Pulsating laser vs steady beam, please help

[paulmac]

Please help with some opinions.
I'm in the final stages of deciding on a lasersight.
I'm leaning toward Lasermax.
The one thing that's holding me up is the Lasermax pulsating beam. I've compared it to the steady beam of Crimson Trace at a local store, and I just can't decide.
Please, some experiences/thoughts from those of you who've had both.
Thanks very much

[mygunstoo]

I think it is a matter of personal preference in most cases. The main reason for the pulsating laser is to help locate the beam spot easier without swinging the gun too much.

I would be more concern with the fit of the Crimson Trace or the reliability of the Lasermax inside the gun itself.

When I tried the CT unit at the store, it felt fine. When installed on my pistol at home, I noted that my fingers were not holding the gun past the front strap. It made me very uncomfortable to hold the gun that way. Some holsters will have to be modified to fit the laser module.

On lasermax I am still looking for a more consistent opinion regarding the reliability of the laser inside the gun. Not so much the laser not working but the rod or spring causing a malfunction of the weapon after few shots.

[8541/9999]

The pulsed laser is designed to pulse at 10 pulses per second proven to attract the human eye to it faster than a steady beam . Especially when the human eye goes through physical changes when engaged in high stress situations. It allows you to stay threat focused without the worry of finding your dot when you need it. LaserMax live fires tests its laser designs for many thousands of rounds to make sure it will work for you when you need it to work.

[RayB]

On lasermax I am still looking for a more consistent opinion regarding the reliability of the laser inside the gun. Not so much the laser not working but the rod or spring causing a malfunction of the weapon after few shots.

Check this out... Note links at left:

http://www.commtechreview.net/lawsec/index.html

--Ray

[RayB]

Please help with some opinions.
I'm in the final stages of deciding on a lasersight...

The one thing that's holding me up is the Lasermax pulsating beam. I've compared it to the steady beam of Crimson Trace at a local store, and I just can't decide...


It pulses for the same reason your turn signals do--to stand out and get your immediate attention.

Benefit:

The pulsing beam is easier to pick out on a complex background.

The on/off of the pulsing beam greatly extends battery life. We are still on original batteries from 11/2005 and 02/2006 purchases.

--Ray

[paulmac]

Thanks for the input.
The thing is, I understand the reasoning behind the pulsating beam.
What I'm trying to get from those who've tried both is what do YOU think?
Do you like the pulsating beam?
I've read that it can be distracting.
I noticed when comparing lasermax to crimson trace that the crimson trace beam is brighter.
I know ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
It's just that while I can acknowledge a pulsating beam can attract the eye, a steady beam that is brighter just seems to me to "hold" the target better, if you can understand what I mean.
Thanks again.

[RayB]

I've played with laser pointers and have handled a CT equipped gun. I can use a steady beam just fine, but prefer the pulsing variety for target acquisition.

You said, in part, "It's just that while I can acknowledge a pulsating beam can attract the eye, a steady beam that is brighter just seems to me to "hold" the target better, if you can understand what I mean." That logic eludes me completely. But that's me. :freak:

If this is a bedside gun, and holstering is not an issue, consider the Uni-Max, as it offers both a steady and pulsing beam.

As for brightness and color, the Crimson Trace is a deeper, richer color of red, and a tad brighter appearing. Maybe the dot is bigger?

Conversely, the LaserMax's red-orange beam is plenty bright enough for its intended purpose. Here's (attached) a LaserMax in the full glare of a SureFire X200B, in a fully darkened room; both mounted on a G19.

For daylight applications, you'll want a green laser.

I like the Crimson Trace product for 1911s or revolvers, but not for Glocks.

Good luck with whatever you choose! :wavey:

--Ray

[Mac10]

I have Lasermax in a G30. The pulsing diode grabs my eye even in most daylight conditions. I have played with another brand that had a steady beam and was not drawn to it as quidkly, except for very low light. If I was in a busy scenario with lots of moving bodies, I'd rather have the pulsing unit.

[skip a stone]

Does grip squeeze activate the laser on the Crimson Trace and can this be turned off or easily be disabled when shooting with just fixed sights so the laser doesn't activate when not needed?

[paulmac]

Yes.
Grip squeeze activates the Crimson Trace laser from the rear.
For Glocks, they do not have an on/off switch.
The only way to not have the laser come on is to loosen your grip .

[Stopdropnroll]

I want my target system steady on all of the time. (I cant help but notice that no other laser, red dot or holographic, sighting system for rifle or pistol... flashes)

In my opinion and experience, "Steady on" will help you judge subtle movements and adjustments that you make as a shooter in a critical situations.

SDnR ;)

[skip a stone]

When puting on the crimson trace does removeing the trigger housing pin cause anything to come loose in your gun before replacing it to secure the trace grips?:dunno:

[Dean]

Rock steady. L.E. proven. NOT replacing any of my guns inner workings. Crimson Trace lasergrips.
Accept no substitutes.