InovaTec ThruNite Catapult V2 torch

Last year InovaTec launched their Tiablo A10-G torch, which with its 260-lumen output and 100-yard+ range offered a practical solution for compact, gun-mountable lights. I ended up getting one and have no complaints, but at the CLA I was on their stand and saw the ThruNite Catapult V2. This is not a gun light, aimed as it is more at search & rescue use, but for our needs it has potential.

Down Sizing

Larger than the G10 at 185mm with a 58mm head the V2 weighs 390g and uses a three-piece build (two x 31mm diameter body sections and the head) and is made of hi-strength 7075 aluminium alloy with a hard anodised black finish. The crenelated, stainless steel bezel is removable and the lens is toughened glass. Control is by a tail cap switch with positive ON/OFF and momentary ON functions, plus the unit can be easily switched from high to low power. The reflector is long and angled and uses an LED.
Power uses either 4 x CR123 disposable batteries or twin rechargeables and the switch from High to Low is achieved by rotating the head ¼-turn. Another useful feature is you can run the V2 on just two cells by removing the second body section. This gives less power but in an emergency you can still get some light.
Internally there’s some clever stuff going on with integrated circuits that produce less heat, which is always a concern on designs like this. I can recall one torch many years ago, which after two minutes of use literally got too hot to handle!  The V2 also offers a greater operating temperature range from - 30° C to + 130° C. However, an LED still generates a lot of heat and an automatic overheat shutdown function is incorporated. When the circuit senses temperature in excess of 120° C, it will automatically turn off. When this drops it can be turned on again, which prevents damage and increases working time.

Let There Be Light

In the hand the V2 is big but not that unwieldy, though is probably twice the size of the A10-G. Gun-mounted up on the scope body tube with InovaTec’s new adjustable MS1 mount it’s light enough and doesn’t affect handling noticeably. The output intrigued me as it says 1000-emitter lumens, which I assumed was the actual light used for illumination. Research shows that the emitter figure is what is actually produced before the light loses energy by bouncing off the reflector, passing through the lens etc. Some of which is lost as heat. Rule of thumb indicates that the actual output; air side of the lens is about 75%. So taking that would mean the V2 generates a useable 700-lumnes +, which ain’t bad…
Unlike a gun torch the beam is wider with a lot of side spill; sensible given its primary role as a search & rescue tool. In use this translates to a big spread, so useful when searching for shot game. However, effective shooting range is between 150-200-yards depending on conditions. InovaTec are talking about making a proper hunter version with a tighter beam and 1” body. However the V2 is impressive in terms of output and effective range for a bit over £100.

Mount Up!

While you’re here, they also have another new and relevant item - the MS1 gun mount adaptor. This is a simple and effective idea that uses two, polymer split clamps that fit around the torch and scope tubes. These two connect by a thumb screw so allowing the torch section to hinge and the scope mount rotate around and slide along the body so giving infinite adjustment for all situations. This is particularly useful and if you set the tension right it can be instantly adjusted by hand.
The upper clamp is designed to take torches with bodies of 21.4-25.4mm. The lower can handle scope body tubes of 25, 30 and 34mm using a series of inserts. It’s also possible to quickly separate the two by removing the thumb screw to allow hand-held operation. The only thing you have to consider is the height of your rings as the clamps on the MS1 are quite deep. But that’s down to you. Overall a practical and simple design that really works.

For: Powerful and effective
Against: Like to see a hunter version
Verdict: Good general use and hunting torch

PRICE: £114.95