I’ve been using a Surefire G2L mounted on an MI FSB rail.
I plan on installing a DD 12" rail on my AR. I want to put my light in front of the FSB.
The Streamlight TLR-1s is 160 Lumens with a run time of about 2.5 hrs. I can buy the Streamlight for about $99.00.
The Surefire X300 LED is 170 lumens with a runtime of about 2.4 hours. I can buy the Surefire for about $249.00.
I have no experience with either one.
Is the Surefire worth the 250% price increase?
In my mind, spending $99 wouldn’t be a savings if the light were to break or crap out when I needed it. But if the quality of both were close to being equal, then I can’t justify the extra cost of the Surefire.
The light would be used on a gun intended for an LEO Patrol rifle type of work, in case that matters. Not that I abuse my equipment, but it needs to be able to withstand getting banged around a bit, just in case.
To me, it really came down to the switch. The way I handle a pistol and a carbine, I was having too many light AD’s. I’d bump the switch, and the light would come on when I did not wish it to do so.
That’s just me. I know people that prefer the Streamlight, the switch seems to work with them.
If you live in Texas, I’d be happy to let you try mine. Is there a fellow officer that will let you borrow one to try out?
It is possible to find a X300 for about $180 shipped on eBay. A lot of other dealers will stick to MAP, but include a couple of boxes of Surefire batteries. That’s about forty bucks, and you will use them up.
The flood from a Malkoff is really nice, I agree. An excellent combination of an even flood, with some good throw. It’s awesome indoors - no hotspots.
I used to have one in a 6P on an LMT, with the MI FSB mount, and a Vltor light mount. It was a very good way to get the hand further out on the rail, if you have a carbine gas system.
I have also bought a pair of DEVGRU switches from BrightFlashLights, and found him to be very good to deal with. Very fast, efficient, and no drama.
A year ago, I bought an X300 and a TLR-1S so see for myself which is better. I have since bought 4 more X300’s, and only have the TLR1 around because my STI/GP6 K100 doesn’t take an X300.
The X300’s can be found under 200 new, and imho they’re more than twice the light. Since you’re considering an LEO application, then there is ZERO reason not to go with the Surefire - it’s a better light, better design, with better mount.
IIRC somewhere around here we have an epic thread on this topic. Perhaps a google search of m4carbin.net will reveal it. god knows the search here is useless.
I have both and prefer the X300, for the same switching reason mentioned above but also because I like the mount better. I like how easily/quickly I can remove the Surefires to move them from gun to gun, or to take the light off my carry pistol to go shoot IDPA and put it back on when I’m leaving the range.
I tried a few TLR1’s and switched to X300’s too. They attach better and I was smoking batteries in my rifle case with the TLR1. The SF switch is better for AD prevention and activation. The Light is obviously no good if the batteries are dead. Look around and you can find them for less than $200.
He is hard to beat in many cases with many different pieces of gear.
Aside from that he is extremely down to earth and has a pretty hardcore work ethic. I swear I called from PST pretty late on several occassions expecting voice mail since he is on EST… to my suprise he answered and took my order.
He doesnt want a finger for shipping and allot of his prices have priority shipping already included.
I like the inline light style of the G2/G2L, but the G2 switches are useless junk.
You end up having to upgrade too much of the light to make the G2 worthwhile. I have a few in my Gear Sector double light mount, but I really hate those things for weapon lights.
I think the G2LED makes a great gun light, but I don’t like it for handheld use; the plain round shape makes it difficult for me to use.
Like the C2s better.
Some have criticized me for not having a light on my AR that I “like” and can take off and use handheld. I got over it.
Using a Surefire mount that Kevin at BF recommended.
I took a fall on the pavement, and pretty much landed right on the light. The bezel got scraped a bit, but the LED - a Malkoff - survived, and it continues to work perfectly.
Prior to the G2, was using a mutt of a light that Kevin put together for me. It was one bright mofo, but it was big and heavy and ate batteries. Can’t remember the model beyond “M9…” - sold it in the EE at TOS.
Read where Pat Rogers was using a G2, and called Kevin to order one and ask about (and order) the new KX4 LED heads.
I have a few of each and I lean towards the SF X-300. It’s more streamlined, controls are more efficient and it has a longer light throw. It’s also way more expensive. The newer LED TRL-1 are a little more bulkier and a little heavier than the X-300s, but has a good light throw and overall, is good to go. For the budget minded or if you have several weapons to outfit (like me), the TRL-1 is a good functioning and rugged weapon light.