Weapon Light Buyer's Guide: Candela Vs. Lumens & Which One Is Right For You 🔦

We go over the difference between high lumen and high candela weapon lights & which is right for your needs 🔦
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Disclaimer: These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on arms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your arms resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. I do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. I am not a retail shop and DO NOT sell or deal in arms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or arms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@raidwolf4088]

Not gonna lie, when Mike said he went to the police academy in the 90’s, I immediately thought of the comedy movies.

[@hrosemd]

I always swore I saw him at the Blue Oyster. I knew it!

[@FishFind3000]

@@hrosemd 😂😂😂

[@felixarmor7]

I went back in 2018 and it was depressing we no bs had 60 recruits, only Maybe a dozen could make over a brick wall at the end of months of training. I am was old 35+ and not great shape but dam when a 21 or 25 year old can’t get over a 6ft concrete wall it’s no go.

[@VitalArms]

@@felixarmor7it’s been my experience with all the PAT’s I’ve done. It’s sad that most people can’t do more than 5-10 push-ups and get over a 5-6 ft wall.

[@VitalArms]

@@Cody2ndthe physical aspect is easy for me, but in 2023 I’ve been denied by multiple departments for having a couple speeding tickets in the last few years

[@phillipk1258]

Mike it may seem so elementary, but these kinda videos you been putting out lately are MUCH needed for all the new folks in the gun community. There’s so many new folks who join every single day. You are a patriot indeed.

[@alexmaurice4274]

Fr I appreciate these soo much they’re really helpful tbh and imo not many really good big youtubers do the basic stuff because they think someone else has already done it-but the bigger youtubers like mr gunsgear do everything better tbh

[@davidherbst]

Mike's neighbors across the lake: "Looks like that a••h•••'s doing a light video again…"

[@FishFind3000]

That’s what I always think off when he’s shining the bright lights at their houses.

[@stoptrackingourdata8158]

Props to Mrgunsngear and his wife for blinding themselves for science.

[@Mrgunsngear]

😂

[@lonestarbeer55]

Hey Mike - thank you for getting back to the basics. I work in the gun industry and have recommended your vids to new gun owners for years now. It makes it so much easier for people to refer to your content for follow up information. Thanks again brotha!

[@ftdefiance1]

I carried both the Maglight and Stream light flashlights in the late 1980's At the time they worked well as baton replacements .

[@bmstylee]

I always thought a 4 D cell mag lite would be a useful item for a variety of things.

[@alfrednewcomb3380]

I like to carry my tape measure that I can throw easily and 😊and 45 /70

[@jten1116]

Back in the early 90s I was in some CQB/MP/HQ protection etc reservist exercise (no, I didn't serve in US military, different country, different military...) and our MP instructor told us that (in guard duty)if you ever need to physically negotiate with a customer,ALWAYS use the standard issue aluminum Maglight, NOT the baton you also have on your belt. Because it looks so much better on a report,"the subject refused to comply and tried to attack, had to hit him with my FLASHLIGHT". Not baton, flashlight. And then the powers to be reading the report think about some small flimsy plastic flashlight they have at home and don't ask any more questions about the encounter...

[@joejohnson4183]

I carried the SL20 fo r use as a flashlight but carried a 6 or 7 C cell battery Kel-lite for bar checks and disturbance calls for oblivious reasons . The C cell models were the same diameter as my baton and would use the same ring on my belt . Saved my butt many a day .

[@craven1927]

I've used those old Maglights to break ice and hammer nails into the wall. Oh, and they can be used as a flashlight too 😁

[@Ryan-pi7xo]

I’m doing a TLR1 HL on my duty gun and it has definitely served me well. Great videos!

[@Apolloneek]

This is why I watch these videos I don’t have the money or connections they have so I need this info cause I can’t buy ten lights to find one that works best for me

[@ritchierich565]

Glad I found this channel straight to the point and well articulated with information and value. I come here for all my answers and reviews for firearms and accessories for new to all this, thank you.

[@joenasty21905]

"It's gonna hurt your eyes" "It is. That's the point." 🤣

[@Mrgunsngear]

😂

[@fly-by-wilson3039]

Awesome video for getting a taste of what modern weapon lights are capable of! Thank you for the content!

