SureFire X300 vs Streamlight TLR-1s

[Search]

I'm selling my Blackhawk Serpa holster to whoever wants it in the department and I'm buying a Safariland 6350. I've recently become uncomfortable with the Serpa over accounts of debris blocking the unlocking mechanism. That's a different thread on it's own though.

What is relevant is that I can now use a light on my Glock that isn't the POS Blackhawk sells.

What I can't decide is which one of these lights I want to get.

I want the Streamlight for it's price, but I don't want to be giving up SureFire quality.

The TLR-1s is an updated TLR-1 with strobe, except the light output is bumped to 170. It can be disabled, and is going to be, so I'm buying it for the extra light output.

So basically my question is directed to all TLR-1 or TLR-1s owners. Just how much do you trust yours.. because I can save up an extra 150 to get the SureFire if need be.

 

[gunfighter]

I vote Surefire for three reasons;

1. The Sphere of Truth thread measures it at 200 lumens
2. The toggle switch allows momentary activation by pushing it forward. (Can't do that with the TLR-1)
3. An e-mail to brightflashlights.com will result in a price quote that is well below anything you've ever seen before.

 

[shadow77phl]

The things I have learned here are indeed very interesting and very informative, thanks for the info sir, I just emailed them and asked for a quote for the x300, which I always wanted but cannot afford. lovecpf

 

[oliussw]

I have carried my TLR-1 on duty for the past three years and trust it completely. It has been banged around, rained on, and has many many rounds down range with no issues. I can't comment on the Surefire because I have never used one but it seems overpriced. The TLR has a switch that allows momentary or lock on also.

 

[gunfighter]

The TLR has a switch that allows momentary or lock on also.

There is still a subtle difference with the SF switch. Not only does it allow momentary and constant on (like the TLR), but in addition, it allows momentary function if the switch is pushed forward, away from the trigger. This straight push-action is intuitive like a forward-clicky, as it eliminates the need to rock the toggle switch like on the TLR.

I love the one my Glock 35 because I can push the switch forward with my support hand's thumb while maintaining a perfectly stable, two-handed grip on my pistol.

 

[victory]

Personally, i've been using streamlight/insight weapon lights since the old M3 and am very comfortable with thier method of operation and history of reliability. I wouldn't hesitate to purchace either brand.

 

[msloshooter]

I have used Streamlight stuff for years with no problems. Lots of the guys I work with chose the TLR-1 because it is less expesive. Since I am the "flashlight guy" they come to me with any problems they have, there has not been one complaint with the TLR-1 for going on four years now. I have one buddy who returned not one but two Surfire x200's because they just stopped working. I am not trying to bag on Surefire, they make a great product that has great performance. I get really tired of people claiming that Surefire is more reliable than other flashlights (I personally have returned two Surefire flashlights for warranty work)... here is the big secret... there is no secret to Surefire reliability, there is nothing they do to make their lights better than most quality manufactures (Insight/Steamlight). My department purchased Surefire weaponlights for our Patrol rifles (m500b) and we have had nothing but problems with them. I have replaced 8 out of 10 lights for breakage. Funny thing is we don't use our rifles that much and they are not abused.

Buy what you are comfortable with, if you like Streamlight and you are comfortable with it, use it. If you want the Surefire name because you feel it is more reliable, get it. Just know that you are paying for the name, not a higher level of quality.

 

[bigchelis]

I like the TLR-1 due to the price and its no slouch at 155 OTF lumens.

The Surefire X300 I like even more cause it uses a TIR OPTIC which results in a more narrow and throwy light. I also like it because I would ask DeFabrica for an adaptor to make it E-series compatible.

Currently; Im stuck with this old Surefire Glock weaponlight that is 100% P60 compatible with both LED and Incandescent drop-ins. It has used Malkoffs, Dereelights, NeoFads D1500, and right now Im looking for a tripple XP-G R5 for it.:grin2:

 

[mmbeller191]

My department issued out 30 TLR-1 (not strobe model) about 3-4 years ago when we switched to a Safariland 6360 ALS holster for our G22s. We haven't had any trouble at all with them and they are all going strong. I recommend you cover the bezel with some tape before going to the range to keep the powder off, this will save you cleaning time. I think you will be happy with either model. One other light you may look at is the Insight WX150.

 

[Roger999]

I have used Streamlight stuff for years with no problems. Lots of the guys I work with chose the TLR-1 because it is less expesive. Since I am the "flashlight guy" they come to me with any problems they have, there has not been one complaint with the TLR-1 for going on four years now. I have one buddy who returned not one but two Surfire x200's because they just stopped working. I am not trying to bag on Surefire, they make a great product that has great performance. I get really tired of people claiming that Surefire is more reliable than other flashlights (I personally have returned two Surefire flashlights for warranty work)... here is the big secret... there is no secret to Surefire reliability, there is nothing they do to make their lights better than most quality manufactures (Insight/Steamlight). My department purchased Surefire weaponlights for our Patrol rifles (m500b) and we have had nothing but problems with them. I have replaced 8 out of 10 lights for breakage. Funny thing is we don't use our rifles that much and they are not abused.

Buy what you are comfortable with, if you like Streamlight and you are comfortable with it, use it. If you want the Surefire name because you feel it is more reliable, get it. Just know that you are paying for the name, not a higher level of quality.

Let me guess, your "breakages" were actually just broken bulbs.

 

[k9hutch]

I have carried both on-duty. I sold the X300 and kept the TLR-1s. Every Surefire X series I've owned has had stiff activation switches. That made it a no-go for me. I did not notice much difference in output.

 

[Search]

Even though all my lights are SureFire, I wouldn't dismiss Streamlight as being up to par also, they've just never attracted me with their lights.. up until this point.

The point was noted about the X300 having push in momentary switch. After trying to articulate that motion with my Glock I just don't like the feel. So that point is irrelevant to me personally.

I'm actually not sure I even want the TIR for a pistol light. It's nice as a general light, but in close quarters I've never really thought it had enough bright spill. I think the TLRs general use beam would be better.

So the TLR-1s model is about the same brightness, probably as strong, but over half the price. With my budget it's going to be the best route.

I just spent all my extra money on Oakleys and some other small stuff so in two weeks I'll be buying a Safariland and a Streamlight.

I appreciate all of the help guys. Later on when I've got spare money I'll buy an X300 no doubt, but I really need one pretty soon.

 

[Vesper]

I've beat up a TLR-1 on my CZ and it's still going strong. I've not babied it either just so I know its capabilities. A very simple, well-built light.

 

[msloshooter]

Roger999 no, the breakage problems are the lights breaking on the handguard where it meets the body of the light. At first Surefire was replacing them, one of the reps I talked to said it was a known problem and they have since stopped making this model of light. Later they refused to replace the light because they no longer make them.

Sorry that this upsets some people... Surefire is not indestructable and will fail like any other piece of kit. They are very good lights with great performance, I just don't think they are worth what they charge for them.

 

[victory]

Roger999 no, the breakage problems are the lights breaking on the handguard where it meets the body of the light. At first Surefire was replacing them, one of the reps I talked to said it was a known problem and they have since stopped making this model of light. Later they refused to replace the light because they no longer make them.

Sorry that this upsets some people... Surefire is not indestructable and will fail like any other piece of kit. They are very good lights with great performance, I just don't think they are worth what they charge for them.

The M500 was always a heavy, bulky piece of junk. Pretty much everyone now just uses a surefire handheld mounted to their rifles with a separate VFG

 

[shadow77phl]

finally got mine, thanks for the tip gunfighter!:twothumbs