New Streamlight TLR-1 w/C4 LED Pictorial Review

[decodeddiesel]

I posted this on Waltherforums.com since the TLR-1 is literally the only light on the market with provisions to fit the P99 and got virtually zero traffic so I figured I would re-post here so here goes...

About 3 weeks ago I got home from work one day and discovered a package from Midway waiting for me on my door step. It containing a new Streamlight TLR-1 for my P99. This is the new C4 LED model which just hit the market a couple months ago. Coming from a die hard Surefire junkie (I own an X200A, E2D, M600B, M600C, 6P, and G2) this light is damn impressive, WAY better than the old model.

Here are some specs:

* Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries with 10-year storage life
* C4 LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime
* LED Rating: Up to 7,000 candela peak beam intensity and up to 135 lumens measured system output. Deep-dish parabolic reflector produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination
* Run Time: 2.5 hours regulated run time. Solid-state current regulation for consistent illumination level.
* Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of muzzle
* Mounts directly to handguns with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails.
* Includes keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90two, S&W 99 and S&W TSW
* Machined aluminum sealed construction with black anodized finsih
* Waterproof to one meter for one hour, dustproof
* Ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch
* Highly accurate sight repeatability when remounting
* Fits existing light bearing holsters
* 4.18 oz.
* Lithium Battery Notice under TECH DOCS
* IPX7 rated design; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
* MIL-SPEC 810F Performance Tested

Compared to my X200A this light is brighter and has more "splash". I would say it's a direct comparison to an X300. Previously I had compared an X300 and an old TRL-1 and was not impressed. I am glad to say this light has surpassed my expectations and it was a great deal at around $100. I would not hesitate to purchase and use this light on your P99. Obviously i have not put any rounds downrange with this light so far (I now have in low light, and it's awesome), but given the overwhelmingly positive reviews the older version this light has received, I am not worried about it's durability. So, enough of the talk and onto the pics...

ETA (5/14/2009): I have fired about 700 rounds of various 9mm with the light attached to my P99. No problems to speak of other than a large amount of carbon build up on the light. I think this would be an issue with any light where the lens hangs out so far past the end of the barrel. I little scraping with some sharp plastic and it comes right off. I also conducted some 1 meter drop tests onto concrete at my work (we have a drop test rig for testing explosives packaging). 3 tests and no issues.







The packaging was kind of goofy and Chi-com'ish IMHO, but the light it's self is Aluminum and very very well built and impressive.





Here are the contents and the P99 specific mounting "key". Note they included spares of just about all of the mounting hardware, and used a dab of Loctite on the bolts.



I liked that once I had the right "key" all I needed to mount and dismount the light was a coin (I used a penny)







You can see the beam pattern is crisp and sharp. The "hot spot" is very bright and gives great "spill" and "throw". I will do a side by side between this light, my X200A, and my M600C tonight maybe, but it is very nice for the money. I would say it's a direct competitor to the X300 and costs less than half as much. Obviously some long term, real world abuse is necessary, however I have seen plenty of HSLD types using the old TLR-1s without complaint which leads me to believe this new one is up to the task. For right around $100 from Midway this light is great!

ETA (12-24-2008): After playing around with this light for a few months, I can say I firmly like this light just as much as my X200A for one reason. The momentary rocker switch. The TLR-1 has a momentary ON when you hit it with your support thumb which allows "strobe'ing" and momentary on. I still think it is a little easier to use than the Surefire, but AD is more of an issue. The Surefire push forward momentary is still very nice and probably easier to use. In the end it is user preference.

[LOKNLOD]

Good review. I've got one of these on the way and planned to do a comparison with my old TLR-1...

[MisterWilson]

Does it have a quick-release capability, or do you have to use a coin to remove it each time?

[geezerbutler]

About 3 weeks ago I got home from work one day and discovered a package from Midway waiting for me on my door step.

Does this mean you weren't expecting it?

Thanks for the review.

I started seriously considering one when they added the LED. It looks like a winner.

[decodeddiesel]

Does it have a quick-release capability, or do you have to use a coin to remove it each time?

I wish it had some sort of QD, but you do need to use a coin. Still though it take maybe 30 seconds to get it on or off.

[decodeddiesel]

Does this mean you weren't expecting it?

Of course I was, but I didn't want to come off like some sort of flashlight geek

Seriously though, this light is really nice.

[DamnYank!]

I recently put one on my AR and think its a very nice solution for the cost.

[1SFG]

I have one of the older versions on one of my carry guns, a glock 19. It's a dedicated light for that weapon and only comes off when cleaning the weapon or changing out the batteries. Light works well enough for me and my purposes. I carry the combo in a Raven holster and I'm meeting my draw from concealment times nicely. A lot of people get hung up on the more gucci lights and in the case of Surefire the quality is obviously there. That said, for a weapon light, the TLR-1 is well built, shines bright enough for my intended purposes (illuminating targets constantly or momentarily in the dark) and can be had for $100 and sometimes less. A great value. May have to add a third one to my collection with this new LED offering.

[Mike1515]

Thanks for the review. I've been seriously considering this light and a buddy of mine is looking for a light for his walther, so I'll be sure to forward your review to him.

--Mike1515

[decodeddiesel]

Thanks for the review. I've been seriously considering this light and a buddy of mine is looking for a light for his walther, so I'll be sure to forward your review to him.

--Mike1515

No problem, glad I could help.