LMS-UNI + TLR-1 vs TLR-2 (X400, X5L, TLR-2, M6)

Thanis · August 27th, 2009, 04:46 AM

Thank you in advance for your vote and thoughts!

I’m considering the purchase of a Laser Max LMS-UNI (around $185). Then I would attach a Streamlight TLR-1 (around $110). Total would be around $300.

I’ve noticed the realistic best price on a TLR-2 is around $270 to $300 (don’t know if I would trust the other vendors that have it for less).

The LMS-UNI + TLR-1 combo offers greater versatility (but bulker) option to the TRL-2. So that is about where I’m stuck. LMS-UNI + TLR-1 vs. TLR-2.

I’m almost at decision mode on a laser / light combo. This thread is not about the advantages of a mounted light or laser; I’m just looking for final thoughts comparing the products. This laser / light will be used on a standard size Glock.

I had considered the Glock branded tactical lights, and while I think Glock makes a good firearm, when it comes to lights, value for the price, and just in general, I’ve read enough reviews to be uncertain about their tactical light products compared to the options listed here.

Here are a few products I’ve considered:

Surefire X400: $430 to $460 ($455 suggested retail). 110 lumens, 3.54"L X 1.86"H X 1.46"W (4.4 oz.), aircraft aluminum, 2 CR123A 3V, tool to attach /detach.

Viridian X5L (Green Laser): $328 to $387 ($379 suggested retail). 100 lumens (140 strobe), 2.467"L X 1.998"H X 1.185"W (2.09 oz.), polymer & aircraft aluminum, 1 CR2 3V, tool to attach /detach.

Streamlight TLR-2: $206 to $488 (most likely $270). 135 lumens, 3.26”L X 1.47”W X 1.83”H (4.72 oz.), aircraft aluminum, 2 CR123A 3V, no tools to attach /detach.

Insight M6: $165 to $365 ($260 suggested retail, I've seen tan ones for $160). 90 lumens, 3.4”L x 1.6”W x 1.9”H (3.7 oz.), polymer, 2 CR123A 3V, no tools to attach /detach.

I'm thinking the X400 is just to much. Plus I don’t like spending extra considering it is a dedicated (must use tools to attach / detach). They point this out as an advantage, and I get it. I CC this firearm, and when I do, I don’t want a bulky laser / light combo attached to it. Then again, maybe I just need to forget about CC the G31, and just stick with the G33 for CC when I'm not CC my revolver.

I think the Viridian products are very tempting (even at that price). They are light weight and slimmer. Green laser is a real plus. Unfortunately, unlike the dedicated (laser only) Glock version, the X5L requires the use of a tool to attach /detach.

I have to admit I go back and forth on the TLR-2 vs taking a chance on M6 (especially if I don’t mind a M6 that is tan, the tan ones are going for around $160). The M6X is not being considered. Given the price of the M6X, I would rather go with the TLR-2.

Other options: The laser max rod and some type of grip mounted laser were considered, but in the final analyst, I don’t want to mess with the internals, and I would like something less dedicated. The though of being able to buy something that would work on other firearms is a big plus for this purchase.

PS - Some scuttle on the TLR-2's lumens vs the X400. Some say Streamlight (TLR) is being agressive on the output and that Surefire (X400) is being conservative.

Entry Red · August 27th, 2009, 10:48 AM

Streamlight is located in the town I work in. I have a TRL-1 on just about all of my handguns and two TRL-2 for my rifles. Excellent products and customer service.

They just got the USMC contract as well.

shooterX · August 27th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Why wouldn't you trust one of the vendors selling the lights for less?

tmizzi · August 27th, 2009, 02:29 PM

I have done a bunch or research lately and I am going with the Surefire X400. I found it available yesterday at a great price of $327.85 delivered. Surefire X400 LED Weapon Light

This price was after their 15% stimulus discount. However, it looks like today they are sold out as the link to buy is not offered.

