Is the Surefire X300 Still King? | 5 Pistol Light Comparisons

In-depth breakdown of 5 popular full-size pistol lights. We cover lumen output over time, total runtime, light color, flood, candela, switches, and batteries. Is the surefire still king of the pistol lights? Find out!
Surefire X300U-B
Streamlight TLR-1HL
Nightstick TWM-850XL
Inforce Wild 2
Olight PL-PRO
More In-Depth Data at:
www.lowlightdefense.com/is-th...
Note: While we have relationships with many of these companies, we ARE NOT SPONSORED by any light manufacturers, nor are we affiliates of any manufacturer. We are a holster manufacturing company, and we are passionate about lights. Our goal is to provide excellent unbiased information to the community so that you may be better prepared, and so that light manufacturers will continue to provide better & better products.
Find Your Light-Bearing Holster:
werkz.com/

[@subverto994]

This is the most detailed and comprehensive light comparison I've ever seen. You guys are awesome!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for your encouraging feedback! We have more items like this in the hopper!

[@bastionwolf]

Seriously, just got a new subscriber from this video.

[@sway696]

@@bastionwolf same👍

[@choomanfoo157]

Agreed, this is the most informational and in depth review of top 5 popular lights. This is on the level of Paul Harrell channel. Fantastic content, great job guys.

[@The-LongRoad-Home]

Took the words right out of my mouth

[@Steven_M.]

This was a great production and effort. It was made in such a way to be a timeless video and didn’t even advertise your own holster. Impressive!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks Steven!

[@free2chasehappy]

Streamlight has been my in edc and wml for years now. I used to buy other brands like surefire and a few chinese, but streamlight's value, performance and reliability won me over.

[@zack9912000]

@David Stunning Their pressure switches are junk though. Plenty of videos on them failing.

[@zack9912000]

@David Stunning Some of their LEDs dont handle recoil well and dont have good cooling and overheat.

[@chrisenloe3972]

The same Streamlight M3 has been on every duty pistol Ive had for the last 15 years

[@zack9912000]

@@chrisenloe3972 Well sad to say their quality isnt as good as it used to be, used to use their products years ago and had too many failures. Cant depend my life to it

[@free2chasehappy]

@@chrisenloe3972 woah, that is cool!

[@GrendalTheBeasty]

Best review of weapon lights I've seen on youtube. Thanks for not just saying "oh, this one allows me to see 200 yards away" and picking that. Flood, switches, batteries/charging and light color are all critically important.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much for your feedback! I think more data can certainly help folks make more informed decisions!

[@1312020m]

This was a great video. Very comprehensive comparison between the different options on the market. Id love to see a similarly detailed video but more towards the durability and reliability of those same lights. Appreciate the great content.

[@francism9782]

Very detailed comparison. Can't wait for the other postings on the channel.

[@salsalvio821]

Wow that was some thorough work! Thanks for the review

[@supermario5]

This is how comparisons should be done! Well done and thank you!

[@thatoneguy454c]

Streamlight ftw. Why spend over 300 bucks on a flashlight that works when i can spend much less and get a flashlight that absolutely kicks ass? Great video! For a holster company you seem to put out great firearm content all around.

[@paoloang199]

Never seen such a perfect and deep explanation on anything! Thanks a lot from Italy!

[@TheMno123]

The most comprehensive and detailed weapon light video. Great work. Thanks!

[@ASMR-soothingsounds]

Impressive production quality and education value in this video. Excellent job guys!! This video has helped me make the decision for my next purchase... the Streamlight.

[@sharingtheadventure]

Hands down, the best pistol light review out there. Great job and thank you!

[@imperialipa06]

I really appreciate the amount of details in your work. This was so comprehensive for these lights, learned all i was looking fo, and then some. Awesome yall!!!

[@MN-ub7gl]

This is absolutely the best! Thank you! People need to see this to understand flashlights better! I like it!

[@lelandmason5760]

You guys exceeded KZbin. This is the best review I have ever seen. DEFINITELY a sub now

[@the_bearded_hobdy895]

This video was extremely detailed and you didn’t cram a particular brand at us which is appreciated. I’m “newer” to pistol lights and found this video while researching a dedicated nightstand pistol light. This would only be used for a “what was that outside” light. TLR-1 HL was my pick as well but I noticed that NightStick just came out with a new TWM-30 that’s their big boy now. Really curious how it would hold up against this test.. again, thank you for such great content 🤙🏼

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Your light videos are amazing. The best. You cover virtually every possible aspect, such as how short you can actually do a momentary-on based on the switch type. Not to obviously mention the actual lab-quality measurements. Kudos. The TLR HLs are top of the line if you want reliability, run time, and subject control. I wish I could fit one on a 365XL. Come on, Icarus!

