

[@32Thomasthetrain]

Why on gods green earth would you even ask this question? These devices are for night time usage. Are you running night ops with a shorty .308 under nods? Do you even own nods?

[@nickrichards8329]

IS ngal or this?

[@4MRRanch]

This feels pretty well made. Neither are waterproof. With lead times in mind, I’d go with this.

[@lorteti]

@@4MRRanch The IS ISeg is now updated on his website to ip67 waterproof, which is submersible upto 1m.

[@djfanac]

Pray you dont have an issue with your unit, they wont respond to anything. Thier customer service is non existent.

[@moderngunguy3666]

All of that is within the margin of human error so the test is really no good You didn't really tell if they were shifting or not

[@4MRRanch]

Agreed, that’s why I put the cation that I’m using the laser to aim. I’ll be revisiting this, don’t worry

[@Khaos4order]

How long before we see these used in Ukraine or any other freedom fighter oriented corps.

[@Austrveg]

Ukraine is not a "freedom fighter oriented corps" What the fuck are you talking about haha

[@kevinleben579]

So it looks like the Rovy gl4 will be moving from my 300blk to a pistol and this one will take its place on the 300blk

[@4MRRanch]

Just wait until my GL5 vid drops, then you’re going to move your gl4 again lol

[@kevinleben579]

@4rmrranch about to move it to the trash can, if customer service doesn’t take care of my issue

[@cryptidtacticalauxiliary]

HOLOSUN ANIS….OOOPS…I MEAN IRIS🙈. $900.00. BUY ONCE CRY ONCE!😊

[@gatorhkman]

THANK YOU!

[@4MRRanch]

Happy to help