Weapon Lights

[togmaster]

I've decided to add a light to my EDC. Since the gun/light will be riding in my waistband most of the time I'm looking for something that doesn't protrude beyond the muzzle. Looking at the offerings from the top brands I've narrowed the field down to three. Streamlight TLR-7A Streamlight TLR-7A Flex Weapon Light White LED fits Picatinny or , Inforce APLc Inforce APLc Compact Tactical Weapon Light LED 1 CR2 Battery Fiber , and the Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie Warrior X Pro produces 2,250-lumen output and 600-meter throw .

Based on features like total output and magnetic charging the Olight is leading the pack but the Streamlight is a close second. Holster availability is also a concern.

Anyone have any experience with any of these lights? Is one brand more durable than another? Let me know your thoughts and what you guys use.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Do not go with an Inforce they are subpar.

Here is your options, in order

Surefire X300u
If that is to much coin.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL

if that's to large the last option
Streamlight TLR-7

Never ever buy olight or Inforce.

Olight is especially junk, and their bull shit lumen number is only for a short amount of time and then they instantly cut in half, soo say that 1,200 lumens is cut down to 600 lumens after like 30 seconds or whatever..

One might say oh damn hey ok that's still 600 lumens that's not bad. The problem is lumens is only a fraction of the equation for lights. Another part... candela and well olight, and Inforce for that matter, have terrible candela. Like absolute trash numbers.


Surefire x300u 1,000 lumens model has 11,300 candela

Streamlight TLR-1 HL 1,000 lumens model has 15,000 candela

Streamlight TLR-7 500 lumens model has 5,000 candela


Now let's look at the Inforce
400 lumen model and I cant find the candela (hmm I wonder why) along with those shitty numbers we have to look at the track record, and if you actually look to people who actually use and test gear.. the Inforce is whittled with problems, specifically battery drain, (trust me I've had one and cant count how many times a new battery was completely fucking dead) there is also plenty of accounts of electronic failures (I've had switches stop working on me as well)

Oh and I just saw that you were saying the APLc so that's even less light output


Now on to the olight are you talking about the 600 lumen model that looks more like the tlr-7?

And if so we are now looking at 600 lumens but only 2,500 candela (just think tlr-7 is only 100 lumens less but TWICE the candela and that's amazing)


Why do all these numbers matter? Because you want a light that can be effective, especially punching through barriers. What are barriers, 1 darkness, another barrier is light itself, specifically ambient light or even say a street light or parking garage lights

 

[togmaster]

Coin is not a consideration quality is. X300u and TLR-1 are not considerations. This is not for duty carry it is for IWB and specifically AIWB. Lights that protrude beyond the muzzle are not on the list.

The APLc has a polymer housing and I haven't heard enough about it to form an opinion. If anyone has one let me know your thoughts.
The Olight PL-Mini s has a lot of features and I read a bunch of good reviews on it. I also saw video (on you tube) in a side to side comparison to the TL-7A and they were very close.
The TL-7 controls were a total disaster and Streamlight had to redesign it and come out with the TL-7A. Also a highly rated light and was in my top 2.
Unfortunately Surefire hasn't released anything that I am aware of that compares is size to the ones I've mentioned.

Does anyone own one? Enlighten me....

 

[Edwardteach72]

I've had an APL they are crap. Between switches not working and constant battery drain.

Sounds like your only option is the tlr-7

 

[Edwardteach72]

The only reason people will give olight a good review is one of 2 things

1) they don't actually use it. They bought one, put it on and it worked, probably dont even have a full drain worth of use with it.

Or

2) more likely scenario.. they are being paid by olight to tell you its good

 

[Will556]

Everything @Edwardteach72 has said is all
Good info. @togmaster What gun are you planning on putting this light on?

 

[togmaster]

Everything @Edwardteach72 has said is all
Good info. @togmaster What gun are you planning on putting this light on?

CZ P10C

 

[Will556]

@Edwardteach72 I saw a post with Streamlights new TLR-1 HL 1,000 lumen version. But I don’t think they are going to be released until the second quarter around summertime. It seems that you’ve already seen it too. But it looks promising.

 

[Will556]

CZ P10C

If you’re really dead set on not having a light that extends passed the muzzle, it seems that the TLR-7 is a good option. Sits nice and flush.

 

[Will556]

CZ P10C

You would also get to decide if you want to low or high version. Which is a nice options also.

 

[Will556]

@togmaster I found the new updated version of the TLR-7A on sale for you if you’re interested. It also happens to be the version that comes with both the high and low switches, so you can try both and decide what you like more. People are more likely to go with the high switch with a more modern shooting grip. $112.99 and then coupon code “10Savings” brings it down to $101.69. Pretty good deal. You can also choose free shipping. Streamlight TLR-7 A 500 Lumen Weapon Light With Rear Switch Options