Shop Cloud Defensive Weapon Lights

Cloud Defensive REIN lights stand out due to their superior candela and lumen ratings, making them the most powerful weapon lights on the market. While lumen rating indicates the total light output, candela (focused light intensity) is truly king for weapon-mounted applications. The REIN combines high values of both metrics, creating a light that's optimized specifically for tactical use rather than administrative purposes, with industry-leading thermal regulation systems and extreme durability.

Installing a Cloud Defensive REIN involves several steps: first, prepare the light by ensuring the battery jack is snug against the battery for optimal performance. Next, decide on the mounting position, avoiding placement directly next to the muzzle device to prevent heat-related power reduction. Then install the light on the mount, adjust the battery cap, and secure it to your firearm using the provided hardware. Finally, set up the pressure pad and manage the cables using the built-in channels for efficient routing.

Cloud Defensive offers advanced cable management through their Light Control System (LCS) with patented Early Exit channels. Users can route the cable in multiple directions: directly out the side towards the light, forward through the cable channel and out the front (common for longer rifles where the light is forward of the switch), or out the back towards the tailcap and wrapped back around through the side plate (ideal for managing excess wire). This flexibility creates the cleanest possible setup and works well for various configurations including SBRs with laser integration.

Yes, it's normal for the REIN to get hot during operation. As the most powerful weapon light on the market, the REIN produces significant heat alongside its intense light output. Cloud Defensive has implemented advanced thermal regulatory systems that allow the light to operate at higher temperatures than competitors. Because weapon lights aren't typically touched directly during normal use, the REIN is designed to run hotter, which enables its superior performance. Similar to a hot suppressor, users should exercise caution and avoid grabbing a hot weapon light.

Cloud Defensive REIN lights feature dual fuel capability. The full-size REIN comes with an 18650 rechargeable lithium battery, while the REIN Micro includes an 18350 battery. Both lights ship with flat-top unprotected batteries for optimal performance. In emergency situations, the full-size REIN can also run on two CR123 batteries, and the REIN Micro can operate with a single CR123. While button-top or protected batteries (including those with built-in USB-C charging) will work, they may result in slightly reduced power output compared to the recommended batteries.

No, Cloud Defensive does not recommend or condone using REIN light heads on MCH handheld light bodies or tails. Due to the advanced thermal and electrical design of the REIN, these light heads are specifically engineered for weapon-mounted applications only. Attempting to use REIN light heads on MCH bodies could lead to performance issues or potential damage to the components, and should be avoided.

While technically a full-size REIN dual fuel head can be used on a REIN Micro dual fuel body, this configuration is not recommended. The Micro head was specifically optimized for the smaller 18350 battery, and using a full-size REIN head on a Micro body will result in less than ideal runtimes. For best performance, it's advisable to maintain the original configuration of each light system as designed by Cloud Defensive.

The optimal mounting position for a Cloud Defensive light depends on your specific setup, but there are important guidelines to follow. Avoid mounting the light directly next to your muzzle device, as the excess heat can cause the light's circuits to step down power temporarily. While the REIN can handle muzzle blast, placing it too close unnecessarily stresses the light. Additionally, never cantilever the mount off the handguard, as this could lead to damage if the rifle is dropped. For positions that extend beyond your handguard, consider using a light bar style mount instead.

Cloud Defensive offers different functionality depending on the light model. The REIN series is designed as a tactical weapon-mounted light with momentary and constant-on capabilities. For administrative use, the Chicro and Chicro XL offer two brightness modes: full output (350 lumens for Chicro, 500 lumens for Chicro XL) and a reduced 10% output mode (approximately 35-50 lumens). These admin lights feature a simple interface where tapping the switch cycles between modes, with both momentary and constant-on functionality available.

Yes, Cloud Defensive stands behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty that covers all their branded lights, including the REIN series and Chicro line. This warranty demonstrates the company's confidence in their product quality and their commitment to customer satisfaction. Should any issues arise with your Cloud Defensive light during normal use, the company will support you with their warranty service.

