New Kid Lighting the Block

Elzetta....not your typical boy named Sue.

There's a new kid on the block. He's smart, tough, and adaptable, and he listens to his customers. And on top of that, he is 100% American. His name is Elzetta.

It only takes a few minutes with Dave Barnett to feel the passion and commitment that he and Brian Marcum bring to the production of high quality tactical flashlights and accessory clamps. Barnett knew that when he opened his own company, it would bear the name of his grandmother, Elzetta Mae Smith. The name is a little unusual, but so is the product.

Since 2007, he and Brian have developed an outstanding product line that would make his grandmother proud. As mechanical engineers, Dave and Brian have chosen to use their interest in guns to design and build tough, practical, and innovative products of real value to the tactical market.
Their first offering was the ZFH 1500 Tactical Light Holder that fits AR-15, M16, and M4 rifles with standard A-frame front sight bases. The ZFH 1500 does not require an expensive rail system, a feature that in itself can save hundreds of dollars. Installation is quick and easy. It requires only the hex wrench (included with the clamp).

Mounting under the front sight (above) means the Elzetta won't prevent your using a gun rack (below). Larry Bailey photo.

In less than five minutes I mounted the clamp and light securely in place under the front sight. The light can be installed or removed quickly by using the thumb nut, which is conveniently slotted to allow the use of any coin for added torque. Many rail-mounted clamps make it difficult to fit the weapon securely and safely into a gun rack. Since the Elzetta design places the accessories under the front sight, there is no problem fitting the weapon in your car, or home gun rack or safe.

Elzetta's philosophy is to design accessories that are adaptable and can be upgraded without buying a whole new clamp. When customers wanted a side sling swivel, the folks at Elzetta developed the ZSS 1500 that attaches directly to the ZFH 1500 by simply replacing two of the short screws with longer ones. They also offer two other low-profile mounts for those who already have or want a rail system.

I am not the first in line to buy new and unproven. I am a skeptic about companies and technologies, especially when it seems technology changes almost daily. But when Elzetta announced the release of their ZFL-M60 tactical light, I bought one of the first in the store. I have not been disappointed. The M60 has the feel of a fine weapon. The grip area is banded with fine knurling that produces outstanding control. The unit is not only functional, but very pleasing to the eye as well. The crenellated bezel is deep and sharp, making it an effective striking weapon of last resort. The inside of the light is as well- or better- engineered. A Malkoff M60 is the light source and features fully potted electronics for an almost indestructible package.

One of the first things I noticed was the lack of heat generated by the 235 lumen lamp, even after it had been on for some time. Elzetta has developed a technique to dissipate the heat through the aluminum body, leaving all parts barely warm to the touch.

In keeping with their philosophy of designing for adaptability, the various parts of the ZFL-M60 are interchangeable and can the upgraded without buying a new light. To change the bezel, tube or tailcap switch, you simply buy the new part. Currently, there are three tail caps available - rotary, click, and high/low. I will be in line for the new pressure tailcap that can be added to an existing light when it is released in October.

The ultimate proof of my faith in a product is when I give it to my daughter. She got the Elzetta, and I kept the comparison brand. Dad will either buy himself a ZFL-M60 or make some really obvious hints for his Christmas stocking.

One word of caution - there are inferior imitations being sold under the Elzetta name. You can make sure you have the real thing by visiting their web site, http://www.elzetta.com, or another reputable dealer.

-- Larry Bailey

Bailey is a regular contributor to The Shooting Wire.