Modlite PL350 VS Streamlight TLR 1 HL

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  • Post last modified:January 8, 2024
echelon modlite pl350

In this comparison guide, let's put the Modlite PL350 next to the Streamlight TLR 1 HL and compare these two lights.

echelon streamlight tlr 1 hl

 I have purchased these two lights a few years ago, and I have had invested many hours using them both to finally give my take on what these lights are good for, and what they need improvement on.

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Modlite PL350 VS Streamlight TLR 1 HL

The Modlite PL350 and Streamlight TLR 1 HL are both pistol-mounted weapon lights.

 However, one significantly outperforms the other in terms of quality, while the other is more budget-friendly. 

streamlight tlr 1 hl switch

From a user's point of view, the Streamlight TLR 1 HL stands out as the most cost-effective pistol light. It provides 1000 candela with a well-balanced beam, suitable for most low-light situations.

ruger 57 modlite pl350 plh5k

On the other hand, the Modlite PL350 features interchangeable light heads, including the OKW, PLH5K, and PLHv2. These popular light heads offer varied lighting capabilities.

modlite-okw-vs-plhv2-vs-plh-5k-head

My tests show that the PLHv2 has the superior range for long-distance lighting. The PLH5K closely resembles the PLHv1 light head.

However, the OKW light head, designed for rifles, is somewhat too focused for pistol use.

Modlite PL350 Specs

  • Weight: 5.5 oz
  • Length: 4"
  • Width: 1.25"
  • Lightheads: OKW, PLH5K, PLHv2
  • Lumen (PLHv2): 1350 lumens
  • Candela (PLHv2: 54000 candela 
  • Battery: One single 18350 
Buy PL350 Here

Streamlight TLR 1 HL Specs

streamlight tlr 1 hl ruger 57
  • Weight: 4.32 oz
  • Length: 3.39"
  • Width: 1.44"
  • Lumen: 1000 lumen
  • Candela: 20000
  • Battery: 2 CR123A batteries
  • Construction: Aircraft grade aluminum IPX7 rated
Buy TLR 1 HL Here

Beam Pattern Comparisons

modlite pl350 pov plh5k

When comparing the Streamlight TLR 1 HL and MODLITE PL350 side by side, the MODLITE PL350 is the clear winner when it comes to being adaptive to different lighting environment.

streamlight tlr 1 hl tail cap

While the Streamlight TLR 1 HL is suitable for most close up low light applications, the MODLITE PL350 offer much brighter and throw capability than the Streamlight TLR 1 HL.

modlite plh5k with 18350 battery

I have tested all of them, and here are the beam pattern among the Streamlight TLR 1 HL, OKW, PLHv2 and PLH5K

Streamlight TLR 1 HL

streamlight tlr 1 hl beam pattern

MODLITE PLHv2

modlite okw lumen intensity 18350 battery

MODLITE OKW

modlite OKW beam outdoor

Mounting

modlite pl350 m1913 rail mount

When it comes to the mount, the Streamlight TLR 1 HL has a higher quality mount than the MODLITE PL350.

Even though the MODLITE PL350 has a pretty streamlined body, it does required tools to remove.

streamlight tlr 1 hl tail cap open

The Streamlight TLR 1 HL can be easily detached with a coin or a shell casing.

Battery Life

streamlight tlr 1 hl battery compartment

The Streamlight TLR 1 HL runs on two CR123A batteries that withstood hot summer temperature and freezing winter weather.

The MODLITE PL350 runs on a single 18350 battery that can be recharged. 

modlite pl350 threads o ring

Both light offers the best technology there is to offer, but the 18350 type battery offers a bit more electrical output to give more candela and lumen output.