Holosun LS321 vs DBAL I2: Head to Head
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- A more detailed comparison of the Steiner DBAL I2 9007 and the Holosun LS321. These two devices represent the entry level of laser/illuminator units for use with night vision.
0:00 Intro
0:52 Steiner DBAL I2 9007 Details
2:39 Holosun LS321R Details
4:27 Side by Side Comparison
7:44 Performance Comparisons 
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NB: The I2 has an illume high/lase low setting, and a dual low setting. There isn't an illume low/lase high setting. The comparison at 8:05 is showing the I2 in dual low mode.
Good selling point for sure. I'd have bought a mawl if I could have. Opted for the ls321g out of necessity. No complaints. Keep up the good work man! Love the vids.
What switch tape thing is that!?
@@daveh6424 Modbutton Lite
@@Hoplopfheil thank you!
Which one pairs better with the NVM-14 ?
Can't wait to get the Holosun and only ever use the visible laser
Looking badass is what counts!
I like my LS321 but haven't used it a ton. Seems like a pretty well made device.
then you could get the far cheaper vis laser only model. Or don't buy one at all because you'll get that one and I guarantee you'll never use the visible laser because at 30' in the sun you can't see it.
Blasphemy haha
@@Tinker.StudioWho needs to use a laser in the sun?😂
Dude, finally someone made a video detailing what people actually want to know about these units. Thank you
Hop is a diamond in the rough. Only the real hunters of knowledge keep digging for treasure.
Exactly
Hop's reviews are on point.
Spit my coffee out at 4:15
One thing to consider since I think it's a pretty close comparison. (And why I eventually sold my I2 for a holosun).
The I2 is a better performer. But the lack of vis laser means it's much harder to play musical chairs with different rifles. No one wants to be that dude that needs to zero at a night shoot (since it's either cold as shit, or 1130 at night).
Since the I2 was my tertiary laser, I preferred the versatility of being able to hotswap it around (and get 95% towards a zero in my house), thus eventually switching to a laser capable unit.
(For anyone reading, this isn't a excuse to buy a vis/IR pointer only. you need a illuminator).
I've never once zeroed an IR laser with ammo. :)
Why are you playing musical chairs with equipment? You should probably consider selling some stuff off to buy necessary equipment to outfit your primary firearms. P.S. you can just use your red dot in NV mode and aim passively through it to push your laser onto your red dot's zero. It's good enough.
@@skyhop It's certainly an option. And that's how I get close. But I want to confirm via shooting. This all also takes time when I'm out shooting, I'd rather just knock it out when I'm at my local indoor range after im done doing pistol. I'm willing to spend more to get the vis, or in this case. Sacrifice slight performance, for convenience.
Having a laser on every setup is a huge pain in the ass cost wise, and ergonomics wise, not all rifles want a laser 100% of the time. As for my "primary" rifles. They're doing just fine.
@@skyhop The only downside to that is if you have to stretch out farther than your zero you laser will be above and off to the opposite side of the laser. With the red dot, you only have to worry about vertical variation at different distances. With the laser being offset left or right from the centerline of the bore you will see a significant lateral shift in POA/POI. Unless you just match the laser vertically and maintain the lateral offset from the red dot.
What’s your primary laser?
Holosun is kinda based ngl, they just be putting out the stuff we need at the prices we need, now that’s based
Based on what?
@@Halal_Dan ngal, the god of laser device...
I hate that Holosun is a chinese company but I love their products. They're cheap, tough, do exactly what you want and effective
@@Austin-xu1ws that's all fine and dandy until asian manufacturers have to say it out loud
@@Halal_Dan It's a terminology. Urban dictionary that ish.
I've got a combination of Holosun (LS321R, LS221G) and Steiner (OTAL-C, DBAL I2 9007) devices. The benefit to the Holosun is being able to zero with the visible laser. Especially when you have limited access to places where you can shoot at night.
Which do you recommend?
