REVIEW: SOMOGEAR PEQ-15 IR Laser Illuminator UHP Full Power

Laser boxes are a great tool for shooters using night vision devices because they mark the target. Modern armies have this as standard, for example, the Americans usually use the AN/PEQ-15 in the LA-5 version. People who want to play MilsSim therefore like to have such a dummy - or a functional replica. SOMOGEAR offers something like this, but here the worlds seem to blur a bit because the device is very close to the real box.

Everything comes in a nylon bag, which is a nice gimmick, but somehow substandard. But that's not why we ordered it.

The SOMOGEAR PEQ-15 IR Laser Illuminator UHP Full Power Kit in all its glory. And glory is a true word because it is really a perfect replica - externally. Full power means that it is supposed to be as strong as a military laser. Before any doubts arise, it should be reaffirmed once again: this item is "illegal as fuck" for German citizens.

Let's start from the beginning: Here are the covers for the light and laser openings. The housing material is well done.

Free the laser! So remove the protective caps. Looks like the real thing.

Underside with the mounting for the Picatinny Rail. It works perfectly.

Right side view with a common screw for the two parallel connected IR and visible lasers. The fact that the screw is silver and not black surprises us. But it doesn't matter, in the original it is often covered with duct tape to prevent arbitrary adjustment.

Rear view. The opening for the button is closed with a secure rubber plug.

Two sticker sets (Tan and Black), Allen key, and adjustment tool come with it.

And the button in a Picatinny/M-LOK mount. There are also other replicas with the plug format now.

Who wants to can order "Potted". There the PEQ-15 is additionally cast with resin. An exciting variant to make the laser box somewhat bulletproof. This prevents everything inside from being destroyed by the force impulse, at least not so quickly.

Solid aluminum cover, cleanly crafted battery compartment, the device takes CR123A.

And press the button. Here too the connector is original and not an airsoft clone.

On the bottom right, the different modes can be selected, visible and invisible lasers, plus IR illuminator. The highest levels are secured against unwanted use with blue screws. If these are unscrewed and placed in the placeholders on the left, the box can achieve (almost) military strength.

And clearly stated: this laser power is not a toy. Never shine it into someone's eyes, it blinds them. This laser is dangerous for the eyes.

If you don't use a button, the button in the middle also "fires". Useful when gripping the weapon with a C-clamp.

You can also capture infrared with mobile cameras. The IR illuminator shines around spaciously here.

And here the IR laser shines. Symbolically captured.

Others have also played with the SOMO Box. This is a solid judgment from the USA.

CONCLUSION: Milsim toy or box for real? How long the SOMO PEQ-15 ultimately lasts is an open question. The potting gives it good stability and whoever can play with it and legal to do so: that is the "Poor Mans Laserbox". Allegedly, an NGAL will also be included in the equipment soon.

The SOMOGEAR PEQ-15 IR Laser Illuminator UHP Full Power is available directly from SOMOGEAR for up to $249. PCB potting costs an extra $10.

SOMOGEAR on the Internet

And as a bonus: with a red dot during the day and in sharp shooting.