Have you had an X300 lens come apart? Poll

[JBecker 72]

After having my second X300 come apart where the lens meets the bezel I'm thinking of switching back to a TLR1. If the TLR1 had the X300 mount system it would be the hot setup IMO. I always preferred the battery compartment closure on the Streamlight anyway. Switch wise I'll give the nod to Surefire.

Surefire fixed my last one and I'm sure they will fix this one as well, but I'm losing faith in this particular model. The lens attachment to the bezel is a design oversight IMO. Just curious how common this issue really is.

In case anyone is wondering the issue I'm talking about, here is a vid I found.

[Shao]

No, but I had one that wouldn't stay put on my 870 no matter what I did. I could shoot field loads all day, but the second I tried any buckshot or slugs, it would pop off with no discernible signs of breakage. After a day of frustration goofing off in the woods, I sent it into Surefire, got a new one back, and sold it on Ebay. I only use WMLs and Surefire E series 1 cell lights with Malkoff E1 heads or VME/M31 combos now. Surefire makes good stuff - I'm just not so sure about the X300.

[JBecker 72]

I remember discussing the issues of the X300 falling off your shotgun. I never experienced that, but I never put one on a 12 gauge. I have had a TLR1 mount loosen on me, but I could overcome that with light or medium thread adhesive I suppose.

The Inforce APL also interests me, but I hear of problems with battery drain and the latch failing.

[Kain]

Have an X300 and an X300 Ultra. Have not had an issue with them other than the X300's lens gets covered in powder much quicker than my X300U in my experience due to it being shorter. That and the fact that it is a bit of a pain in the ass to mount to a pic rail since it always seems to be rather tight and you can be limited to mounting options/position on rails where as the TLR series can be mounted without having to slide directly onto the rail. This can be important when you are running a rail on an AR with a FSB. Other than that I quite like them, quick and easy to mount to a pistol, the switch is a much better design, though I sometimes wish it was a little larger, and it locks up in my holster tighter than my TLR1 did. And this from someone who has owned three TLR weapon lights, a TLR1, TLR1s, and a TLR2s over the course of several years having few issues other than one not wanting to mount proper, after running the Surefire for a while I sold the Streamlights and have since gotten to wear all of my weaponlights are Surefire.

That said, for the money the TLR1s are hard to beat.

[JBecker 72]

I had a TLR1 before getting my 2 X300's. Now both have needed repair for the same issue. The first one that had the problem Surefire fixed and then I sold it. I bought a 300 lumen TLR1s last night for $100 shipped to try out. And while I typically don't use a WML for carry, I do have it on my HD weapon and I use it at the range frequently.

Oh and if you are having issues with the lens getting fouled up clean it with tooth paste. It cleans them up very well and seems to keep the buildup from getting as bad. I use the old school aqua fresh multi colored stuff FWIW.

[Kain]

Oh and if you are having issues with the lens getting fouled up clean it with tooth paste. It cleans them up very well and seems to keep the buildup from getting as bad. I use the old school aqua fresh multi colored stuff FWIW.

They get caked with crud within a few mags, not that it's hard to clean, they wipe clean without effort with a cotton patch with hoppes on it, but it will cut down output quickly. It is really the only downside that I have found with my X300, where as with the TLR series they never seemed to get this dirty this fast, same with the X300U.

[JBecker 72]

I don't have an ultra to compare to, but both TLR1 and X300 seemed to develop buildup at the same rates on my guns. I'm currently using a HK P30 for HD and it's about the same as a G19 with how much the light sticks out. When I was running a G34 I noticed a substantial amount of buildup compared to my current setup.

[Kain]

I don't have an ultra to compare to, but both TLR1 and X300 seemed to develop buildup at the same rates on my guns. I'm currently using a HK P30 for HD and it's about the same as a G19 with how much the light sticks out. When I was running a G34 I noticed a substantial amount of buildup compared to my current setup.

Am running mine on a Glock 17. Seems that way to me, maybe the slightly smaller bezel on the Surefire seems to exasperate the issue. The Ultra sticks out further and most of the fouling seems to end up on the top of the housing with some making it to the upper portion of the lens.

[Chameleox]

Had that happen to an X200 several years ago. It looked like the gasket or sealant that kept the lens in place wore out; I noticed some pieces of it on the lens before it happened. It still functioned fine, and it appeared to have no effect on the beam quality. However, I was worried that it was no longer water-proof.

Sent it in to Surefire and they fixed it without issue.

My *guess* is that whatever I was using to clean the lens was eating up the seal.

[PD Sgt.]

I had this happen as well, and when I called Surefire and talked to one of the reps, he asked what I used to clean the lens. Apparently, some cleaners/solvents degrade the gasket that seals the lens, and that results in the lens loosening.

He recommended not using "gun cleaners" or petroleum based solvents. I told him I usually use glass cleaner on the light, but I had bought it used, and did not know what the previous owner used. Surefire replaced the lens/gasket with no problem, and I have not had the issue arise with any of my lights since.