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Surefire X300 Turbo: Is It Worth It? [2024 Review]
Fine shooter, you and I are about to talk about the Surefire X300 Turbo and find out if it’s worth it or hype.
Up until a few weeks ago, I had a Coyote Tan Surefire X300 Ultra on my Sig Sauer M18. One day, I woke up and decided I was tired of all the tan, so I ordered a new slide, barrel, and the Surefire X300 Turbo, all in black.
I already had a black Wilson Combat grip module, so I was covered.
Surefire has been producing some of the most durable and mission-driven equipment for a long time. Law enforcement, the military, and your everyday LARPer in the woods have trusted its pistol-mounted lights and suppressors.
Anyone who needs a durable piece of kit.
But did they do it well this time?
The issue with that is the price you pay for a Surefire product. Remember, professionals use it, so they have military contracts, and military contracts mean higher prices. Sometimes for better or for worse.
Now that it’s been a few weeks and a few shoots with the X300 Turbo, I will give you my opinion on whether or not the new X300T is worth it.
X300 Turbo on my M18 (or what used to be an M18)
Features Of The X300 Turbo
Of course, the most essential part of any product is what it can do for you. Regarding the features of the X300T, I was surprised with its strength and throw, given the size of the light itself.
Here are the specifications of the Surefire X300 Turbo:
- Material: Anodized Aluminum Alloy
- Output: 650 Lumens
- Beam Intensity: 66,000 Candela
- Switches: Push, Toggle
- Modes: Momentary, Constant
- Beam Pattern: Tight
- Batteries: (2) 123A Lithium
- Battery Life: 1.5 Hours
Some of these names may not make sense if you haven’t been around lights for a while.
Frankly, the Surefire X300T is a powerful light that focuses on throw rather than flood. Throw is the distance; the flood is the wideness of the area lit up.
It can defeat phototonic barriers like glass and show you what’s on the other side. This is a massive plus to law enforcement, who may have to deal with suspects in cars.
It doesn’t have a long battery life. At 1.5 hours, you may find yourself changing the batteries frequently. I recommend changing the batteries normally or keeping a spare with you if you’re planning on using this light for behind-the-trees movement.
You can turn on the light by applying forward pressure on the switch for momentary light or flip it to either side for consistent output.
Push for momentary, turn for constant.
It’s everything you’d expect a high-end weapon light to be.
How Does The X300T Compare To The X300U?
Compared to the X300 Ultra, the X300 Turbo is not necessarily brighter. The Ultra has 350 more lumens than the Turbo. But the lumens lights up more area.
The X300 Turbo’s 66,000 Candela is where it shines. The Ultra only has 11,300 Candela, which would explain why the X300 Turbo has a longer throw than the Ultra.
X300 Turbo (Left) vs. X300 Ultra (Right) (Spotlight vs. Floodlight)
Basically, the X300 Turbo is a spotlight. The X300 Ultra is a floodlight. Both have their pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of the Surefire X300 Turbo
Pros
- It puts a spotlight on your target from a distance
- Made of aerospace aluminum
- Longer battery life than the X300U
- Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Ambidextrous switch
Cons
- Short battery life (1.5 hours)
- Light gets dimmer as the battery drains
- No low battery life indicator
- Requires a good amount of pressure to activate light
- Expensive
Is The X300T The Best Pistol Light On The Market?
Of course, since it’s relatively new, you can expect the Surefire X300 Turbo to be the brightest and best on the market. And you’d be correct. As it stands, the X300T is, in fact, the brightest pistol light on the market.
But is it the best? Well, that depends. It’s not the best for every situation if that’s what you’re asking. It has its areas where it thrives, but concealed carrying this thing is a different story.
We all want to have the best equipment for the situation. That much is obvious. But if you plan on carrying a pistol with this light, I will warn you – it isn’t comfortable. It can actually be a downright pain in the ass sometimes, especially on warmer days.
But it is possible. I’m simply saying that it isn’t the best for carrying. I still do it every day, though.
It is the best for pistols that don’t have to be tucked in your waistband, like a battle pistol. Or on a home defense handgun. The brightness of the Turbo is more than enough to temporarily blind someone whose eyes are used to the dark.
Like an intruder.
If you’re looking for a durable and quality American-made light, then the Surefire X300T is right for you. If you just want a light to put on the bottom of your pistol that you just got and just want a good light, then the Streamlight TLR-1HL is a good option.
Don’t get caught up in the “Military Contract tax” that companies start to feel entitled to when they win the government’s requirements.
Conclusion
With all of that said, is the Surefire X300 Turbo worthy of the hefty price tag? Sure. But that’s if you can afford the 1.5-hour battery life after you initially spend the couple hundred beans to get your hands on one in the first place.
If I could sum it up, it’s the right light for the job. You won’t be let down.
The Surefire X300T is a Gucci light. It’s what all of the boys put on their pistols these days. I’m one of them.
Be good and take care.
