View Full Version : X300, X200A, X200B and M6 compared
David Thomas
01-05-08, 20:44
All lights have a fresh set of batteries. I tried to take the pictures from the same position/distance, on the same camera settings, etc...
X300 on a 1911 (kimber/novak night sights):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared2002.jpg
X200A on a Glock 17 (XS 24/7 Big Dots):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared2003.jpg
Here is the X200B on a G19 (XS 24/7 Big Dot sights) for additional comparison:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared4006.jpg
Insight M6 on a Glock 21 (warren tactical - front night sight) :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared5005.jpg
another view:
X300 on 1911 in threshold of door (door is approx. 20ft away):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared2009.jpg
X200A on Glock 17 in threshold of door:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared2008.jpg
X200B in threshold of door:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared4003.jpg
Insight M6 on a Glock 21 from threshold of the door:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/surefirescompared5009.jpg
WOW!
That's quite a difference and I guess I know what I'm buying next. Thanks!
David Thomas
01-05-08, 21:33
I am impressed with the X300.
From the picture, it looks like the X200B is the best light from an illumination of the target area.
However, I'm betting that the X300 is actually probably better, and the camera is unable to deal with the tremendous amount of white light in frame.
Robb Jensen
01-05-08, 22:28
From the picture, it looks like the X200B is the best light from an illumination of the target area.
However, I'm betting that the X300 is actually probably better, and the camera is unable to deal with the tremendous amount of white light in frame.
That is correct, if you come by the shop after dark I have my X200 and a X300 display unit that we can compare outside the building. The X300 BLOWS AWAY the X200 and it's cheaper!
I used to have the X200A, and sold it as soon as I got the 200B.
Now I have both the 200B and 300, and while I haven't done a side-by-side, I know the X300 lights up my hallways with more "punch" than the 200B.
The 200B is still plenty capable, but the 300 kills it. I just wanted to clarify what the pictures are showing, and what some people might conclude, despite the 300 doing much better in person. :)
David Thomas
01-05-08, 22:44
The 200B is still plenty capable, but the 300 kills it. I just wanted to clarify what the pictures are showing, and what some people might conclude, despite the 300 doing much better in person. :)
Correct the 300 is much brighter. The glare on the door in the X300 picture is an indication of this fact. Notice that the 200B is not bright enough to cause the glare.
The X300 seems to be the best of both the 200B (flood) and 200A (spot) combined, and then made brighter.
I will try to take some pics outside tomorrow night.
FlyingHunter
01-05-08, 23:04
Great post. I was ready to but a weapomlight and unsure of which. X300 inbound. I'
Looks to me that the 300 would be much more effective at both lighting up the area and blinding the subject while the 200B would do a nice job of lighting up the whole area.
I sold my 200A and have been waiting to see just how good the 300 will be.
Thanks for the review and pics!
Jay Cunningham
01-05-08, 23:57
It seems to me that the 200B really "shines" indoors, while the 300 is easily capable of illuminating threats outdoors.
Looks to me like the X200B still works best in confined areas. The light is much softer and more even. In a house where distances are short, it still looks like the way to go.
Move outside though and try to illuminate a wide open area, and punch 75-100ft across the yard and the X300 looks to be the better option.
Question: against white/light colored walls, does the 300 reflect so much light that it's blinding? I've always wondered as the new lights come out, and the high output Crees are getting some interest, at some point to you get too much of a good thing? The idea of 100 lumens of light reflecting off of a white door or wall 5 ft away seems like it might be counter productive.
I picked up one of the X300's for my Sig a few weeks ago. It's held up really well so far. Awesome light, and much brighter than our issued M3's.
Looks to me like the X200B still works best in confined areas. The light is much softer and more even. In a house where distances are short, it still looks like the way to go.
Specifically why I commented about the pictures in the posts I made above.
The pictures are deceiving because I doubt the camera can reconcile the amount of white light being sent to it's AWB sensor.
The X200B is a good light. The X300 is a better light.
SHIVAN,
So you don't think the added lumens and the center spot intensity of the 300 is too much of a good thing when working indoors? I have no doubt it would be much better outdoors or when trying to light up large indoor areas. I'm just wondering in the context of home defense by a civilian, where max indoor distances are 25-30 feet max, would you still prefer the 300 over the 200B?
On a handgun, the X300 is a superior light. The only thing I could possibly think of in regards to the X200B being better for civilian home defense, which is my context as well, would be if it were mounted to a carbine and I had an optic with a light sensitive reticle that washes out in bright white light.
Otherwise I can't see another scenario where the X200B would be better than the X300.
For this reason, the X300 is on my HD pistol.