[@inspire_greatness7464]

Great to know that my local gun dealer guidance on gun mounted lights was spot on.

[@jy6839]

This channel is great. Love your reviews and comparisons. Very helpful for research and making purchase decisions.

[@macgyver3434]

Masterful review!!! I only wish all product reviews presented this level of detail, fact, and context! Would y'all be willing to do a similar video comparing rifle lights? Surefire M600, Streamlight HLX, etc?

[@alexduke5402]

Great job guys! that's one of the best independent data driven light comparisons I've seen to date! Keep up the work! I'm subbing!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks Alex! We are always working on more content!

[@ahrentrevino9981]

I greatly appreciate the research/showcasing you guys do. It's hard to find solid info on a field as populated in competitors and specific accessories as weapon mounted lights and holsters. You do an excellent job of presenting these products and backing them with hard science. You convinced me to purchase a nightstick TSM-13G along with one of your holsters. Keep up the good work!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks Ahren! We are ramping up to perform more reviews... stay tuned!

[@jmuk3571]

There are hundreds of reviews of WMLs on KZbin

[@ahrentrevino9981]

@@jmuk3571 Yeah and a lot of them are great in their own ways but I really like the way Werkz presents the data they collect rather than just going off opinions.

[@armedandblack]

This video is the only video anyone needs to watch when it comes to comparing or learning about these weapon mounts. This was great. Thank you. I went with tlr today

[@TheBackpacker1974]

Thanks for taking the time to do this thorough review. Very informative

[@WerkzHolsters]

My pleasure!

[@Austjamlew]

This channel has become my go to source of review and comparison. Great content!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks Austin! A lot more content is in our pipeline!

[@mj-1809]

This was absolutely amazing! Wow is all I can say. Literally everything you’d ever want to test that is real life and practical. Superb job team! Instant fan

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much for your feedback! More content in the works!

[@longrangeprecisionshooters8935]

Fantastic video. Tremendously detailed and helpful information, thanks!

[@jaredandrews379]

Great review and explanation of these light!

[@nuba16can]

This video was informative and awesome stuff!

[@sniper6878]

Wow. This is one of the best gear videos I've seen on KZbin in AGES. Excellent job. Keep it up.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much... we have more videos like this in the pipeline!

[@stevenperry2949]

I very rarely leave reviews, but you deserve one. Super detailed and informative, keep it up! Subscribed

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks so much Steven... appreciated! --Shan

[@TmanBlades]

You guys definitely have the best most detailed weapon light reviews. Thank you and keep it up! Also love my werkz holster 👍

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks!

[@Sanguivore]

What an incredibly well-done video! Thank you so much.

[@ryankhalil9170]

Excellent comparison. By far the best detail of any of the videos I've seen. Thank you! Would love to see you do a comparison of the lasers with lights that are out there

[@WerkzHolsters]

We have a lot of work just like this in the pipeline stay tuned!

[@gphonk7359]

Excellent breakdown and comparison. This type of content is the entire reason I bought one of your holsters

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thank you much! Our goal is to help provide unbiased information for folks, plus make it easier and more comfortable to run a light on everyday carry.

[@phil5569]

Best comprehensive Pistol light video I have watched yet. Well done!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks! We have more coming!

[@brettkellogg832]

Outstanding work! The combination of data driven facts and personal preferences is a powerful, real world comparison. Thank you for your effort, you've been a great help in my decision.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for your feedback! It's absolutely my intent to provide objective data and observations to help people make an informed decision.

[@sammydavis408]

Wow, what a great review. Thank you👍🏻👍🏻

[@AustinGreen97]

This channel has the most informative info i’ve seen. No unnecessary filler as well. It’s nice.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks Austin!

[@mikerobinson8734]

Thanks for this detailed review! Huge help.

[@Musashi2012]

Thank you for actually giving a “Real” review and giving your opinion at the end. Your videos are very informative and well made. A big Thank You to you and your team!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thank you for your positive feedback! We strive to be objective in our light reviews.

[@renorunner12]

Thank you for clearly explaining each phase of your testing, giving your methodology, and showing the results visually as well as explaining them. Very thorough review. I almost bought the Surefire, but I'll probably wind up with the Streamlight instead.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thank you for watching and the detailed feedback! My hope is that whatever you select, you'll be more informed!

