Choosing between the Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra hinges on your needs. Opt for the X300 Ultra if you desire an affordable, reliable 1,000-lumen light, especially for close-quarters indoor operations. It excels within 100 yards, providing a broad flood beam ideal for minimizing backsplash in home defense, law enforcement, and military applications. On the other hand, the X300 Turbo suits users seeking maximum light output for identification beyond 200 yards, offering a focused beam for open outdoor spaces with enhanced performance at a higher investment. But before that lets take an overview of these two products.
About Surefire X300 Turbo
SureFire X300T-B Turbo Handgun Weapon Light
SureFire X300T-B Turbo Handgun Weapon Light, in a sleek tan finish, delivers a powerful 650 lumens with a focused 66,000-candela beam. The T-slot thumbscrew clamp ensures a secure fit on Universal and Picatinny rails. Intuitive switching allows instant activation without grip adjustment, complemented by accessory switches for pistols and tape switches for long guns. This versatile light accepts optional pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches for precise control without altering your weapon grip. It is built to withstand the elements and boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.
Pros:
- Powerful 650 lumens with a focused 66,000-candela beam
- Secure attachment with a T-slot thumbscrew clamp
- Intuitive switching for instant activation
- Compatibility with accessory switches for various setups
- Allows optional pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches
- IPX7 waterproof for reliable performance in wet conditions
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other model
About Surefire X300 Ultra
SureFire X300U-A Ultra High Output 1000 Lumens LED Weapon Light
SureFire X300U-A Ultra High Output 1000 Lumens LED Weapon Light in Tan bundled with 12 additional CR123A batteries and three battery cases, offering unrivaled performance. Crafted from Mil-Spec Hard Anodized aluminum, this light is virtually indestructible, perfect for demanding missions. The Rail-Lock system ensures a secure attachment to Universal and Picatinny rails, providing versatile mounting options. The intuitive ambidextrous momentary- and constant-on switch is designed for extended or brief use. The custom TIR lens delivers a powerful 1000-lumen output with a smooth beam for peripheral vision. The bundle includes extra batteries and cases, ensuring a total runtime of 7.5 hours on high.
Pros:
- Virtually indestructible Mil-Spec Hard Anodized aluminum body
- Versatile Rail-Lock system for secure attachment to various rails
- Intuitive ambidextrous momentary- and constant-on switch
- Powerful 1000 Lumen output with custom TIR lens
- Includes 12 extra SureFire CR123A batteries and three battery cases
- Extended runtime of 7.5 hours on high
Cons:
- Relatively short runtime on high (1.25 hours) for extended operations.
Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison
Beam Pattern and Brightness
The X300 Ultra puts out an impressive 1,000 lumens of light in a comprehensive, flooding beam pattern optimized for shorter-range use. The X300 Turbo cranks up to 1,500 lumens while concentrating the beam into a tighter hot spot that reaches longer distances.
X300 Ultra – 1,000 lumens flood beam for close quarters
X300 Turbo – 1,500 lumens spot beam to identify threats at longer ranges
In testing, the Turbo reached 200+ yards, while the Ultra struggled with the past 100. However, the Turbo’s focused beam creates more backsplash indoors. The flood beam of the Ultra excels inside 50 yards.
Battery Type:
Both the X300 Ultra and X300 Turbo utilize two CR123 batteries.
Runtime Comparison:
- X300 Ultra: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- X300 Turbo: About 1 hour.
Power Consumption:
- The Turbo, with its higher light output, consumes batteries faster than the Ultra.
Caution:
- Extreme cold conditions can decrease the effective runtime of the lights. Be prepared by having spare batteries on hand.
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: Both X300 Ultra and X300 Turbo share identical dimensions.
- Length: 5.6 inches
- Weight: 4.5 oz
- Mounting Compatibility: They mount seamlessly to railed handguns.
- Compact Design: The new Turbo maintains the compact size of the proven Ultra, ensuring portability without compromising performance.
Ease of Use
Toggle Switch Functionality:
Both the X300 Ultra and X300 Turbo boost a straightforward toggle switch. This switch enables a seamless transition between momentary and constant-on operation, ensuring user-friendly functionality.
Identical Operation:
There’s no learning curve when switching from the older X300 Ultra to the newer X300 Turbo. The operation remains consistent and familiar across both lights, ensuring a hassle-free transition for users.
Compatibility with Accessories:
These lights maintain compatibility with existing SureFire holsters and accessories, including diffusers. Users can seamlessly integrate these new lights into their existing setups without additional accessories or modifications.
Price Point:
- X300 Turbo: $499 MSRP
- X300 Ultra: $399 MSRP
Premium Cost:
- X300 Turbo carries a $100 premium over the standard X300 Ultra.
Value Proposition:
- X300 Turbo justifies its higher cost with superior illumination.
- X300 Ultra, priced at $399, offers ample light for many users.
Decision Factors:
- Choose X300 Turbo if you are willing to invest in extended reach and concentrated light.
- Opt for X300 Ultra for a cost-effective option with reliable performance.
Consideration:
- The $100 premium for the X300 Turbo reflects its enhanced features and capabilities.
Here is a tabular form of Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra.
| Feature | X300 Ultra | X300 Turbo |
| Brightness | 1000 Lumens | Turbocharged for enhanced output |
| Use Case | Versatile for various applications | Optimized for extended range |
| Winter Performance | Effective within 50 meters | Impressive reach up to 200 meters |
| Photonic Barriers | Effective in overcoming glare | Superior performance in glare |
| Recommended Range | Ideal for indoor and short-range | Excellent for outdoor and long-range |
| Price | Affordable | Premium pricing for enhanced features |
Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra: Which one should you choose?
Choosing between the Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra depends on your specific needs:
The X300 Ultra suits those who:
- Seek an affordable, reliable 1,000-lumen light.
- Frequently operate in close quarters indoors.
- Only require identification up to 100 yards.
- I prefer a broad flood beam to minimize the backsplash.
This versatile light excels in home defence, law enforcement, and military use within 100 yards.
On the other hand, the X300 Turbo caters to users looking for:
- Maximum light output for identification past 200 yards.
- A focused beam to spot threats at greater distances.
- Willingness to invest more for enhanced performance.
- Regular operations in wide-open outdoor spaces.
The Turbo elevates compact pistol lights, ideal for identifying threats at longer ranges or penetrating photonic barriers.
Now you know the comparison between Surefire X300 Turbo vs Surefire X300 Ultra. You may like to read our comprehensive guide on Glock laser light.
You may like to read our comprehensive guide on Surefire laser light.
Final Thought:
For most civilian, law enforcement, and military users, the proven X300 Ultra fulfilled requirements regarding features and affordability. However, the X300 Turbo provides next-level performance from an EDC-sized light for those who want every advantage in illumination. Consider your needs, budget and use case, but either way, you’ll get an exceptional weapon light built to SureFire’s exacting standards.