Most AR-15s these days are optic-equipped. Red dot, rifle scope, LPVO, whatever. But even so, many ARs also have backup iron sights of some kind. Then there are the irons-only retro guns that seemingly say, “If it was good enough for Grandpa in Vietnam, it’s good enough for me.” However that may be, we are well into the 21st century’s third decade, and it’s time to update things a bit. Introducing the Hi-Viz LiteWave system for your AR-15.
The Hi-Viz LiteWave System
I first encountered Hi-Viz and their products at SHOT Show 2023. I stopped by their booth, looked at their sights on various platforms, and instantly asked to review them. Hi-Viz kindly sent me sight kits for my AR-15, AK-103, Ruger 10/22, and Henry Golden Boy. I’ve already reviewed the Golden Boy sights and the other two are forthcoming.
The LiteWave system revolves around the tritium fiber optic LitePipes, which come in green and red. Each kit contains two LitePipes in each color. I like that about Hi-Viz because, in the past, I’ve had to choose between different colors based on which I think best suits my needs. With Hi-Viz, I get both and try them out myself. I can also swap them out in about a minute if I choose. It’s very simple. Even the kits that require some gunsmithing, which the AR sights do not, feature easily changed LitePipes once they are installed.
The Hi-Viz AR kit comes with the four LitePipes, an AR front sight tool, detent plunger, LitePipe tool, and a small plastic case for the whole thing. There’s even room in the case to store your old AR front sight post if you want. Hi-Viz says their sights are compatible with all types of AR-15 sights. I initially ran them on an A-2 front sight, but recently changed to Magpul MBUS flip-up sights. The Hi-Viz system works great with both.
Installation
The AR-15 sights are a different animal from the Henry, but they are simpler. I was able to install them myself. It’s really as easy as using the included tool to remove your current front sight post, replace it with the Hi-Viz post, and slip in the LitePipe. The Hi-Viz front post is two-pronged. You want to align those along the sight radius. The detent plunger helps you tighten everything up. It only took about five minutes. And the kit, stored in the case, is so small that it takes up almost no room in my range bag. It goes wherever my range supplies go, just in case I need a slight adjustment.
A Big Improvement
The LiteWave system is such a big improvement that it’s almost like having a red dot without using an optic— or green dot in my case. Whatever. They really are that visible. The sights show up equally well in bright daylight or twilight. My eyes are the weakest link when I’m shooting. As I age, it’s gotten tougher to make out traditional front sights against certain backgrounds or in low light. I no longer have that problem with my Hi-Viz-equipped firearms.
When not using an optic, or even looking through my optic, the front LitePipe shows up bright and clear through the rear aperture. We’re always told to focus on the front sight, and I like how it naturally draws my eyes. I pick it up faster and get on target more surely.
Just like the standard AR front sight posts, the Hi-Viz post is adjustable for elevation. It’s a steel part, just like standard sights. Hi-Viz calls it “nearly indestructible.” No cheap plastic here. And the extra LitePipes mean you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging them. And even so, Hi-Viz sells replacement LitePipes. They aren’t expensive.
I’ve found that I shoot more confidently and accurately with the Hi-Viz sights than I did before. As I said, that’s because of my 58-year-old eyes. But even without that particular problem, the LiteWave system is a clear upgrade, especially in low light or shadowy conditions. And if my optic fails for some reason, I’m not downgraded quite so much as I might be otherwise. Like I said, it’s almost like having a green dot, even when I don’t.
I’m Convinced
When I first saw the Hi-Viz sights in Las Vegas, I thought I would like them. Now, after running them on four different firearms, I’m convinced. I have several other firearms for which Hi-Viz makes LiteWave sights. I intend to upgrade every one of them. All my AR rifles and pistols will certainly have them sooner than later.
I know I sound enthusiastic, but that’s alright. I am enthusiastic about these sights. They provide a clear and material improvement to every gun with which I’ve equipped them. They’ve honed my performance a bit and lessened my eye strain. There’s really no downside that I can see. It just seems like a no-brainer. Give Hi-Viz a try. You just might agree.
