Streamlight just released the TLR1s, which boasts a claimed 160 lumen output and a new strobe feature activated by 2 momentary taps to the paddle. Sounds interesting.
I know the disorienting effects of a strobe, and how it could be used to gain a tactical advantage.
My question is; Does this feature have a place on a weapon mounted light, specifically a handgun?
I know many of you have carried them (Procyon). Have you actually employed this feature in a real-world dynamic situation? What was the result? Is this a desirable feature, or just another “bell and whistle”?
I feel it interferes with the KISS theory, which is important with a defensive handgun IMO. I am curious to hear input on this.
And I agree with its usefulness in a hand held light.
What about in room clearing type scenarios? What is its effect on the shooter being behind the gun? Does it interfere with sight acquisition? I’ve never played with one in the dark.
I have not used a strobing light on a pistol but I have used one on an M4 and handheld in a law enforcement capacity. I have found them to work well to disorient, etc and my only complaints are with the reliability/longevity of the particular model we used and the use of them in a team environment. I do not particularly care for very powerful lights because in small, darkened rooms with light colored walls the light tends to reflect and bite both ways. When working as a team and collapsing sectors of fire or working in contact/cover pairs I found the strobe distracting. With these limitations in mind I think they are a definite advantage. YMMV.
Strobes are great, but for use in team-based enclosure work they require training and conditioning. I personally do not like to have to press the activation switch more than once, since should the light and it’s effect be necessary the shooter(s) will be exponentially more focused on shooting than strobing, and should the shooter fail to fully activate the function the light may not be on when you need it. It will depend on model and method of operation.
I have used a Gladius quite a bit in training and feel that the method of operation is good, though there are some minor issues with the light’s size and design for me.
Tag to follow the discussion. The Insight Procyon was shortlived I thought and replaced by the WX150. I picked one upa WX150 at the end of last year to look over. That it doesn’t have a long gun back limits me to use on a pistol. I think your comment about “pressing the activation switch more than once” is a right. I don’t realy even bother with it as to get the strobe I have to focus on the double tap.
I tried to have this discussion with Insight, Streamlight, and Surefire at SHOT this year and all three looked at me like I had an apple tree growing out my forehead.
They should just make the user interface programmable. That way they work for shooters who want strobe to be the default, and those who prefer momentary or constant. I don’t understand the major light makers’ dislike for programmable lights.
I know the Streamlight version is user programmable, but I can’t remember all the options. If you could make it default to strobe, I don’t remember. We spent a bit of time yakking to them about it too but more about the new handhelds than the new TLR (the new little handhelds are pretty slick).
I agree that if you need strobing, you probably need it without needing to remember how to cause it.
TLR-1®sIntensely bright, virtually indestructible tactical light. Includes user programable strobe enable/disable.
Powered by two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries with 10-year storage life
C4® LED with blinding beam (TLR-1: 135 lumens, TLR-1s 160 lumens) with bright side-light – will not break or burn out! Strobe model with user programmable strobe enable/disable
Up to 2.5 hr. Run Time
Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of muzzle
Machined aluminum sealed construction with black anodized finish
Waterproof to one meter for one hour, dustproof
Ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch, Double tap of momentary paddle within 0.4 seconds activates strobe. (TLR-1s® only)
Fast, adjustable, secure side mounting. Includes Rail Locating Keys for Glock style, 1913 Picatinny, S&W 99/TSW, and Beretta 90two
IPX7 rated design; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Weight: 4.18 oz.
For what it’s worth…
I’m thinking I am going to give one of these a try. It appears I could disable the strobe function (if needed) and still have a a decent light.
I’m not a big fan of the strobing weapon light. I find that sometimes I accidentally activate the strobe when using my flashbulb technique because I sometimes tap the switch too quickly. The first time it happened to me was after I installed the Insight Procyon on my duty gun. I was searching a house for a suspect. I found the suspect and at the same time my light went on strobe. My mind wasn’t ready for that, and therefore, my brain was preoccupied for a split second. I did not like being faced with a suspect and trying to immediately determine if he was a threat, while that light was strobing accidentally. I guess it all boils down to training. When I train with my handgun doing room clearing/CQB, I use the flashbulb technique. I want my light to flash on and off when “I” want it to. Over the years my mind has become accustomed to that.
I would prefer that the light have a switch to enable strobe “all of the time” or strobe feature completely off. That way I could use the strobe effect with my flashbulb technique, and it wouldn’t be a surprise. I could train and get use to that.
I dont really care for strobes on lights but dont knock people that want it. I used to be a big fan of strobes, but kind of moved away from it after a few years.
I have the TLR-2s and used it for the strobe feature for the first time tonight while clearing a house. I really, really like it. I’ve used a poor man’s strobe with my X200 and handhelds in the past but the TLR strobes really fast, kinda like being at a Rave.
I found the laser to be handy with aiming, especially when entering a bedroom with white walls, the light bounces back pretty good and focusing on the front sight is a little difficult. In those smaller rooms with a firing distance of less than 10 yards the laser is that much faster. That and its just cool.
