Weapon-Light Beam Comparison at 17 Yards

This comparison documents six weapon and handheld lights at 17 yards indoors with no ambient light. The photographs and accompanying video show how each beam presented under the same basic conditions. The purpose is observation rather than declaring a universal winner: useful illumination depends on distance, target, environment, spill, hotspot, output, runtime, switching, mounting, and the role of the light.

Comparison Conditions

Distance: 17 yards
Environment: indoors
Ambient light: none
Lights: SureFire XH35, SureFire M600 Dual Fuel Scout, Cloud Defensive OWL, Modlite OKW, Modlite PLH, and Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X

Camera exposure, display brightness, surface reflectivity, and image processing can change how a beam appears in a photograph. These images are most useful for comparing the general relationship between hotspot and spill under one set of conditions. They should not replace firsthand evaluation in the environments where a light will actually be used.

SureFire XH35

SureFire M600 Dual Fuel Scout

Cloud Defensive OWL

Modlite OKW

Modlite PLH

Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X

What to Look For

Compare the concentration of the central hotspot, the width and uniformity of surrounding spill, and the amount of useful information visible around the primary point of illumination. A tightly concentrated beam may support identification at greater distance, while broader spill may provide more contextual information nearby. Neither characteristic is automatically superior; the intended task determines the useful balance.

This is a 2019 comparison and should be understood as a historical snapshot of the lights tested, not a statement about every current model or later product revision. Manufacturer specifications and product availability can change.

Related Low-Light Resources

Source: Light Comparison 2019, Primary & Secondary Resurrection.