HRT’s  Advanced Weapon Light featuring the Valhalla Tactical Omni-Directional Activator or “ODA” is a relatively new entry to the weapon-mounted light market.  Available in either an 18350 (shorter) or 18650 (longer) battery version, the  LED head advertises a max output of 90,000 candela and 1,700 lumens (raw).  Advanced reflector technology makes for a tight focus at long range and uniform spill for close-range use.   The flashlight body is available in both direct MLOK mount as well as traditional Picatinny and is fully reversible offering unrestricted mounting options for either left- or right-handed shooters.

The Valhalla Tactical Omni-Directional Activator works pretty much the way you’d expect a product named “Omni-Directional Activator” would work.  Pushing the knob in any direction activates the light.  Pushing the knob laterally allows for momentary-only activation.  Pushing the knob in concentric to the light body allows for both momentary and “click” on/off constant activation.

 

The integrated mounting system mounts the light just above (or below) the line of bore on the left or right side of the rifle. The Valhalla Omni-Directional Activator means no wires or pressure-pads. To activate the light, a push in any direction on the black rubber knob turns the light on. The light comes with different sized inserts to adjust the sensitivity. Pushing the knob laterally results in momentary-only activation. Pushing the knob straight in part-way allows for momentary activation. Pushing straight-in all the way allows for “click” constant on/off function. Rotating the oversized rear tail cap 1/4 turn locks the light off.  Depending on your preferred configuration, larger-diameter handguards may make things a bit awkward, as it usually means reaching the thumb over the top of the handguard to activate the light.  Since most modern handguard designs are favoring a slimmer profile, reaching the activation button in this manner shouldn’t be an issue for most shooters.

 

The LED is a bright 5500 kelvin daylight-balanced color temperature for true-to-life color rendition.  The 18350 version (shown here) boasts a 32 minute run-time.

 

COMPARISON of the HRT AWLS with a popular competitor (similarly-sized and priced.) This tree-line is 100 yards away. The HRT beam is on the right.

 

COMPARISON of the HRT AWLS to another popular light at approximately 200 yards. Plenty of light for positive ID. HRT advertises the effective range of this light to be 600 yards… I believe it.

In Summary:

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

By Michael Lake

Writer Michael Lake is a Benefactor Life Member of the National Rifle Association and has been actively involved in a variety shooting activities since 1989. In addition to being a certified range safety officer he holds several NRA instructor ratings and armorer certifications. He has received training from the US Army Marksmanship Unit, the US Marine Corps Rifle Team and some of the finest private training facilities in the nation. In 2013 Michael co-founded Adaptive Defense Concepts, a Northwest Ohio-based Training organization. currently a contractor for the Department of Energy managing safety for the National Homeland Security program in Eastern Idaho, an instructor for Badlands Tactical Training Center, and is an accomplished Freemason.

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