Cloud Defensive EPL vs Surefire X300 vs Streamlight TLR-1 HLX: Which Pistol Light Should You Run?

Pistol lights aren’t just “nice to have” anymore—they’re standard equipment for serious defensive and duty pistols. Three of the most talked-about full-size lights right now are:

Cloud Defensive Enhanced Pistol Light (EPL)

SureFire X300 Ultra (X300U-B)

Streamlight TLR-1 HL / HL-X

They all promise high output, duty-grade durability, and solid mounting—but they don’t all do it the same way. This article breaks down specs, real-world differences, and which one makes the most sense for your role.

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Spec Overview

Before we get into nuances, here’s a quick look at the core numbers. (Specs are rounded and may vary slightly by model)

Output & Performance

Size, Weight & Power

Note: Cloud Defensive is still finalizing some published spec sheets as of 2025, but multiple official sources and launch materials confirm 1,200 lumens and 52,000 candela from an 18350 cell.

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Beam Pattern & Real-World Use

Numbers are helpful, but the beam profile is what you actually see in the dark.

Cloud Defensive EPL – High Candela “Do-Everything” Beam

Cloud pushed the EPL toward a high-candela pistol light:

52,000 candela gives you a very tight, intense hotspot for punching through smoke, fog, tinted glass, and opposing light sources. 

1,200 lumens and a carefully tuned spill pattern still fill a room, so you’re not tunnel-visioned indoors. 

For duty/defensive work where identification at distance matters—parking lots, streets, large structures—the EPL really shines (pun absolutely intended).

SureFire X300U-B – Classic Flood with Reach

The X300U-B has been the gold standard duty light for years, and its beam reflects that heritage: 

Strong center hotspot, but more of a balanced flood than a true thrower.

11,300 candela gives usable distance outdoors but is tuned to maintain plenty of spill in rooms and around vehicles.

If you’ve ever used earlier SureFire pistol lights, the X300U feels very familiar—just brighter.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL / HLX – Wide, Bright Flood

Streamlight went for a very bright, very wide beam on the TLR-1 HL line: 

1,000 lumens with 20,000 candela is a middle ground between X300 and EPL.

It throws farther than the SureFire on paper, but still feels like a flood-heavy light that lights up full rooms and big corners.

For home defense and indoor LE work, the TLR-1 HL/HLX provides an easy-to-use wall of light.

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Controls, Ergonomics & Mounting

Cloud Defensive EPL

Cloud built the EPL around duty holster compatibility and modern grip techniques. 

Large, well-textured paddles designed for modern thumbs-forward grips.

Momentary and constant-on with a short, positive throw.

Form factor is similar enough to X300 that many X300-pattern holsters are being cut to accept it, with dedicated duty holster support announced by Safariland and others. 

SureFire X300U-B

The X300’s control scheme is iconic at this point: 

Ambidextrous paddles that rock up/down for constant-on or push in for momentary.

Positive, tactile feel, but the throw can be long for smaller hands.

The “B” model uses a thumb-screw clamp that locks onto universal or Picatinny rails, and it’s extremely secure once tightened.

Big advantage: massive holster ecosystem. Just about every duty or concealment holster maker supports X300 footprints.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL / HLX

Streamlight keeps it simple and affordable: 

Ambidextrous toggle that flips up/down for constant-on, with momentary at the ends of travel.

Optional programmable strobe (can be disabled).

Rail-grip clamp system allows tool-less mounting—you can install or remove the light without putting your hand in front of the muzzle.

It’s not as “crisp” a feeling as an X300’s controls, but it’s intuitive and easy for most shooters.

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Durability & Duty Use

Cloud Defensive EPL

Cloud Defensive has a reputation for over-building weapon lights (see the REIN rifle light). The EPL follows suit: 

Hard-use construction, built for duty pistols, not just range use.

Designed from the outset around duty holsters and patrol/LE use, including photonic barrier performance and battery performance under recoil. 

The EPL is still relatively new compared to the others, so long-term field data is building, but Cloud’s track record is promising.

SureFire X300U-B

This is the baseline for duty durability:

Widely used by law enforcement and military units around the world. 

Mil-Spec hard anodized aluminum body, IPX7 waterproofing, outstanding track record surviving thousands of rounds and hard use.

If you need a light with a very long, proven track record in harsh environments, the X300U is still the safe bet.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL / HLX

Streamlight lights show up on a ton of duty pistols, especially in agencies watching budgets: 

6000-series aluminum body, IPX7 rated, very reliable in field use.

Maybe not quite the same “brick-through-a-window” reputation as SureFire, but still more than tough enough for service guns at a more approachable price point.

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Batteries, Maintenance & Cost

Batteries & Running Costs

Cloud Defensive EPL – Runs on a single 18350 rechargeable cell. You’ll want a charging setup, but long-term cost is lower, and performance is very consistent in the cold and under heavy use. 

SureFire X300U-B – Uses two CR123A batteries. They’re widely available; runtime is predictable but cost adds up if you train a lot. Rechargeable options are available with CR123 batteries. 

Streamlight TLR-1 HL/HLX – Also two CR123A cells, similar runtime to X300 but a touch longer. Rechargeable options are available with CR123 batteries.

Price & Value (general trends)

Exact prices move around, but typical street pricing tends to look like this:

EPL – At or slightly above SureFire pricing; premium tier. 

X300U-B – High-end, usually a bit cheaper than EPL but more than Streamlight. 

TLR-1 HL/HLX – Best bang for the buck, often significantly cheaper while still very capable. 

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Holster Compatibility

For a pistol light, your holster options can matter more than candela.

SureFire X300U-B – The king of holster support. If a company makes light-bearing holsters, they almost certainly support the X300 footprint. Great for duty, concealed carry, and competition. 4Bros Surefire Holsters

Streamlight TLR-1 HL/HLX – Extremely common support, especially among duty holsters and Kydex makers. If your department issues Streamlights, you’ll have no problem finding gear for it. 4Bros TLR-1 HL-X Holsters

Cloud Defensive EPL – Designed with duty holsters in mind and already supported by major makers, but the ecosystem is still growing compared to the older lights. COMING SOON!

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Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Cloud Defensive EPL: THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK WITH PROMISE

You want maximum performance in a pistol light: 1,200 lumens / 52,000 candela.

You often work in environments with smoke, streetlights, vehicle lights, or photonic barriers.

You’re okay with investing in a rechargeable 18350 ecosystem and a slightly newer platform.

Choose SureFire X300U-B: BATTLE TESTED & INDESTRUCTIBLE

You want a proven, duty-tested workhorse with a long track record.

You need the widest holster support possible.

You like the classic X300 control scheme and beam profile.

Choose Streamlight TLR-1 HL / HLX: BUDGET-FRIENDLY & CAPABLE

You need a budget-friendly duty-grade light without giving up serious performance.

You want a wide, bright flood beam for home defense and close-in work.

You’re already running Streamlight on long guns and want parts/battery commonality.

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Final Thoughts

All three of these lights are absolutely capable on a duty or defensive handgun. The right choice comes down to:

How far do you realistically need to PID targets

Your budget

Your holster ecosystem

Whether you prefer CR123A or 18350 rechargeable power

If you already know which way you’re leaning, the next step is simple: mount the light, zero your irons or dot with the light on, and train hard in low light.