@@maxwelld5832 For the price, I prefer the Holosun. Initially my preference was solely based on being able to zero the device using the visible laser, but I found a video (by Tactical Rifleman, I believe) that discussed the benefits of having both visible and IR available, as the visible laser can serve as a deterrent to an aggressor.
@@LMarshall73 iv been eye ballin the LE221G but idk what light to go with it. Any thoughts?
@@maxwelld5832 With the laser only devices I run either an Inforce WML400 with both visible and IR or a surplus Surefire M952V that can also switch between visible and IR. For the guns with the LS321Rs I run visible light only variants of the Inforce WML or a surplus Surefire M951. Surefires are on my clones (M16A4 and CQBR), Inforce lights are on pretty much every thing else (AK, RDB, etc).
There are a lot of other lights to choose from that I want but haven't tried including the smaller Surefire Scouts, Arisaka, etc.
Great work hop. Love learning about new stuff
I think this video confirms it. Hop is a Vulcan hiding amongst us humans. How long has he been here? Was it his ship that crashed at Roswell? Why hasn't he contacted his people to come rescue him?
This answered alot of questions I had about illuminators, Thanks!
Thank you for all these night vision videos. The details are absurdly greater than some armchair replies on forums. I have invested so much into my own night vision set up and have been searching for a good civilian power laser aiming solution. My use case of airsoft seeks something to work inside 250ft, and splash from fixed full power has caused issues in my play environments. This Holosun unit feels like a good fit, especially now that it's much cheaper at 730USD.
This is for you Handymen and Handywomen. You can get near Military Laser and I R power output by simply removing the Limiter Circuit installed at the Factory. I cannot go into detail without knowing which unit you have but this is pretty basic and easy Electrical work and can be done with tools most people who do DIY at home already have. There is also a Limiter Screw you can mess with but you run the risk of FRYING your device by messing with it so I only recommend removing the Limiter Circuit. 5 to 10 minutes worth of work will give you a device that has almost 90% of what the Military uses. Thumbs-up 👍 so everyone can see 👀 and enjoy Military Grade Equipment for free😉!
I was actually just looking for info in this. I had no confirmation, but had assumed that the output could be increased.
@@SOCMMOB You can do this with most Civilian laser devices sold in the USA. Almost all laser devices sold to the general public are set by Government requirements to a certain limit but pretty much everyone I've worked on can easily be modified to have way more power by simply removing the Limiter. You will find it quick and easy to do. You can practice first on a cheap dollar store laser pointer then you can try doing the same on anything with a laser. The difference in strength is very impressive. But be careful with it after you modify because if you shine your up powered laser in someone's eyes you will blind them permanently. Have fun.
@@ge0arc244 What exactly is involved?
Any info anywhere on how to do this on the ls321r.
@@ge0arc244 Know how to remove the limiter circuit on the LS321g?
Both seemed like great choices for the hipfire accuracy bonus, thank you for helping me decide.
Excellent comparison and I can verify that my LS231G has a piss poor illuminator with a Gen3 PVS14. Happy with everything else about the unit.
I purchased the LS321G. No complaints. Exceeded expectations with my gen3++ nods. Mount and construction is very sturdy. I don't think I could break it. Get cha some!!!
Works with my gen2+1-1=2+1 device
@@Kevin117 haha. You get it.
3+. + Being handpicked with no blems and high specs. Get what you pay for
@@-jimmyjames Where does one obtain such a thing (hand picked for best specs?)
@@KyleJohnsonVA I had luck with nvdevices. They treated me very well. And locked me on a price for more. 10 yr warranty. Money talks as usual. Buy once cry once. I ordered mine June of 2020 and received in a few weeks. Spec, date assembly and QC sheets included. Etc.
Holosun if you’re reading any of these comments please make a Laser with an led illuminator to compete with the d2.
>5mW illuminators aren’t cutting it nowadays.
Or better yet, make a VCSEL illuminator device 1/3 the price of the MAWL
I've been pestering both them and Atibal on IG for this exact thing. Hopefully it happens. The weight of the D2 is a big turnoff.
