Go Light 7950

When we hunters talk about lamps we mainly think in terms of powerful hand-held units used purely for foxing and rabbiting. However, the Go Light is considerably different and for that matter more a general use illumination tool, though not without its uses for the aforementioned varmints.

This is not the first Go Light I have looked at, with the basic design being that of a motor-powered lamp operated by a remote control. This latest model differs by the fact the remote box is now wireless, which I found a vast improvement over the old cable model. The design consists of three areas; the lamp head with replaceable filters; this is permanently attached to the powered section that provides elevation and traverse. This also has a big suction cup on the base for quick mounting to flat surfaces. A separate permanent mounting plate is also supplied that can be screwed to the vehicle (roof usually) which the Go Light slides into and is locked by a large, spring-loaded lug to give a QD facility. Note for added security it’s best if the open end of this plate faces the rear of the vehicle…

Socket To Me…

Power is taken off the vehicle’s electric system via the cigarette lighter socket, or a comparable adaptor. The Radio Ray wireless remote is about the size of a small packet of cigars and runs off 2 x 23A 12V disposable batteries (supplied). Fitting easily into the hand it offers four directional buttons (arrowed) – LEFT, RIGHT, UP and DOWN, an ON/OFF switch and a hi and low speed selector (+/-). The controller can operate the lamp out to around 50-yards away

The Go Light measures 6 x 6 x 8” and is fitted with a folding carry handle plus a 15 foot power cable and is available in dark grey (charcoal) or white. It’s totally waterproof and rated for all applications including marine. It’s made from a hi-impact synthetic called ASA Luran that’s heat, weather and UV resistant. The bulb is a Phillips 12V/65watt that is said to produce 5,000,000 candle power with a quoted, effective range of around 200-yards.

There are three fitting options; an integral rubber suction cup with over-lever, and magnetic and permanent bases. The former being physically screwed to the vehicle, but both allow the Go Light to slide in and lock in position with a QD facility. The suction cup proved strong and stood up to sensible off road use.

All Needs

To be honest the Go Light is not primarily a foxing/rabbit lamp although it does offer that ability. However being powered you do have to get your head around using the remote in concert with your rifle. Instead it’s a versatile and reasonably powerful illumination source that for we shooters can be used for night driving, recovery, anti-poacher duty and general work wherever you need to see what you are doing. There’s also the added advantage that you can leave the vehicle then operate the light from a distance.

On that point the lamp offers just under 360º of rotation though can’t do the whole 360 as it has to move back in the opposite direction should you need traverse the other way. The light gives 140º of elevation/depression in relation to how high it’s mounted.

Speed-wise a full rotation on high (+) takes approximately 8-seconds and on low (-) 12. Once you experience this you see it’s pretty quick, more than enough to track a running animal in the field, once you have perfected your technique. As before I found for shooting chores the remote is best taped to the forend and operated by your supporting hand. In this way you gain a relationship with the light/gun and its direction.

Once understood what I did find useful was its ability in solo lamping. Set up on the bonnet of my Landy with the remote on the forend, there are no wires to get in the way and you don’t have to let go of anything to operate the light. Likewise it can be left trained on a downed animal, so making picking up easier too, or in a pre-selected position where you might expect a fox to appear. Maximum range just scarped in at 200-yards, but the beam was dropping off a little, but good enough to catch eyes and see a shootable shape. The Go Light comes with a snap-on, black, protective lens cover and red, blue and orange filters are optional extras.

Overall this is a practical, versatile, multi-function work light, but you would be unwise to view it purely as a gun lamp as it is not. When compared to say a Cluson or Night Force etc., it does not have as much power and is at least twice as expensive, so definitely a case of swings and roundabouts. The importers also offer an IR version, which can be used in conjunction with night vision optics.

For: Many uses for the outdoors and shooting

Against: This is not a 100% gun light

Verdict: A versatile and practical lighting system

FEATURES:
Wireless remote
Lens cover
QD screw-on base
Integral suction cup mount

PRICE: £220
FILTERS: £5
IR VERSION: £305