Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 Weapon Light, 1250 lm

The Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 is an exceptionally good rifle-mounted weapon light with both a remote switch and a direct tailcap operation, delivering photons properly to illuminate the target. In the new 3.0 version, the illumination is even better than previous models – with a maximum output of 100,000 candela. Reading this might cause expensive needs, but at least you've been warned.

• Tough and field-serviceable construction
• LCS cable management
• Includes Torrent M-LOK Inline mount
• Compatible with other Scout Light-type mounts
• Includes charger and 18650 rechargeable battery

In the latest REIN 3.0 light, in addition to 18650 batteries, CR123A batteries can also be used, but their performance is not as good. The battery compartment has a screw-in "Battery Jack" sleeve for different length power sources, preventing, among other things, flickering caused by recoil.

Top-tier features

The Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 stands out by being "the same but different" and better in every aspect. The battery compartment features an adjustment sleeve for different length batteries/cells, the light fits Scout mounts (a Torrent M-LOK Inline mount is included), and it has several features that make life and combat easier.

Remote Switch and Cable

You know how the remote switch cable usually exits from the rear of the light and the end of the switch? It requires you to tie things down and it's still a fuss. The REIN 3.0 fixes both issues with the Light Control System.

The cable exits from the bottom of the remote pressure switch into a Picatinny slot and can be routed straight to either side or inside the switch mount to any of the four corners. From any of the corners, the cable can be routed once more through a Picatinny slot (under the mounting screw tab) to the opposite side. To put it short, this allows you to mount the switch either way forward, have your cable exit where you prefer, and minimize excess cable length.

At the tailcap, the cable exits from the side and can be oriented to any direction by choosing one of the four slots and fine-tuning by turning the tailcap. This kills two birds with one stone: the cable runs out of the way and you get to have a traditional tailcap switch as well. The remote switch and tailcap switch are electronically separated so if either fails, the other still works.

The tailcap and logo button are traditional: momentary illumination with a slight press and constant-on with a press to the click. The plain button on the remote switch is momentary only. A strobe function is not included, find another light to use at rave parties.

Beam Pattern

Cloud Defense lights are designed for rifles, so there's plenty of illumination. The new 3.0 also illuminates better at the edges, but in the center, the beam is narrower, directing more light straight ahead to the target in front of the barrel. This creates a longer beam and useful reach with the same lumens:

Lumens (lm) are the unit of luminous flux and indicate the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. This is a comparable value between lights only when the beams are similar. Since there usually isn't a lantern illuminating in all directions and a laser pointer in comparisons, lumens are usually roughly comparable – but not always.

Candela (cd) is the unit of luminous intensity, which means the amount of luminous flux per unit solid angle. The principle is quite simple: when the beam is made narrower, the light is reflected onto a smaller area – brighter light and a longer beam. The most light to the target is achieved by putting many lumens on a narrow beam or just many candelas. Cloud Defensive's solution with REIN 3.0 is a narrower bright beam in the center and a wider, fainter beam around it, which is beneficial for observing and exploring a larger area.

Durable and Serviceable

These lights have been severely abused in tests, probably to the point where the rifle handguard or frame breaks before the light does. At least no battery-powered device you carry with you is likely to beat this in impact resistance and waterproofing.

The bezel ring is made of tool steel and can be unscrewed by hand for lens replacement – although the lens is several millimeters thick and hardly ever breaks.

The 13 cm / 5" remote switch cable stays out of the way, protected from the outset, but it's also made "too durable" just to be safe. And it can be replaced.