SurefireX300 vs Streamlight TLR-1

[RaceDay]

I bought the TLR1s. Its significantly cheaper and more than sturdy enough for HD work (i.e. gun just sits around bedroom all day long with occasional range trip). If you shop around you can get the 1s for under $100. I can take or leave the strobe feature on the 1s but 160 lumens > 130 lumens.

[biochembruin]

I use both on duty. Neither have failed me. For your described use I see no reason to spend extra money for no difference in reliability.

And a strobe feature on a light has about as much self defense value as the idea that simply racking a shotgun will defeat all enemies. I don't think I've ever looked in a strobe light and felt the need to crap my pants in terror.

[LBDamned]

a good go between is Insight WX150... I like it much better than TLR1s that I had.

[OpticsPlanet]

By the way, the strobe feature is not meant to terrorize or intimidate, it is simply there to aide in disorienting the assailant.

George P.

[Uxi]

There's a really detailed review out there that shows the difference between the TLR2S and X400 and the Surefire is just built better all the way around. The Streamlight isn't junk by any means, so the question becomes if better build quality is worth almost double the price, which is very relative to one's finances.

[jonc]

ummmmmmmmmmmm

X300 only way togo!!!

[cowboykenny]

You can pick up a TLR-1 for like 89.99 they are both great lights the lumens in the TLR-1 are actually higher then the x300. I have never used the strobe in a tactical situation.

[biochembruin]

By the way, the strobe feature is not meant to terrorize or intimidate, it is simply there to aide in disorienting the assailant.

George P.

I understand that. In my experience on duty it simply doesn't do anything except add complication to the controls of the light. When I see someone confronted with a strobe light the reaction is no different than with a normal light. In addition, the light will be mounted to a pistol. The intent of a light on a pistol is not to disorient an assailant, it's to aid with target identification.

[buggsb]

They are both good lights. The mount on the Surefire is more secure and I like the beam pattern a little better, but I like the switch operation of the TLR-1 better for handgun use. If you are budget limited the TLR-1 will serve you fine.

[MXRider]

....the lumens in the TLR-1 are actually higher then the x300....

No it is not.

X300 = 170 lumens
TLR-1 and TLR-1s = 160 lumens

Source:

http://www.surefire.com/X300-LED-WeaponLight

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=80

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=178

[LBDamned]

definitely dont base your buying decision from marketing/claimed lumens...

I have an Insight WX150 (supposedly 150 lumens) - I had a Streamlight TLR1s (supposedly 160 lumens)... the Insight was definitely brighter. I have since returned the Streamlight - its a decent light, but I dont like the toggle (compared to the Insight) and it's not as solid feeling, and as stated not as bright ... still a decent light though (I would have kept it, but it was part of an order from DVOR that got messed up so I returned).

This is not to imply the Surefire isnt what it claims - I've never used one... I'm sure its at least as bright as they claim and undoubtedly brighter than the Streamlight.

It's better to read reviews and search You Tube vids to make decision.

[MXRider]

Surefire is know to under rate their lights, and many have reported the X300 to produce 200+ lumens with fresh batteries for periods over 10 minutes.

[t0kie]

Both are great products, it just a matter of preference & how much you are willing to spend on it.

[DaveFJ80]

Below is a picture of the TLR-1s on my old TLE/RL, so the OP can get a better idea of how it looks on there. Otherwise, there are a lot more TLE/RL pics on Calguns with the X300 on it so that should be easy to find.


I have both, the X300 and the TLR-1s. IMO, the TLR is the better bang for the buck. Brightness wise, they are almost the same brightness. The X300 has more of a concentrated beam while the TLR is more flood, but at 170 an 160 lumens, they are both very bright and more than adaquate for most people.

The main reasons why I stuck with a TLR-1s was because of price ($103 shipped vs $203 shipped..... you can find them at that price), pretty much the same brightness as the X300, easier controls for the momentary light (for me at least, using my thumb while I'm gripping the gun), and having the strobe feature, which is also easy to activate once you've gotten used to it. But I will admit, the X300 looks waaaaay better on the railed 1911's than the TLR lights .

Can't go wrong with either one. Just don't cheap out and get some china-made ebay light that says it's 105 lumens but is really like 70 lumens and will stop working after you take the first shot.

[1nickatnite1]

Just got a tlr-1 for $88 shipped from amazon! Attached it to my xdm and the fit is great, super tight and no wiggle. I shined the light into the mirror to get an idea of how bright and its completey disorienting. The surefire might be brighter but I just don't think its necessary.