Surefire, Modlite, Cloud Defensive: Which Weapon Lights Are Best For you?

When choosing a weapon light for your AR15 or pistol, there’s a lot of different things to consider. Are you looking for the most versatility and light reach, or looking within a certain price point? Ultimately, there’s so many specific qualities between the different brands of lights and what they offer, so knowing fully what you need out of your light can help narrow your search. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the most popular light brands out there today and what they have to offer.

 

SureFire M340C Mini Scout Pro 500 Lumen Flashlight

 

SureFire has garnered the reputation as one of the most reliable light brands on the market, and for good reason. The ultra-compact Mini Scout Light® Pro is the next generation in SureFire’s trusted Scout Light WeaponLights. It features the new Low-Profile Mount (LPM), which delivers unprecedented versatility by allowing the user to optimize the light’s position relative to the handguard and the laser aiming device (if installed). Moving on to the build, it’s rugged and reliable. The LPM can be easily and securely attached to any MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) or M-LOK rail, and every Scout Light Pro model includes mounting cleats for both rail styles. The Mini Scout Light Pro’s recoil-proof, premium LED generates an impressive 500 lumens from a single 123A battery. Focused through SureFire’s proprietary TIR lens, it produces a far-reaching, high-intensity beam with ample surround light. This is a great product to look out for from Surefire!

Modlite Systems PLH5K – PL350 Pistol Light

If you’re a pistol user, you’ll love this Modlite light package. Most notably, it has some impressive capabilities, including 5000 Kelvin color temperature, 1500 Lumens, and 29,000 Candela. Let’s break that down: With the 5000 Kelvin temperature, you’re getting a warmer color that’s easier on the eyes during indoor/urban use. This makes it a great option for police and for home defense. Additionally, it provides more flood light than other models. These specific features make it very specialized, and very useful in city/urban or indoor situations. Its modular design makes it compatible with all Modlite heads, allowing for total customization for specific needs.

It also includes a full set of PHLSTER ARC enhanced WML Switches. This also lets the end-user tailor the light to fit their hands and shooting methods. The PL350 is compatible with current and future Modlite heads, ensuring long life and future upgrade paths. If you find yourself needing a less taxing Kelvin color, and could use more flood output, this is the light package for you.

Modlite PLHv2

When it comes to consistently superb accuracy, we don’t just mean during the day in perfect light and weather conditions, we’re also talking about low light conditions in which visibility is impaired. In these situations, you’ll need a great light that is reliable and performs well consistently. The Modlite PLHv2 light package is a great option for anyone looking to improve their light setup in one package. The Modlite PLHv2 light package contains the PLHv2-light head, 18350 body, tail cap, a single KeepPower 1200mAh 18350 battery, and an XTAR MC2 charger. 

Light Output

To understand the difference in light output for these models, let’s break it down into an example. In this case, you are pointing two lights, an OKW and a PLHv2, at a tree. The OKW will light up one big spot on the tree from far away, while the PLHv2 will light up the entire tree. Overall, the PLHv2 works great as a general purpose light. It has a great output, shining 1,350 lumens at around 54,000 candelas. If you’re less concerned about throw (but still want great capabilities) and are looking for a great balance of spill and throw, this light is a perfect choice.

Cloud Defensive REIN Weapon Light – 18650 Full Size

Cloud Defensive is known for their top tier quality, and their lights are renowned for their high power and reliability. The REIN is no exception, and offers a massive leap over the competition in both performance, and critical features that hunters especially need and rely on. With its 60,000 Candela output at 1,400 lumens, it’s one of the most powerful weapon lights on the market. In addition, it’s available in multiple configurations, which makes it adaptable to your needs.

It goes without saying that if you’re shooting at night or low light situations, having a super powerful light is very important. Not only that, but you’ll also need a light that’s reliable and long-lasting.

The REIN provides usable light for at least 6 straight hours. Talk about reliability! Not only that, but it’s super light weight, coming in at 5.3oz without the battery and 6.9oz with. Besides all of that, it’s got some incredible features that shouldn’t go unmentioned. Let’s start with the Patented Battery Jack Feature.

This is where the REIN is truly special. With its patented remote switch, it offers both momentary and constant-on functionality. The remote switch is electrically isolated from the push-button switch located on the tail cap. If your remote switch suffers a catastrophic failure, your REIN still works via the tail cap button.

This allows you to properly tension the battery inside the system to avoid battery bounce. This lengthens the life of your system and increases reliability substantially. The patented tail-cap cartridge is easily replaceable and allows for multiple configurations without removing the tail of the light.

Finally, let’s look at the Proprietary Field-Serviceable Lens System.The glass on the REIN is 3mm thick, which is the thickest in the industry. It can take multiple hits from 5.56mm Simunition rounds. Also, the end-user can now replace the glass lens themselves. When looking for ultimate night time accuracy, this light is your best bet!

Cloud Defensive OWL

The Cloud Defensive OWL (Optimized weapon light) is one of the most popular lights on the market for hunters, and for good reason. It is an extremely versatile weapon light, with some innovative features, including integrated switching. This feature helps prevent cables snagging together. Additionally, it makes using super easy with no remotes to mount. 

The Cloud Defensive OWL is a one-piece light that focuses on ease of use. Beyond this, it has a highly-intuitive head/tail disconnect system. Using their patented lug system, there are no threaded components on the OWL. The OWL is ambidextrous, perfect for weak/transition side shooting which makes it super useful in real life situations.

Conclusion – The Best Weapon Lights for You

With all of these weapon lights, again it comes down to how you’ll be using your weapon. For law enforcement users, the Modlite options are an excellent option. For hunters, you might want to try out the Cloud Defensive Rein. Either way, there’s a wide variety of excellent weapon lights available from Surefire, Modlite, and Cloud Defensive that you simply cannot go wrong with!