For Cloud Defensive lights with rechargeable capabilities like the Chicro series, the charging process is straightforward. First, ensure the battery is properly installed with the positive terminal toward the light head and the light is fully assembled. Connect the USB-C cord to the light head, then click the tail cap switch to initiate charging (this step is crucial as the light won't charge without activating the switch). The charge indicator will display a solid red light during charging and turn green when fully charged. Simply unplug the USB-C cable when charging is complete.

Installing a Cloud Defensive REIN requires minimal tools. You'll need a hex key or Allen wrench set to secure the mounting hardware, particularly for M-LOK attachments. Some installations may benefit from a small flathead screwdriver for adjusting components or managing the pressure pad installation. All necessary mounting hardware comes included with the light, including M-LOK screws, nuts, and an inline mount for secure attachment to your firearm.

Cloud Defensive Chicro lights are designed with versatility in mind. These administrative lights feature a reversible pocket clip and light body, allowing users to adapt the light to different carrying and mounting options. By removing and reversing the clip position, users can attach the light to the brim of a hat for hands-free illumination or clip it to various surfaces. This flexibility makes Chicro lights useful in multiple scenarios beyond just pocket carry, enhancing their utility as administrative lighting tools.

The primary differences between the full-size REIN and REIN Micro are size, battery capacity, and runtime. The full-size REIN uses an 18650 battery while the Micro uses the smaller 18350 battery. Both lights deliver exceptional performance, but the full-size version offers longer runtime due to its larger battery capacity. The Micro version provides a more compact and lightweight option for setups where space and weight are critical considerations, while still maintaining impressive output for its size.

Cloud Defensive lights are proudly made in the USA. The company emphasizes this as a key selling point for their products, highlighting their commitment to domestic manufacturing and quality control. This American manufacturing approach allows Cloud Defensive to maintain strict quality standards while supporting the local economy, factors that contribute to the premium positioning and reputation of their weapon light systems.

In weapon lights, both lumens and candela are crucial but serve different purposes. Lumens measure the total light output, while candela measures the focused intensity of the light beam. For weapon applications, candela is particularly important as it determines how far the light will reach and how effectively it will illuminate distant targets. Cloud Defensive emphasizes that while a high lumen count provides good overall illumination, high candela is what truly makes a weapon light effective by projecting usable light at distance. The best weapon lights, like the REIN, combine high values of both metrics.

Yes, Cloud Defensive lights are designed for versatility across different firearms platforms. The REIN series comes with mounting options compatible with various attachment systems, particularly M-LOK. The lights can be installed on rifles, carbines, shotguns, and other firearms with appropriate mounting surfaces. The modular nature of the mounting system allows users to transfer their light between different weapons as needed, making Cloud Defensive lights a versatile addition to any firearm collection.

The battery jack in Cloud Defensive REIN lights ensures optimal electrical contact with the battery, maximizing performance and reliability. It's crucial that the battery jack is snug against the battery for the light to function at its full potential. This design element helps maintain consistent power delivery to the light head while also protecting the internal components from potential damage due to battery movement. Proper adjustment of the battery jack is emphasized in installation instructions as a key step for achieving the advertised performance specifications.

If your Cloud Defensive light isn't functioning correctly, start by checking the battery installation and ensuring the battery jack is snug against the battery. Verify that all connections are secure, including the light head, battery cap, and any pressure switch connections. For rechargeable models, ensure the battery is fully charged. Check that mounting screws haven't loosened during use, which could affect electrical connections. If problems persist, inspect for any debris in the threads or switch mechanisms that might impede proper function. Cloud Defensive's lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects, so contact customer service if troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue.

Cloud Defensive's pressure switch system offers several advantages over competitors. The switches are designed for durability and reliable activation under stress, with thoughtful ergonomics that work well with various grip styles. The integrated cable management system allows for clean, snag-free installation with multiple routing options to accommodate different weapon configurations. The switches mount securely to rails or handguards, maintaining consistent positioning during use. This comprehensive approach to switch design and cable management represents Cloud Defensive's attention to the entire lighting system rather than just the light itself.