David Thomas
01-06-08, 21:58
the test subjects:
X300 on the 1911
In front of the 1911 from left to right:
X200A, X300, X200B, M6
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison003.jpg
For this series - the black targets are 15 yards away. the white targets are 25 yards away:
The X300:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison008.jpg
X200A
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison010.jpg
x200B:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison012.jpg
M6:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison019.jpg
For this series there are 3 black targets at 7 yards:
X300:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison023.jpg
X200A
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison040.jpg
X200B:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison033.jpg
M6:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison027.jpg
Titan at approx. 5 yards from the front bumper:
X300:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison048.jpg
X200A:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison049.jpg
X200B:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison053.jpg
M6:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison054.jpg
The camera did not pick up all of the light that could be seen with the naked eye. All lights were brighter in person, but I did my best. For instance the X300 allowed me to easily see a NRA Ram target at 100 yards that was painted white. The camera could not pick up the ram at all. With the others, I could not see the white ram. Also, with the X300 it was much easier for me to line up the sights through the camera. The other lights were not bright enough to allow to do so as easily or at all in some instances.
None of the lights allowed me to see a Black 12" gong that was right beside the white ram at 100 yards.
My overall impression iss that the X300 is clearly the best light for indoor and outdoor use. Easily surpassing all of the others.
As has been noted, the X200B is a good light and works well inside of a house, but is no match for the X300.
losbronces
01-06-08, 22:07
Thanks for posting the pictures.
Hi David,
Thanks for this very informative post.
Out of curiousity, have you compared the x300 with say a Surefire 951 outdoors? It would be interesting to see how well it would illuminate those outside targets. Everything I read says the incandesent (Spelling) lights have more throw.
I'm thinking of selling off my 951's in favor of these lighter, smaller lights.
David Thomas
01-06-08, 22:34
Hi David,
Thanks for this very informative post.
Out of curiousity, have you compared the x300 with say a Surefire 951 outdoors? It would be interesting to see how well it would illuminate those outside targets. Everything I read says the incandesent (Spelling) lights have more throw.
I'm thinking of selling off my 951's in favor of these lighter, smaller lights.
Sorry, no dice. I do not have a 951 handy.
I think I only have two incandescent lights left and the M6 is one of them. I think my wife is hiding the other, as I cannot seem to find it.
I had a surefire M910 with the 2.5" turbo bezel at one time, and I do not remember it being that much brighter than the X300 (if at all) on the 100 yard targets. I do remember it being much heavier.
I have a 951C, they just run the P60 and P61 bulbs though. Is that model a good comparison?
Not sure, but I'll fire it up and post some pics tomorrow night.
David Thomas
01-06-08, 23:00
For those running the Safariland 6004, the Glock and 1911 models designed for the x200 will work with the X300. At least mine do.
David,
Great pics. This just goes to show how helpful reflective walls are in making use of the light compared to open blackness of the outdoors.
Certainly great food for fodder.......
Excellent post, thank you! I'm guessing the X300 will fit a standard 3rd Gen Glock 17 rail without any adapters or special backplates?
David Thomas
01-07-08, 00:05
Excellent post, thank you! I'm guessing the X300 will fit a standard 3rd Gen Glock 17 rail without any adapters or special backplates?
Correct, no adapter or backplate needed. It fits.
Does anyone have a pic of it installed on an AR carbine?
Thanks!
David Thomas
01-07-08, 06:01
Does anyone have a pic of it installed on an AR carbine?
Yes, See this page:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7233&page=3
It looks almost identical to an X200
more X200/X300 pics on carbines here:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=9527&highlight=o%27clock
Great comparison, I was looking for a light to mount on my glock and now my mind is made up. 200 inbound.
Very informative post! Thanks for sharing. I used my X200A equipped carbine at a carbine course in August and found the light to be entirely inadequete past 75 yards. I think a good rule of thumb is one lumen per yard of engagement distance. Obviously, this will vary with the type of bulb and lens, but I have found it to be a good starting point for choosing a weapon light.
Stephen
David Thomas
01-10-08, 20:14
I think a good rule of thumb is one lumen per yard of engagement distance. Obviously, this will vary with the type of bulb and lens, but I have found it to be a good starting point for choosing a weapon light.
Stephen
I agree that the type of bulbs and/or lenses play a large part in the "reach" of the light.
On paper the L4 Lumamax and the X300 should be close to the same "brightness" as each is rated at approx. 100 lumens for 2.5 hours.
So I compared them:
The X300 lighting up some bad hound dogs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/L4vsX300005.jpg
And the L4 Lumamax:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/L4vsX300004.jpg
My wife sent me an X300 for Christmas...I already had 2 X200As and an X200B and the X300 blows them out of the water.
I;m not saying I'll ditch them all for X300s for guns I keep at the house, but my fighting gun is gonna have an X300, no doubt.
