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So, my brother bought the TLR-3, didnt really like it, bought the TLR-1s and gave me the TLR-3, so I figured id do a basic comparison for anyone that was unsure over which one they would choose (I was debating on which one too), The post will probably be fairly lengthy, you've been warned.
The TLR-1s has a G17c (not that it matters) and the TLR-3 is just a regular G17
We'll start with the exterior
The TLR-1 sticks out a bit further, obviously, its made out of what seems like some type of alloy, the TLR-3 is just polymer, The TLR-1s is a little bit wider then the TLR-3 but not much to get in the way, id say 1mm on each side
The TLR-1s is a bit heavier then the TLR-3, I laid both flat on my desk with the grips hanging off both full mags and the TLR-3 kept trying to fall backwards while the TLR-1 is firmly planted, not sure of exact weight but both feel similar while on the gun being held by one or two hands, equally enough that I wouldnt turn down one for an oz different or whatever the difference is
Also, both of the bottoms of the lights sit flush with the trigger guard the front element (if you wanna call it that) is a bit smaller on the TLR-3 then the 1 so the bottom of the TLR3 is flat completely, the TLR-1 has a bigger front element(?) but is also flat up until that front cylinder part, I cant see a negative or a positive of it being that way, but thats how it is if anyone cares or makes a difference in someones uses
Functions and quality:
So right off the bat I noticed the TLR-1s has a better feeling switch, as you may know it is the strobe model so you can tap the light twice and activate the strobe, you can use the strobe momentarily or so its constant (meaning no finger on the switch but still a strobe), Both have what feels like a first small click before pushing it more to have it on a constant stream, however the TLR-3 is very positive, and has a good stop before pressing it feeling very controllable, before pressing it more to turn it to ON, the TLR-1 seems like it takes just as much pressure for the half click as it does the full ON position, (think like a camera shutter button, you can press it half way then all the way). ive tried to activate the strobe to the ON (we'll call it that) position but its kinda hard, i find myself pressing it too hard and just turning it on normally since the half click is kinda weak. The TLR-1s's switch however feels stronger and more secure, I feel like the TLR-3's will break fairly easily and feels kinda flimsy as far as how its mounted. Neither of the prongs feel weak though. The TLR-1 sits a little further back and is more easily accessible with your index finger, the TLR-3 is ok for me since my hands are a bit larger, but if you have a smaller grip the TLR-1 moves it closer. The TLR-1's switch feels smoother and the TLR-3's feels more sharper of a click. Also if anyone is wondering the strobe on the TLR-1s flashes pretty fast, like a normal strobe light (go figure). Ive shined both in my eyes in a mirror and they blind you pretty good for a while, the Strobe definitely makes it difficult to see and avoid haha
Lighting and mounting:
So the TLR-3 has an alloy bar on one side and the other is polymer being part of the light. Ive read of people over tightening them and breaking them, but i feel like you would really have to torque it down. it feels pretty strong and securely on there though so i wouldnt worry too much about it being polymer and allo
The TLR-1s is Alloy on both sides, and has slightly longer of a mount, id say again about a 1mm difference and again mounts very securely
Both secure pretty well, they dont shake or rattle around, also your sights line up in the middle of the focal point on the beam which is nice, so it doesnt feel like the angle of the lights need to be adjusted (which you cant do anyways as far as I know).
The TLR-3 is a bit dimmer and more of a greenish hue to it with blurred edges while the TLR-1s is more of a pure white LED.
The TLR-1s's main beam is a bit larger then the TLR-3 and sharper around the edges, and the outer ring of light is a big larger on the TLR-1. The TLR-1 can obviously overpower the TLR-3 and it seems like it does it pretty easily (meaning shine the TLR-3 on an area, and shine the TLR-1 on the same spot, cant see any traces of the TLR-3's main beam)
The photo was taken from about 6 feet from a wall, both lights at equal distance
When shining the lights at a farther distance the beams dont seem to dissipate very much, they seem to stay composed and a constant stream of light without thinning out too badly (streamlight! lolz)
Ive found some TLR-1s's on ebay for around 90 bucks (retails around 160) and TLR-3's for 60 (retails around 80).
For at home, bump in the middle of the night the TLR-3 will get the job done, it doesnt feel like im lacking in light for a lack of better words. (realistically how often will you use it? Not much)
If you want to run around on BLM in the middle of the night doing somersaults (if allowed in your area) the TLR-1 will be the better choice, as far as at home use, it is a bit nicer as far as lighting.
