If you frequently shoot a firearm with a weapon light attached, you’ve likely encountered a frustrating issue: carbon buildup from the muzzle blast that gradually clouds the lens. This carbon buildup can begin to affect the lens after shooting as little as a box of ammo, significantly reducing the lumen output of the weapon light.
Even a thin layer of carbon can create a “shadowing” effect, diminishing the beam strength of your weapon light. In high-volume shooting scenarios, where carbon buildup becomes more substantial, even powerful high-lumen or high-candela lights can become practically useless. This is why having a tactical light lens protector is crucial for maintaining clarity and function.
While carbon buildup might go unnoticed during daylight training, it becomes glaringly obvious in low-light situations or nighttime conditions. Cleaning carbon buildup from your lens can be a tedious and time-consuming process. If not used properly, some lens cleaners may leave residue or streaks, and cheap alternatives can damage the lens coating. DIY fixes like taping the lens or applying gun oil, mineral oil, Vaseline, or even lip balm can attract more carbon than they repel — making matters worse.
Thyrm CLENS: A Smart Solution for Lens Protection
Thyrm, LLC, an American, family-owned business and innovator in tactical and wilderness products, offers a simple and practical solution: CLENS lens protector. Developed in collaboration with Aaron Cowan of Sage Dynamics, Thyrm CLENS is a revolutionary tactical light lens protector designed to address the issue of carbon buildup. It’s the best solution I’ve found. Although it was first introduced in 2017, many shooters are still unfamiliar with it.
CLENS originated from low-light training sessions at Sage Dynamics. According to Aaron Cowan, founder and lead instructor at Sage Dynamics, “We noticed the degradation of light output as students progressed in low-light classes. They often struggled to get the light’s lens clean, and that process took them out of the class for a period of time. We knew that this was the answer.”
CLENS is a heat-resistant, clear polymer circular tear-off lens protector designed for weapon lights and tactical flashlights. It functions similarly to tear-off visors and goggle protectors used by off-road racers. When the lens protector becomes fouled with carbon buildup, you simply peel it off and replace it with a new CLENS protector. This eliminates the risk of damaging the lens with abrasive cleaners and provides a cost-effective solution that keeps your light protected and easy to clean.
Performance and Compatibility
CLENS is engineered to be durable and resistant to being blown off by muzzle gases from a muzzle brake. During the prototype phase, various materials and thicknesses were tested to create a design that would remain affixed to the lens through thousands of rounds fired.
The mild adhesive backing on each CLENS has greater adherence to polymer than to glass. This allows for easy attachment and positioning without leaving any residue on clean glass. However, if the lens is dirty or damaged, the adhesive may stick. In such cases, you can use the sticky side of the CLENS to lift any residual adhesive from the lens.
CLENS sheets are available in seven different models to accommodate various lens diameters and popular brands of lights. Thyrm provides a CLENS size chart on its website, detailing the different models and the corresponding count and sizes of CLENS on each sheet. It should be noted that the listed lights on the size chart are those that Thyrm has tested for compatibility, but CLENS® will also fit other similarly sized lenses.
Thyrm CLENS: The Ultimate Fix for Dirty Weapon Lights?
CLENS is a highly effective product that offers a simple solution to a very real problem. Priced between $10.99 and $14.99 for a sheet, CLENS offers a cost-effective way to maintain optimal light performance during extended shooting session. It’s designed and manufactured in the USA.
Sources
Thyrm: Thyrm.com
Sage Dynamics: SageDynamics.org
