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FOG HORN 2014Twobirds Flying Publication

Streamlight’s TLR-2 G – an ideal weapon mounted laser-light package for close quarter applications.

By: Sal Palma

Over the last few years, Streamlight has made some interesting new changes and added products to their TLR line of weapon mounted lights. They include increasing light output and the steady march towards reducing foot print.

The company responded to two significant market trends; those being the need for a smaller weapon mounted light, which they’ve met with the TLR-3 and TLR-4, and satisfying a growing demand, especially in the commercial

Copyright 2014, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.


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space, for a green laser aiming module, which was achieved with their “G” TLR accessories. The significant advantage of the green laser being greater visibility across a variety of lighting conditions.Historically, the company has also done, and continues to do, a superb job of delivering mid-priced professional grade products; a strategy that continues to pay dividends for Streamlight. Gone is the “Carte Blanc” budget, so Streamlight’s business model of producing professional grade lighting accessories at mid-level pricing makes it possible for organizations to avail themselves of excellent lighting and tactical lighting products without investing scarcer budget dollars in equipment delivering capabilities that reach far beyond what actual requirements are.I had the opportunity to review one of Streamlight’s new weapon mounted laser/light packages, the TLR-2 G, and I can say, in all candor, that you are giving up nothing in making it your choice.I’ll start by verbalizing that which you already know. The TLR line uses a rail grip clamp system. The TLR-2 G retains that tried and true approach, so there’s nothing new here. It is a typical TLR high quality and high reliability, quick attach and detach mechanism. The light ships with a number of keys designed to ensure a good fit with the variety of mounting rails on the market, including Heckler & Koch. At this juncture, I have to laugh, and somewhat loudly. There is a YouTube video that I’m not going to link you to, where a reviewer expresses a preference for a hex bolt attached rail mounted light accessory over the “wheel” system used by Streamlight; suggesting that it could work its way loose. When I see comments like that, I recognize that we all have preferences, but they

should not disparage other options without substantiation or founded in ignorance and misinformation. This poor cat was really out to lunch in this instance and Streamlight’s approach to rail mounting is reliable, requires no tools, is easy to operate and in my estimation sailor proof.The TLR-2 G delivers 200 lumens of well collimated white light and throws a very well defined hotspot with an abundance of peripheral light. It’s true that you won’t light Wrigley Field with it but it will do one heck of a job at 25 to 50 yards. It achieves this performance with a 50,000 hour C4 LED and current regulating circuitry that provides a continuous output for 1.5 hours of run time on a single CR123A battery.

Streamlight has also introduced some new concepts in the TLR-2 G. For example, it has revised its approach to laser port placement. In the 2G, the laser port is now located behind the light’s lens and fires through an elliptical cutout in the light’s parabolic reflector.

Copyright 2014, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved


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I will admit that as of this writing, I’m still searching my feelings on this feature. On one hand, it is less likely that I will disrupt the laser with my support hand, and it also places the laser closer to the center line of the bore. But on the other, if the light accumulates mud, debris or the lens shatters, it now impairs both light and laser. Something that I often do when light discipline is required is to place a Butler Creek scope cap over the light’s bezel; it’s highly effective against accidental activation of the light at those unpropitious moments. However, in this arrangement, I have to remember to flip the cap open in order to use the laser. So, I summarize by saying that I’ll have to reach out to the Force on this one. My objections are by no means show stoppers, and the 2G as designed has its advantages.

Another departure from the standard TLR light is the change from (2) CR123A batteries to just one, which creates the space to place the green laser inside and behind the lens. Was the need to place the laser closer to the bore’s centerline the driver for using a single battery and placing the laser port behind the light’s lens? I think Streamlight would probably say yes.Be that as it may, the new TLR-2 G retains the same foot print as its two battery siblings, Length: 3.39 in. (8.61 cm); Width: 1.47 in. (3.73 cm) Height: 1.83 in. (4.64 cm), and that makes for great news because it won’t obsolete your light specific holster. You can mount the TLR-2 G on your pistol and get the benefits of a green laser without having to spring for a new holster.Changing from two batteries to one naturally reduced run times in all modes but I have to admit to being impressed at how energy frugal the TLR-2 G is; especially with a green laser aiming module.



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Run times with the single battery are 1.5 hours (LED only); 1.25 hours (Laser/LED); 9 hours (Laser only).The TLR-2 G comes with a rich choice of operating modes. The ambidextrous paddle switch, in conjunction with the selector switch,

provide laser only, light only and laser-light operation. The paddle switch can be pressed for momentary or flipped to constant on and double tapped for strobe. Both the green laser, and the C4 LED, is strobe capable. In laser only mode, double tapping the paddle switch pulses the laser creating a very noticeable green laser dot pulsing at about 8 Hz, or so.If a strobe is not your cup of tea, it can be easily disabled with ten rapid momentary taps and holding on the 10th until the light turns off.

Performing the same procedure will re-enable the strobe function.The green laser is an immensely useful tool under a broad set of lighting conditions it is highly visible; however, this visibility has a price and it’s important that you recognize what those costs are. These considerations apply to all green laser technology and should not be interpreted as a design deficiency with Streamlight’s TLR-2 G.First, green lasers have a narrower band of operating temperatures. At 104°F and higher, their output intensity is significantly diminished. At 32°F or below you’ll have no output until the laser warms up, and using the laser and light mode will increase the laser’s operating temperature. Finally, green lasers readily reflect light from airborne dust particles, smoke, haze and other contaminants; as such, they create that cool looking light saber effect capable of extending for several hundred yards at night or in low light. Under certain conditions that characteristic may hinder or obliterate any tactical advantage and will effectively localize you exposing you to hostile fire.

Streamlight’s TLR-2 G delivers all of the reliability and capability that can be found



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across the entire TLR line of weapon mounted lights, and laser / light combinations. It is a professional grade product suitable for both law enforcement and military work. The TLR-2 G’s aluminum construction, C4 LED technology, features and ergonomics are well-conceived and functional, with zero excesses, and when combined with its green laser this light delivers tremendous value even at its suggested retail price of $550. However, with a modicum of price shopping, you’ll be able to add one to your kit for right around the $300+ point. Streamlight’s TLR-2 G is the weapon light to own for close quarter application. It is ideally matched to that type of work, and equally suited for railed handguns, SMGs and other compact firearms normally employed in close quarter application. Therefore, by definition, it is also a superb choice for home defense.Streamlight’s TLR-2 G is an excellent accessory from a great company, so pick one up for sure!

-SP
