As a shooter with years of experience, I have had the chance to test a variety of lighting systems on numerous firearms, including the renowned Smith-Wesson Equalizer. I have tried, retried, and scrutinized different types of lights under different circumstances.
After careful analysis and hands-on usage, one light stood out from the crowd, managing to meet my high standards of reliability, brightness, and durability – the Streamlight TLR-1 HL. This light emerged as the overall best in my extensive testing.
The purpose of this article is to share the detailed insights and results of my thorough testing to guide you in choosing the Best Light for Smith Wesson Equalizer.
My Top 5 Best Smith Wesson Equalizer Lights
1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL – My Top Pick
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is a compact, lightweight, and versatile weapon light that balances performance, durability, and affordability.
Size and Shape: With dimensions of 3.39″ x 1.47″ x 1.44″ and a weight of 4.18 ounces with batteries, the TLR-1 HL is a compact powerhouse. Its small size enhances the balance of the firearm without compromising on light output.
Durability: Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with a black anodized finish, this light is robust and water-resistant. It can withstand heavy recoil and extreme temperatures.
Brightness and Runtime: The TLR-1 HL employs C4 LED technology to emit a focused beam of light. Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries, it can run up to 1.5 hours at peak performance.
Versatility: This light is compatible with a variety of rails, making it a versatile addition to any firearm collection.
What could be better: The Streamlight TLR-1 HL, while an impressive weapon light, could improve its battery life. Its runtime of 1.5 hours on high mode might be insufficient for prolonged use.
My Experience
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL has been an exceptional addition to my Smith Wesson Equalizer. Its small size didn’t affect the balance of my firearm while providing an ample amount of light. The mounting was a breeze, and its rugged construction easily withstood the recoil.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable construction
- Bright, focused light beam
- Affordable
Cons
- Average battery life
- Brightness might be inadequate for some applications
- The strobe function could be improved
2. Streamlight TLR-7A Flex – Versatile Modes of Operation
Streamlight TLR-7A Flex is a compact yet powerful weapon light, offering streamlined operation, multiple modes, and improved ergonomics.
Improved Control Switch: The TLR-7A Flex sports an enhanced control switch. The high and low switch options provide ease of activation, even while shooting one-handed or maintaining a two-handed grip.
Versatile Modes of Operation: The TLR-7A Flex doesn’t fall short when it comes to flexibility. With a single click for constant on, press & hold for momentary, and double press for strobe, it caters to varied lighting needs.
Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 2.4 oz with a battery, this light is nearly unnoticeable and fits compactly onto your firearm, making it perfect for concealed carry and reducing holstering time.
Powerful Light Output: The TLR-7A Flex shines bright with 500 lumens and 5000 candelas, providing sufficient illumination in low-light scenarios up to 40 yards.
What could be better: While the TLR-7A Flex is a highly efficient weapon light, it could benefit from the inclusion of a rechargeable battery to ensure longer run time and a potential increase in the lumen and candela output. Also, the extension of the paddle switch could make it easier to operate.
My Experience
Mounting the TLR-7A Flex onto my Smith Wesson Equalizer was effortless, and it fit perfectly. It offered brilliant light output, and the different operation modes were easy to navigate. Despite its compact size, it packed a powerful punch, proving invaluable in low-light situations. However, the use of CR123A batteries might be a drawback for some users, as it doesn’t allow for recharging.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for concealed carry.
- Powerful 500 lumens and 5000 candela light output.
- Improved and easy-to-operate control switch.
- Versatile modes of operation.
Cons
- Still uses CR123A batteries, not rechargeable.
- The paddle switch could be extended for better ease of use.
3. Streamlight TLR-7 – Subcompact Light
The Streamlight TLR-7 is a compact, high-performing tactical light that fits subcompact pistols for ideal concealed carry illumination.
Size and Weight: The Streamlight TLR-7 weighs just 2.39 ounces and measures only 2.51 inches in length, offering an unobtrusive addition to your firearm without compromising your ability to handle your weapon.
Lumen & Candela: Boasting a powerful 500 lumens and 5000-candela output, this light delivers great visibility up to 40 yards in low light conditions, ensuring target identification is never compromised.
Battery: The light runs on a single CR123A battery and offers an impressive runtime of approximately 90 minutes, making it a reliable choice for extended operations.
What could be better: Though it is a top-notch compact light, it still uses the CR123A battery, which may not provide as high an output as some more modern battery options. The strobe mode activation could be more intuitive, and different mount keys requiring separate purchases could be seen as a drawback.
