Choosing the right weapon light can be challenging with so many options available, but the Armytek Parma C2IR Pro distinguishes itself as a versatile and affordable contender in the night vision accessory market.
Offering a powerful white light output of 1,250 lumens and a beam distance of 320 meters, it provides ample illumination for most tasks. Its standout feature, however, is the infrared (IR) capability, delivering 1.6 watts of invisible light at a 940 nm wavelength—ideal for situations where night vision is used. Whether you need bright white light or covert IR illumination, the Parma C2IR Pro is equipped to handle both.
Parma C2IR Pro Out of the Box
The Parma C2IR Pro comes with everything you need to get started: a high-capacity 18650 Li-Ion battery (3500 mAh), a multifunctional remote switch, mounting adapters for Picatinny/Weaver rails, Velcro tape, and nylon zip ties for securing the remote switch on your weapon. The inclusion of spare parts for switch installation is a thoughtful touch that ensures you’re prepared for just about anything.
Initial Impressions
Opening this felt like a nostalgic throwback to my first white/IR weapon light, the Inforce WMLx. Both lights share a throw lever that controls the output. On the Parma C2IR Pro, pushing the lever forward locks the light to prevent accidental activation. The IR mode is activated when the lever is vertical. Pointing it to the rear switches to white light. Both lights can be triggered by the rear push button or pressure pad.
The housing felt solid and surprisingly low-profile despite the longer body. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard anodized finish, the Parma C2IR Pro is lightweight yet corrosion-resistant. At just 4.6 ounces (without the battery), it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your setup. Its IP68 rating means it’s both waterproof and dustproof, capable of withstanding submersion up to 2 meters, and drops from up to 10 meters. These rugged specs provide confidence that the light can handle tough conditions.
Parma C2IR Pro Controls
Operating the Parma C2IR Pro is straightforward. The rear push button turns it on and off, while a separate lever lets you switch between white and infrared light modes. Both the buttons and lever are large enough to be used easily even with gloves. This is especially useful during cold-weather hunting.
Although not essential, the included pressure pad performs well. I noticed that the constant switch clicks on and off. Whereas the momentary switch doesn’t click but activates with sufficient pressure.
However, I’m not a fan of the pressure pad’s attachment method. Instead of a simple plug, it requires screwing into place. While there’s a cover plate for when the pressure pad is not in use and a seal for using it, this design seems like a potential entry point for water into the system.
Battery
One of the standout features of the Parma C2IR Pro is its battery flexibility. It comes with an 18650 Li-Ion battery, but you can also use two CR123A batteries if needed. This means you’re covered even if you need to swap out batteries in the field. The included battery delivers a decent runtime of nearly two hours for either white or IR light.
Parma C2IR Pro Brightness
The 1,250-lumen output from the white light is quite bright, and the throw distance of 320 meters makes it perfect for long-range visibility. The “High-Intensity” LED helps this flashlight outperform standard LEDs, offering a claimed 1.5 times further throw. It’s a balance of brightness and throw that works well for a variety of scenarios. From mid-range spotting to illuminating your immediate surroundings.
I find that this light pairs great with an LPVO or scope on a rifle. I was able to illuminate objects out to around 300 yards. The beam is tight enough for those magnified setups, yet the spill provides a solid peripheral field of view.
As for the infrared light, it’s invisible to the naked eye utilizing a 940nm wavelength which is only detectible with night vision. Aiming to showcase how it looks through night vision, I took some pictures through my Nocturn Industries Tanto (PVS14).
I also took some comparison shots with the IR illuminator on my DBAL-D2, which, at about ten times the cost, is understandably better. But I thought it’d be helpful to show what a quality IR illuminator can achieve. The C2IR Pro gives a nice, wide flood usable out to around 75 yards, though, unlike the white light, it doesn’t have much throw.
Parma C2IR Pro Durability
The Parma C2IR Pro is designed to handle tough conditions. The body, machined from aluminum with a matte anti-abrasive finish, holds up against rough use. With two reinforced springs to protect the battery and electronics, this flashlight is designed to be resilient against heavy recoil from firearms. It seems very much on par with other weapon lights in this price range.
See Also: The Micro Weapon Light Rundown – Buyers Guide
Conclusion
For those seeking a versatile weapon light with both white and infrared capabilities, the Armytek Parma C2IR Pro is a compelling choice. It brings versatility, durability, and user-friendly controls together in one compact package. With its high-intensity white light, stealthy infrared mode, and user-friendly controls, it’s an affordable dual-function device that can enhance your capabilities.
The Parma C2IR Pro comes in at an MSRP of $139.99, which is well-priced for the level of performance and the ample set of accessories included. For those interested, you can find it at FlashLightGo.com.
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