Seeing as Holosun is a Chinese company, why don’t they just sell full power lasers? The FDA regulates lasers via the sellers not owners. If they can’t prosecute/intimidate the company selling it, they can’t do much (at least right now).
Apparently they were listening - the IRIS with a VCSEL illuminator is supposed to come out this year.
Hat chart at the beginning showing vis vs ir features is the most helpful thing ever
Bru I always appreciate your content!
Really appreciate you Hop, many thanks!
I’d love to have a Steiner if I was confident in its quality. I’ve never owned one personally but I see horror stories on them all the time in the NV forums and FB groups. Not that the Holosun would be my first choice but at that price I think I would want something that’s going to work every time. Doesn’t matter if the illuminator or laser is stronger on one of that one decides to cut out or blink off or just crap out completely. If that happens in a bad scenario one isn’t too worried about if the company will make it right. They are worried about what’s about to happen in the next 30 seconds. I think I’d have to go with the Holosun out of the two. Maybe one day Steiner will put out a more quality product cause like everyone I’d love to support a company manufacturing in America. I hope they do cause if the durability wasn’t an issue I’d definitely pick it
Cool to see videos in my backyard. For some reason I thought you were more north, but I feel like I've seen you make videos north of Washougal.
You can mount a unity micro hub to the bottom of the Steiner which makes it sit lower. It can also mount a light off the side, making it a nice compact package.
I like how you don't mess around. Right to the point.
I’m here for editor hop
Dog bless.
Bless you too hop for making awesome content
Great review!
Excellent review. Clear and concise.
DBAL-i2 can also take the Railscales LEAF, so you can have a BUIS option.
For my money, I would go with the Steiner option, for the ability to have the LEAF back up irons.
Great video, keep up the good work. 👍
@@Tinker.Studio not really. Everyone has their preferences. The LEAF is super convenient and I agree.
Funny enough, it was using a Holosun unit that persuaded me to buy a DBAL A3, and I've never regretted it.
Nice comparison Hop!
I’ve got a DBAL-A3 with IR/Green Vis and IR illuminator (model 9009), it’s good kit. I do miss the old school PEQ-15 plastic brick. Cross the beams and that thing is a retina frying sob.
I love the Mawl-DA the only thing is the laser is slaved to the illuminator which sometimes I wish could be adjusted separately...
Love your channel. Great content.
Thank you for the review
321 is probably a good sight for airsoft, ill be getting one soon
Really good detailed comparison. I’m gonna go with the Holosun. I don’t plan on shooting my 11.5 past a hundred yards.
EXCELLENT REVIEW!..........
Thank you for the video.
Hey now, with Mt Hood all things are possible!
Also, I need to go hiking again soon
3:06 this is the ideal laser setup
🤣
I will say in the army, all the guys prefer the dbal over the peq15. That being said, il prob buy a holosun haha
U are a man of the working people
Hey love your videos man. I use all my real steel NVG equipment for Airsoft. I recently had my brand new a3 stolen, what replacement would you recommend. I really was digging the a3 but I really had no hours on it and I didn’t do much research before dropping the 12 hundred to buy it so what ir aiming device would you recommend?
I2
Thanks for the vid, with my primary arms discount and bonus bucks, can get that holosun for like 625.
I have a Perst-3 and a dbal-a3 I think I’m going to pick up a holosun for one of my pcc’s thanks.
Opt for the green. Amazon for 824 as of now
PERST-3 gang
I have had bad luck with steiner products in general. Had a p4xi with a lense come loose inside (apparently it's a documented issue). And I got the r1x which has a lot of fisheye and blue tint. I emailed them and they told me it's "normal". Yeah back in the c-more days, maybe. Their stuff is "cool" but doesn't seem very durable like an upscale UTG basically
I’m watching this video for a refresher before purchase. I saw it earlier and I know damn well i 👍🏻 the vid. But it’s gone now so 👍🏻again
I personally run DBAL on all my presets, when it's not applicable, I use x400 instead.