Can't wait to get mine. Does anyone know if a Pistol + X200A holster will work with an X300? The lamp head looks slightly longer and I'm worried my Blade-Tech holster will become obsolete.
I run Blade-Tech holsters and it worked fine for me. The tension needed a little adjustment but other than that it was a perfect fit.
I run Blade-Tech holsters and it worked fine for me. The tension needed a little adjustment but other than that it was a perfect fit.
Awesome, thanks!
FYI the Safariland 6004, BladeTech and Raven Concealement Systems Holster for the X200A will work with the X300.
Actually, starting last week Raven Concealment is molding all Surefire weaponlight holsters for the X300, unless otherwise requested. These holsters are backward compatible to the X200 series lights.
The X300 may fit a RCS holster molded for the X200A, but there is a slight difference in the profile of the bezel and there will be some interference, albeit minor. For the best results it should be molded for the exact light. The X200A profile is just a little different, and the X200B is a lot different and isn’t even close to fitting an X300.
Jay Cunningham
01-14-08, 21:06
I just ordered a light holster for my M&P45 and there were two options for the x300 (I intend to get one) the U/P-latch and the Rail Lock ($7 extra)
I ordered the Rail Lock but honestly I'm not sure of the difference. I thought U/P meant Universal/Picatinny?
I figured that the rail on the M&P was about the same as one on an AR...
Hmm...
Thanks for this thread. It made my mind up towards the X300. I received today and it is truly awesome. Puts my old M3 to shame.
John
After experiencing an X200 departing company with the pistol under recoil at an instructor level class, more than once on the same day, I now use the rail lock on my X200s.
I also apply blue loc-tite to the 6 screws that secure the rail adaptors to the light body.
It's well worth the effort.
Can anyone confirm if the X300 will fit on an M&P 40C? I'm seriously wanting one now. Thanks for posting the pictures.
It seems to me that the 200B really "shines" indoors, while the 300 is easily capable of illuminating threats outdoors.
After getting a X300 today and comparing it to the 200B I already have I like the 200B much better indoors.
That being said I have to do some more testing as nobody has mentioned the beam color and our posters pictures here do not show it. My 300 has a very incandesant like yellow tint to the beam. Maybe the brand new batteries already need to be changed. Does anyone elses 300 have a yellow tinted beam?
No yellow tint on any of mine...
GLOCKMASTER
04-13-08, 06:11
That being said I have to do some more testing as nobody has mentioned the beam color and our posters pictures here do not show it. My 300 has a very incandesant like yellow tint to the beam. Maybe the brand new batteries already need to be changed. Does anyone elses 300 have a yellow tinted beam?
Mine is very bright and clear. There is no yellow tint in mine. It was just delivered from SF last week.
I don't have the yellow tint on my X300. I used this in a night shoot class last week, worked... horribly on aftermarket CR123's. I couldn't understand why the patrol car lights were washing this out on targets that were stationed up to 60 degrees off to the side of the headlights. After training I cleaned the light and still same problem.
Basically the non-Surefire CR123's that I unknowingly left in the light (I had been practicing with these cheaper batteries at my local range) had an unregulated run down. I popped in some new Surefire CR123's and have not had the same problem since. This taught me an excellent lesson in using quality batteries for this light all the time as I obviously forgot to put in the good stuff before leaving my local range and returning this light to nightstand duties.
David Thomas
04-13-08, 07:31
...nobody has mentioned the beam color and our posters pictures here do not show it. My 300 has a very incandesant like yellow tint to the beam. Maybe the brand new batteries already need to be changed. Does anyone elses 300 have a yellow tinted beam?
I have two X300's and they do not have any yellow tint. None of my Surefire LED lights have a yellow tint.
fivepointoh
04-13-08, 08:47
Wow...awesome post David.
Okay, question time. My first SBR build, the parts are slowly coming in. I was able to pick up an X200B and was wondering if there are any drop in LED units for this? I have a 6P w/ a 230 lumen drop in and I must say....it rocks!
Would love to do the same to the X200.
Thanks.
X series lights are sealed, the only thing you can change is the mount, switch, and batteries.
fivepointoh
04-13-08, 13:47
boooo! :( :p
Okay...guess it's time to save up some funds and then sell the X200 and buy a 300. IMO that's the only reasonable option. :p
Thanks for the info btw.
boooo! :( :p
Okay...guess it's time to save up some funds and then sell the X200 and buy a 300. IMO that's the only reasonable option. :p
Thanks for the info btw.
PM when you're ready to sell you X200B. ;)
fivepointoh
04-13-08, 14:14
It'll be a bit. I'm in the process of funding an SBR and getting ready to send off my Form 1. So like I said...if you convince the BATFE to speed up their as of late slow turnaround and don't charge me anything for the stamp...I'd sell it to ya right now. :D But I will keep you in mind when I seriously do plan on upgrading.
