Lets talk WML (Weapon Mounted Lights) all encompassing

[Edwardteach72]

I was going to put this in the accessories sub but figured we'd get a little more traffic here in General. Also this will not be an either or for handguns or long guns, but an all guns focuse..

Ok, so many of us see this come up all over the place, not so much on this forum, but many other outlets and occasionally here.

The burning question.. "I have (insert firearm) that I plan to use for (insert situation) and I want to know what light I should use"....

Well I would like to start an open conversation that is from current day April 10th 2022 but can continually evolve as technology evolves to help get info out there on options for the above question.

I will try and put out the limited information out that I personally know or have links to from SME (subject matter experts) and would like anyone who wants to add in their experience and knowledge. Or even ask questions..

I'm going to end it there, and start a second post so this doesn't become to clustered and hard to follow.


TL;DR let's compose as much information and data we can about weapon lights, their uses, and accessories we can so we can make informed decisions on purchase and use

 

[Edwardteach72]

Like many I am in the belief that all offensive and defensive weapons should have a light on them.

In this context offensive and defensive can be interchangeable, especially for long guns. (There will be some niche situations I won't really talk about, such as extremely long range shooting and night vision ir stuff)


Now let's start with the easiest conversation. Pistol WML. In this category we will talk about the Companies and offerings worth buying, and gloss over the ones to avoid. Only going to mention available lights at this time (don't worry @Will556 the other will be mentioned later)

What options do we have for pistol lights. Surefire, Streamlight, and Modlite.

Surefire is probably going to be the most legacy option out there, specifically the x300u

Surefire x300u
Pros: durability, output, run time, batteries, can be used in a duty role or concealed carry
Cons: size, cost (subjective) how to change batteries

Output: on 2 CR123 batteries, 1,000 lumens and 11,300 candela, runtime 1.25 hours


Next is another popular duty size light.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL.
Pros: Cost, output, run time, batteries, durability (slightly less than the x300u)
Cons: size, battery door, how to change batteries

Output: 2 Cr123 batteries, 1,000 lumens 20,000 candela, run time 1.5 hours



Last of the full size duty lights

Modlite PL350
Pros, output, durability, batteries, battery changes, modularity
Cons, cost, size, runtime

Output. 1 18350 battery, lumens and candela vary depending on light head. PLHv2 for example is 1,350 lumens and 54,000 candela, runtime 35-40 minutes


Streamlight TLR-7
Pros: size, cost durability, batteries
Cons: output

Output 1 CR123, 500 lumens 5,000 candela. Runtime 1.5 hours


Streamlight TLR-7 sub.
Pros. Same as above TLR-7. Fits micro guns
Cons same as above TLR-7, gun model specific fit.

Output: 1 CR123, 500 lumens 5,000 candela runtime 1.5 hours



Forgot to add

Surefire XCS.
Pros: small, fits sig p365, glock 43x type guns
Cons: Cost, proprietary batteries, output, run time

Output.. 350 lumens, 2,000 candela
Run time 30 minutes


Another fairly new offering from Streamlight

The TLR-9
Pros, slim, output is decent, batteries price
Cons, not sure what to list as 1, I personally have no time with one or know anyone that owns one, these actually don't seem to be to popular. Probably would have to say holster selection

Output. 2 CR123 batteries, 1,000 lumens 10,000 candela 1.5h run time

 

[Will556]

Though it’s not released yet but Surefire will be releasing their Turbo series so they can finally step into the modern world of illumination since for the last multiple years they have been dethroned and playing catch-up. Though the lights will be close to bridging the gap I still don’t think they are going to be beating competition. With that being said they’re obviously still a viable option and better than many other weapon mounted lights on the market. From what I’ve heard the new X300T will still fit previous holsters that fit the X300U.

With the Turbo series they lowered their lumen rating exponentially but raised their candela.

X300T
Lumens: 500
Candela: 50,000
Run Time: 1 Hour


EDC2-DFT
Lumens: 550
Candela: 71,000
Run Time: 2 Hours


Turbo Mini Scout Light Pro
Lumens: 550
Candela: 71,000
Run Time: 45min

 

[Edwardteach72]

And last of the not released yet but to keep an eye out for.

