We went back to browse Kickstarter for some projects that could be of interest for airsoft players on or off the airsoft field. We found something that users of the popular GoPro High Definition Action Camera can get as a companion that will be useful in low light conditions. Appropriately called the "Sidekick", it is a lightweight and powerful companion light for the GoPro.
Made by the California-based company Light & Motion, the Sidekick is on Kickstarter with its funding goal already met and still getting more pledges with just 10 days to go before the pleding ends.
With 600 lumens Cree XM-L U2 LED, Sidekick is mounted beside the GoPro to provide illumination in low light or backlit conditions. For airsoft players who do not have some bright and powerful weaponlights but use GoPros in CQB games, having the Sidekick can assist the GoPro have better video capture, rather than suffer through grainier or noisy videos when players enter a dark area. This is most useful in indoor CQB arenas as there are lots of dark spaces and dim lighting in the actual play area.
Another feature is that it can be used underwater of up to 200 feet. Whilst the base model comes with the 600 lumens LED, another model, called the Sidekick Duo that comes with 400 lumens spot beam for navigation. The Sidekick is powered by a USB-chargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery with an LED battery level indicator.
To attach the Sidekick to accompany the GoPro, the existing Mount Bolt is replaced with a longer one that can take on the Sidekick. Another accessory allows and extended arm so you can adjust the Sidekick even more to generate a different light effect or a more convenient position for the user.
It is not as tactical as taclights and weaponlights in airsoft and may need a protector from BBs. You can readily switch off the Sidekick if you need to be stealthy during airsoft games, but you compromise your video quality. So there are tradeoffs when using the Sidekick though some users would rather not care as long as they get better video quality of their airsoft games. Apart from that it can also be a useful head mounted flashlight at night when you need for it night games.
If you're interested in getting a Sidekick, click here to go to the Kickstarter Page. Hurry, as the crowdfunding window is about to close, and you get a Sidekick or Sidekick Duo at a discounted rate before it goes into production and retail.