The Cloud Defensive Rein 2.0 Micro is a compact and reliable weapon-mounted light that strikes a great balance between power, size, and versatility. At just 6.25 ounces and 4.75 inches long, it packs a punch with 1,000 lumens and 95,000 candela. The light is also offered in multiple color variants: black, FDE, OD green, and a clear anodized coating. The many features make it a practical and portable choice for users who need a bright, lightweight option. The battery lasts up to 40 minutes on a full charge, and its rugged build ensures it’s ready when you need it most.
The updated pressure switch is intuitive and streamlined, featuring an on/off button and a momentary-on button. It mounts securely to a 1913 Picatinny rail with two lugs to prevent slipping, and the wire management system built into the rail attachment points helps keep cables neat. The buttons are well thought-out, with raised fences to prevent accidental activation and a raised logo on the on/off button provides tactile feedback. The buttons themselves are balanced. They are firm enough to avoid accidental activation but still responsive. Plus, the tail cap button and pressure switch are independently wired, ensuring redundancy if one of the switches should fail. My personal light came with a gen 2 pressure pad and a 1913 mount, but newer versions have an updated pressure switch and can come with M-LOK mounts. The light's beam pattern offer high concentration in the center with adequate lighting around the center to maintain situational awareness down range. The tight and concentrated beam pattern can also aid in close range index shooting.
That said, the gen 2 pressure switch isn’t perfect. When wires run through the wire management system built into the rail attachment points, they create too much bulk between the pad and the rail. This means the pressure switch can be forcefully removed from the rail with enough pressure. The pad is somewhat bulky and the buttons are fairly small, which can be tricky to activate, especially if you’re wearing gloves. The most practical mounting positions are on the 11, 12, or 1 o'clock rails, as these ensure the buttons remain accessible. For setups that don’t allow for placement at these positions, the combination of smaller buttons, raised fences, and the need for firm pressure may hinder usability, particularly for users wearing gloves. The wire management system may bend the wires around the 1913 rail at sharp angles, causing damage to the insulating rubber over the wires.
The reliance on a rechargeable battery is a double-edged sword. It’s convenient for casual users who can charge it regularly, but it’s less ideal for duty or extended use. Users who desire to carry the light for duty will need to carry spare rechargeable batteries or regularly charge the battery in order to avoid being caught unprepared.
Despite its limitations, the Rein 2.0 Micro excels in power, compactness, and adaptability. Its robust design and thoughtful features make it a solid choice for home defense and casual use. However, its reliance on rechargeable batteries and pressure switch constraints mean it is not an ideal fit for duty or military applications. Regardless, it is a strong, reliable option that gets the job done.
Pros
Size
Weight
High output
Wire management
Redundancy
Sturdy pressure pad
Beam pattern
Cons
Reliance on rechargeable battery
Bulky pressure pad
Pressure pad can be forcefully removed
Pressure pad doesn't work well in certain positions
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