Cloud Defensive EPL D and C



D - "Duty" (top, on a G17)
1 18350 battery, expected 1,100 lumens 71,000 candela

C - "Carry" (bottom on a G19)
1 18350 battery, expected 1,000 lumens 45,000 candela

 

[Will556]

And last of the not released yet but to keep an eye out for.

Cloud Defensive EPL D and C

View attachment 154124

D - "Duty" (top, on a G17)
1 18350 battery, expected 1,100 lumens 71,000 candela

C - "Carry" (bottom on a G19)
1 18350 battery, expected 1,000 lumens 45,000 candela
View attachment 154124

Gonna gonna kill the market as long as their switches aren’t as finicky as the PL-350’s. I’m excited for these.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Not so honorable mentions.

Infroce APLc. If you can even find one, the company got bullied (probably) into no longer making probably the most popular selling "concealed carry" wml because it sucks that much

Runs on 1 cr123 batter, run time is ???? Because constant battery drain, 500 lumens, candela idk maybe like 6 ?



Inforce Wild 1 its kind of an upgrade aplc I guess?? 2 hour run time (claimed, who knows hopefully they fixed the power drain) 500 lumens.. and who knows candela I can't find it listed


Inforce Wild 2.. runs off 1 18350 battery, 1,000 lumens 25,000 candela.. they claim 2h run time

 

[Edwardteach72]

Gonna gonna kill the market as long as their switches aren’t as finicky as the PL-350’s. I’m excited for these.

Saaame. Like super hard. Just really want to see the switches. And it's going to be a bummer but also nice to drop down to a G17 size slide.. granted I carry a G34 size holster either way

 

[Will556]

Not so honorable mentions.

Infroce APLc. If you can even find one, the company got bullied into no longer making probably the most popular selling "concealed carry" wml because it sucks that much

Runs on 1 cr123 batter, run time is ???? Because constant battery drain, 500 lumens, candela idk maybe like 6 ?
View attachment 154125


Inforce Wild 1 its kind of an upgrade aplc I guess?? 2 hour run time (claimed, who knows hopefully they fixed the power drain) 500 lumens.. and who knows candela I can't find it listed
View attachment 154126

Inforce Wild 2.. runs off 1 18350 battery, 1,000 lumens 25,000 candela.. they claim 2h run time
View attachment 154128

I dislike all Inforce lights. There’s really no reason to choose them when there are other companies/lights out there that do it better for approximately the same price. Anytime I see an Inforce, especially on a well put together weapon all I can think of is “A perfectly good flex ruined by an Inforce”.

Don’t even get me started on Olight. There really is no place for them anymore and they don’t belong on weapons or for any real use at all. Especially when they have been known to practically be little manufactured IED’s. People should care more about what gear they run and put quality pieces of kit on their weapons, in their pockets, or pouches.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Don’t even get me started on Olight. There really is no place for them anymore and they don’t belong on weapons or for any real use at all. Especially when they have been known to practically be little manufactured IED’s. People should care more about what gear they run and put quality pieces of kit on their weapons, in their pockets, or pouches.

And this is why I didn't even mention olight.. and if they are brought up by anyone in this thread, well that is their right and hopefully they have thick skin (not just to protect from burns or explosion) but I will myself bully them and encourage others to do so.


Soon I will be putting together something for long guns..

I really did have some nice organized idea in my head for this whole thread it just isn't coming out how I pictured.. but doesn't help I'm doing this on my phone hahaha.

 

[Uzi]

I prefer no light mounted most of the time, but rather use one independently of the handgun instead.

I use an o-light pl mini 2 on a 20/20 brace with optic for a 17, and the fingertip actuation along with the sliding adjustability have been phenomenal for one handed operation. I also like that I can just grab the gun and recharge it while reading how much o-light isn't worth mentioning as a flashlight.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I prefer no light mounted most of the time, but rather use one independently of the handgun instead.

I use an o-light pl mini 2 on a 20/20 brace with optic for a 17, and the fingertip actuation along with the sliding adjustability have been phenomenal for one handed operation. I also like that I can just grab the gun and recharge it while reading how much o-light isn't worth mentioning as a flashlight.