[@subwoofer6726]

I experimenting with a new full size EDC gun and I am in the market for a new light to compliment it, but there were not many good videos that showcased all the NEW lights. Most videos either showed individual lights or just a coupled comparisons. Thanks to your style of testing, I felt like I was able to get a demonstration of all the lights and feel like I'm confident in what I want! Definitely feel like for the money and what you get, Streamlight has (once again), got my business. I would love to enjoy Inforce because they are king of cool light intensity, but they have too much of a bad reputation of having lights that fail (my APLc did not preform good, would not respond to controls every time and flickering) and as this demo showed, little to no flooding. Feel like Streamlight does a good job providing an average person like me with good lights at affordable prices!

[@IrishDevil78]

Great review, I appreciate the depth you go to.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thank much! Look for more testing soon!

[@Subie1337]

Hands down the best light review for defensive use I've ever seen! Thanks for putting out the hard data as well as experiential information. I just recently purchased an x300u, but also have the Streamlight TLR 1 HL and others, and will definitely reconsider which lights go on which guns. Would love to see a similar video for rifle lights! Streamlight vs Surefire vs Arisaka or Cloud Defensive or something. Regardless, thanks for putting this together!

[@WerkzHolsters]

It's my pleasure! We have both handheld and rifle light stuff in the works... so stay tuned and you'll get what you're looking for!

[@coffeeandlifting]

This is light testing of the quality that I have not seen in a long time. Thanks for doing this. I think you've earned a subscription.

[@WerkzHolsters]

My pleasure!

[@rubmytumforrum6740]

The Olight PL-Pro is on my EDC and I love the way the side buttons feel. The charging and not needing to buy expensive 123 batteries. Plus with a price of $80-$100. It really is the best choice in my opinion. With it's strobe, highest flood volume. It's just perfect.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for sharing!

[@magnumopus1628]

I was also more attracted by the PL-pro but now I have some doubts regarding how long the battery is going to last and at which level of capability and also how I'm going to handle the situation once you're out of juice since you wouldn't be able to quickly change the batteries. May I ask how did you wrap your head around this things?

[@rubmytumforrum6740]

@@magnumopus1628 I've thought about that a lot. My logic is situations where I'm going to need to use it usually will never last more than a few minutes at most. My home isn't that large of a space to clear effectively. It is extremely intense at the start which is when In most cases it needs to be. If I'm in a situation where I need a tactical light for so long I need to change it's batteries something is wrong to begin with. At the end of the day though I'm not endorsed by Olight and everyone has different requirements for what they trust to keep them safe. Go with what you think is best!

[@WerkzHolsters]

@@magnumopus1628 It's just a light. Buy one that you think will work for you, use it, and if you find you need other features, then you'll be able to reassess.

[@topgunablek]

@@magnumopus1628 buy 2 Olight, problem solved👌

[@freshofftheplane]

This review is so good that i subscribed

[@WaterZer0]

This was a great seemingly unbiased review which is hard to find on youtube. So many reviews are heavily biased towards one brand or another, and this cut that out. You still stated your favorite at the end which I think most people saw coming, but you gave positives for basically every light and showed them in reasonable conditions. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much. I do have relationships with light manufacturers, but I'm simply curious on which light is the best. It helps me determine which lights to support, and I can share the data with you. We get no sponsorship money from anyone, nor do we want any.

[@ExSoldier762]

I’ve been running the BALDR Pro from OLIGHT. 1350 lumens and a green laser on my Sig P227. I absolutely love it!

[@txmason123]

Thanks for the review! Very thorough and objective. I will be saving my money to buy a tlr and a Werkz holster. I am excited to try your holsters. Keep up the good work!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Glad it was helpful for you! You can't go wrong with a TLR-1.

[@pcsteurn916]

Insanely, outstandingly, thoroughly detailed review! Definitely sticking to my Streamlight TRL-1 HL for total home protection

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much for your positive feedback! If you read through the comments, there are a lot of folks who, like you, depend upon the TLR-1HL.

[@onurdmetu]

Lumens vs time chart is cool. Nice to see someone actually doing the work and providing valuable metrics

[@WerkzHolsters]

Look for more testing coming soon!

[@user-rr1th5dw7d]

The best light comparison video from a holster company, who would have thought.

[@kcscustom9759]

Thanks for this comprehensive guide! I’m looking at purchasing one of these lights but didn’t know witch would be best for me. After watching this video though my vote is definitely on the streamlight. I look forward to seeing more test like this in the future!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much for the encouragement! We have a lot in the pipeline, including torture testing!

[@kcscustom9759]

@@WerkzHolsters Awesome I can’t wait!

[@jacobwest7893]

Saw this on my recommended vids for days and assumed it was some random meh review, finally clicked on it and I'm glad I did. Very comprehensive, hope to see more in the future. Maybe rifle lights next?