[@isaac_r_s2716]

This is an awesome video, explains everything in pretty simple ways, and I’m actually looking into buying some weapons lights so I really needed a video like this to explain what all I need to look into when I’m looking at products with different stats all listed out

[@christoph9587]

If it's a pistol light I just got a surefire x300 turbo. Amazing light!!!!

[@jstmythghts]

Great Video. Very informative as usual. I always enjoy your light reviews.

[@John-lz3hf]

Appreciate your videos and friendly demeanor. Keep smiling.

[@DeanCalaway]

This was actually a really cool video, I wouldn't think I would enjoy a video about lights this much.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@Strawman333]

This seems like a never ending topic of discussion for light lovin’ lads.

[@papimaximus95]

Weapon Mounted Lights are just firearm bling for 99.5% of gun owners.

[@204Heavy]

Hey Mike, I was getting ready to purchase a new light and last second searched this subject and wasn’t surprised to see your video right off. I should have just gone to your channel from the start. I like that you keep it simple but make sure to highlight the important stuff so I can make an educated purchase. I’ve watched your videos before but this one convinced me to subscribe. So new subscriber here. Fantastic video man! Glad I tuned in, I went with a different light than the one I intended. I think It will better suit my needs. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@slicedbread5692]

What light did you end up buying?

[@OldMajor]

Hurray for Ms. Gunsngear. She did great.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.

[@tengkusafwan3355]

Very well constructed and good in depth explanation, thank you so much, this is a good video reference.

[@tomkatusa912]

I missed this months ago.. very informative! Thanks again!

[@tipsovr2626]

This video was right on time for me. I'm in the market to replace some of my weapon lights that are years old. Thanks!

[@larryh3267]

Learned alot I’m older and never understood the difference til now thank you sir

[@BobX65]

Thank you again you have been helpful on making a dissection on getting a Weapon light.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@ryanlong4021]

From somebody with a light on all the weapons I use pretty much, its still a good display of that. Especially the photonic barrier. That was actually really cool, I had not given that much thought.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@danielhess39]

Thanks for the knowledge 👍🏼🤩

[@nuckyjohnson3213]

Great video! Watched the rest on mug club. Very informative as I am going to be buying a light for my Walther pdp soon

[@nuckyjohnson3213]

@Mrgunsngear816 yea I bet

[@potatomuncher7771]

My dumbass shined my new light into a mirror on accident XD I saw god!

[@dandexinventor]

great job, thanks Mike.

[@mikerollins8272]

This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine🕯️

[@nickknox.]

😂

[@Mrgunsngear]

🔦

[@mikerollins8272]

@@Mrgunsngear 👍💯

[@thebronzetoo]

Great vid, Mike!

[@Syddybear1]

Thank you! Great video.

[@MrKakemann1]

Awesome video. Educational too 😉

[@andyhenderson441]

This was made very clear to me in comparing Streamlight and Olight weapons lights. A 350 lumen Streamlight Rail Mount 1 is just as effective as a 1000 lumen Olight Valkyrie PL-PRO because of the difference in candela. It was quite surprising.

[@ROOSTER333]

I'm a poor and got the light rifle light 1200lmns and for inside my house it will blind someone just the way I need. I hate that American products are out of reach for most Americans.

[@timunderbakke8756]

@@ROOSTER333 it’s not out of reach. It just takes a longer time to save than many are willing to. And I admit I don’t have a surefire either, so I’m right in that list. But, I recognize if i saved up 3x as much I could have one.

[@andyhenderson441]

@Rooster33 Streamlight really isn't that far away from Olight in terms of pricing. Plus if you get Mike's daily deals emails they go on sale frequently. I'll probably never own a Surefire due to the difference in cost.

[@watchyoutube9553]

All I run are olights not paying a budget gun for no damn light when it’s better or equal lights for less ion got nobody to impress a dead threat on my living room floor won’t gaf what my set up is the job was done

[@heavyjmertes197]

Thanks, Mike. Excellent video.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Very welcome

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

I own a couple of the lights shown here. Last year I also bought one of the new LEP lights that came out except it's an Olight. I agree with you that I definitely see LEP surpassing LED for flashlights. Some car companies are already using LEP tech in new headlights as well. The overwhelming brightness of the beam is definitely far ahead of LED's in general.

