Tracer Tri-Star lamping kit

Nowadays, lamping kits continue to benefit from an exercise in miniaturization. Gone are the huge bulky designs and heavy power packs and in come streamlined, super efficient and lighter designs, which are equally effective, yet more practical! Deben Group has been at the forefront of this mini revolution and their latest catalogue includes an array of such offerings.

On test the Tri-Star branded lamping kit from Tracer and this specification is equipped to illuminate out to 200 metres. The name comes from the 3 powerful LED lamps that work together to produce a spot beam. The unit measures a little over 4” long, so is compact and with a high impact synthetic body, it weighs around 6oz; meaning it won’t easily unbalance your rifle.

Supplied as a kit, in a dedicated carry case, the Tri-Star Lite effectively comes complete with everything necessary - lamp unit, mounts, battery pack, cable extension, cabled switch, battery charger, battery strap, and finally carry case.

SETTING UP

Two mounts are supplied for 1” and 30mm body tubes. With the mount clamped to the scope tube, the main unit just slides into place before tightening up the bolt. Fitting is simple and the manufacturers also make it clear that directional integrity is assured, with no beam alignment and extra focusing needed.

Charging the small 3.7volt Lithium battery pack takes around 8-12 hours dependent upon usage, whilst a clever safety feature means the battery cannot be overcharged. Recharge times were quicker than stated, but residual power levels obviously dictate this aspect. As for battery life, it can be recharged around 300 times to 70% capacity, which sounds good to me. This is accomplished via a push-fit connector into the charger, which then connects straight to the lamp unit once ready. Simple stuff!

In keeping with many lamping outfits, a cabled ON/OFF switch can be stuck to the rifle as desired, for convenient activation. I fixed the switch to the right hand side on my test rig, which was perfect for me - just using my trigger finger; but plenty of curly cable exists for it to be neatly fore-end mounted if preferred. Once connected, simply drop the battery into an open pocket, or feed it onto a belt. Again, the battery is so light, everything just feels super slick and highly portable. Alternatively, use the Velcro strap provided, and fix it to the rifle, plenty of options then!

Two output levels are available, by toggling the switch on the rear of the unit. High power lasts for around four hours, whilst the lower brightness level lasts for eight.

TAKE TO THE HILLS

Performance is astonishing and with 1200 lumens at your disposal, brightness belies its size for sure. Billed as capable up to 200metres, my outings easily bore this out, with incredible illumination on top power from the high intensity LED’s, at the click of a switch. If you like a filtered light then flip-up units are available as extras.