In this Olight PL Turbo review, let's check out its core specs and specifically the beam pattern that we have all been waiting for.
We appreciate Olight for sending us this light to test and evaluate. The guide will go over what I liked and dislike that may help you make a purchase decision among other competitive products on the market.
Let's check it out...
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Olight PL Turbo
- Useful Beam Distance: ~200 meters before hard to see
- Max. Performance: 800 lumens
- Candela: ~66300 cd
- Reflector: Smooth / Focused
- Laser: None
- Strobe: Yes, 13 hz at 800 lumens
- Switch: Side Switch
- Battery: USB Rechargeable
- Waterproof: IPX6
- Weight: 4.48 oz
- Length (in): 3.53 in
- Width (in): 1.44 in
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Olight PL Turbo Core Features
Beam Pattern, Lumens & Candela
The Olight PL Turbo is significantly different than all previous Olight PL series handgun light in terms of beam pattern. This light is designed for long range target identification and it's comparable to Surefire X300T and Modlite PL350 with the PLHv2 head.
The performance of this light at this price range is very impressive. The shooter can target ID as far as 200 meters and the background details. However, since the center beam pattern is very tight any surrounding target is outside the beam pattern range.
In close quarter environment this light can work, but it's not ideal if you already have a light with balanced throw and flood to lit up a room. For large warehouse security application, the Olight PL Turbo is a great choice.
Light Beam Color Tint
The PL Turbo features the neutral white tint as all previous Olight PL series lights. It basically means:
- Superior color accuracy during low-light conditions
- Increased visual comfort when projecting the light beam through fog
- Reduced glare when utilized in foggy environments
- Enhanced color contrast under low-light situations
Activation Switch Ergonomics
The Olight PL Turbo uses the same pressure switch button found in other Olight pistol lights.
For momentary activation, press and hold the button all the way down, then release.
For strobe, either press both button at the same time, or press and hold one side, and then press the other to engage the strobe mode.
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Battery Endurance
The PL Turbo uses 2 CR123A batteries.
The heat protection system is still built in, which means the light will drop the lumen intensity to prevent overheating.
This is not a problem in short low light training session, but it's a problem in longer duration use, where the light isn't performing at 100% of what it's designed to do.
Construction Quality
The light is made with aerospace grade aluminum and the overall feel and matt black coating finish is very solid.
Another thing to point out is that the battery access door is very solid and it seals with a small metal latch.
Unlike the plastic design that Surefire X300T uses, which can wear out and snap overtime.
Adjustable Position Mount
The light comes with an picatinny 1913 and Glock mount keys to fit a variety of firearms.
Olight PL 3 features a 3 position thumb screw mount instead of the QD lever mount. I found a couple positive things about this mount design:
- Low profile
- No sharp edges sticking out like in the past
- Adjustable positions based on rail space
Final Verdict
The Olight PL Turbo features the long waited high candela output that many pistol users want. It's basically bring the technology from Olight Javelot to the PL series lights.
The body of the light hasn't changed so as the control switches. Any previous Olight PL users can pick up this light and know exactly how to work it.
Pros
- 800 High lumen & ~66300 candela outputs are outstanding for positive target identification
- Adjustable mount positions works on various pistol frame sizes
- No sharp QD lever getting in the way with the new screw mount design
- Great for outdoor low light range session
- Great for force on force light training
Cons
- Output intensity drops for heat protection
- Strobe mode activation may let go support hand or firing hand grip (for users with short fingers)