[@Mrgunsngear]

yup

[@rickburrows4304]

i remember maglights changing from halogen to krypton then to LED i still have 2x D cell model and a 6x D cell which if went flat at least could be used for self defence , which at one time was wrongfuly alledged. neither of which used anymore as far inferior to LED, soo looking forward to the laser based upgrade once cost effective. Appreciate and thankyou for your videos more importantly, i look forward to every one.

[@slik560]

Outstanding as usual. I may have to watch this a couple of times to let it all soak in, but it seems the logical first question in selecting a light is the same as when selecting a firearm: what to you want to do with it? SO many choices out there.

[@nicktayloriv310]

"I can't see you.." Mike - That's the point!! You two are funny! 😅

[@neallusher7860]

Another informational video broke down for simple people like me😂😂 Thx 👍👍👍

[@kickapoo72]

good info, thanks!

[@Russianmafia10]

Sage dynamics has a video on why the tlr7a is a bad duty light and it does an amazing job of showing the importance of candela

[@clintdouglas5756]

Very very well done sir

[@thewhiteknight02]

Because people like you Mike, is why I have 25+ lights. They all light shit up.

[@albertmedalla3941]

Great info thank you

[@MegadethTillDeth]

his is by far the best detailed breakdown of lights, candelas, and lumens I've ever seen. Excellent job man. This is a few steps above your otherwise already excellent quality stuff.

[@Lizrd46]

Happy with my Fenix lights.

[@herrent]

Thanks Mike

[@randysiler7458]

Never served in the military or LE. I worked in the petrochemical refinery industry for 35 years in maintenance and operations. Working shift work on nights the flashlight was a good tool. We used the old standard back in day because that was all that was available. Then thanks to technology they became so much mor efficient. I have no idea how many I went through. Thank goodness they have improved. As always Mike great video. Thanks!

[@sarys73]

Incandescent are needed for the cheap 6ft 3 way lamps you get at Walmart and Target. The newer lights blow out really fast or will only work half the time. I couldn't find out why I had so many problems with long lasting bulbs and any newer bunk. Then I read the manual, and it says must use incandescent. Another reason for the old school one are that new bulbs can interfere with garage door remotes. They interrupt the range. If this ever happens to you, where you can only open your garage door in your drive way, but not 50-100 ft down the road, then use an incandescent bulb, and it wall solve the problem.

[@steveninaz9576]

Thank you Sir

[@vshular1]

Great video!!!

[@mexicanredneck760]

That wedge was impressive 😳

[@ericpettyfishing]

I have a bunch of different lights. Things I don't like for new lights is the recharging stuff. I want to be able to buy batteries, and be able to put new ones in if my light dies.

[@felixarmor7]

Just what I needed love your reviews and yes subscribed and email lol and b channel

[@alexcoons3257]

Thanks Mike!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Any time!

[@phillipbarlow823]

I need a good recommendation for a home defense shotgun weapon light m-lok mount. Longest distance in the house down a hall is 50’ish feet.

[@kevinc9416]

Thank you. Need light option for aero AR 9?

[@ThePolysyllabist]

Everyone is new at everything at some point Even as channels grow and the expertise of the viewers grow, it's always worth going back to the beginning now and then

[@hrosemd]

Mike, did you ever go to the Blue Oyster Bar back when you were in the Police Academy? I heard it was popular.

[@iwetardid78]

I'm looking for a small mlok light to put on ar15 pistol most seem too long but great info in this video thanks

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thank you

[@blainegodley1437]

As a civilian with a semi risky job career, I EDC a WML X300, and a (stream light), rechargeable wedge

[@bradh74]

High candela = more light in an area but those high powered lights made it more difficult to see you, let a lone what you were holding. (because of the light reflecting back, it washed out any detail, with the camera at least) The LED lights we had as work/back up lights on our trucks were lower candela (don't know the rating) but a flood type they worked really well, when it was all the way dark, but did little at twilight/overcast times. (because they lack the candela) I figure it's because they weren't focused as much we could see better, because they didn't blind us with too much light.(unless you look right into it but......) So I guess what I'm getting at is high candela lights are great to blind someone to give yourself an edge or the distance you need but a softer light like the small Streamlights are pretty great so you can still see everything well (details) as a utility light. Thanks for shedding a light on the subject to clear up any misconceptions about lights. I had a tuff time telling you from the mannequin with those hot lights. Had to be the camera that made everything wash out.