[@krookedsb23]

Thanks for the most informative and objective weapon light video on KZbin.

[@aaronhinrichsen2865]

This was a great review, thank you!

[@Turner1800]

By far one of the best light comparisons I’ve seen! Just bought a TLR-1 HL this morning and I’m happy with my choice. I was second guessing it wondering if I should of got a surefire but now I’m extremely happy with my choice. Again great video 👍🏻

[@WerkzHolsters]

Glad the video was helpful in confirming your choice. Even a casual review of the comments show that there are lots of qualified individuals that are very happy with the TLR-1HL!

[@nowornever2504]

Best comparison video yet!

[@vanekirk]

Great info. First time here. Liked and subscribed.

[@diomedes39]

This is the review that answers everything most need to know.

[@v.german11b]

Outssstanding!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Excellent information. Appreciated 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@bebo7002]

Im buying wekz holsters just because of this video. The amount of work you guys put in this video is commendable.

[@WerkzHolsters]

It is our hope that these videos contribute something back to the community! Thanks for your kind words and thank you for your business!

[@danwolfe7665]

Great review and test results!

[@davidcollett2657]

Great video. I just received one of your holsters and it is top notch I’ll be ordering several more.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much David for allowing us to serve you!

[@patrickpetty1218]

Great visual comparisons very detailed and informative too, two likes if I could great job!!!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@jammaho4762]

Great breakdown and really helps with making an informed decision. Thanks

[@WerkzHolsters]

Glad it was helpful for you! We have testing out on the newer X300 Turbo as well! Make sure to check that out!

[@BT_Spanky]

Used SureFire while in Iraq. Great product but like Trijicon -even though it’s battle proven, it’s wayyy too expensive for the average citizen. My edc at the moment is a Glock 19 Gen5 mos with a Streamlight TLR8-AG & it’s awesome. My next handgun will most likely be either a Glock 34, Glock 17 or a full size FN. I’ll definitely put a Streamlight TLR-1HL on it. I’ve used Olights on my ARs and they’re great as well.

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

I have a full size FN509T and started with a TLR-8 with the green beam. I recently upgraded to a Safariland holster and it only takes TLR-1 or SureFire x300u. I just upgraded to the Surefire and dropped a pretty penny ... However considering I keep seeing retired navy seals and special forces on their everyday carries using the shirt fire that is sure as h*** what I'm going to be using

[@9770G]

I’d go g45 with the TLR1HL, amazing combo

[@typhoonjenkins8330]

Werkz, great holsters and top shelf info. My Werkz holster is easily the best i own. It took a bit to get it set up with my light perfectly, but it's great

[@jla3772]

Excellent video; I always thought my over priced Surefire lights failed to live up to the hype.

[@Quality_Guru]

I am extremely impressed with your design of experiments and the presentation of the results. I never considered all the factors that go into selecting a weapons mounted light. I own two O-Light products and purchased them because of the advertised high lumen output and ease of recharging. I did reach out to their customer service to inquire about laser light combo and noticed they upgraded the mounting part. I called and left a message without a call back. Later I sent an email and they finally reached out to me. When I was talking with them the phone call dropped, but they never called back. You might want to consider the full stream value by calling each vendor and see how they respond to you or if they actually take your call.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Good points about customer service. It's definitely a factor. Thank you for watching and look for more content from us soon!

[@TheExplosiveGuy]

I just got my Streamlight TLR2 HLG a couple hours ago, I didn't see this video before I bought it and I'm glad I made what seems to be the right choice, from the little I've seen so far the Streamlight seems to take the cake. I really do like the controls and tool-less nature of the light, I've always hated having to bust out the Allen wrenches just to change a battery or remove the light from the gun, it makes things really convenient.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@Ronaldoisdagoat1]

Damn! This video is fire! Outstanding job.

[@wayneg.2342]

Excellent comparison! Thanks so much for the video!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much!

[@Claybone12]

Very well done!! Keep it up.

[@cpfpv6410]

I have been running a TLR-1 HL for years and love it. I became a huge fan of Streamlight years ago when I all my maintenance technician coworkers were raving about the Streamlight headlamps for working in a production warehouse. Streamlight knows how to make a great light at an affordable price. Their hand held flash lights are also really great!!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@lanpartylandlord6123]

you deserve more views this is awesome

[@psifour6759]

I would never have looked at the PL-PRO without this video. Genuinely interested to try one out now.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Glad we have helped give you some more information on more options!

[@Calvin1911]

Awesome review with many different aspects I think most people wouldn’t have thought of. I have both the surefire and the stream light and can definitely say I’d buy the streamlight my third time around. The switches are definitely much much better. Thank for the great review and confirming my choice!

