TLR-1 or X300??

sapper36 · #1 03-10-09, 19:30

I allready have a 300 but after looking at the streamlight I really cant find a big advantage to the 300. Is there something I am missing? Right now I need two more to go on rifles and the difference between the price is pretty big. Thanks for the advice.

Palmguy · #2 03-10-09, 20:03

Personally I prefer the mounting style of the X300 (and the Procyon for that matter) to the TLR, which uses a thumb screw (needs a coin to tighten/loosen). Whether or not that matters to you or if it does, is worth the extra cost (x2), I can't tell you.

larry0071 · #3 03-10-09, 20:09

I have a TRL-1 and used it last Saturday night. I was amazed, amazed past beeing able to describe it.... that thing will allow daylight-like view of 100 yards! Amazing. I was target shooting at 9PM out on my property. I will buy more for my other 2 M4's.

Magsz · #4 03-10-09, 22:12

I think budgetary concerns should be included here as well.

Normally im not the kind of guy to skimp on something that could potentially save my life but the TLR1's are half the price if not cheaper than the X300.

For me, they work well enough. Ive put 22k 9mm onto my TLR1 and roughly 2k .223 without an issue.

So for my own purposes, the light has held up durability wise at a fantastic price.

What exactly does the surefire offer besides a steeper price and their name and excellent warranty service?

As far as i know the x300 offers a few more lumens than the C4 model?

The X300 also has a different rocker assembly if i remember right. That rocker assembly might be easier to use for certain users.

What else is there?

PRGGodfather · #5 03-10-09, 22:19

The Insight Technologies Procyon XTI does everything the SF X300 does and more at half the price.

Check it out yourself.

DrBaker · #6 03-10-09, 22:22

I think the x300 may be a tad bit lighter than the TLR1, but I can't find the stats now.

The momentary/constant switch of the TLR1 is not nearly as nice as the x300, IMO. I don't want to think about which direction to flip the lever if it's on the Glock or mounted on the side of the carbine. Either direction works the same. YMMV.

Shihan · #7 03-11-09, 00:55

The orig TLR-1 was great and the new version even better. I have a couple of them and they are worth the $.

sapper36 · #8 03-11-09, 07:23

Thanks everyone. I will look at the switch on the TRL-1 but unless its completely useless I am going to pick up a couple of them. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to buy the cheap one just to end up buying the expensive one later. Also I wanted to double check, I read that the TRL-1 puts out 124 lumens to the X300's 110, anybody do a comparision? Thanks agian.

larry0071 · #9 03-11-09, 07:33

I have my TLR-1 mounted on the side of the front sight, it works perfectly because my support hand is there holding the rifle up and if I extend my thumb it naturally hits the TLR-1 switch. I can slide my thumb one way for momentarty on or slide the other way to click on.

The light output is exceptional.

Battery life is said to be 2.5 hours, my original batteries are still in mine from last October, I don't use my light in place of a handheld, so my batteries will last for a long, long time.

I would love a light similar in size and brightness with a 12 hour battery life. Thats like asking for a supermodel GF that cleans and cooks....... but hey, it's nice to dream!

rob_s · #10 03-11-09, 08:05

Streamlight TLR-1
$100+/-
Dimensions:
Weight: 4.18 oz.
LED Output: 135 lumens
Run Time: 2.5 hours
Waterproof: 1 Meter

Insight Procyon XTI
$120 +/-
Dimensions: 1.6” x 1.5” x 3.2”
Weight: 4.0 oz. w/Batteries
LED Output: 125+ Lumens
Run Time: 90 Minutes
Waterproof: At 5 Meters / 15 Feet

Surefire X300
$200+/-
Dimensions: 1.39" x 1.43" x 3.53"
Weight: 3.7 ounces (with batteries)
LED Output: 110 lumens
Run Time: 2.4 hours
Waterproof: 22 meters

In theory, all of the above could be construed to mean that the X300 is the worst buy. Dimmer, more expensive... but my experience has taught me that when I vary from Surefire I always wind up regretting it.

But, given that in theory you could buy one of each of the competition for the price of one X300 at MAP, I can certainly understand the temptation. I'm actually somewhat tempted to pick up one of each, but my X300s wills stay on my bedside pistol and rifle.

Steve · #11 03-11-09, 08:58

Having both models mounted on handguns and carbines i like the dg switch option for the surefire vs the tlr. other than that they both serve me well.

Abraxas · #12 03-11-09, 09:09

Budgetary constraints forced me to pick up a TRL-1 instead of the X200(x300 was either not out yet or no one had them). I broke my first one,(don't have a clue how) but they exchanged it no problems. They were simply amazed because they had never seen the TRL-1 break before, and my model showed no signs of abuse. The one that it was exchanged has had 0 problems and been a great light. I think that it is a great buy, but if I had the cash I would get the X300

PALADIN-hgwt · #13 03-11-09, 16:38

xxxxx

geezerbutler · #14 03-11-09, 17:33

Get several TLR-1's

The cheapest place I know of is at OMBexpress on the web @ $79.99.

BHO will no doubt sign legislation that says the light must be sold for at least $150

I back ordered 2 and they came in a couple of weeks after the date I placed the order. They are OOS again but can be back ordered.

I believe they have free shipping over 49.99 thru today 3/11/09 only. Otherwise search for "OMBExpress Free shipping" coupon or something similar on google.

To me this light is a game changer. The Surefire X300 was considered the best based on lumens and relaibility, especially for handguns, until Streamlight put the C4 led in the TLR1.

I am an X300 owner as well.

Here is link to a TLR-1 LED review by an M4C member.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=23394

This light is a no-brainer.

I have TLR-1- C4's on a Sig, a Glock, a Benelli M2 and an AR.

Cannot resist urge to spend......Must purchase more now

PALADIN-hgwt · #15 03-11-09, 18:36

xxxxx

RWK · #16 03-12-09, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_s

... but my experience has taught me that when I vary from Surefire I always wind up regretting it.

Same here.

Yojimbo · #17 03-13-09, 15:58

How is the reliability of the TLR1? I know I've not personally seen or heard of any issues with them but I would be interested to know if anyone here has.

I was thinking that Insight's TLR1 C4 long gun kit would make for a good 12 o'clock setup. Is it short enough so that it won't be in the way of the sights when placed on the 12 o'clock rail?

I was thinking of using it on the front rail at 12 o'clcock on my KAC MRE handguard and putting the tape switch at 12 o'clock right behind the FSB so it can be activated with the thumb of either hand.

Other than the mount, which is a non-issue with me, and a few more options for remote switching I can't see anything the X300 does better than the TLR1 c4.

Here's a pic I found of the TLR1 C$ long gun kit.

rob_s · #18 03-13-09, 16:19

YJ I ordered up a TLR-1 from the link posted above and when it comes in it will get mounted on a 9.0 rail in front of a Troy flipup sight. I don't think I'll need the tape switch at all but I think it depends on overall length of rail and forward hand positioning.

Magsz · #19 03-13-09, 16:56

The TLR1 does not block the irons but its pretty darned close.

This was with a troy flip up and an LMT fixed front.

Yojimbo · #20 03-13-09, 19:39

Magsz,

Thanks that what I wanted to know!

Rob,

I look forward to seeing your TLR1 setup. I think the setup you mentioned sounds good because you can do without the remote switch.

In my case the front rail on the KAC MRE is pretty far from FSB. I also wouldn't want my thumb laying accross a hot FSB while trying to activate the light!