[@poortac5568]

Those lights look much better in person. I own multiple high candela lights (one is 125,000 candela and 2000 lumens). To the human eye, its not too bright. In fact I now hate all my low candela lights now because they dont let me see details. My TLR1 HL has been retired now that I have a Surefire X300 Turbo. Its like going from a AA maglite to a modern LED. Controlling the target is way easier too because they cant see anything and it physically hurts to look at the high candela lights.

[@bradh74]

@@poortac5568 That's cool, but can that permanently harm your eyes or theirs?

[@poortac5568]

@@bradh74 Im sure it can over long exposure, being shined directly in their eye. People will turn away from it, which is the point. You want to be able to control a person with your light. Especially a weapon light.

[@linkpin1292]

I watch everything You produce because I always learn something. That said in your lumens vs candela video you need to be more cognizant of what’s behind you. From what the viewers saw when switching from pistol to cellphone was impossible to differentiate because of the post of the dock and the lights. But the verbal explanation was great. 👍

[@Mrgunsngear]

I wrote that on the lower 1/3 when editing

[@DerekBox]

The Nightstick TWM-30 is an amazing 1200 lumen pistol light. Can't believe you didn't mention it. Not everyone can afford Surefire lights.

[@jhugle8106]

Hi, what torque tighten do you apply in the clamp as not to damage the frame? Thanks

[@granitejeepc3651]

i have 6 LEP lights and there good for some uses..olight is good wml lep.... i edc a high candela led flashlight Acebeam L17 with 160k candela as a light weapon...it is blinding hurt at 10 feet in full daylight...excellent non lethal device

[@ineed2wheelschevy293]

As an electrician, there are absolutely still people out there that just do not want LEDS

[@trentrockwell6598]

That’s because most don’t realize you can now get different color temperatures that weren’t available back then, Most people didn’t want bright white led’s in their house they want the warm yellow

[@J.Young808]

I have one of the LEP heads from Atibal Illumination, I had to sign a Class 3 laser waiver to get the head. I can hit street signs across the valley from me. I need to find one of those diffusers so I can use it on my HD rifle.

[@pjpearce1390]

I own the x300 turbo and I absolutely love it. Very bright beam of light and great for PID.

[@AgentOneRep]

The turbo is a fantastic light. I’ve used the ultra for many years but now that the turbo is out i won’t go back.

[@stelonous]

is the spill that much less on the turbo vs the ultra?

[@AgentOneRep]

@@stelonous yes it’s significant. As a home defense light or an EDC light there may be circumstances where the ultra flood is better. But for me the power of the turbo is well worth the switch. My carry guns have red dots so the turbo lets me PID targets and and shoot further while also defeating things like tint and street lights.

[@pjpearce1390]

@@stelonous oh yeah. Way different

[@pjpearce1390]

@@AgentOneRep yeah man I love my turbo’s I have them on almost all of my full sized pistols

[@kevinroberts781]

Sweet little grill. I want one

[@rangerjack9727]

I have 2 LEP turbo lights, 1 surefire and 1 Olight, they are awesome, like 80k candela

[@dennisharr163]

What a great video! Thank you for breaking it down Barney style 😏

[@davewhanger6722]

She did a fine job!

[@Mrgunsngear]

absolutely

[@awsomedude9111]

I am personally interested at older incandescent flash light for prepping because there really isn’t any electronics in old flashlights but new LED flashlights all have circuit boards really. Thinking of EMP proof

[@timunderbakke8756]

Unless you have a power source that’s protected it’s pretty moot. Also, you can place lights in a faraday cage. To be honest, I think my on-gun weapon lights would probably survive since most of them are actually in a faraday cage (gun safe). It is good to have a backup plan; but I would not deny myself the advantages of modern tech because of a single low probability scenario.

[@royherrera6598]

Really informative video. I've been looking for a light that can punch through the darkest tint. I've been using the Streamlight Protac HL-X (27,00 lumens) without success. Do you think that the Surefire Turbo can do that?

[@Mrgunsngear]

if anything can, yes

[@hvyduty1220]

love your channel.................

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks so much!

[@Toms_Bright_Ideas]

Thanks. I listen to Mas Ayoob and as an expert witness at court cases he suggests to have an EDC flashlight that is not attached in case the person you find who is not an attacker somehow feels assaulted by the attached gun light. So I've been looking for a hand held light that I can use, and maybe a separate one that I can attach it to the 1913 rail on my pistol if needed.

