Big Thumbs Up For First-Light USA

[cslinger]

I just received my First-Light Tomahawk MC yesterday (More detailed review to follow) and out of the box had some issues with the light not staying on.

So I sent an email off to First-Light and then decided to call about 15 minutes later. Here is where things got really strange.

I got an actual live human being on the phone to talk to, either that or the best IVR system ever. Seriously this was a real person. It gets better.

This person was actually friendly and personable and actually seemed genuinely concerned and helpful. So at this point I begun to be concerned that I had somehow died probably from some shock to my cardiac system from fiddling with the light because surely no earthly company was like this any more. But it gets better.

This person was actually knowledgeable about the product and talked me through everything I had done and how the light worked. At this point I was sure I was dead but at least happy I went to the good place.

So after hanging up and making sure the light is now working I realized that I was still indeed on planet earth, I made sure I hadn't fallen into some alternative universe, everything was as it should be etc.

Once I was sure I wasn't dead or in an alternative universe I went about my business. I came into work this morning and much to my dread I had an email from First-Light replying to my original request that was replied to in LESS THEN 24 HOURS!!! Somehow I know now that I must be in an alternate universe because nobody provides service like this anymore. Please help bring me home.

At any rate long story short, light works perfectly and, although a little awkward at first due to its small size it is FANTASTIC in what it does. Fit and finish is excellent and my experience with the company was everything it should have been and more.

Based on my experience I would not hesitate to suggest purchasing a First-Light product. Their prices are very competitive for what they are offering.

Sometimes you just have to give credit where credit is due.

Chris

 

[superflytnt]

Wow, it's good to know that there are still a few CS reps out there that actually do their jobs well, they seem to be a dying breed.

I'm glad that they support their lights as well as they do and am still surprised that these excellent little lights aren't mentioned more often here on the forums.

Just out of curiosity, what was the problem with your light?

 

[Dead_Nuts]

That's great news, as my LE version is on the way as we speak (write).

 

[cslinger]

Long story short I would unlock the light and it would function for a few moments and then stop functioning. I changed batteries, removed finger clip, removed clip cleaned contacts etc. still no joy.

What fixed it was I unscrewed the bezel and resat the light engine. (DO THIS VERY VERY CAREFULLY IF AT ALL, it would be relatively easy to tear a wire out etc.) In talking to First-Light they mentioned that they had some early lights that during assembly their workers got a little too liberal with the grease and they had heads working loose. They have since rectified this with using less grease and using a tiny dab of loctite to lock the bezel in place.

It is likely I have an early version as I had no loctite and mine was HEAVILY greased. Once I reseated the light engine all is good.

I have whacked it around a bit, dropped it etc. to make sure everything is good and have experienced no problems since. This really is a great light.

UI takes a little getting used to when switching colors but is not more difficult then an HDS/Novatac and actually a bit easier. One other key for those who don't read directions is that to turn no the white light in constant on mode hold the constant on mode button down. To turn on the colored light click the constant on mode quickly.

My only real complaint and this is nitpicky is switching between color modes requires a lot of clicking to get to the one you want. But for me I will most likely use low red 95% of the time since I don't track many blood trails (luckily) so once it is set there the light remembers until a battery change.

Chris

 

[TMedina]

And the "tactical tap" feature was very well thought out.

-Trevor

 

[cslinger]

And the "tactical tap" feature was very well thought out.

Agree. The light in general is really well thought out. It was designed to address specific needs and does so marvelously.

Chris

 

[SnWnMe]

I ordered one via Individual Testing and Evaluation and yes the lady on the phone (Leslie) was very helpful. She was also the one who answered my emails.

Mine will arrive on Tuesday. I got a gonzo discount! $170 to my front door.:twothumbs