TLR-1 or TLR-1 HL for HD

bm303 · May 4, 2016, 03:37 PM

Looking to buy the original TLR-1 or the HL model for home defense. It will be mounted on a CZ-75 SP-01 Tactical.

My house isn't very big and the walls are all white. Is it worth spending a few extra bucks on the HL model or is it overkill given my house situation? Thanks

Pond, James Pond · May 4, 2016, 03:48 PM

I have an SP-01. I also have a light. I bought a Nextorch WL10. I've seen it advertised on Midways (I think) for $40.

The light itself is very nice. You can read my report on here.

I'm sure the TLR is a great lamp, but I am very impressed with what I've bought.
Give it some thought.

Theohazard · May 4, 2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bm303

My house isn't very big and the walls are all white. Is it worth spending a few extra bucks on the HL model or is it overkill given my house situation? Thanks

In my opinion, the HL model is way overkill for home defense, unless you live in a huge abandoned warehouse or something. If you have a house that's even remotely normal-sized -- and especially if you have a lot of bare white walls -- an ultra-high-lumen light is just too bright in my opinion. For home defense, I prefer 150 to 300 lumens. My Surefire Mini Scout is 300 lumens and it borders on being too bright for my house, and my house layout is fairly typical.

burrhead · May 5, 2016, 04:08 PM

While not an exact answer to the OP's question, this is germane to the subject. I live in the country and have a TLR1 on my go to rifle. I can easily light up a coyote at 100 yards with it well enough to get the sights on the song dog. Plenty good for in a house.

Sharkbite · May 5, 2016, 04:30 PM

My EDC gun does dbl duty as the HD pistol at night. It wears a Surefire Xc-1. That is "only" 200 lumens in a VERY wide beam. It is PERFECT for in home distances.

Completely illuminates a large living room and does not blind you from behind the gun. Shined in someones face, it does a great job of blinding them.

I think we (as gear junkies) get way too caught up in "how bright is that one?"

You DONT need 600lumens in a tac light for pistol engagements. Sometime less is MORE

lmccrock · May 9, 2016, 06:25 AM

A few years ago, I geared up for a night 3gun match. I ended up with a TLR1 on the pistol and TLR2 HL (510 lumen at that time) on the rifle, so I had a chance to try both. Inside the house, 510 was too much; reflections off a wall are like a bright light being pointed back at me. I could not imagine that much light being useful inside.

May 4, 2016, 03:37 PM	#1
bm303 Member Join Date: January 10, 2016 Posts: 33	TLR-1 or TLR-1 HL for HD Looking to buy the original TLR-1 or the HL model for home defense. It will be mounted on a CZ-75 SP-01 Tactical. My house isn't very big and the walls are all white. Is it worth spending a few extra bucks on the HL model or is it overkill given my house situation? Thanks

May 4, 2016, 03:48 PM	#2
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I have an SP-01. I also have a light. I bought a Nextorch WL10. I've seen it advertised on Midways (I think) for $40. The light itself is very nice. You can read my report on here. I'm sure the TLR is a great lamp, but I am very impressed with what I've bought. Give it some thought. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 5, 2016, 04:08 PM	#4
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	While not an exact answer to the OP's question, this is germane to the subject. I live in the country and have a TLR1 on my go to rifle. I can easily light up a coyote at 100 yards with it well enough to get the sights on the song dog. Plenty good for in a house. __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

May 5, 2016, 04:30 PM	#5
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	My EDC gun does dbl duty as the HD pistol at night. It wears a Surefire Xc-1. That is "only" 200 lumens in a VERY wide beam. It is PERFECT for in home distances. Completely illuminates a large living room and does not blind you from behind the gun. Shined in someones face, it does a great job of blinding them. I think we (as gear junkies) get way too caught up in "how bright is that one?" You DONT need 600lumens in a tac light for pistol engagements. Sometime less is MORE

May 9, 2016, 06:25 AM	#6
lmccrock Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Red Rock. TX Posts: 820	A few years ago, I geared up for a night 3gun match. I ended up with a TLR1 on the pistol and TLR2 HL (510 lumen at that time) on the rifle, so I had a chance to try both. Inside the house, 510 was too much; reflections off a wall are like a bright light being pointed back at me. I could not imagine that much light being useful inside.