GLOCKMASTER
04-13-08, 14:14
PM when you're ready to sell you X200B. ;)
PM out to you.
At this point I might be interested in trading a 300 for a 200B.
PM on its way back to you.
GLOCKMASTER
04-13-08, 18:15
At this point I might be interested in trading a 300 for a 200B.
PM sent UPSguy
Damn I missed that one.....:(
I want to clarify something here and that is I haven't decided if I want to swap them or not. At first glance I like the 200B better. For a pistol I like it much better. I bought the 300 to replace a M900 on my SBR cause it just flat out weighs too much. I need to run some more tests on mine since I seem to be the only one who thinks the beam of the 300 looks yellowish. If I decide to get rid of it M4guru has first dibs and I will IM him. As I do not want to accidently violate any rules here I won't make any more mention of trading it on this thread.
David Thomas
04-13-08, 22:22
UPSguy, I think there is a problem with your X300 that you should look into before passing judgment on it.
The X200B is by far a better light than the X200A in my opinion. The beam is just too tight on the X200A for my taste. It is comparable to FOV with optics. A wider/larger field of view is almost always a good thing. With the X300, you get the wide FOV plus the very bright beam.
In comparing these lights side by side, the X200B allowed me to see targets the X200A did not. For Example:
For this series there are 3 black targets at 7 yards:
X300:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison023.jpg
X200A
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison040.jpg
X200B:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/lightcomparison033.jpg
The X200A did not allow me to see the targets on either side of the target at which I was aiming.
The X300 and X200B did, and allowed me to see other targets in the background.
The X300 is a marked improvement in many aspects; however, in my opinion Surefire should keep the X200B in its line up.
Those are great pictures. I played with them both some more tonight with the brains of my family. Indoors I still prefer the 200B. Outdoors it was another story with the 300 having a much greater range. I played with a 200B, the 300, a Gladius, a Streamlight Stinger and a Surefire 9AN. The color of the gladius and 200B were the typical LED blueish white. I thought the 300 had a yellow tint compared to the other 2 but my wife said no, it is just pure white. When I turned the 2 incandesant lights on, boy were they yellow and the 300 looked white.
My thoughts after tonight is the X300 is great on a carbine. Great hotspot with at least adequate surround, good range and blinds better than the 200B. I See absolutely no reason to go back to a M series Surefire on a carbine (well other than the upcoming 350 lumen LED bulb:D ) anymore. I also agree that Surefire should leave the 200B in the lineup. For the homeowner, tucked inside the walls of their home protecting life and limb the 200B seems perfect. For an officer needing a light on their pistol to use inside and outside and to be able to identify friend or foe at longer ranges the 300 should shine.
i thought mine looked a little yellow at first,switching over from the blue tint of the G3L(the only two LED's ive owned with any power at all).but putting it next to an incan,it looks white as snow.
John_Wayne777
04-14-08, 13:35
Hi David,
Thanks for this very informative post.
Out of curiousity, have you compared the x300 with say a Surefire 951 outdoors? It would be interesting to see how well it would illuminate those outside targets. Everything I read says the incandesent (Spelling) lights have more throw.
I'm thinking of selling off my 951's in favor of these lighter, smaller lights.
The 951 lights do indeed have more "throw" than the X200B, but frankly I find my LED upgraded G2's to offer just as much "throw" as my bigger, heavier, more expensive 120 lumen 951 with the incandescent bulb does. I'll have to get some pics up.
fivepointoh
04-14-08, 14:52
If I can get Suicide to come over w/ his camera I can show the throw of my 6P w/ a 230 lumen LED compared to the 200B, also.
Or I guess I could go to his place huh? :p
Wow...awesome post David.
Okay, question time. My first SBR build, the parts are slowly coming in. I was able to pick up an X200B and was wondering if there are any drop in LED units for this? I have a 6P w/ a 230 lumen drop in and I must say....it rocks!
Would love to do the same to the X200.
Thanks.
You want a brighter LED for you X200B? The X200A was an incandescent bulb. The X200B already is an LED. :confused:
You want a brighter LED for you X200B? The X200A was an incandescent bulb. The X200B already is an LED. :confused:
X200A was also a LED.
David Thomas
01-23-10, 00:44
A friend recently asked my what the difference was between the X200 and X300, and I took some pics tonight. These are not the best pictures, but I thought I would post them here in case anyone missed this thread.
10-12 yards away from the 3 targets, this time painted white:
X300 (the target in the background is set at 50 yards)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/054-1.jpg
X200B
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/057.jpg
X200A
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/063-1.jpg
Surefire LX2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/067-2.jpg
Another pic from tonight:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/017-2.jpg
Another pic from tonight:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/017-2.jpg
This shot, how cool is that! :cool:
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