Larue makes a lower mount for the dbal units: LaRue Tactical Upgrade LT271
Ok I'll bite. What is an IR illuminator?
Edit: Flashlight for NV goggles.
A light that's visible under nods.
@@ChucksSEADnDEAD A light that's only visible under nods technically, after all white light will be super visible too.
IR simply stands for infrared. So an IR Illuminator produces light in the infrared spectrum that is only visible to humans with the use of some type of night optical device like NVGs, aka NODs.
@@jameshealy4594 go cheap way and use a phone 😎
I did have issues with a PEQ-15A (DBAL) and I wasn’t the only one. I thought they were so much cooler than the PEQ-15 because of the compact metal body, but was pretty bummed when it would randomly cut off under recoil. I guess it’s a bootleg way to enforce laser discipline between shots but far from ideal. I really like Holosun’s stuff l, I wish they could fix the illuminator as that seems to be the only real issue. That was a very good video though.
Excellent comparison, thanks!
I thought the LS321 did have an iR illuminator high mode but I must be thinking of the IR laser mode. I decided to go with the Holosun for my night vision setup because I had already spent a ridiculous amount of money for stuff I may never use anyway (it's mostly for shtf/emergency but maybe I'd use it for something else).
I was under the impression that civilian IR illuminators were pretty crap compared to the military versions but it does look like the I2 is superior to the Holosun at least. I also have heard the MAWL is the civilian best illuminator but fuck the price on that, lol.
I think the Holosun will work for me if I ever need it. Seems like a decent product and I'm not unhappy I decided on it.
Oh, and the Holosun's remote plug is standardized (works with other remote switches)?! I thought it was proprietary. I swear more than one person/website said that. Well that's cool! I'm using the included remote switch but it's kinda big, wouldn't mind getting a better one.
I would recommend a better tape switch, but I'd also recommend an i2. You should be able to get an i2 for only about 20 bucks more than an LS321R, to say nothing of the LS321G.
@@Hoplopfheil Really? I didn't realize the I2 was in that price range. Well I kinda wanted the visible laser for zeroing too though (just easier). I might've been looking at the D3 I think though. Looks like the I2 is closer to $75 more than the LS321G I got but yeah fairly similar.
Just not sure it's worth trying to sell my Holosun, taking a loss on the price (even though it's basically never been used, no one's gonna buy it for new price), paying a bit more for I2. Appreciate your info though man.
This was a helpful video. Shopping for an IR setup is more difficult than the actual NV device.
Is that spreadsheet you showed posted online somewhere?
No just something I whipped up for the vid.
Can you do this, but with the Perst 4 also?
I usually run the dbal on my AK so I can get the tac accuracy bonus
Thanks Hop
I’m a simple man. I see a hop review I click snd thumbs up 🇺🇸
🤣🤣🤣👏🏾
If you're going to look at Chinesium LAMs I suggest you guys get your hands on the Laserspeed LS-FL5. Its full power and smokes both the DBAL I2 9007 AND everything Holosun has to offer. There's only a few people that have done side by sides of it so far.
Hop arguing with Hop. Classic.
Full power lazoorrr or bust. Love my fp DBAL A2. Perst 3s are awesome too and easier to find.
at the price some of these units are coming in I think I would rather go with the PERST 3 red laser (around $1220); I understand you said that the laser was significantly more dirty than the other offerings but a neutral density filter plus the better battery placement, vastly better illuminator, and aluminum construction is quite appealing.
Weight, bulk, cost, weird fake momentary. Not the right device for me.
Go for it. It has its downsides but once you get used to the weird switches its a great unit. Just be careful the power level on the ir laser is down right dangerous.
Does the LS321 illuminator clear a FSB? Seems pretty tight in towards centerline.
Unity Tactical has a hub mount that accepts the Dbal with the option of a light wing on one side. But I’m really not convinced it was a good purchase for my application. It does sit lower but obviously much harder to move to another weapon-upper
How much brighter is the low power vs high power laser options on the I2?
