We’ve never had it so good for weapon light options. There’s a multitude of manufacturers offering reputable (some more than others) and reliable pistol or rifle weapon lights. Amongst those offerings, many consumers are left debating between Surefire vs. Streamlight for their next light.
Surefire and Streamlight boast diverse product lines and earned reputations for reliable and durable products. However, which brand is better? Which fits your needs? Let’s discuss them and see which one suits you: Surefire or Streamlight.
Surefire vs Streamlight: The X300 Ultra and TLR-1 HL
Weapon lights are plentiful. Between Surefire and Streamlight, they boast 80 weapon-mounted light models (Surefire with 43 and Streamlight with 37). In conducting an honest head-to-head comparison between these two manufacturers, it’s easy to pick and choose lights that aren’t comparable in performance or function. For this comparison, I chose two common weapon lights: the Surefire X300 Ultra B and Streamlight TLR-1 HL. These lights are comparable in size, performance, and weight. Without further delay, let’s evaluate Surefire vs Streamlight.
Lumens and Candela
Before comparing these two lights, I should define some measurement parameters. Lumens is the total amount of light emitted by a light source whereas candela is the total amount of light emitted in a particular direction. Effectively, lumens are measured in brightness while candela is measured in the distance the light is visible. In the battle of Surefire vs Streamlight, Streamlight, based on specifications alone, appears to have an edge over Surefire.
The TLR1-HL and X300 Ultra are both 1,000 lumens; however, the TLR1-HL has 20,000 candela while the X300 Ultra is “only” 11,300 candela. On paper, the TLR1-HL appears to have a significant edge over the X300. In reality, the two are very similar. The TLR1-HL has a slightly tighter beam than the Surefire. Per Streamlight’s specs, its beam illuminates to 283 meters, while Surefire states the X300 Ultra is 213 meters.
While unrelated to this comparison, Surefire offers a “Turbo” X300. The X300 Turbo is 650 lumens with 66,000 candela. This insane amount of candela allows the Turbo to illuminate out to 514 meters. I’ve seen the Turbo side-by-side against the Ultra and the beam is laser tight.
I conducted a side-by-side comparison of the TLR1-HL and X300 Ultra at distances of 10, 60, and 100 yards. Both lights performed exceptionally well. The weapon lights easily illuminated targets at 100 yards for clear identification. The Surefire’s beam was slightly wider than the Streamlight.
While conducting the 100-yard test, I decided to scan the wood line with both lights. The Streamlight has a blue hue. In comparison, the Surefire X300 Ultra had more of a white daylight appearance. Whether this was a function of the light’s wavelength or an illusion from the Surefire’s wider beam, I experienced less blinding, or “splash back”, from the light reflecting off trees and leaves. I felt visual inspection and target identification were easier with the Surefire under these conditions. Overall, in the battle of Surefire vs Streamlight, both lights performed extremely well.
Runtime / Battery Life
With the popularity of reliable rechargeable CR123A batteries, battery life is less a matter of cost than it is an inconvenience. Batteries like to die at inconvenient times and I’ve learned to keep spares nearby and/or track battery use to preemptively change them. Nevertheless, battery life is important.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL advertises a 1.5-hour runtime. For a weapon light where continuous on isn’t necessary, this is perfectly fine. The Surefire X300 Ultra is close to an advertised 1.25-hour runtime. In my experience, extended run time is nice but not a deal breaker. If using my weapon light for extended periods on a K-9 track or building search, I normally swap the batteries out for fresh ones immediately after. Law enforcement’s unpredictable nature dictates the batteries will die when briefly needed but at the most inconvenient time.
Operation
In comparing Surefire vs Streamlight, the primary consideration beyond capability is the functionality of the light. For me, my main concern is, can I operate it under stress? In my opinion, Streamlight and Surefire have two vastly different approaches to addressing this concern.
Both weapon lights include toggles on the back of the light body. This is where the commonality in Surefire vs Streamlight stops. Streamlight’s toggles have a locked position in one direction for constant on, momentary on in another direction, and, with two taps of the momentary on, a strobe feature. Some folks make a big deal about the strobe option. Personally, I’ve never used it and don’t care for it. Luckily, the TLR-1 HL is programmable to remove this feature.
