Preface
Weapon lights can be a lifesaving tool, as in the dark a firearm can only be so effective. Like anything in our world, there are varying levels of performance and quality with weapon lights. Today we are taking a look at a reasonably affordable option from the Olight Company. Some folks among us might look down on products made in China, and I suppose they have their reasons. I suppose we’d all prefer domestically manufactured defense products. But the world is changing fast, and we ignore potentially good products at our own detriment. Today our weapon light topic is the Olight PL X 1200. The PL X is a dual-beam rechargeable light built in a metal housing, it incorporates an adjustable recoil lug to integrate with the host weapon. Lets walk into the beam of this Olight to see what its all about.
The Olight PL X 1200
Keeping with the trend of Olight products, the PL X has an internal LiPo battery that doesn’t require service. this alone is a big make or break deal for some folks. Since I usually have more than one light mounted to more than one weapon on my nightstand, this isn’t a huge problem for me. The unit can be charged with the same USB-C cord you already have next to your bed to charge your phone.
Lighting up the darkness is done with either a dual emiting flood pattern, or a single beam spotlight. This allows you to quickly adapt to changing scenarios should you need to. There is a low-profile switch on the left side of the housing easily reached by a finger to switch between beams.
The Square shaped housing attaches to the host pistol suing a clamp. The clamp screw can be turned using a flat tipped screwdriver, a coin or something similar. You can feel as you tighten the screw that it has a built in detent that gives a ratcheting feeling as it is tightened. There is a recoil lug in the middle of the clamping area that allows you to customize where the light rests on your picatinny rail. This keeps the controls close to your finger.
Controls for the unit consist of two push-buttons on either side of the housing. Easily reached by both index fingers or weak side thumb. Lighting up the unit can be done momentarily by pushing and holding either button, and when released the beam shuts off. If you wish for sustained light, you can quickly push and release either button. It will stay lit until you repeat the quick press of either button. Pressing both buttons together gives you a strobe feature meant to blind an opponent.
Specifications
| MSRP | $119.99 |
| Maximum floodlight output | 1,200 lumens |
| Maximum spotlight output | 900 lumens |
| Maximum light intensity | 22,500 candela |
| Maximum beam distance | 300 meters |
| Low floodlight output | 300 lumens |
| Low spotlight output | 200 lumens |
| Battery | 960 mAh lithium-ion polymer |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Maximum runtime | 145 minutes |
| Mounting system | Adjustable, reversible rail lugs |
| Rail compatibility | Picatinny and compatible universal rails |
| Activation | Ambidextrous switches |
| Light modes | Flood, spotlight, strobe |
| Construction | 6061 aluminum |
| Finish | Type III hard-anodized |
| Water resistance | IPX7 |
| Drop resistance | 1.5 meters |
| Length | 2.48 inches |
| Weight | 3.07 oz. |
| Special features | Selectable beam, anti-loosening ratchet mount |
| Country of manufacture | China |
In Use
Since the PL X 1200 is fairly compact, I figured I would carry it on one of my many different carry pistols. And this month it happened to be the Taurus GX4 Compact in .380ACP, you can read more about the gun here. With the twist of a screwdriver and an Allen wrench, I got the PL X mounted and recoil lug adjusted for optimal fit. The weapon light is slightly wider than the pistol frame itself, but that is more about the pistol than the light. Its roughly the same width as most of my other weapon lights.
Carrying the pistol over the course of a month, in my home and a 2A friendly workplace gave plenty of opportunities to draw and present the pistol repeatedly. Allowing me plenty of chances to abruptly test the light in dark stairwells, hallways and warehouse space.
Illumination
My initial impression of the illumination gave me the impression the PL X wasn’t bright enough. But perhaps the battery wasn’t fully charged or maybe it wasn’t dark enough. As now it seems perfectly adequate when trying to light up a dark spot.
Using the light in complete darkness in the forest or a vacant basement, it seemed to be more than enough light to identify threats. I do like the dual lighting option of either flood or spot, but it also gave me the challenge of deciding which I’d prefer.
Controls
The dual purpose controls are fantastic. You can illuminate the light with a button on either side. There is a sliding switch on the left side of the housing to select flood or spot lighting. Its a low profile switch that is unlikely to be moved inadvertently.
The push-buttons can also be used to execute multiple purposes. For example, if you push and hold either button, the light will illuminate until you let off. Whereas if you just push and release it, the light will stay on until the button is pressed again. If you push both buttons together you get the strobe feature to blind and confuse your opponent.
I do like that it can be easily charged with the included cable, making it easy to keep the light fully charged.
Compatibility
With its interchangeable recoil lug, you can make the Olight PL X fit on a wide variety of pistols. It fits easily onto most any picatinny rail. It does slightly widen the overall grip of the pistol, which can cause complications with holster fitment.
Durability
As battery technology improves, so does the durability of devices that run on them. The PL X seems to have more than enough power for a weapon light unless you plan on using it as a night time navigation tool.
The housing and lenses seem as robust and durable as any other weapon light I have used. I know I have heard stories of battery failures and fires from similar products, but I expect like any high profile failure they get more attention.
Pros and Cons
I found there to be few downsides to the Olight PL X weapon light. If your light goes dead in a remote location, you cant just replace the batteries like other models. And as I mentioned it can make fitting certain holster options a problem. But the trade-offs are also pretty nice. Not having to buy expensive lithium batteries is handy, and having a easily rechargeable light with dual lighting sources for example. And the digital control options also make it very handy. I’m honestly quite surprised that big names in weapon lights haven’t adopted control options like those found in this light.
There are some custom Rounded Holsters made specifically to fit popular pistols outfitted with the Olight PL X. So keep that in mind. Also there is a green laser version of the PL X that incorporates a green laser sighting aid as well.
Conclusion
I quite like the PL X, and its street price around $120 makes it a fairly easy choice for many folks. It gives a great deal of lighting dexterity, with some great controls and power sourcing that wont cost a weeks pay. In a dark defensive scenario, I suppose any light is better than none. But the Olight PL X seems to give you an affordable great option for every day use.