Inforce Wild2 WML Review: A Beacon in the Darkness

It can become easy to take the modularity of modern firearms and their surrounding gear, for granted. For example, the idea of choosing between tape or a hose clamp to secure a flashlight to the side of a carbine or rifle was the norm barely a generation ago, and now we have all the advantages of weapon-mounted lights, lasers, where the list we keep isn't about what it will fit on, but what it won't. At the same time, on the micro level, the sheer output of illumination today shines so brightly, that even the early 2000's could be thought of as metaphorical dark ages. The Inforce Wild2 exemplifies this development, with 1,000 lumen output, an aluminum body, and a simple, but secure mounting system.

Inforce Wild2 Features:

HIGH OUTPUT 1000 Lumens
PEAK BEAM INTENSITY 25,000 candela
DISTANCE 1036 feet/316meters  
HIGH RUNTIME 1.5 hours                       
BATTERIES Two 123A included
WEIGHT WITH BATTERIES 4.7 oz/135 g
LENGTH 3.5 in/8.9 cm
BEZEL DIAMETER 1.1 In/2.8cm
SWITCHING Ambidextrous paddles 
FUNCTIONS Constant/Momentary/Strobe
LOCKOUT SYSTEM Paddle Activated
MOUNTING 1913 or Glock universal rail
CONSTRUCTION 6061-T6 aluminum
FINISH MIL-SPEC hard anodize
WATERPROOF Up to 66 feet/20 meters

*This list was lifted directly from Inforce's Website here.

The Inforce Wild2 packs a punch when it comes to light output. So much so that the user needs to take into serious consideration not only their application of the light itself, but their environment as well. The high output immediately shows its value when it cuts through a woodline with ease, or lights up the entirety of a warehouse while still maintaining a blinding beam at its center. These advantages, however, can be turned against the wielder of such a powerful weapon-mounted light.

Upon opening the package, we quickly re-learned the hard way just how bright 1,000 lumens and 25,000 candela really is. This was not the first time we'd seen lights this bright, but on a cold midwestern evening, it's easy to forget. A single flash re-taught a lesson through pain, as every reflective surface immediately acted as a mirror. The blinding sensation faded in a few seconds, but quickly instilled a mental note: be careful when using this.

To those used to a sprawling countryside, the tight living conditions of the city come with mixed feelings. For those who, next to their pocket knife, always carried a flashlight, they soon find out that light acts differently in the hallways, micro-kitchens, and alleyways of the big city. Add the enclosing feeling of skyscrapers and a concrete ceiling, and you get an environment where the illumination of a weapon-mounted light can act as both a distracting tool and a deterrence.

The body of the Inforce Wild2, thankfully, is made of aluminum, which balances weight with strength. On a handgun, it works like a counterweight not uncommon on the crazier side of competition handguns. Further, depending on the length of the barrel, the light will extend past the muzzle, effectively turning the bevel into a striking tool.

Arguably more important than illumination output, the activation of the Inforce Wild2 is streamlined through two sizeable buttons for ambidextrous operation. The lever-like activation switches ‘click' with a muted but tactile engagement. Controls between momentary, constant, and strobe are accomplished much like a morse-code concept. Staccato tapping turns the light on and off, while holding the button keeps the light on so long as the switch is depressed. Activating strobe requires a little more finesse, and is more useful for signaling than blinding. Over time, the buttons do become a little squishy, but not outside of reason.

Fighting your Demons

The biggest drawback for the Inforce Wild2 comes naturally: the battery life. Requiring two 123A batteries isn't outside of the norm, but with such high output they drain noticeably quick. For all but the most esoteric users, this isn't a problem, as the batteries come cheap when bought in bulk, and typically are used for more than just lights. To those in the field this could be a problem if the need arises to change batteries mid-operation.

The Attachment system secures tightly to the firearm, and lacking a locking lever, remains firm so long as you check the tension screw every once and a while. Once attached, it offers no “play” or wobble: the upside of a less-QD style attachment. Fitting on a Glock 19, STI 2011, or APC9K, the Inforce Wild2 felt right at home in the lineup. However, it also meant that in order to change the batteries, the light had to be removed.

Surprisingly ideal for larger frame pistols and PDW-style firearms, the use of the Inforce Wild2 should not be constrained to CCW or duty handguns. In this image: Esstac B&T Double Gap Kywi Pouch, Magpul Sling, Vortex UH-1 Gen 2, HB Industries 9mm Micro Comp, Inforce Wild2, and Toor Knives Jank Shank.

On a handgun, the combination of light-output, weight, and attachment security put the light firmly in the category of optional, if not preferred so long as the user considers their environment. If your house is filled with many more digital screens than old books, those reflecting surfaces might work against you. Brushed stainless steel everywhere? This is the closest to neutral we could replicate.

Red Dots and Iron Sights

The brightness had no effect on shooting with Iron Sights. Red Dots, however, are not all created equal. A Deltapoint Micro needed to be no dimmer that the 3rd brightest option: a noteworthy solar flare when left alone in a dark environment. An older Trijicon RMR needed to be at a reasonable setting of 4, and a Sig Romeo 1 Pro could be used at 4, but 5 felt quite a bit better. When mounted on a PCC or large framed pistol, the Inforce Wild2 required that a Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen 2 sit at roughly halfway through its scale of brightness: within the limits of comfort for dark environments, but on the bleeding edge.

As for Holsters manufacturers that already have options for the Inforce Wild2, look at TXC Holster's Ally, Black Point Tactical, and Tier 1 Concealment's Agis.

Conclusions on the Inforce Wild2

This review of the Inforce Wild2 intentionally took its time when coming to conclusions. The durability of a weapon mounted light can be tested, in one sense, by merely beating it up. Some would even say this is the military way, because we all know that if it can be broken, a private will figure out how. But the Inforce Wild2 needed to undergo a different series of trials: weather, cold, and sustained use.

Over time, the light continued to chug on, illuminating dark space after dark space, whether attached to a firearm or used freehand. The brightness had to be handled with care, but with some time behind the light, it ended up on an APC9K, as a surprisingly beneficial addition to a compact PDW. Reliable in weather, and not afraid of it going anywhere, the Inforce Wild2 has made a point, and it's not subtle about it.

More on Lighting up the Darkness

• Cloud Defense made another splash with the REIN: read it here.
• The Cloud Defensive OWL is made for carbines: check it out.
• DIY Improvements to a Short Barreled Shotgun.

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