TLR-1 variations?

[Lightsped]

I am considering buying a weapon light for my Glock.

Looking at the Streamlight TLR website they list the TLR-1, TLR-1 HL, and TLR-1s. I have looked at the specs but don't see any differences in these.

What are the differences? Which is best for home defense? Is there a better light than the TLR-1?

Thanks

 

[Robert]

The TLR1 is what we carry for a duty weapon light and is perfectly fine. The HL version is far too bright. You will blind your self with the reflection off of almost any light surface. Even at the outdoor training range at night the HL is too bright for use in a close setting. I am not familiar with the S so I can not speak on it.

It appears the S has a strobe feature.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I agree 100% with Robert, the 600+ lumen versions are just TOO damned much light for a home-defense type weapon. The basic 300 lumen version is more than enough light to fully illuminate a normal room or hallway (and even that one is pretty close to being too much). It's also plenty enough light for the yard outside.
I've tried to argue this point before, but so many folks are hung up on having the absolute maximum output in damn near everything they own, they refuse to consider that there's a point of diminishing returns, and that the "biggest,baddest thing money can buy" doesn't always translate into the best tool for the job.
And, the Surefire's are supposedly "better" than the Streamlights (I have multiple flashlights from both companies), but I highly doubt the difference is anything discernable. Plus, they cost about 2-3x as much. I have a TLR-1, and have owned a couple before. They are fantasic lights, and it's nearly impossible to find someone that doesn't feel the same way. You can't go wrong with the TLR's.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Weapon lights ....

I do security work and plan to get more armed posts soon.
I'm looking into a new weapon light or white-light for either my LE trade in Glock 21 .45acp or I may get a new SIG P320 or M&P .40 with ambi safety.
The Viridian Green laser/white light seems good but they have mixed reviews on the web for both green & red laser formats. The price looks really high too for a weapon accessory, .
I'm drawn to the Surefire X300 U model. It looks bright and can hold up to duty use or daily uniform carry. Many major holster styles stock Surefire added pistols too.
I looked over the Streamlight versions but I'm not thrilled with the white-light mounting system, . It looks like the knob/bolt would scratch or scuff any holster or item it would get near.
I do like the lower Streamlight prices & the added Strobelight feature.

I'm not sure why Surefire can't or won't offer a white-light with a strobe. That's a feature I would pay a little more to have on my weapon for low light/night time security details.

 

[dogmush]

I have several TLR-1, and -1s'. They are kinda my go-to WML. Good toughness and light for the price.

As was mentioned the HL is too bright. I don't actually like the strobe feature, but they were on sale, and it would be hard to accidently hit it, so I ignore it. To adress Rusty's concern, I haven't had any issues with the mounting system, it sits mostly flush and the knob is smooth and rounded. Once I tighten them down with a quarter it's all good.

Surefire's are probably tougher if you start doing abuse tests, but I have yet to kill a TLR using it on ranges, around the house, and rattleing around my truck. They are good lights.

 

[herrwalther]

My current weaponlight is 100 lumens. Which I have found is a bit dim for some large house/yard extended distances. I plan on upgrading to the larger 220 lumen light by the same company, which is about the same output as my pocket flashlight.

 

[RustyShackelford]

TLR weapon light with strobe .....

I saw a website with new Streamlight TLR with strobe for $104.00. The features look good and I might get it just for home security/vehicle use(night time/low light).
I still like the larger Surefire X300-U weaponlight but $104.00 is a great price.

 

[Gordon]

The TRL HL version is perfect around my rural property. I like alot of light when I need it. Somewhere more than 1000 lumens could be too much, maybe. The TRL HL is perfect for a Carbine IMHO as it throws a beam to 200 yards.

 

[KodeFore]

I use the gtl on my duty weapon for work as a state security officer and a trl-1 hl on my colt I use for hd. I recommend against the Glock lights because my first I one cracked near the rails. ( The good news is that glock has Awesome customer service and they sent me a brand new one ) I have no problems with the tlr hl in the house and it's great in the back yard. It also has the strobe feature though I see no practical use for it. I think all the streamlights are quality lights. Do keep in mind if you plan to use the light with a holster that holsters tend to be specific to the brand of light you are using. I really don't think you can go wrong wrong whatever one you choose.