Your thoughts on tac light for PO7

[Edward_Teach]

So since this has been brought back

Going to jump back in on here, I'm still currently running my gen 2 APL but honestly that is just because that is what holster I have.  I am eventually going over to the X300u.  I know many people are running Apps but (and it might be having smedium hands) activation system is it's biggest negative to me.  Yes it's super easy to use and makes perfect sense, but it to me reminds me of a serpa holster press a little to hard on that button finger slips and it's going one way into the trigger guard.

Not saying I have had this happen or even heard of it happening (cause I haven't) but for me I see how it could so that is enough for me to want to move away from it

[Vinny]

I honestly don't know why anyone buys  the Surefire offerings. They're overpriced for what they are, and STreamlight consistently outperforms Surefire IMO.

Have to say I agree. 
Who would pay full price for a 2015 TV? Electronics change so rapidly, threads like this are helpful to keep up with the latest gear.
When I bought my Surefire XC-1 18 months ago it was about the most compact light I could find for my P-01. With today's offerings, I would never pay that price and certainly would buy something different.
To have a back-up; I bought a knock-off 'XC1 200 lumen light' for 1/5th the Surefire price that has identical metal body and better switches. Still use my Streamlight TLR-4 I bought 2 years ago on my shorty HD shotgun. Been 100% reliable.

[s0nspark]

I honestly don't know why anyone buys  the Surefire offerings. They're overpriced for what they are, and STreamlight consistently outperforms Surefire IMO.

Have to say I agree. 
Who would pay full price for a 2015 TV? Electronics change so rapidly, threads like this are helpful to keep up with the latest gear.
When I bought my Surefire XC-1 18 months ago it was about the most compact light I could find for my P-01. With today's offerings, I would never pay that price and certainly would buy something different.
To have a back-up; I bought a knock-off 'XC1 200 lumen light' for 1/5th the Surefire price that has identical metal body and better switches. Still use my Streamlight TLR-4 I bought 2 years ago on my shorty HD shotgun. Been 100% reliable.

There are other considerations.

Reliability and durability of the mainline Surefire lights (x300, scout, P2x) is extremely good. These light can truly take a severe beating and still be counted on. That is, I would say, their #1 feature.

Reflector and bulb performance - potentially very subjective - are also consistently good across the product line. Output level over time and runtime are excellent compared to the competition.

Also, for pistol use, I find the X300 controls to be the best, particularly when you add a DG switch - something I don?t think the other makers even offer. I also personally prefer the more streamlined profile.

For most, a light is a light is a light and price speaks loudly. Any of the top offerings today are probably more than reliable enough. There is still some benefit to going with certain Surefire products for some users.

I do feel their pricing is a bit high, though. It would be nice to see them come down a little.

[Vinny]

For tactical and single-hand use, the X300's DG switch is a big plus. I can understand why one would not compromise on this feature.

The O Light PL2 Valkyrie with 1200 lumens also looks to be a solid tac light. If Aaron Cowan can't destroy it, I guess it's pretty durable.

I was disappointed in the Surefire XC-1's on-off slide switch which just drifts, no locking detent. Even the knock-off at 1/5 the price has a better switch with positive detent. JMO  However, the Surefire's multi-facet reflector does do a good job of concentrating light, much better than the knock-off. I guess it's not fair to judge the Surefire product line, even though I paid >$200 for the XC-1.  Maybe the Gen 2 is better. I did get the very compact, no snag, smooth shape I wanted for my P-01.

There are so many good choices; it's wise to research the entire field and understand the features you want. But as in all electronics; new models come out and the paradigm shifts.

[Nimdabew]

Take a look at the TLR-7. Botach (sigh) has them for $110 shipped. I am tempted to pick up two more, but haveing two should be sufficient for me.

[benchmark]

https://www.amazon.com/Olight-PL-MINI-Rechargeable-springfield-LegionArms/dp/B075SHBJMK

[RockSemiAuto]

IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun. I have a TLR-1 HL on my P-09 that I keep in my nightstand and I think it is a great combo on that gun. I did just get an Olight Valkyrie PL-Mini for my P-07. Fits perfect and I really like the quick connect/release lever and that it is rechargeable. So far it has gone about 3 weeks without needing a recharge with testing once a week. It is not the 800 lumens of the Streamlight but the 400 lumens are pretty impressive out of compact light.

[Vinny]

Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.

I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?

Thanks for sharing.  -Vinny

[RockSemiAuto]

Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.

I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?

Thanks for sharing.  -Vinny

You are welcome. Yes, the bottom of light has a circle magnet. The cord that connects is USB, has an oval blue connector that matches up with the magnet on the bottom of the light, and has a light that is red and will turn to green when fully charged. When I first got the light and plugged it in it took about 35 minutes to hit full charge. Very nifty little setup. Not the best picture but it will give you an idea:

[s0nspark]

IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun.

I used to feel the same way... An X300U on a 5" railed 1911 was the bee's knees for me back then.

Now I am of the totally opposite opinion.

Some training I took for work opened my eyes to the benefit of using the light as a standoff device, since most pistols can be pushed out of battery quite easily with a bit of pressure on the front of the slide.

Now, I wouldn't put an X300U on a subcompact, mind you, but I now strongly prefer to have the light extend past the end of the muzzle when possible.

[RockSemiAuto]

IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun.

I used to feel the same way... An X300U on a 5" railed 1911 was the bee's knees for me back then.

Now I am of the totally opposite opinion.

Some training I took for work opened my eyes to the benefit of using the light as a standoff device, since most pistols can be pushed out of battery quite easily with a bit of pressure on the front of the slide.

Now, I wouldn't put an X300U on a subcompact, mind you, but I now strongly prefer to have the light extend past the end of the muzzle when possible.

A full size weapon light on a railed 5 inch 1911 does look pretty Boss. I also love the looks of my TLR-1 HL on my 92A1. Good point that you make in regards to the benefit of the light extending beyond the barrel. I guess sometimes you need to consider function over looks.

[Grizzlie]

Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.

I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?

Thanks for sharing.  -Vinny

Yup. A red LED on the left side of the light (viewed when aiming with the gun) turns on when it's low on juice.

[SlvrDragon50]

I forgot to add I got my TLR-7. The light output is great, but the controls are not so great. I really wish they kept the TLR-1 style of toggling on/off. THe TLR-7 is a little tough to activate unless you have longer fingers (size L or larger gloves). I am pretty much forced to use toggle on/off rather than temporary on since I can't reliably keep the light on holding it.