As far as beating up the two, the TLR-1s id imagine will last longer due to the alloy its made out of, but, the TLR-3 im guessin will hold up just fine
If you want a simple light to throw on your gun for HD but want to spend the least amount as you can (I wont judge), id say the the TLR-3 will do you good. If you can spare the extra cash, it wont hurt to pick up the TLR-1s
If anyone has anymore questions or needs anymore photos just let me know
The TLR-1s has a G17c (not that it matters) and the TLR-3 is just a regular G17
We'll start with the exterior
The TLR-1 sticks out a bit further, obviously, its made out of what seems like some type of alloy, the TLR-3 is just polymer, The TLR-1s is a little bit wider then the TLR-3 but not much to get in the way, id say 1mm on each side
The TLR-1s is a bit heavier then the TLR-3, I laid both flat on my desk with the grips hanging off both full mags and the TLR-3 kept trying to fall backwards while the TLR-1 is firmly planted, not sure of exact weight but both feel similar while on the gun being held by one or two hands, equally enough that I wouldnt turn down one for an oz different or whatever the difference is
Also, both of the bottoms of the lights sit flush with the trigger guard the front element (if you wanna call it that) is a bit smaller on the TLR-3 then the 1 so the bottom of the TLR3 is flat completely, the TLR-1 has a bigger front element(?) but is also flat up until that front cylinder part, I cant see a negative or a positive of it being that way, but thats how it is if anyone cares or makes a difference in someones uses
Functions and quality:
So right off the bat I noticed the TLR-1s has a better feeling switch, as you may know it is the strobe model so you can tap the light twice and activate the strobe, you can use the strobe momentarily or so its constant (meaning no finger on the switch but still a strobe), Both have what feels like a first small click before pushing it more to have it on a constant stream, however the TLR-3 is very positive, and has a good stop before pressing it feeling very controllable, before pressing it more to turn it to ON, the TLR-1 seems like it takes just as much pressure for the half click as it does the full ON position, (think like a camera shutter button, you can press it half way then all the way). ive tried to activate the strobe to the ON (we'll call it that) position but its kinda hard, i find myself pressing it too hard and just turning it on normally since the half click is kinda weak. The TLR-1s's switch however feels stronger and more secure, I feel like the TLR-3's will break fairly easily and feels kinda flimsy as far as how its mounted. Neither of the prongs feel weak though. The TLR-1 sits a little further back and is more easily accessible with your index finger, the TLR-3 is ok for me since my hands are a bit larger, but if you have a smaller grip the TLR-1 moves it closer. The TLR-1's switch feels smoother and the TLR-3's feels more sharper of a click. Also if anyone is wondering the strobe on the TLR-1s flashes pretty fast, like a normal strobe light (go figure). Ive shined both in my eyes in a mirror and they blind you pretty good for a while, the Strobe definitely makes it difficult to see and avoid haha
Lighting and mounting:
So the TLR-3 has an alloy bar on one side and the other is polymer being part of the light. Ive read of people over tightening them and breaking them, but i feel like you would really have to torque it down. it feels pretty strong and securely on there though so i wouldnt worry too much about it being polymer and allo
The TLR-1s is Alloy on both sides, and has slightly longer of a mount, id say again about a 1mm difference and again mounts very securely
Both secure pretty well, they dont shake or rattle around, also your sights line up in the middle of the focal point on the beam which is nice, so it doesnt feel like the angle of the lights need to be adjusted (which you cant do anyways as far as I know).
The TLR-3 is a bit dimmer and more of a greenish hue to it with blurred edges while the TLR-1s is more of a pure white LED.
The TLR-1s's main beam is a bit larger then the TLR-3 and sharper around the edges, and the outer ring of light is a big larger on the TLR-1. The TLR-1 can obviously overpower the TLR-3 and it seems like it does it pretty easily (meaning shine the TLR-3 on an area, and shine the TLR-1 on the same spot, cant see any traces of the TLR-3's main beam)
The photo was taken from about 6 feet from a wall, both lights at equal distance
When shining the lights at a farther distance the beams dont seem to dissipate very much, they seem to stay composed and a constant stream of light without thinning out too badly (streamlight! lolz)
Ive found some TLR-1s's on ebay for around 90 bucks (retails around 160) and TLR-3's for 60 (retails around 80).
For at home, bump in the middle of the night the TLR-3 will get the job done, it doesnt feel like im lacking in light for a lack of better words. (realistically how often will you use it? Not much)
If you want to run around on BLM in the middle of the night doing somersaults (if allowed in your area) the TLR-1 will be the better choice, as far as at home use, it is a bit nicer as far as lighting.
As far as beating up the two, the TLR-1s id imagine will last longer due to the alloy its made out of, but, the TLR-3 im guessin will hold up just fine
If you want a simple light to throw on your gun for HD but want to spend the least amount as you can (I wont judge), id say the the TLR-3 will do you good. If you can spare the extra cash, it wont hurt to pick up the TLR-1s
If anyone has anymore questions or needs anymore photos just let me know
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