My Experience
As an avid gun enthusiast, the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub was a welcome addition to my Smith Wesson Equalizer. It was incredibly easy to mount and dismount due to its compact size and the rail keys system. The lumen and candela output is impressive, providing ample light for low-light situations. I appreciated the long battery life, which stood up to its advertised duration.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry
- Powerful lumen and candela output
- Long-lasting battery life
- Versatile mount options
Cons
- Uses a CR123A battery, which might not deliver as high an output as some more advanced options
- Strobe mode activation could be more user-friendly
- Need to purchase separate lights for different mount keys
4. OLIGHT Baldr S – Best Value for Money
The Olight BALDR S is a versatile, high-performance light and laser combo with a compact design, offering excellent value for money.
Enhanced Lumen Intensity: The BALDR S boasts a significantly enhanced lumen intensity of up to 800 lumens, providing a clear and bright beam that covers up to 130 meters. This is a 33% increase over its counterpart, the BALDR Mini, ensuring a more efficient lighting experience.
Versatile Modes & Built-In Laser: The light comes with a 5mW green laser and three modes: light only, laser only, and light & laser combo, providing flexibility to users based on their preferences and tactical requirements. The mode switch is also stiffer, preventing accidental bumps.
Cool White LED Bulb: The cool white LED bulb ensures precise color rendition, allowing users to identify colored targets even in low-light conditions. This enhances user experience, making target identification more reliable.
Rechargeable Battery: The BALDR S is equipped with a 3.7V 380mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that offers good endurance and can be charged using the magnetic USB charging base. This ensures continued use without the need to constantly replace batteries.
What could be better: The momentary light activation could be improved. Some users might find the need to consciously press and hold the switch for momentary light activation a bit challenging.
My Experience
I found the BALDR S to be an excellent addition to my Smith Wesson Equalizer. The enhanced lumen intensity and versatile modes allowed for a comprehensive shooting experience. I particularly appreciated the light & laser combo mode as it improved my targeting accuracy. The cool white LED bulb was also effective in low-light conditions, aiding my color perception.
Pros
- Enhanced lumen intensity provides bright and clear illumination.
- Versatile modes with built-in laser for added accuracy.
- Precise color rendition through a cool white LED bulb.
- The rechargeable battery ensures the longevity of use.
- Sturdy construction and sleek design.
Cons
- Momentary light activation may take some getting used to.
5. Viridian C5L – Best Green Laser
The Viridian C5L is a compact and efficient green laser sight with an integrated light, ideal for the Smith Wesson Equalizer, offering superior visibility and control.
Super Bright Green Laser: The Viridian C5L features a super bright green laser which aids in better trigger control, reducing shaking and significantly improving aiming accuracy.
Multiple Mount Slots: It comes with different mount slots, making it perfectly compatible with Smith Wesson Equalizer’s 1913 bottom rail and offering flexibility in its positioning based on user preference.
Integrated 100-Lumen Light: Although not the brightest in its category, the integrated 100-lumen light provides a low-profile illumination tool that can be crucial in CQB environments.
Fast Flashing Strobe & Multiple Modes: The C5L boasts a fast flashing strobe for defensive advantages. It can cycle between strobes + constant on laser, constant on (Laser & Light), and momentarily on/off, offering users a variety of options to suit different situations.
What could be better: While the Viridian C5L serves its purpose well, a brighter light could enhance its performance, particularly in darker environments.
My Experience
Using the Viridian C5L on my Smith Wesson Equalizer was a game-changer. The super bright green laser significantly improved my aim, and the fast flashing strobe mode provided a distinct advantage in defensive scenarios. The different mount slots ensured perfect fitting on the Equalizer’s rail, providing stability and reliability.
Pros
- The super bright green laser improves accuracy and control.
- Multiple mount slots for versatile placement.
- Integrated 100-lumen light provides adequate illumination.
- Fast flashing strobe for defensive advantages.
- Multiple operating modes for varying scenarios.
Cons
- The light could be brighter for enhanced performance in dark environments.
Top 3 S&W Equalizer Red Dot Optics + Green Dot Versions
Final Verdict
As a professional shooter who has extensively tested these lights, I can confidently assert that each of these offers its unique strengths and advantages. However, the Streamlight TLR-1 HL stands out as my top choice due to its optimal balance of performance, durability, and affordability.
Of course, the ‘best’ choice can vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. If you require compactness for concealed carry, a lightweight model might suit you better. If you often operate in low-light environments, a model with a higher lumen output may be preferable. As always, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs to make an informed decision.
FAQs
What are the best lumens for a pistol light?
The optimal lumen count for a pistol light can vary depending on the scenario, but generally, a light output of around 500 lumens is considered suitable for most applications.
What is the difference between an S&W shield and an equalizer?
While both are quality firearms from Smith & Wesson, the main difference lies in their design and purpose. The S&W Shield is a compact, slim handgun ideal for concealed carry, whereas the Equalizer is a larger, high-capacity pistol designed for versatility and performance.
How bright should a pistol light be?
The brightness of a pistol light should be adequate to illuminate your target and immediate surroundings clearly. Typically, a light with a lumen output of 500 lumens is considered appropriate for most situations.