[@CarlPapa88]

My lil 1L-1AA Streamlight ProTac works great just for that. That plus AA batteries can be found everywhere and are pretty cheap.

[@brandondane4777]

I wish I saw this before Black Friday

[@darrellwiegand7926]

So question where would you see the cloud defense or Inforce fill in these

[@jackmichael7342]

Perfectly timed video for me, deciding on my first light for my ar poverty pony lol

[@mrpushrod9279]

If nothing else this video deserves a like for the eye torture Mrgunsngear endured

[@theheatmagazine]

Nice

[@steveegbert7429]

I still have a 2 D-cell mag-lite in my truck as a last resort camp backup.

[@jlm4855]

Just an FYI , Olight does make rechargable 123's . I use them in all my Lights. Big savings of course. Lights are getting better for sure !

[@ROOSTER333]

Same. Hate they're Chinese but my rifle light is blinding

[@timunderbakke8756]

Surefire has rechargeable 123s as well.

[@SourPatchPuss]

A few months back, I ordered an X300T-B from Palmetto State and I didn’t know the difference between the U and the T models so I was actually going to return it. After mounting it up and using it, I realized that would’ve been the biggest mistake I could’ve made. I am all about the candela now. The turbo models are absolutely awesome.

[@gerrygadget]

AFAIK incandescent is good for post-EMP, for all you prepping folks

[@anybodykill6666]

Mike, as much as i enjoy your partner holding flashlights, its well past tike to standardize this with a simple rig.

[@jeffhamberger5988]

I So I have to ask, and forgive me, I read a lot of the comments but not all. If you had to pick one, which is it? I honestly saw no difference when you went from fire arm to cellphone with any lights. At least not enough to tell what was in your hand. . If you really want to help, what would you stay away from? What is in your opinion the best lumen/candela combo?

[@ryanlong4021]

From somebody who caries a 500 lumen streamlight in my pocket watch pocket for work, thats wild to think about a 60 lumen light. On high. Lol

[@KRYPTOSPOLLARD]

If you're talking to car people, which i do a lot being into cars. I call lumens horsepower, and i call candela torque. Even non car people really kinda get this analogy. It's like speed vs power. If they don't get that explain that a photon is a physical think, like a rock. And then i explain it's like having a very small rock that you can throw very easy, and it goes pretty fast but when it hits the window, it won't break it. But if you throw a big rock, it'll smash through it even if you throw it just as hard as the light rock. It's destructive power, in the form of light. It's the difference in a small guy punching you 5 times and a big guy punching you once. Most normal non gun guy people get those comparisons.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks for the report

[@asgardian6638]

I dont know if this is just because its on camera and being viewed through my monitor, but once you got to the much higher candela lights it actually made it harder to make out the gun (or pretty much anything at all). It washed out pretty much any detail, it just looked like you were glowing.

[@dothwalrus370]

That's a camera issue, the human eye works much differently

[@Mrgunsngear]

yeah, I realized that when editing

[@JUDGERAMBO]

They have been changing all of the streetlights to LED and the road just doesn't look the same at night. I always see them go out more than the old ones did, or they flash on and off which is annoying.

[@camaro25]

The way I see it is that if you are just using it at the range or maybe for hunting or stuff like that, more candela is a good thing. If you're built a SHTF gun, I'd rather have more lumens and flood because if S did HTF, you wouldn't wanna be using your white light outdoors anyway. That's just a good way to give away your position. They would and should only be used indoors so more lumens and a wider beam would be better for a SHTF gun, at least in my opinion.

[@nickrichards8329]

@mrgunsngear what watch is that you’re wearing.

[@paulstoyek381]

No Olight demo..Wow..Just Wow!!😆

[@mtcup56]

Afternoon

[@albertptran]

My Surefire incandescent head burned out in a few hours. Threw my Surefire in the trash before I knew led heads were being released

[@arkangel3231]

so, witch light does you recommend of rifle. ?

[@memedealer171]

What type of light would you be interested in? More candela, Max candela,max lumens or more lumens? There's a company called goonbeam that has really good products when it comes to lights.

[@ToxicGamer86454]

One reason to still buy incandescent lights is color temperature.