Thanis · August 27th, 2009, 04:11 PM

tmizzi,

Thanks for the link. Some good prices not only on the X400 but also the TLR-2.

ghost tracker · August 27th, 2009, 04:58 PM

Surefire is my pick. I've got a boat-load of their stuff & haven't had a single snafu in the bunch. Yep, no doubt they're pricy. But the potential price of failure is just sooo high!

Ram Rod · August 27th, 2009, 05:33 PM

Streamlight M-3 and M-6 for me (not listed in the poll). M-3 (flashlight only model) stays on the AR15 or the Rem 870, and the M-6 (light/laser/combo) gets put on my daily carry pistol at night and goes to bed with me.

cz2075bd · August 27th, 2009, 05:57 PM

I had a LaserMax Uni that failed shortly after I bought it, so I'd avoid them.

I've always wanted the Insight M6 for my CZ-75 SP-01 Phantom.

If you find anything that looks too good to be true, it is (e.g., UTG: LIGHT-146 - Leapers UTG Compact Laser Flashlight Ambidextrous On Off Sw Integral Picatinny Weaver Mounting Deck). Stick with Surefire, Insight, etc.

Thanis · August 27th, 2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram Rod

Streamlight M-3 and M-6 for me (not listed in the poll). M-3 (flashlight only model) stays on the AR15 or the Rem 870, and the M-6 (light/laser/combo) gets put on my daily carry pistol at night and goes to bed with me.

Don't think Streamlight makes the M6 anymore...now by Insight.

aimhigh · August 27th, 2009, 07:23 PM

I have had a TRL2 for over 2 yrs now and no problems!

View Poll Results: Help me deside on laser / light combo for my Glock
Laser Max LMS-UNI + Streamlight TLR-1	1	4.35%
Streamlight TLR-2	12	52.17%
Surefire X400	5	21.74%
Viridian X5L	1	4.35%
Insight M6	4	17.39%
Glock GTL21 or GTL22	0	0%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

August 27th, 2009, 04:46 AM	#1
Thanis Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,704	LMS-UNI + TLR-1 vs TLR-2 (X400, X5L, TLR-2, M6) Thank you in advance for your vote and thoughts! I’m considering the purchase of a Laser Max LMS-UNI (around $185). Then I would attach a Streamlight TLR-1 (around $110). Total would be around $300. I’ve noticed the realistic best price on a TLR-2 is around $270 to $300 (don’t know if I would trust the other vendors that have it for less). The LMS-UNI + TLR-1 combo offers greater versatility (but bulker) option to the TRL-2. So that is about where I’m stuck. LMS-UNI + TLR-1 vs. TLR-2. I’m almost at decision mode on a laser / light combo. This thread is not about the advantages of a mounted light or laser; I’m just looking for final thoughts comparing the products. This laser / light will be used on a standard size Glock. I had considered the Glock branded tactical lights, and while I think Glock makes a good firearm, when it comes to lights, value for the price, and just in general, I’ve read enough reviews to be uncertain about their tactical light products compared to the options listed here. Here are a few products I’ve considered: Surefire X400: $430 to $460 ($455 suggested retail). 110 lumens, 3.54"L X 1.86"H X 1.46"W (4.4 oz.), aircraft aluminum, 2 CR123A 3V, tool to attach /detach. Viridian X5L (Green Laser): $328 to $387 ($379 suggested retail). 100 lumens (140 strobe), 2.467"L X 1.998"H X 1.185"W (2.09 oz.), polymer & aircraft aluminum, 1 CR2 3V, tool to attach /detach. Streamlight TLR-2: $206 to $488 (most likely $270). 135 lumens, 3.26”L X 1.47”W X 1.83”H (4.72 oz.), aircraft aluminum, 2 CR123A 3V, no tools to attach /detach. Insight M6: $165 to $365 ($260 suggested retail, I've seen tan ones for $160). 90 lumens, 3.4”L x 1.6”W x 1.9”H (3.7 oz.), polymer, 2 CR123A 3V, no tools to attach /detach. I'm thinking the X400 is just to much. Plus I don’t like spending extra considering it is a dedicated (must use tools to attach / detach). They point this out as an advantage, and I get it. I CC this firearm, and when I do, I don’t want a bulky laser / light combo attached to it. Then again, maybe I just need to forget about CC the G31, and just stick with the G33 for CC when I'm not CC my revolver. I think the Viridian products are very tempting (even at that price). They are light weight and slimmer. Green laser is a real plus. Unfortunately, unlike the dedicated (laser only) Glock version, the X5L requires the use of a tool to attach /detach. I have to admit I go back and forth on the TLR-2 vs taking a chance on M6 (especially if I don’t mind a M6 that is tan, the tan ones are going for around $160). The M6X is not being considered. Given the price of the M6X, I would rather go with the TLR-2. Other options: The laser max rod and some type of grip mounted laser were considered, but in the final analyst, I don’t want to mess with the internals, and I would like something less dedicated. The though of being able to buy something that would work on other firearms is a big plus for this purchase. PS - Some scuttle on the TLR-2's lumens vs the X400. Some say Streamlight (TLR) is being agressive on the output and that Surefire (X400) is being conservative. __________________ NRA Member S&W 642 (no-lock) with .38 Spl +P 135 GR Gold GDHP Glock G31 & G33 with .357 Sig 125 GR. SXT Winchester Ranger