It's a fairly significant boost, the low power mode is mostly useful for reducing laser bloom at close range.
What are your thoughts on the DBAL-I2 with
I'm guessing a 1.70 or 1.9 height mount are needed to for an loco to clear ir devices? Running a 1.53 with rmr @ 12. Want to get into ir/NV soon
Think the holosun paired with a z bolt illuminator with the spill diffuser would be a better option?
You mentioned how the Surefire vampire light wasn’t really a good option, but I wonder how it stacks up against Modlite’s IR heads
Modlite is super bright and will wash out civ power lasers.
Could you take a look at the Crimson Trace CMR-301 and the Viridian X5L-RS Gen 3?
8:35 A nice look at M45 in the sky
I'm quite confident that I2 is not completely "made" in the USA; I wouldn't doubt that most of the parts are make "overseas." Nothing is American any more.
Question : which designator is better at locating Atlantic coast raccoons?
Hey, couldn't find a way to DM you. Mentioned it at the end of the video, but would you be interested in reviewing a full power DBAL-A2?
03:41 - HOP: Can you tell me who makes that handguard? [04:43, question answered] Those that are similar to the competition type simple, clean rail (but w/ M-lok) are my fav. BTW, I've been enjoying your NV series; although being a dad of 3 means I'd feel horrendously guilty spending $1k+ on myself. Perhaps one day. Thank you, I like your videos.
ALG defense rail, I believe hop has a video on them.
TomH spending that 1K on something that will secure the safety of you’re family is definitely worth it brother.
Put away a little each month. It ain’t easy but it’s definitely worth it
Sell 3 kidneys
Don't forget that if you like to pair Night Vision Monoculars with Thermal Monoculars or when using thermal you can't see the ir laser with your free eye so you'll have to use a visible laser to aim with your free eye whenever using thermal at night or when you don't have access to night vision at that point a visible laser is the only proper way to aim at night.
Great video. Quick question. I run iron sight on my AR? Will LS321 be blocked by the front sight?
Most likely it will be a bit.
I fucking love your reviews 🤣🤣
You can thank the FDA for limiting us peasants to low power flashlights... I only bought two full power LA5’s to spite the federal government.
informative.
Hop, you aware of any AA or AAA battery IR Laser/Illum combos available.? Trying to keep all my logistics to just those batteries atm. Thanks.
Don't believe there are. There are AA laser-only units but that's about it.
the drain is just too high for those older battery formats to support without a ton of weight, honest advice is to swap whatever you've got that's using them over to CR123s and 18650s, both of which you can get rechargable versions of (only surefire currently makes a reliable CR123 rechargable cell that will stand in for a primary disposable) with the added bonus that both of these more modern battery types have significantly greater power density, so you'll be running longer for less weight carried
CR123 laser unit, CR123 weapon light, and while you're at it you should get a set of binos that use a CR123 as well.
Standardization rules.
@@Hoplopfheil are you planning to review the new Surefire Lithium Phosphate rechargables that are designed to be used in place of primary cells (unlike other RCR123s that are 3.7v) would be curious to see the actual running time and performance, particularly in the klesh/Perst and its affect on visible laser and white light performance (I know you're not a fan of vis lasers, but as I commented on the overall roundup video, I think use case and intended area of use plays a big part)
@@windstormscr3222 Maybe but secondary cells scare the shit out of me.
Gotta get that NVG with mount, and helmet first 🥺😔
You’re not alone.
What light is that on the gun? Looks nice and compact.
@7:06 why so certain the illuminator on the D2 will blow the LE321 illuminator out of the water? Cause the D2 has the beam focus feature? Can't find any LE321 reviews out at the moment.
The LE321 does not exist yet, which is why there aren't any real reviews of it. But it will have a restricted power civilian legal laser based illuminator, whereas the D2 has a much more powerful LED based illuminator.
The disadvantage of the LED based illuminator on the D2 is that it's very bulky, and it will give off a dim red glow to the naked eye.
