I have no experience with any of those but I do have some with this model Nitecore. Maximum output is about 200 lumens for a maximum of about 50 minutes. It is continuously variable from 2 lumens. Has a user defined default level anywhere on that scale, instantly switchable to full output or full output strobe with two twists of the bezel. It uses one Ultrafire 16340 battery or one standard CR123A. The 16340 is the brightest. Has crenellations that could hurt on the receiving end. Toughly built and very bright.

 

How much is that light?

 

Out of the ones listed. TRL hands down! I have one on a P2000 with 3k rounds and still works! Just need to change the batteries.

 

I have used the SureFire X300 and the Insight M3X. I also used the Insight Procyon (don't know model #). Of the three I am completely sold on the X300. I have no experience with the Stream Light offering, but prior dealings with Stream Light has led me away from them.

As for the diff in lumens, I'm not convinced we can appreciably notice a diff of 15 lumens, and I'll take SureFire quality over 15 lumens...

Good luck

 

TLR-2 adds a Laser to the mix and still runs cheaper than the Surefire.

Here's a serious review on that Nitecore (I hadn't heard of it either):

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=198804

 

My uncle has the Surefire X300. Very bright LED light with a metal body.

I have never used a TLR, but I have only heard good things about them.

I use the Insight M6X and have a M3 as well. Both are good for the price although the M6X is a little brighter and adds the laser. I have ran the M6 extensively on my Glock 19 and it has been 100%, sometimes Glocks have function problems when using tac. lights but not mine.

Insight CS is also excellent. The M3 came with a dead lamp, but the spare worked fine. I called Insight and in less then a week I had another lamp, total cost to me was $0. Insight is a company that stands behind their products.

 

I have an X300 and an M3 and know a few guys with the TLR. I am sold on the X300, it is an amazing light. I don't get too wrapped up in lumens. The X300 is rated at about 15 lumens lower than the Pentagon MS2 LED that I have on my rifle, and the X300 blows it away.

Keep in mind the light can also be too powerful, especially indoors. Get a good blast of it back in your face from a white wall or a mirror and it will definitely effect your vision.

 

Surefire Surefire Surefire. My X300 is amazing, as is my E1B. In my mind theres no other option.

 

Surefire x300 hands down. I have had a couple of different streamlight weapon lights (used to sell them) and though they are a good value the Surefire is better. My x300 is so damn bright it is almost to bright. I have noticed it will about blind me when clearing a house when in a small room or brightly painted room. It is very intense with a great spot, the LED is just amazing. I run the pressure switch on all my guns with the x300 making it truly a hands free weapon light.

Dave

 

I use the TRL-1 and I'm happy with it for around $100, one day I'll step up to Surefire! I have three Surefire flashlights and they are great lights, I would never buy anything else!

 

pnutlee,

Any of the lights you mentioned in your OP are quality items that will serve you admirably.

I am a retired cop, former SWAT guy, etc. I used gun lights for real for a long time. My unit has been using the M3 since the late 90s, with no complaints. However, it is an incandescent bulb; LEDs are the way to go for long-term durability.

Everyone swoons over Sure-Fire; and to be honest, they ARE more durable than the others. I personally do NOT like the way their switch works, but the aluminum body is indeed more able to withstand hard use than the polymer/composite bodies of the others. That's why the military went with it.

What I'm trying to say here is, buy the SureFire if you want; but don't think that you MUST, because for ordinary joes like thee (and me, now. Retirement is good ), the less-expensive polymer-bodies units do just fine. Legions of non-SWAT street cops use them to good effect, too.

I just acquired an HK45, and I need a new light for it. I'm leaning toward the InSight Procyon, which is their LED version of the tried-and-true M3. But I want to handle one first, and cannot find one around here.

The StreamLight TLR series are good, but I want the quick on-off capability of the M3/SureFire latch (by that, I mean the ability to be able to quickly install/remove the light; the TLR has a screw which must be tightened/loosened).