August 27th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#5
Thanis Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,704	tmizzi, Thanks for the link. Some good prices not only on the X400 but also the TLR-2. __________________ NRA Member S&W 642 (no-lock) with .38 Spl +P 135 GR Gold GDHP Glock G31 & G33 with .357 Sig 125 GR. SXT Winchester Ranger

August 27th, 2009, 04:58 PM	#6
ghost tracker Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ky Backwoods Posts: 1,154	Surefire is my pick. I've got a boat-load of their stuff & haven't had a single snafu in the bunch. Yep, no doubt they're pricy. But the potential price of failure is just sooo high! __________________ There are only *TWO* kinds of people in this world; those that describe the world as filled with two kinds of people...and those who don't.

August 27th, 2009, 05:33 PM	#7
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,807	Streamlight M-3 and M-6 for me (not listed in the poll). M-3 (flashlight only model) stays on the AR15 or the Rem 870, and the M-6 (light/laser/combo) gets put on my daily carry pistol at night and goes to bed with me. __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock

August 27th, 2009, 10:48 AM	#2
Entry Red Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 16	Streamlight is located in the town I work in. I have a TRL-1 on just about all of my handguns and two TRL-2 for my rifles. Excellent products and customer service. They just got the USMC contract as well.

August 27th, 2009, 11:04 AM	#3
shooterX Distinguished Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,560	Why wouldn't you trust one of the vendors selling the lights for less?

August 27th, 2009, 02:29 PM	#4
tmizzi Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 138	I have done a bunch or research lately and I am going with the Surefire X400. I found it available yesterday at a great price of $327.85 delivered. Surefire X400 LED Weapon Light This price was after their 15% stimulus discount. However, it looks like today they are sold out as the link to buy is not offered.

August 27th, 2009, 05:57 PM	#8
cz2075bd Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 153	I had a LaserMax Uni that failed shortly after I bought it, so I'd avoid them. I've always wanted the Insight M6 for my CZ-75 SP-01 Phantom. If you find anything that looks too good to be true, it is (e.g., UTG: LIGHT-146 - Leapers UTG Compact Laser Flashlight Ambidextrous On Off Sw Integral Picatinny Weaver Mounting Deck). Stick with Surefire, Insight, etc.

August 27th, 2009, 07:23 PM	#10
aimhigh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 559	I have had a TRL2 for over 2 yrs now and no problems! __________________ "You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or use any other word you think will work but I've found that a large bore muzzle pointed at someone's head is pretty much the universal language." NRA Member GeorgiaCarry.org

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