@@Hoplopfheil I see, thanks. I was erroneously under the assumption the new LE321 had an LED illuminator.
A glass 950nm filter, or Surefire's flip-up IR filters should block most the visible light from the D2. Check out J.W. Ramp's findings if you haven't already seen : www.jwramp.com/news/downrange-infrared-signatures
What tape switch is that. Very cool
Ive had a DBAL-A2 for many years now for Night Hunting, and as soon as i Zeroed it, until this very day its Dead on. I dont use the illuminator cuz i got a StreamLight for that. And my set up is a 300 blk. So i got lucky with mine. Im not Destructive with my stuff. The Army taught me to take care of WeaponsRoom equipment.
Exactly.
Yes but which one does Peacekeeper sell?
I had a chinese i2 that I used for a while because of the lack of a market in the US for eye safe lasers. Aside from the fact that it would burn someone's eyes out it always had a phantom battery drain if you left the rear switch to any position even if you didnt hit the button or pressure pad. Sadly when I was finally issued one the real one had it too. There were a handful of times I would go to deploy the thing and find out the switch had been bumped during transport and the thing was a paperweight. Might as well pop it off and safe the weight. Did they ever fix this?
I've never seen a laser unit that didn't drain in standby and I've never seen a laser that did drain while off.
@@Hoplopfheil back to your statement in another video about plenty of crap built in the states. At least when i order from china i do not have high expectations.
I love my perst 4 green +.
Any chance you'll test the Zenitco made lasr devices?
I have a video comparing several IR devices, including multiple models of Zenitco Perst lasers.
When will we see the recover 20/20 shot under nvg
So you recommend the DBAL i2 over the LS321.
Just wish the perst 3 had a better battery compartment. If the perst 2 didn’t have a white light it would be perfect
just out of curiosity, why would it be perfect *without* white light? Why is having it a negative to you? I would think having both is an advantage no?
@@BringerOfD western white lights have similar/better performance and can be mounted in a way that minimizes shadows cast by your rifle. Most efficient placement for something like PEQs and Perst is 12 o’clock where you still have a semblance of ambidextrous usability with the onboard buttons. Perst 2 at 12 o’clock will run into issues with its white light being blocked by FSPs (especially on AKs) and sits low enough that you’ll get a pretty severe shadow cast by your muzzle especially if you have a suppressor
@@talltale9760 Thanks, So it's not that having the white light is bad, so much as the Perst just doesn't integrate it well.
@@BringerOfD yeah
Can’t find the holosun LE models anywhere!
The reliability issues are a deal breaker for me. I'd rather have a laser with mediocre illumination that works 100% of the time than a laser with a great illuminator that fails when you really need it.
I'm really hoping the Holosun will moot this discussion by having a vcsel illuminator that's in the same ballpark as the Steiners. I hope you'll do a review when that comes out.
Hey hop I just got the ls420g if you'd want to test and review it
1:04 - Why is it not recommended under any circumstance? That might be good info.
no illuminator
Does the holosun have parasitic drain like the dbal? I know my a2 full power, I keep batteries out of it for this reason.
As far as I can tell, none of the laser units I've tested have issues with parasitic drain when they're off, and all of them have drain when left in standby.
The crane plug input on my i2 almost got ripped out on mine as well, really tempted to guerilla glue the fuck out of it just in case.
DBAL 47002 FTW! You know, because I can't afford a RAID-X.
But why is the I2 Visible and IR laser a bad option? If you already had an IR Illuminator wouldn’t it make sense to save money and buy that one?
No, because standalone IR illuminators generally suck, and activating the illuminator and laser at the same time, momentary only, is crucial.
Any news on the PTRs?
Big two part video in the works
So why do u not recommend the dbal i2 with the visible laser?
It doesn't have an illuminator.
@@Hoplopfheil oh so it only has IR laser and vis laser?
@Hoplopfheil, I have something I'd like you try out, is there a way we can get in touch outside of RUclips comments?
You can message me on instagram or discord
@@Hoplopfheil sent, thanks!