Having a WML doesn't mean NOT having a handheld.

Also Olight is trash and belongs in the garbage

 

[Will556]

I prefer no light mounted most of the time, but rather use one independently of the handgun instead.

I use an o-light pl mini 2 on a 20/20 brace with optic for a 17, and the fingertip actuation along with the sliding adjustability have been phenomenal for one handed operation. I also like that I can just grab the gun and recharge it while reading how much o-light isn't worth mentioning as a flashlight.

Olights are terrible and hot garbage. When the company has to send out a warning because they have to recall lights for burn hazards and it’s well documented and known that they have literally melted and exploded. This isn’t just one occurrence.

 

[Will556]

I mean, you can laugh at it all you want lol. You’re the one with the Olight. No one that has the proper knowledge and does anything serious with firearms uses them in a professional/duty manner. The only people that advocate for them either don’t know better or they’re just a shill for them looking for a kickback on sales. There are so many better options out there. Name me one other flashlight company that has actually caused the death of someone from a factory flashlight?

 

[1075tech]

I have a Streamlight TLR-7A on my P320. It's plenty bright enough at typical "in the house" distances. While it might not be the brightest baddest light, it works. It's bright enough to get the job done without being so bright I have to worry about being blinded by reflected light.

I also have a Streamlight ProTac HX on my 870 and the Grendel pistol. More than enough light.

 

[Defilade]

Olights are terrible and hot garbage. When the company has to send out a warning because they have to recall lights for burn hazards and it’s well documented and known that they have literally melted and exploded. This isn’t just one occurrence.
View attachment 154163
View attachment 154164 View attachment 154165

It says Pro on it! Good to go!

 

[Edwardteach72]

I also have a Streamlight ProTac HX on my 870 and the Grendel pistol. More than enough light.

This will deff be talked about in part 2

 

[BMF JK]

Olights are terrible and hot garbage. When the company has to send out a warning because they have to recall lights for burn hazards and it’s well documented and known that they have literally melted and exploded. This isn’t just one occurrence.
View attachment 154163
View attachment 154164 View attachment 154165

I’m thinking that POS Mass driver comp caused the light to take a big shit .

 

[Edwardteach72]

I’m thinking that POS Mass driver comp caused the light to take a big shit .

How?? Lmao.. but also yes the strike industry "mass driver" is also a POS... hence why I'm not suprised they also owned an Olight

 

[Will556]

I’m thinking that POS Mass driver comp caused the light to take a big shit .

Olight and Strike Industries tend to go hand in hand.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Ok. As promised Part 2

Picking a long gun light.. I will mainly stick to semi auto Rifles/Shotguns and PCC.

Again we will talk about quality lights and ignore the semi decent Inforce option that is lacking in both lumens and candela (but could make a decent bump helmet light).

But completely ignor Olight because they are Trash.

Now we will start with the legacy options.

Surefire scouts and other offerings. The one major thing they have going for these lights is durability, there is no denying how proven these lights are. The downside is surefire has been getting destroyed in the output department for years now, and the other offerings are showing to be just as if not more durable.

Now as @Will556 mentioned this year surefire released their turbo offerings, they seemed to kind of listen to complaints about how their candela was lacking and fixed that.. but they seemed to have also decided to lower the lumens, why?? Idk but it's a shame especially at the price Surefire is asking.

Next is a very popular option and for good reason. Streamlight HL-X. It's a budget friendly option that comes with everything you need to get started and can upgrade to better as you go, but gives amazing output.

HLX is giving you 1,000 lumens and 27,600 candela with 1.5 hours of run time. And the whole package with light, mount and pressure pad can sometimes be had as low as $100.

Next we have another somewhat budget option but with a stronger more duty level durability.

Arisaka. They offer a few different head options (all made by Malkoff) on Arasaka body and tailcaps.. all the offerings tend to beat out the surefire equivalents in output.. granted Arasaka does seem to focus more on candela than lumen but gives you a usable amount of both.

Next up is Modlite. They have 2 main offerings, the PLHv2 and OKW. The good part about modlite besides the output is that they can run on any previous Surefire Scout bodies, so someone wants to upgrade its a simple head swap.

And finally we have Cloud Defensive with their now 3 offerings..

