Lights and Lasers
Here at Shadow Defensive we have a theory of "Force Multiplication". In short, anything you can do to "Multiply" your effectiveness is a plus in our book. Lights and Lasers are a definite plus when it comes to Force Multiplication.
We offer a wide and increasing variety of light and laser options for our holsters. We have compiled a list of our supported options and some information we hope you will find helpful when choosing what light you want to be your guns best friend.
This is in no particular order...
Surefire X300(Full-Size/Duty)
The Surefire X300 is a favorite among Law Enforcement and Military. This is often referred to as the Gold Standard when it comes to weapon lights. It is big, bright and tough. It has simple switching and has only two modes, Momentary and constant on each activated with a different action. This is an advantage to some because there is not a bunch of different modes or other options to cause confusion in the heat of the moment.
One of its biggest cons is the price... the Surefire usually sells for around $250-$300... The other con is the size, making it typically not a good option for Concealed Carry or Every Day Carry. The Surefire X300 also is only compatible with full size firearms and a very few compact firearms.
Surefire XC1(Compact/EDC)
The Surefire XC1 is a very low profile and low output light. This light runs off of a AAA battery. The big advantage to this light is its very low profile size. This light has the Surefire tag, so that's another selling point. While this light is compact and reliable, it only fits on larger guns... It will fit on the Glock 19, but it doesn't work with most compact guns and we can flat out forget about sub compact guns. The switching is very intuitive, and the AAA battery is handy but that is about the pros of this light. We recommend shying away from this light, as there are more options on the market. This light also runs about 250 Bones... and for what it offers it is not the best.
Crimson Trace CMR 209
The Crimson Trace CMR 209 is a larger light, but it is much more compact than the Surefire X300. The CMR-209 has intuitive switching and several options for moving the light closer or farther from the trigger guard, giving the user some level of adjustability not offered in the Surefire lights. The switching on the CMR-209 does feel a bit flimsy, but Crimson Trace as a good warranty department that will help get your light fixed. One of the advantages of the CMR-209 is it has a decent output of light, while not much compared to the Surefire X300 for its size and price point of $75 it is a budget option that is worth considering. That being said, for just a little more you can upgrade to a more completive option like the TLR-7A.
Crimson Trace CMR-201/206(Compact/EDC)
The Crimson Trace CMR201/206 is a stand alone rail mounted laser from Crimson Trace. Available in either Red or Green lasers, The CMR-201/206 is a low profile laser unit with the same intuitive switching as the CMR-209. While the laser option can help with faster aiming and aiming from compromised positions, we typically recommend getting a light/laser combo if at all possible. At the price point of $100-$150 you might as well get a unit that will have a light and a laser....Unless you are going for something low profile.
Modlite PL-350 (Full-size/Duty)
The Modlite PL350 is one of the newest additions to the marketplace when it comes to pistol mounted weapon lights. The Modlite PL-350 has two interchangeable light heads that allow the user to choose beam patterns. The Modlite blows the Surefire X300 out of the water when it comes to light output and light throw distance. The disadvantage of the Modlite PL-350 is the switching. The PL-350 only has Constant on and does not have an option for momentary. Which for us is a big disadvantage. The PL-350 is in the same size category as the Surefire X300, and it will not fit on any sub compact pistols and very few compact pistols. At about $280 it gives the Surefire X300 a run for its money. The biggest con is the switching...
Streamlight TLR-1(Full-Size/Duty)
The Streamlight TLR-1 is another full sized light in the same league as the surefire X300. The Streamlight TLR-1 has momentary and constant on switching as well as a strobe option. If you are a lefty you probably will not like the unique switching setup of the TLR-1. The TLR-1 come in at about $140 giving it a bit of a price edge when it comes to a comparison between the Modlite and the Surefire. The light output is similar to the Surefire X300.
Streamlight TLR-7A(Compact/EDC)
The Streamlight TLR-7A is our favorite here at Shadow Defensive. The TLR-7A has very intuitive switching with momentary and constant on. The light output is very good considering its since and this guy will fit on almost every compact setup. However this unit will not fit on most Sub compacts. The TLR-7A is debatably the best option on the market for compact EDC setups. It is our recommendation for EDC. It is not the cheapest option, running about 175 bucks...
Streamlight TLR-6(Compact/EDC)
The Streamlight TLR-6 is Streamlights answer to the sub compact and micro compact pistols that are not equipped with a mounting rail(Glock 43, S&W Shield ect). This light has an output similar to the Surefire XC1 and features intuitive switching for left or right handed users. This light is not waterproof and is honestly not as good as it could have been, however it is basically the only option for those who need it. It does have an option for a built in laser, making it pretty nifty. This guy comes in at about 80-130 bones.
Olight Pl Mini 2 Valkyrie(Compact/EDC)
The Olight PL Mini 2 is one of the best budget options on the market. The PL Mini 2 is rechargeable and has the same intuitive setup as the Streamlight TLR-7A. The light output is very impressive considering its size. This unit is capable of fitting on all sizes of firearms to include sub compacts like the Springfield XDS. The PL Mini 2 has a very unique quick detach option that allows for the user to adjust the position of the light. This little guy is honestly a game changer when it comes the mounting. Running at about $90, this light in our opinion should receive some consideration.
Olight Baldr Mini(Compact/EDC)
The Olight Baldr Mini is a step up form the PL Mini 2. This little guy features the same intuitive switching, mounting and recharging as the PL Mini 2 but with increased light output and a built in laser. This option is highly recommended for person who want to integrate a laser and a light in there EDC setup. While only slightly bigger than the PL Mini 2 this unit offers a laser and additional output. This unit falls into the budget category running about $130.
Olight Baldr S(Medium)
The Baldr S is basically the same as the Baldr Mini with the only difference being in size. The Baldr S is a little big bigger than the Streamlight TLR-7A and in the same ballpark as the Crimson Trace CMR-209. The light output is better than the Baldr Mini and the laser is basically the same. The Baldr S has the same intuitive switching, but the Baldr S does have different lighting output modes that can make things more complicated then they need to be. The Baldr S costs around $130
Olight Baldr Pro R(Full-Size)
The Olight Baldr Pro R is a full size light and laser combo that features a rechargeable battery. The Baldr Pro R has a strobe mode and different lighting output levels that can make is more complicated than it needs to be. The switching is a little more complicated than we would like but once you practice with it is can be very quick. This is not a unit that we would recommend for duty or military use. This unit runs about $180.