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If you know anything about flashlights, you’ll probably be aware that Streamlight and Surefire are two of the biggest companies on the flashlight market today.
Both companies have a history of making high-quality flashlights and flashlight accessories used by survivalists, hunters, and the military1.
Streamlight2 and SureFire3 are, quite possibly, the two most well known pistol flashlight brands.
But which company makes better products?
While the answer to that question may be down to personal taste, we can certainly take a look at some of their best weapon lights and see which one comes out on top.
In this article, we’ll look at two flashlights: The Streamlight TLR-1 HL and the SureFire X300, two great high-output weapon lights.
We’ll find out which is the superior flashlight and which one you should go for if you’re looking into purchasing a new light for your pistol (or rifle!).
Streamlight & SureFire’s Most Popular Weapon Lights Compared
The Compact Weapon Light – Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL
The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL is a compact weapon mount tactical flashlight used by many law enforcement agencies and people interested in self defense.
The flashlight is designed to be mounted on a pistol but fits onto a variety of different weapons.
The TLR-1 HL comes equipped with a Picatinny rail clamp designed to attach to and detach from your weapon rapidly without requiring a tool.
This lets you save money by easily transferring it from one handgun to another.
The flashlight provides a thousand-lumen blast of light out to 283 meters for maximum illumination. This lights up large areas so you can identify who or what is nearby.
This level of illumination makes the StreamlightTLR-1 HL perfect for clearing a room or searching an alleyway.
Be sure not to shine the flashlight in anyone’s eyes as when the light is fully illuminated. It’s very bright and could cause damage to another person’s eyes.
If you’ve owned the previous model, the Streamlight TLR-1, then you’ll notice that the TLR-1 HL is much brighter.
The TLR-1 HL is also sturdy, with solid-state electronics and an IPX7 rating good for keeping water out.
If you do accidentally drop the flashlight, then don’t worry. It can take quite an impact without any damage.
Specs
- Length: 3.39″
- Height: 1.47″
- Weight: 4.18 oz
- Range: 283 m
- Runtime: 1.5 hr
- Batteries: 2x CR123
- Compact form factor
- Tool-less attachment method
- Comes with keys to adapt to almost any handgun
- Longer runtime than the SureFire X300 Ultra
- It’s subjective, the biggest sticking point tends to be the controls
The Sturdier Light – SureFire X300 Ultra
The SureFire X300 Ultra is an upgraded version of the older X300, which has a long track record of being used in combat and survival situations.
This update brings its output up to 1,000 lumens and makes the Picatinny rail attachment easier.
It has a special off-white high-performance LED set in the yellowish-green spectrum, perfect for human vision.
The X300 Ultra’s light is focused by a precision TIR lens, which creates a high-intensity beam out to 213 meters.
Just like the Streamlight TLR-1 HL, the SureFire X300 Ultra has a decent battery life for a high-output weapon light, though it is a little less at 1.25 hours.
The light is made of aluminum and is sturdy. Though it’s longer than the TLR-1 HL, the X300 Ultra is slightly lighter by 0.18 ounces.
The SureFire X300 Ultra can be used with either your right or left-hand, thanks to the ambidextrous switch.
The flashlight can also be activated remotely with an optional XT tape for long guns or a DG grip switch for handguns, plus users tend to prefer its activation switch over the TLR-1’s.
Specs
- Length: 3.6″
- Height: 1.3″
- Weight: 4 oz
- Range: 213 m
- Runtime: 1.25 hr
- Batteries: 2x lithium 123A
- Extremely well made and durable
- People tend to prefer this flashlight’s activation methods
- Sometimes counterfeited
- You’ll pay for the durability
Streamlight vs SureFire: Comparing the Two Flashlights
Both the Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL and the SureFire X300 Ultra are great weapon lights that fit a wide variety of firearms.
Both are compact in size so they can be transported easily and fit on most handguns or long guns, and you can maneuver both flashlights anywhere.
Battery Life
Both flashlights have a good battery life (for a high output weapon light) that will last well over an hour of continuous use.
The TLR-1 HL lasts about 15 minutes longer than the X300U, which is an advantage if you’re going to use this light on a hunting rifle.
Light Brightness
Both of these flashlights output 1,000 lumens.
However, the more compact TLR-1 has a farther throw by 70 meters, which is not-insignificant 230 feet.
On the other hand, the X300 Ultra’s light is a more eye-friendly off-white, making it the more comfortable choice.
Build Quality
Both Streamlight and SureFire make extremely durable flashlights4.
However, SureFire’s lights are known to have a higher level of skill and care in the internal components, which is why you’re more likely to see an X300 in a combat zone than a TLR-1.
Both weapon lights are more than strong enough to handle almost any situation, though.
Controls
Both the Streamlight TLR-1 HL and SureFire X300 Ultra have rear-mounted switches that can be used for momentary activation or turned and left on.
However, people who have used both tend to prefer the SureFire’s switch.
Surefire vs Streamlight: Which Is the Better Flashlight?
Our Winner: Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL
While both the Streamlight TLR-1 HL and the SureFire X300 Ultra are amazing flashlights, the one that we would recommend for most users is the TLR-1 HL.
It’s a sturdy flashlight that fits well onto nearly any firearm and has (slightly) superior range and runtime specs.
The real reason why we recommend the TLR-1 HL, though, is price.
And while the extra investment is a good idea when you live in a warzone, for everyone else, Streamlight offers more than enough flashlight for a better price.
If you’re looking for a high-quality flashlight to attach to your gun, whether you’re upgrading your self defense pistol or headed off to do some night shooting, look no further than the Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL.
But if money is no object then the SureFire X300 Ultra is the superior weapon light when you want one that can survive anything.