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@Jason32Bourne]

Absolutely outstanding presentation!

[@Whiskey5_]

Great video, I have an olight pl mini, it’s great but the magnetic charging is fine, so I bought a different olight that does have batteries, and you can do a tool less exchange.

[@vogelnation9018]

Jammed pack with information to help everyone make the best choice for them. I go with the TRL 1-HL on my bed side Glock and this video made me feel vindicated, and I even shared this video with a friend who's new to firearms!

[@tarantulafrank6450]

I really appreciate you guys making such a great video

[@WerkzHolsters]

It's my pleasure! Look for more content like this coming.

[@azlanx]

Honestly this is one of the best kit comparison video's I have ever seen, I'm buying one of your holsters.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much! We are working to provide the most complete and objective weapon light reviews on the 'net. And thanks for your business!

[@fordpwrstroke7]

Very well put together video. Thank you.

[@WerkzHolsters]

My pleasure!

[@oldgoat8861]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO COMPARISON....A MUST WATCH. VERY WELL DONE

[@WerkzHolsters]

I appreciate your feedback thanks!

[@ViewlessSquid]

Thanks for this video! I bought an olight baldr RL for my p320c a few weeks ago before seeing this video for 81 dollars and it came with a key chain light and small edc light as well. I’m very happy with my purchase and to be really honest, I really think if anyone ran any of these lights. They would all be great options. The real key to see your target, and the best light output and throw is very important and these all hit those points. Some better than others, but any of these will definitely get the job done. Now I’m off to order a holster from you because I need something to hold my p320c with the olight.

[@WerkzHolsters]

I agree -- identification is key! Thanks for your comments and thank you for your business!

[@austingash1363]

absolutely amazing video wow!! thank you!!

[@crazycatguy3463]

great info. i’ve had the X300u-b for a couple years now and i love it. what a tank! nice Datsun!

[@WerkzHolsters]

That's my son's 720... at one time it had a hydraulic dump bed and was used for hauling stuff like gravel for the owners!

[@andreadileo6267]

amazing video...alot of informations. Thank you so much man

[@WerkzHolsters]

My pleasure!

[@davepayne2024]

Fantastic review!

[@vaporiiz]

Just got my tlr 1 hl tonight and love it

[@KingNuada86]

wow, choosing the TLR at the end, normally everyone goes surefire. I've used both, and I really like the TLR 1 HL. Great video.

[@danielmattera4298]

SPOILER ALERT... sheesh..

[@WhiteDevil-du8ne]

I like the brightness and flood of the Olight. The need for adequate flood cannot be overstated when the target is moving or there's more than one target you have to focus on. The USB charging can take some getting used to, but portable power banks are small enough to fit your pocket so it's not that big a deal.

[@georgekirby3361]

This was excellent! And I agree with your findings. I just wish I liked the looks of the streamlight. Ps I am happy with your holsters keep up the good work and keep expanding.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Thanks much George! I will say our favorite looking light is the Wild2.

[@JWard2]

You'll like the TLR 9 then it's thinner

[@WerkzHolsters]

@@JWard2 We do have the TLR-9, and I should run a quick comparison between that and the TLR-1. However, the 9 has not been very popular as a pistol light.

[@JWard2]

@@WerkzHolsters we just picked up the TLR10. It's an interesting light

[@WerkzHolsters]

@@JWard2 Yeah we do plan to start reviewing laser functionality on lights as well... so much content so little time!

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

The X300U was the first light i bought and really enjoyed it. However, when the PL-Pro came out, i bought one and found i liked it slightly more than the 300. And....given the cost....it was a no brainer what i was going to buy for my other firearms. The warmer light on the Pro doesnt cast a bright reflection off my walls as much as the 300 and i like that all i need to do is slap the magnetic charger on the Pro and no longer need to change batteries.

[@WerkzHolsters]

Excellent feedback

[@bboness713]

I'm with you, I think in every area but battery life the PL-Pro is king.

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

@@WerkzHolsters Thank You.

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

@@bboness713 And on a Home Defense pistol, its not going to be on very often anyway. At least i can take it off and recharge it every month and know that its charged. Wherewith batteries, you dont know how much life is left in them.

[@joehelvey5794]

Totally agree. I really like olights offerings from the pl pro to the Baldr s, they are great values-no doubt.

[@afj3rd]

Excellent video thank you very much. Looks like my G45 needs a TLR1HL. Gotta buy more werks holsters.

[@valorant846]

finally someone done runtime graph for weaponlight, please do it on every light u review

[@WerkzHolsters]

That's the plan!