Posted: 11/3/2012 4:54:22 PM EDT
I've had multiple handgun lights over the years from the $25 Protac's to the Surefire X400s of the world but I keep coming back to the Streamlight TLR series. They're just great lights for the money. The TLR-1 can be purchased for $90-100 and used for $75-80. Tough to beat that for a C4 LED, 135 lumen light that's durable and instinctive to use. Here are some hits and misses for the TLR-1: Pros: -Durable. I have one of these lights that was smashed pretty hard into the ground during some training and it still works as good as new (evidence of that in the video below). I've also used it on 12ga shotguns, AKs, and ARs without issue -Bright enough to disorient someone if shined in their face (135 lumen) -2.5 hour constant on battery life -Uses 2 CR123 batteries (pretty common these days) -Temporary activation switch as well as a constant on mode -Easily actuated controls -Includes keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90two, S&W 99 and S&W TSW -Comes with a 2 year warranty -Cost. For the quality/performance of this light it's tough to beat at its' price point -Ambidextrous control set Cons: -Weight. It weighs 4.2oz. (this could be a pro or con as it does help reduce muzzle flip when mounted on a handgun) Here's a video running the light on a few guns, some daylight shooting using only the laser on a white background, a demonstration/comparison of the light's luminosity at night time, and some discussion of the pros and cons of the light: 
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I am glad they work for you, but I absolutely despise the TLR lights. I hate the rail attachment method, and think the controls are terrible. I cannot find one single thing they do better, or even as well as, an X300. Hell, I ieven have a couple of older Insight LED lights (SSL-1 and Procyon) that I like far better than a new TLR. Price is its only redeeming factor, and even that is not a huge difference.
That being said, drive on with what works for you. |
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I have the X300 as well and I look at the opposite as you do. It's nice but for the money I just don't see enough difference in brightness to justify doubling the cost (I haven't tried the 500 lumen model yet). But hey, that's why the marketplace exists I suppose––-some people like x, others like y.
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The brightness is the least of my concerns. The user interface, in my opinion, is far superior on the X300, as well as the mounting system. I despise the screw method used on the TLR. Further, I have found no light as robust as Surefire as a whole, and if something does happen to go wrong, their customer service and warranty is just north of incredible. I have seen a few, not a lot, of TLRs go down, never have I seen an X200/300 die from abuse. Lastly, I have seen the TLR's attachment method induce malfunctions in Glocks, and again, nothing like this from the Surefire.
The TLR is a cheaper option, and whiles its functional, you get what you pay for. If that is sufficient for ones needs, great. For many, it is not. |
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Nice, I really like your reviews plouffedaddy!
I just bought my first weapon light this weekend. I got the new Surefire x300 Ultra 500 lumen. I have little experience so can't say yay or nay either way when it comes to other lights. Ultimately I chose the Surefire over the Streamlight and other lights because of the mounting differences. You could beat someone over the head with a Surefire light mounted on your handgun and it won't come off. lol This is just my opinion, nothing against Streamlights or any other brands for that matter. 
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Nice, I really like your reviews plouffedaddy! I just bought my first weapon light this weekend. I got the new Surefire x300 Ultra 500 lumen. I have little experience so can't say yay or nay either way when it comes to other lights. Ultimately I chose the Surefire over the Streamlight and other lights because of the mounting differences. You could beat someone over the head with a Surefire light mounted on your handgun and it won't come off. lol This is just my opinion, nothing against Streamlights or any other brands for that matter. This..and the push to engage vs. Rocker switch the others use is a huge advantage for the Surefire lights. |
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I think brightness should be your primary concern! Thats the whole point of a weapon light. To increase visibility and disorient whoever it is that needs disorientating. That being said, great review but I'll fork over the extra cash for Surefire!
The brightness is the least of my concerns. The user interface, in my opinion, is far superior on the X300, as well as the mounting system. I despise the screw method used on the TLR. Further, I have found no light as robust as Surefire as a whole, and if something does happen to go wrong, their customer service and warranty is just north of incredible. I have seen a few, not a lot, of TLRs go down, never have I seen an X200/300 die from abuse. Lastly, I have seen the TLR's attachment method induce malfunctions in Glocks, and again, nothing like this from the Surefire. The TLR is a cheaper option, and whiles its functional, you get what you pay for. If that is sufficient for ones needs, great. For many, it is not. |
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Wholly incorrect. My primary concern is that the light works, and that I can work it. The Lumen race is nothing more than mental masturbation. Bright enough is bright enough. I'm in agreement with you there. A good experiment for those reading this who have never done it: When your house is dark stand 10ft away from a mirror (or whatever distance you have) and shine a 100 lumen C4 light in your eyes via the mirror. Wait 5-10 minutes and repeat with a 200-500 lumen light. Both will have the same blinding/disorienting effect. Since 95+% of SD scenarios occur within 20ft there really is a point that it doesn't matter much. If you're shooting 100m targets with your rifle that's a different story however... More lumens (over a certain point) are nice to have but not a deal breaker for me. |
| I have been running my tlr-1s on my duty gun (glock 23) for 3 years. The finish on the top is almost burned off but the unit still works great. I have never had a malfunction. I have never had the batteries go dead (i replace every year when my glock is armored). I have no problem with the switch system or the mount neither have failed me. I do not remove the light other than cleaning and the switch is simple. |
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I just got the TRL-4 with laser light for my Sig P226R .40. It's a lower Lumen rating, but I shot myself with the light while configuring and geez, that was enough. It's a smaller profile than the TRL-1 and has a laser. That's enough for what I need for home defense.
The TRl-1 is cheaper that the TRL-4 by about $20 and for an LEO, I would go for that unless the department decides to front for the Surefire. For a consumer, bang for the buck goes to Streamlight, but then again you get whatever makes you happy. |
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With respect to SRT_312, I disagree about the lights. I prefer the attachment and the actuator of the Streamlight to the Surefire. I have no experience with the customer service of either one, thankfully. My TLR-1 resides on my M&P 9mm duty weapon. Perhaps my Glock 34, should I switch over. I'm very happy with it, though I do wonder why my brother's TLR-1s is substantially brighter than mine, even when both have brand new Surefire batteries. |
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I have been running my tlr-1s on my duty gun (glock 23) for 3 years. The finish on the top is almost burned off but the unit still works great. I have never had a malfunction. I have never had the batteries go dead (i replace every year when my glock is armored). I have no problem with the switch system or the mount neither have failed me. I do not remove the light other than cleaning and the switch is simple. You must work day shift if a set of batteries lasts you a year... |