The Surefire toggles are exceptionally simple. Regardless of movement direction, the light will be in a “constant on” mode. The momentary on mode is straightforward and doesn’t require pondering which direction to move the switch. Instead of moving the toggles up or down, press them forward. I’ve received feedback from shooters with smaller hands and they like this design. Those shooters use their offhand thumb to activate the switch. The Surefire design is like having a built-in pressure switch on the light. When under stress, I want to avoid task saturation. Frankly, I want simplicity. For that reason, I think Surefire has a slightly better design for shooting under stress.
Mounting
Both of these weapon lights use a thumbscrew to tighten the light to a rail. Surefire offers the X300 Ultra in an “A” model (we’re comparing the “B” model) that features a user-interchangeable mounting system. The “A” design works great on polymer frame handguns because it cannot be overtightened. An issue with the thumbscrew design is determining when the light is tight enough to not fly off under recoil but not so tight that it warps the gun’s frame. Warping the gun’s frame can induce a handgun malfunction by binding the frame.
I use Surefire’s X300 “A” models on my handguns and have never had one fly off or work loose. In comparison, I’ve attended trainings and quarterly qualifications where, during a course of fire, I watched a Streamlight “yeet” itself downrange because the thumbscrew worked loose. The primary takeaway is to regularly check the tightness of the thumbscrew and tighten it just past finger-tight.
When mounted to a solid rail (e.g. AR-15 rail, steel or aluminum handgun rail, etc), the thumbscrew design is an excellent mounting option. It’s secure, simple, and easy to take on and off. With respect to Surefire vs Streamlight, neither of these brands is better than the other when it comes to their respective thumbscrew mounting designs; at least, that’s my two cents.
Durability
The TLR-1 HL and X300 Ultra are both IPX7-rated. This translates to they can withstand 30 minutes in water at a depth of one meter. Both lights feature an aluminum body and are durable for moderate use. However, durability is determined by the user and depends on the level of abuse a light is willing to take.
I’ve seen Streamlight and Surefire lights take substantial abuse and keep going — especially weapon lights. While the Streamlight TLR-1 HL is undoubtedly rugged, the X300 Ultra is a step above from my experience. Prior to professionally carrying a firearm with a weapon light, I was introduced to the Surefire X300 by fellow Mag Life Blog contributor Steve Collins. On numerous occasions, I watched Steve mount the X300 to a “blue gun” and use the light as a hammer on the concrete floor to demonstrate the abuse it could take. Undoubtedly, this left an impression on me since that light, after dozens of such displays, never had the slightest issue. Conversely, I’ve seen my fair share of TLR-1 HL lights take a trip down warranty lane from far less abuse. Your experience may differ.
Price
A huge factor in determining whether or not most consumers will acquire an item is price. We’re all on a budget of some kind. With Surefire vs Streamlight, the price difference is significant. The Streamlight TLR-1 HL sells on GunMagWarehouse for $155. Meanwhile, the Surefire X300 Ultra sells for $323.
The sticker shock is pretty significant when comparing these two lights. They both appear relatively similar on paper and seem to perform on an even level. However, the durability, reliability, and reputation of Surefire weapon lights are unparalleled. With that reputation and reliability comes a cost. As you see in most high-end products, the price goes up significantly to obtain a little more in features or quality. Look at it this way; sure, you can shoot trap with a $350 Remington 870. However, you will know the difference in quality, fit, and feel if you do so with a $2,000 competition-ready Benelli. The determining factor is whether or not you can justify the price for its intended use. Since I rely on light to correctly identify a threat and keep myself and innocent persons safe, I’m willing to expend the extra funds.
Conclusions on Surefire vs Streamlight: Which is better?
I hope by this point you’ve settled down from the Surefire sticker shock. As an admitted fan of them, it stings a bit to acknowledge their cost. While part of that price is paying for the brand reputation from Surefire, you’re undoubtedly obtaining a durable and reliable product. I own four Surefire X300 variants for that exact reason. The quality is unparalleled from my experience. However, none of these observations is a sleight toward Streamlight. I use many of their products. The determining factor is how you intend to use the light. If it’s a nightstand gun, Streamlight will work just fine. Your needs are the determining factor. Now, which one will you pick?
