streamlight or surefire

[phurealdeaux]

tlr, m3x, x200, p101????? my searching has just created more options. what is the preferred weapon light for the glock? i'm leaning towards the streamlight due to its affordability. the tlr for the reliability of the led but, i think i prefer the quick latching mechanism of the m3x over the more permanant mount of the tlr. anyone have any suggestions, preferances or experiences that can guide my decision?

[ORBrit]

I went through this research and decision making process and ended up with the TLR-1.
Main deciding factors:
Affordability (about $99 - $105 shipped)
Brightness
Attachment - most owners say it only takes about 10 seconds to attach/detach

[iholla]

I got me a TLR-2 for my G38. Very nice and bright too. I went with LED for the shock factor over incan lights

[RayB]

X200s A & B... Spendy little suckers, but wow! The "B" is best for indoor use.

Question? Does it absolutely have to work when needed? If the answer is yes, LED is the only way to go.

For the cost savings, I'll probably try a TLR my next time around...

--Ray

[sageflyfish]

TLR-1

I went through the same process of trying to find the best light for the money. It is easily the TLR-1. As far as attaching/detaching, it is a matter of two or three seconds.

[phurealdeaux]

it appears that the concensus is the led is a must for reliability. the surefire is "better" than streamlight but, for the money the streamlight is the best buy.....

thanks, guys..... your experience is extreemly helpful and your comments are appreciated.....:thumbsup:

[tbhracing]

Being in the fire service for about 20 years, I found myself becoming a flashlight critic and fanatic. Seems I use them a lot both on and off duty.

Here is what I found-

-Surefire- I like the look, name and reliablity. They are pricey, but I dont mind paying top dollar for what I want.

-Streamlight- I have owned the 20xl rechargeable for almost 10 years now and it still works perfect. I have an upright recharg. I have using at work, beat the hell out of it and it still looks good and keeps working. No interaction with their cusomter service yet. If I ever need it, I am curious how it will fly.

-Pelican- I have a few of these and keep beating them up too. Today, I just bought their tactical LED light and I was very impressed. Bright and tough. You can trust me on this- Have used their customer service several times in the past and been more than pleased.

Hope this helps.

[SDGlock23]

I have a TLR-1, it's great!

[Skintop911]

X200 A or B is my first choice, depending on role.

I was pleased with the TLR-1 I used and abused. A second choice.

[nova]

Is it really worth having a mounted tac light in comparison with a handheld led light that surefire and other companies make? Obviously not having to hold the light in the other hand leaves a hand open for whatever. Thoughts?

[PP914]

Thus far, I have been happy w. the TLR1. If you have a coin w/ you, the light attaches/detaches quickly. It's cheap (inexpensive), LED and a quality name.

A weapon-mounted light saves a hand for holding doors, moving something, letting someone else know where you are while maintaning silence, etc. If you have a light in your support hand, you'll be banging it the door handles or having to set it down when moving something. Plus, a handheld is one more thing you have to put away if you go hands-on. Lastly, there is a strong arguement that deploying a hand held w/ your weapon causes sympathetic flexing of your trigger finger in certain positions, etc.

I'm sure someone will say "I don't want to point my gun at everything I point my light at." If that's the case, then a handheld is probably right for you. In my line of work, I use the tac light for building searches, etc. In this situation, I already have my weapon out and pointing it everything that goes bump or needs particular attention. And I am perfectly comfortableand confident in searching my own home (w/ a wife and 9 mo old son in the house) with my weapon-mounted light. Obviously, training and common sense plays a role here.

A quality weapon-mounted light makes practical sense to me.

[nova]

Originally posted by PP914
Thus far, I have been happy w. the TLR1. If you have a coin w/ you, the light attaches/detaches quickly. It's cheap (inexpensive), LED and a quality name.

A weapon-mounted light saves a hand for holding doors, moving something, letting someone else know where you are while maintaning silence, etc. If you have a light in your support hand, you'll be banging it the door handles or having to set it down when moving something. Plus, a handheld is one more thing you have to put away if you go hands-on. Lastly, there is a strong arguement that deploying a hand held w/ your weapon causes sympathetic flexing of your trigger finger in certain positions, etc.

I'm sure someone will say "I don't want to point my gun at everything I point my light at." If that's the case, then a handheld is probably right for you. In my line of work, I use the tac light for building searches, etc. In this situation, I already have my weapon out and pointing it everything that goes bump or needs particular attention. And I am perfectly comfortableand confident in searching my own home (w/ a wife and 9 mo old son in the house) with my weapon-mounted light. Obviously, training and common sense plays a role here.

A quality weapon-mounted light makes practical sense to me.

Thanks. Probably going to end up buying rail mounted light and then buy a nice handheld.

[RayB]

I have read numerous reports from professionals like PP914, and from gun mag columnists on the merits of weapon mounted lights and laser sights. The consensus--They Work! Even die-hard traditionalists are being reluctantly converted, though a few "stone wheels" remain.

One may want a handheld flashlight too; and in fact many recommend having both. What to use and when? Well, that's where common sense and training come in. Cool--but clear--heads usually prevail.

Like PP914, anything going bump in the night in my house warrants a gun being pointed at it! I understand that with a big family, with pets, it's way different.

Hope you never need any of it. ;)

--Ray

[Perfection27]

+1 for TLR. I got one for Christmas and I love it! The beam is so bright that it is a weapon in itself, also you do not need a coin to take it off...3 secs maybe.

[gruntmedik]

Is there a difference in the pattern or distance between the incan vs. LED bulbs?

[PP914]

Originally posted by RayB
Even die-hard traditionalists are being reluctantly converted, though a few "stone wheels" remain.
--Ray
True. It is amazing the reluctance and density some display. Usually all it takes is a little time w/ the light before someone is converted.

[nova]

Just purchased a TLR-1 tonight, mounted it and spit 200 rounds throuh my G30. I went to the range an hour before close and I asked the guys there if they could turn off the lights so I can see how this puppy works. The staff was really cool and obliged. LOVE IT!!! Was going for a Surefire x200A because I thought it looked cooler though that TLR kicks out 80 lumens where the x200a only kicks out 60. The TLR is therefore brighter and costs substantially less and actually looks just as slick as the surefire, to my surprise (online pictures don't do it justice). Because the surefire is more expensive and has a dimmer light than the TLR, I suggest the TLR-1. And it's bright!!! Had my friend use the light on me in a completely dark room and then in the middle of my street (streetlamps on) and was completely blinded. COMPLETELY. A weapon all on its own.


:thumbsup:

[GregG17]

Just Picked one up @ lunch today from Sportsmans. I have to say it's a really nice light and very bright.Glad I read this post because I've been wanting one for a long time.

[PP914]

:agree: Just don't hit a car window repeatedly w/ the bezel. It still works but is ovaled...don't ask.:clown: