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Streamlight vs. SureFire

Streamlight and Surefire are two of the most well known flashlight manufacturers. While both companies manufacturer high quality handheld lights, they are really known for their top of the line pistol mount lights.

Surefire and Streamlight both manufacturer lights that you can rely on, especially when your life depends on it. With both companies manufacturing such high quality lights, it can be difficult to decide between the two. In this Streamlight vs. Surefire article, we want to give you an inside look into both companies and some of the lights that they produce.

Streamlight Flashlights

 streamlight tlr

Founded over 40 years ago in 1973, Streamlight has always been an American company. Streamlight got its start as a high quality flashlight manufacturer thanks to a group of engineers that worked with NASA on a solar simulator project in Fairfield, NJ.

What these engineers were able to do was generate 25 million candlepower of light, which they then expanded upon to design and manufacture a hand-held light that had the ability to produce up to 1 million candlepower. This light was then sold to military and law enforcement sectors. It was from this project that Streamlight came to be and as a private investor moved this company from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.

Streamlight’s corporate offices, as well as their service and repair department are now located in Eagleville, PA rather than King of Prussia, where they were first founded. Regardless of where they are located, Streamlight has always had the same purpose.

They design, develop, and market precision-engineered lights for those who need it, including but not limited to military and law enforcement. Streamlight offers their customers the highest level of quality in both the construction and technology used to manufacture their lights, all at a great value for you.

Streamlight offers a lot more than just simple handheld flashlights to their customers. All of their products focus on lighting, but they come in many different styles. In addition to their EDC flashlights, Streamlight offers lanterns, headlamps, Stylus, keychain lights, spot lights, gun lights, batteries, and so much more.

They have even began to offer a product line of Streamlight Gear, which includes Streamlight apparel and branded merchandise.

What allows Streamlight to stand out in the industry is that they use hands-on and real-world experiences to help them come up with new product designs ideas. These new ideas allow them to set themselves apart from their competition.

Not only that, but Streamlight actually talks and listens to their customer through focus groups and customer feedback. They don’t only listen to what people like, they also listen to what people don’t like to help determine if something needs to be improved or a problem needs to be solved.

SureFire Flashlight

 surefire-x300-ultra-2

SureFire’s story begins in 1969 and involves an engineer named Dr. John Matthews who graduated from Cal Tech and was very passionate about lasers. Dr. Matthews was so passionate about lasers that he started the Newport Corporation to deal with lasers in the industrial industry. Over the next ten years, Newport Corporation took off and became one of the leaders in the laser field.

After 10 years, Dr. Matthews decided he wanted to combine lasers and shooting, two of his passions. He wanted to figure out if it was possible to attach a laser to a firearm to use as a sight. In 1979, he made his idea a reality and patented the first laser sight for guns.

As most first developments, the original laser sight is big and bulky compared to today’s standards. Even back then Dr. Matthews knew he needed to improve the laser sight to stay in business, so he and several members of the Newport technical staff bought the laser portion of Newport Corporation.

Dr. Mathews resigned from Newport Corporation and created his new company Laser Products, which would eventually become SureFire, LLC. Dr. Matthews devoted all of his time and energy into commercializing laser sights for guns and was greatly rewarded in 1984 when the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT team approached his company to borrow laser sighted shotguns for the Olympic Games.

In trying to accommodate law enforcement needs, Laser Products came up with the idea of a weapon mounted flashlight and that is how the SureFire WeaponLight was first created.

Over the years Laser Products emerged as an industry leader; when you heard the Surefire name, you knew you were getting quality and excellence, so the company decided to change the name to match their products.

SureFire first entered the industry with its main focus on weapon mounted flashlights, which we know they excel at, but that is not all that they offer.

SureFire offers several different product lines that cover a wide range of products, including headlamps, handhelds, muzzle brakes, knives, pens, suppressors, and so much more. They have also recently ventured into the world of protective phone cases, so it will be interesting to see where that goes.

No matter what product you are looking at you can rest assured that it has been tested in the harshest conditions, so you can rely on it whenever you might need it.

Top Streamlight vs. SureFire Flashlight Rivalries

Streamlight TLR 1 HL vs. SureFire X300 Ultra

Streamlight TLR 1 HL

Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL 1000-Lumen Tactical Weapon Mount Light With Rail Locating Keys & Lithium Batteries, Black – Box Packaged

The Streamlight TLR 1 Hl is only one model from a line of great products. The TLR 1 HL is a weapon mounted light that uses a rail grip clamp system that safely and securely attaches the light without using any tools or putting your hand in front of the muzzle. The TLR 1 Hl offers 800 lumens using C4 LED technology with a runtime of 1.75 hours. Made from machined aluminum with a black anodized finish and o-ring and gasket seals the TLR 1 HL is extremely durable and is one of Streamlight’s top pistol lights. Along with the TLR 1 HL Streamlight makes the HPL, the original TLR 1, the Game Spotter, and the TLR 1 S.

  • Length: 3.39 inches
  • Diameter: 1.47 inches
  • Weight: 4.18 oz. with batteries
  • LED: C4 LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123 lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 800 lumens for 1.75 hours
  • Beam Distance: 245 meters
  • Different Modes:
    • Constant On
    • Strobe
    • Momentary On
  • Waterproof Level: IPX-7
  • Construction Material: Machined Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • Ambidextrous Switch
    • Programmable Strobe
    • Wide Beam Pattern
    • Fits existing light bearing holsters
  • Available Accessories:
    • Remote switches
    • Long gun kit
    • Door switch
    • Holster
    • Filters – red, green, blue, and infrared
  • You Tube: 

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SureFire X300 Ultra

SureFire X300 Ultra LED Handgun or Long Gun WeaponLight with Rail-Lock Mount, Black

The SureFire X300 Ultra provides users with 600 lumens, which is pretty bright in terms of a weapon light. Some people worry that 600 lumens is too much, but honestly with a weapon light, the brighter the better as you need to be able to see what lies in front of you. Plus with the bright light, the person you are pointing the light at no longer has any kind of advantage over you as it totally destroys their night vision. The TIR lens gives the light a tighter more focused beam that works great to light up the distance even when outside. The T-slot mounting system offers a secure connection to both handguns and long guns that come equipped with Picatinny rails. In addition to the Alpha and Beta models of the SureFire X300 Ultra, there is also the X300 V.

  • Length: 3.60 inches
  • Diameter: 1.125 inches
  • Weight: 4.0 oz. with batteries
  • LED: High Performance LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123 lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 600 lumens for 1.5 hours
  • Beam Distance: 245 meters
  • Construction Material: Aerospace Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • Ambidextrous Switch
    • O-ring and gasket sealed
    • Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens
  • Available Accessories:
    • XT tape switches
    • DG grip switches
  • You Tube: 

Streamlight TLR-2 vs. Surefire X400 Ultra

Streamlight TLR 2

Streamlight 69120 TLR-2 C4 LED Rail Mounted Weapon Flashlight with Laser Sight, Black - 300 Lumens

For those of you that are looking for a super bright pistol light complete with an aiming laser, the Streamlight TLR-2 is an outstanding choice. At the 300 lumens the light offers a very concentrated beam, but still provides plenty of peripheral illumination. Users report that when flashed from 100 feet away, the person on the blinding end of the light experiences some disorientation. Illumination is never a problem with this pistol light. The TLR 2 comes with an aiming laser, as well as a strobe mode. The strobe is easily accessed by tapping the ambidextrous switch two times in rapid succession, plus the switch offers a constant or momentary on ability for the light itself. Just like the TLR-1 the Streamlight TLR-2 comes in varying models, including the HL, HL G, G, IR eye safe, and the S. Each of these models offers users something a little different allowing you to pick the ones that suits your needs best.

  • Length: 3.39 inches
  • Diameter: 1.47 inches
  • Weight: 4.72 oz. with batteries
  • LED: C4 LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123 lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 300 lumens for 2.5 hours
  • Different Modes:
    • Constant On
    • Strobe
    • Momentary On
  • Waterproof Level: IPX-4
  • Construction Material: Machined Aircraft Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • Ambidextrous Toggle Switch
    • Adjustment screws mounted in brass bushings
    • Three position mode selector switch
    • Aiming laser
  • Available Accessories:
    • Remote switches
    • Mounting adapters
    • Holster
    • Filters – red, green, blue, and infrared
  • Candlepowerforums Reviews
  • YouTube: 

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SureFire X400 Ultra

SureFire X400 Ultra LED Handgun or Long Gun WeaponLight with Red Laser Sight

The SureFire X400 Ultra is one of the best laser/light combinations available on the market today. One of the greatest features that the X400 Ultra has to offer is the ability to offer users the choice between four settings: white light illumination, white light and laser, laser only, and total disablement. The best part is these four settings are easily accessed via the switch located at the rear of the light. The five mW laser is easy to see when you are taking aim, plus Nylock screws hold your settings in place from the strongest recoil. With 600 lumens of bright white light nobody stands a chance, once blinded it takes several minutes to regain your vision. If you are not a fan of red lasers you can also check out the SureFire X400 Ultra Green Laser or the X400 Ultra V IRC.

  • Length: 3.6 inches
  • Diameter: 1.125 inches
  • Weight: 4.9 oz. with batteries
  • LED: High Performance LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123 lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 600 lumens for 1.75 hours
  • Different Modes:
    • Constant On
    • Laser Only
    • Momentary On
  • Construction Material: Aerospace Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • Ambidextrous Switch
    • O-ring and gasket sealed
    • Disable option
    • 5 mW red laser sight
    • T-Lock mounting system
  • Available Accessories:
    • DG grip switches
    • XT07 tape switch

Streamlight ProTac HL vs. SureFire Fury P2X 

Streamlight ProTac HL

STREAMLIGHT - 88040 Streamlight ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight - 750 Lumen with High/Low/Strobe Black

If you are looking for a small and reliable light that you can carry with you everywhere you go, the Streamlight Pro Tac HL is the ideal choice for you. The flashlight is also bright enough to not only light up the room, but also to deter any potential attacker. With this light the user has the choice between three different light levels, as well as three different modes. The Pro Tac HL uses Ten-Tap Programming to select between high/strobe/low mode, high only, and low/high. The programs, as well as the brightness levels, are all accessed via the push button tail cap switch that can easily be operated with one hand. Using the light for more than 10 minutes will cause the light to warm up, but it will never get hot enough to cause any burns. Like other Streamlight lights the Pro Tac HL has several different versions, including the HL 3, HL USB, and Pink. Each version offers something a little different, so be sure to check them out to see if they are what you are looking for.

  • Length: 5.40 inches
  • Diameter: 1.375 inches
  • Weight: 5.6 oz. with batteries
  • LED: C4 LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123A lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 750 lumens for 1.25 hours
  • Beam Distance: 270 meters
  • Lowest Lumens With Battery Life: 35 lumens for 18 hours
  • Different Brightness Levels:
    • High
    • Low
  • Different Modes:
    • Momentary
    • Strobe
    • Variable Intensity
  • Waterproof Level: IPX-7
  • Construction Material: Aircraft Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • Ten-Tap Programming
    • 3 Output levels: high/low/strobe
    • LED Solid State Power Regulation
    • Anti-Roll face cap
    • Push Button Tail Switch
  • Available Accessories:
    • Removable pocket clip
    • Holster
    • Tactical holster
  • YouTube: 

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SureFire Fury P2X

SureFire P2X Fury Dual-Output LED Flashlight with anodizded aluminum body, Black

For those of you that want a small, but extremely bright light to carry with you the SureFire Fury P2X is an excellent choice, plus you have different versions to choose from so you can find the one that is best suited for you. The Fury p2X offers users a high-performance LED that cabin emit either 35 or 600 lumens of focused light, perfect for a variety of situations. The light is relatively easy to use, users simply have to press or click the tactical tail cap switch. One problem with tailcap switches is they tend to turn themselves on when being transported, but the Fury P2X features a lock out option that allows you to transport or store the light without it accidentally turning on. What users enjoy the most is the IntelliBeam Mode, which uses a sensor to evaluate the surroundings and adjusts the output of the light accordingly.

  • Length: 5.80 inches
  • Diameter: 1.37 inches
  • Weight: 6.2 oz. with batteries
  • LED: High Performance LED
  • Batteries: Two 3 volt CR123 lithium batteries
  • Highest Lumen With Battery Life: 600 lumens for 1.5 hours
  • Lowest Lumens With Battery Life: 15 lumens for 46 hours
  • Different Brightness Levels:
    • High
    • Low
  • Different Modes:
    • Max Output
    • Low
    • Tactical Mode
  • Construction Material: Aerospace Aluminum
  • Special Features:
    • LED Emitter
    • Auto-Adjust
    • IntelliBeam Technology
    • Lockout
  • YouTube:

Streamlight vs. SureFire Flashlight Conclusion

We hope that you found the article to be informative. Majority of our articles focus on the best lights for the current year, but this one only briefly talks about lights. The main focus of this article is to highlight two of the top flashlight manufacturers in the industry and what they have to offer you as a company.

We hope by teaching you more about the manufacturers you can learn more about the brands we are reviewing. While this post wasn’t heavy on flashlights, you can find these same lights mentioned in some of our Best of Articles, if you want to learn more about them. 

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