Monstrum Raider X2

by moondog on August 6, 2023 with No Comments

I recently reviewed the Monstrum Raider X1 weapon light. I got an early look at a prototype at Shot Show 2023. Back then, they didn’t even have a name for it but I was struck by their claim that it could output 2000 lumens. I was eager to test this claim, and thankfully Monstrum came forward and sent me both an X1 and an X2 to evaluate.

Like the X1, the Raider X2 comes in a compact box containing the light and a M-LOK/Picatinny rail. The weapon light is made of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum which feels quite durable and solid. It recharges via a covered USB-C port at the rear of the wedged shaped body.

Unlike the wedge shaped X1, the X2 has a straight lower profile shape. There is a small cut out in the body that allows the light to function as a hand stop, preventing your hand from moving forward which is useful as a safety feature for bullpup or short barreled rifles and shotguns.

An single activation button is located on the left side of the body. A press turns the unit on in its high output mode. Pressing the button cycles the flashlight from high, to low, to off. Keeping the button pressed for 5-6 seconds activates the strobe mode.

In my testing, I measured approximately 1650 lumens; which not as bright as the 2000 claimed. The shortfall may be because new batteries take a few cycles to reach maximum performance? The X1 I tested had a higher 1850 lumen output despite having the same internal components.

The Raider lacks momentary on or mode memory; two features I consider to be vital for a modern weapon light. This control scheme was standard for weapon lights 15 years ago and for those that are used to this scheme may be a selling point but not for me.

What is a selling point is it’s performance and durability. Monstrum states that it has a 60 minute run time on high mode. Fully recharged, my X2 ran for 70 minutes, with a gradual drop in brightness.

The Raider X1 did fail one of my tests: I found the unit did not meet to IPX6 rating it claims. I hit it with a high pressure water hose at various angles for about 15-20 seconds. A few minutes later, I found that moisture beads appeared behind the lens and lifting the silicone charging port cover, I found water weeping out of the port.

I left the unit outside in the sun for a few days to dry it out. After checking the charging port for moisture, I tried charging it up again and it appears to be working normally. While water getting into the unit is failure, it’s recovery from its wet condition may be a positive.