Xiphos NT Weapon Light w/BlackHawk Level 3 SERPA Holster

[Golfer2000]

I like the serpa holsters and I need a light for my weapon. The only issue is that the only blackhawk level 3 serpa holster that accepts a light, will only accept its Xiphos NT Weapon Light (which they just so happen sell as a package for around $180). So with that in mind does anyone have any input on the Xiphos NT? How terrible is it? Thanks

 

[Mercaptan]

Is there a reason why you can't do a Safariland holster? They make much better holsters and work with Streamlight and SureFire lights.

 

[msloshooter]

One of my partners has the package you are talking about. Serpa holster with the thumb and finger release and the NT light. He has had it for about one year and has no complaints. The light is small compared to the X200, insight, and TLR1. It is probably not as heavy either. In looking at his holster I like the thumb and finger release system, very intuitive and repeatable.

I have a Safariland 6280 on a Ted Blocker drop with a Insight XTI Procyon. It works fine but, I have used the Safariland for about 7 years now. If you like the Serpa go for it.

 

[Golfer2000]

Alright I picked up the combo today for $205 OTD and while its not a great price I hate waiting. So about the light I dont know if I should hate my JetBeam Jet-III M as it boasts 225 lumens and it fails to out perform the 90 lumen rated Xiphos NT. Ive always thought that the JetBeam was a bit weak in the power field but maybe I dont know enough about lights to see the difference of 135 lumens. Well at any rate I attempted to get some comparison shots of the Jetbeam and my new Xiphos weapon mounted light. The obvious difference is the Jetbeams warm color (I selected the warm tint) and the blue hue of the Xiphos. I changed up the exposure time on one of the photo sets but all of the settings are identical for each comparison shot. If you have any questions or suggestions let me know.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/10 second ===> 0.1 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# Original Date/Time = 2009:10:28 19:39:36
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 217706/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/10 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 18/1 mm ===> 18 mm
# Image Width = 1024 pixels
# Image Height = 683 pixels
Xiphos:

JetBeam:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/30 second ===> 0.03333 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# Original Date/Time = 2009:10:28 19:40:46
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 321578/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/30 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 18/1 mm ===> 18 mm
# Image Width = 1024 pixels
# Image Height = 683 pixels

Xiphos:

JetBeam:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/30 second ===> 0.03333 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# Original Date/Time = 2009:10:28 19:47:26
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 321578/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/30 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 18/1 mm ===> 18 mm
# Image Width = 1024 pixels
# Image Height = 683 pixels

Xiphos:

JetBeam:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/10 second ===> 0.1 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# Original Date/Time = 2009:10:28 19:48:43
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 217706/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/10 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 18/1 mm ===> 18 mm
# Image Width = 1024 pixels
# Image Height = 683 pixels


Xiphos:

Jetbeam:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Golfer2000]

any comments on the JB output?

 

[Search]

We contacted Blachhawk some time ago and asked if they had considered allowing the holster to fit other lights. They apparently had no choice. The serpa lock uses the trigger guard to lock the gun in and other lights are too wide to allow any gun to be locked in the same fashion.

Blackhawk had to design a light just to make this happen. Either they upgrade to something better or other companies start making lights to the same size requirements.

 

[Golfer2000]

We contacted Blachhawk some time ago and asked if they had considered allowing the holster to fit other lights. They apparently had no choice. The serpa lock uses the trigger guard to lock the gun in and other lights are too wide to allow any gun to be locked in the same fashion.

Blackhawk had to design a light just to make this happen. Either they upgrade to something better or other companies start making lights to the same size requirements.

I wonder if there are any drop ins for it :naughty:

 

[Search]

I wonder if there are any drop ins for it :naughty:

I wish I wouldn't doubt anyone could buy it and send it off to be modded by a reputable CPFer. There are possibilities, I just wouldn't be hopeful any company is going to fullfill our wants any time soon utilizing that holster.

 

[Golfer2000]

I wish I wouldn't doubt anyone could buy it and send it off to be modded by a reputable CPFer. There are possibilities, I just wouldn't be hopeful any company is going to fullfill our wants any time soon utilizing that holster.

Yea thats true but I love the new holster, so much faster on draw and reholster. Can anyone comment on the light output though on the beam comparisons?

 

[viciousGLOCK40]

Old thread I know but, I've used the Xiphos NT and level 3 Serpa for my Glock 23 for 3 years now. I have had the switch on the xiphos act up. I mailed the unit and Blackhawk fixed it for free. It was a problem with the switch. Another gripe I have about the light is that the led is seated off center/crooked. I've put countless rounds through my gun during training with the light attatched since the repair...no problems. I purchased my combo set from opticsplanet for $170 free shipping.