First being the OWL, which is a light mount pressure pad all in one unbelievably robust system.

Next is the Rein and Rein 2.0 another amazing offering with some of the best output on the market


Now personally I keep my choices for long guns to the following, Streamlight HLX, especially for the budget minded solution or Arasaka if you are able to bump up a few extra bucks in the budget..

If you are able to go all in then Cloud Defensive 3 options are amazing and most bange for your buck, Modlite is also a great choice but in the long run if just starting out will cost more than the Cloud Defensive option when getting all the parts such as pressure pad and what not

 

[BMF JK]

How?? Lmao.. but also yes the strike industry "mass driver" is also a POS... hence why I'm not suprised they also owned an Olight

Hahaha cause it sucks that bad !

 

[Uzi]

I mean, you can laugh at it all you want lol. You’re the one with the Olight. No one that has the proper knowledge and does anything serious with firearms uses them in a professional/duty manner. The only people that advocate for them either don’t know better or they’re just a shill for them looking for a kickback on sales. There are so many better options out there. Name me one other flashlight company that has actually caused the death of someone from a factory flashlight?

I know I can laugh all I want, and I thank you for your permission. lol

I'm not a fanboy of any weapon light brand, and I don't care what a Joe Shmoe on the internet thinks of one manufacture or the other, but I'll bite the fan boy snob bait. I base my opinions off of my personal experience with actually using the product itself, and what I was looking to achieve prior to the purchase. In my situation, I'm not going to war looking to have 10,000,000,000 lumens for 48 hours straight run time while engaging targets on the offensive with a 9mm pistol.
I just wanted a small and compact light that can be actuated easily and charged without messing with batteries. I wanted a light that turns on and off basically. It does so happen to be a light that turns on and off thankfully. What I DIDN'T want, was a foot long tube that weighs 5 lbs hanging 6" off of a duty pistol rail.
This particular light exceeds what I need it to do for a very compact pdw system, so it doesn't make any difference to me what you think about the brand or model, or what you think is better. I also don't care about a manufacturing flaw in some other unit, or irrelevant model recall that doesn't have anything to do with what I have or use.

I will however mention my two cents for something that has really good feedback, ratings and reviews, and something that I can confirm works really well for me though. It was also recommended by many non sponsored gun related channels/websites, many of which are actually worth listening to. This is probably why I am happy with it, because those qualified with a useful opinion and experience served as a better resource.

Right now, the only o-light I've used has been fantastic for a backpack pdw and night stand gun for me. Maybe there's others out there I wouldn't like as much, who knows. I personally like it enough that I wouldn't mind purchasing another one, but I'm also looking at the TRL7-sub as well. I'm not a fan boy of any brand though, so I'm willing to try anything on my other firearms.

 

[Edwardteach72]

If you actually used the product vs just say you do then you would realize tha the olight is trash

 

[Edwardteach72]

It was also recommended by many non sponsored gun related channels/websites, many of which are actually worth listening to.

This is a very long way to just say "shills"

 

[Uzi]

If you actually used the product vs just say you do then you would realize tha the olight is trash

What does "actually use" mean to you? Do I need to be engaging in nighttime war overseas somewhere? It's a fucking flash light on a pistol, man.

 

[Edwardteach72]

What does "actually use" mean to you? Do I need to be engaging in nighttime war overseas somewhere? It's a fucking flash light on a pistol, man.

Nope.. but the fact that you say it works well, tells me you don't actually use or train with it

 

[Edwardteach72]

It's a fucking flash light on a pistol, man.

For someone who isn't a "fan boy" I just want to apologize that you got butt hurt reading that something you wasted money on is straight garbage.... and I'll continue to say it.. there was a trigger warning for all you olight users in I think the 1st or 2nd post... but I guess like actual acounts of how terrible olight, you choose not to see that part ..

 

[togmaster]

Take a low light class with any of the mentioned lights and it will open your eyes.

 

[Darth]

Output: on 2 CR123 batteries, 1,000 candela and 11,300 lumens, runtime 1.25 hours

Lolno



TLR1 HL on G20C

 

[Edwardteach72]

Lolno

View attachment 154205

TLR1 HL on G20C

No what??