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  • Post last modified:September 21, 2023
surefire x300u vs streamlight tlr 1 hl

In this side by side comparison guide, let's check out Surefire X300 VS Streamlight TLR-1

Streamlight TLR 1 HL and Surefire X300U are two top notch duty grade pistol lights you will not disappoint. 

Each has its own pros and cons, and both of them set the performance benchmark for other lights on the market.

I have personally purchased these two lights and have used them for over 4+ years to collect enough personal pros and cons data, so I can finally give potential buyers who are researching these two lights my recommendations.

Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase


Surefire X300U VS TLR 1 HL - Specs Comparison

Streamlight TLR 1 HL

Max Output 1000 Lumens / 15000 Candela
Runtime~105 Mins
Length3.39"
Weight w/Batteries4.18 oz
Batteries 2 CR123A

Surefire X300U

Max Output 1000 Lumens / 11300 Candela
Runtime~90 Mins
Length3.3"
Weight w/Batteries4.00 oz
Batteries 2 CR123A

Size & Weight

The Surefire X300U is longer, slimmer, and 0.18 oz lighter than the TLR 1 HL. Both lights are good for beginners and experts.

There are many holsters for these two lights. Concealing either light doesn't make a big difference.

Biggest Differences

glock 19 with streamlight tlr 1 hl
  • Very affordable
  • Serviceable front lens
  • Quick release self retained screw
  • Easy to activate strobe mode
  • Easier to activate toggle switches even when wearing gloves or stiff fingers in freezing weather
glock 19 gen 4 surefire x300u
  • Wider flood beam
  • Accepts PLHSTER switch paddles
  • Tougher build
  • Really love the Surefire brand
surefire x300u vs streamlight tlr 1 hl top view
streamlight tlr 1 hl vs surefire x300u bottom

Lumen & Candela Comparison

We stress a lot on our website - Lumen intensity is important, but Candela is king for throwing the beam far to identify targets.

streamlight tlr 1 hl vs surefire x300u front lens

Streamlight TLR 1 HL has slightly more candela can punch through fog and overcome photonic barriers

streamlight tlr 1 hl beam pattern drone shot

TLR 1 HL Top Down ( 5- 10 yards) - Much Brighter

xh30 beam pattern

Surefire X300U Top Down ( 5- 10 yards)

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Flood Beam

streamlight tlr 1 hl beam pattern surefire x300u beam pattern

Both light can illuminate up to 1000 lumens, but the X300U tends to have a more concentrated throw on a full charge battery.

The Surefire X300U and TLR 1 HL can both illuminate CQB targets up to 50 yards before the beam fades off, but the TLR 1 HL is a wider flood light for close up search.

x300u beam pattern grass tlr 1 hl beam pattern grass

surefire x300u light beam top down

Streamlight TLR 1 HL's quick-double taps instantly activate the strobe mode for specific tactical scenarios, so for that, the TLR 1 HL is a better option. 

Surefire X300U doesn't feature strobe mode unless using the Surefire XH30

aerial TLR 1 HL beam
streamlight TLR 7A car outdoor

Both lights have a balanced focused hot spot & flood beam optimized for close-range applications.

streamlight tlr 1 hl beam brightness


The light head can be replaced via Streamlight's Limited lifetime warranty. Great for airsoft & simunition training. When something breaks, just replace the head.

Surefire X300U damage requires the entire unit to be replaced.


Modes Of Operation

TLR 1 HL works differently than Surefire X300U, but close.

TLR 1 HL users can:

  • Single click - Constant on
  • Double tap - Activate Strobe
  • Light press - Momentary

It's much easier to activate the switch effortless using one finger without hard press.

During cold winter seasons, the TLR 1 HL switch feels much easier to toggle when the user's hand gets very cold and stiff.

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Surefire X300U users can:

  • Push / Let go - Momentary
  • Hard press - Constant on
  • Press Up/Down for both sides
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Streamlight TLR 1 HL and Surefire X300U can both accepts compatible remote pressure switch module for long gun & sub gun applications.

Surefire X300U aftermarket tail cap can definitely accept more pressure switch accessories on the market than Streamlight.

For personal defense engagement distance, both lights work well and the downside is that the Surefire X300U control switch is much stiffer to operate in stressful situations.

The TLR 1 HL is so much easier to activate with light finger press.

streamlight tlr 1 hl vs surefire x300u rear switches

Mount & Rail Keys

The TLR 1 HL includes many rail keys, while the Surefire only has two.

Both lights fit on Glock and M1913 rails.

There are two models of the Surefire X300U. One slides onto a rail, and the other, the X300U B, has a T-slot thumb screw. This thumb screw is better for rails that aren't standard, and it won't damage the mount.

Both lights have screws that stay in place, so you can't lose them. You can tighten these screws with a shell casing, a penny, or a flathead screwdriver.

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If you lose the mount keys for TLR 1, you can buy them separately here

For Surefire, please contact the support department.

Durability

Both lights are made from strong 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum and are water-resistant. They should last a long time with regular use.

You can remove the front bezel of the TLR 1 HL, so you don't need to replace the entire light. But if the Surefire X300U's front lens breaks, you have to replace the whole thing.

surefire x300 turbo battery door latch

Also, the Streamlight TLR 1 HL usually has a better end cap than the Surefire. The surefire has a very small plastic latch to hold it, and it can snap easily.

streamlight tlr 1 hl tail cap

Surefire X300U's tail cap hook can snap easily after long term use. That little small tab can wear out over time because it hooks on the outside instead of from the inside.

surefire x300u tail cap open

Battery

surefire x300u vs streamlight tlr 1 hl disassembled

Both Surefire X300U and Streamlight TLR 1 HL use CR123A batteries.

From a full charge, they last about 70 mins realistically before the lumen intensity drops.

Surefire offers Surefire branded batteries and Streamlight offers their branded batteries.

Both light can use any CR123A batteries without any problems. 


Wrap Up

Both lights are the top choices for most full size handgun owners. When it comes to price, the Streamlight TLR 1 HL is a much more affordable, and TLR 1 HL has a much easier toggle switch for one handed operation, and the light bezel is easily replaceable.

The Surefire X300U offers more aftermarket accessories including the tail cap and other lights.

What can be improved ? - We are looking forward to seeing these two lights feature high output batteries to produce more lumen and candela like the Modlite PL350 or the Surefire X300 Turbo

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