Surefire X300 Ultra A vs. B

[Whiskey_Bravo]

Anyone on here have any experience with the new X300U-B models over the older X300/X300U-A models?

Looking for feedback on how the new mounting system and switches work with a duty holster. I need to pick up another light and am debating going with the new version or sticking with the A version and saving a few bucks.

My off duty/road job holsters from JMCK were molded to work with either version of the light so new support gear is a non issue.

[Beat Trash]

I use the X300U-A on my issued M&P9, and have done so since they were introduced. I recently obtained departmentally owned Patrol Rifles and issued them to my Canine officers. The new Patrol Rifles came with a Surefire X300U-B for a weapon light. (The guns were spec'ed out by my counter part at the Firearms Training Unit).

I obviously was curious so I pulled the new Surefire off of one of the rifles to look at. I haven't shot a pistol with the new light, just messed around a bit.

The switch on the new B model is stubbier. I like them much better than the older A model. But not enough to sell off the A model and replace with a B model.

The new attachment is different. But with that, I tried to keep an open mind. I remember a few M&P9 pistols that I had a lot of difficulty in installing the original U Boat light on at first. I can remember having to press the face of the light against a table and push the gun into the table to fully seat the light and lock it into place. The new mounting system would make this a non-issue.

The overall size is the same, so that's not an issue.

The biggest difference is going outside at night and turning on each light. There is a noticeable difference in the output, the hot spot and the throw of the new B model light over an original U Boat.

I like my original U Boat, but I like the new B model better. Not enough for me to sell the old light off at a huge loss, but I do like it, and would have no issues carrying one on duty. I guess to answer your question, it would depend on just how much money you would save by going with a new A model?

Another option would be to look for a used Surefire X300U-A?

[Whiskey_Bravo]

Thanks for the reply. Your experience with the new B version confirms my suspicions.

I was only hesitant of the B model due to the new mounting system that is similar to the Streamlight mount. I have seen multiple Streamlight TLR lights fly off a weapon during live fire due to the mount loosening itself over time, but that is an individual/training issue more than an equipment issue.

I currently carry and A model on my issued Gen 4 Glock 21 and have been very happy with it. I was planning to purchase another X series light to use on my duty rifle at the 12 O'clock position. However, now I may just switch my A light to the rifle with a Unity Tactical switch cover and purchase a B series light to mount to my Glock.

A lot of guys I work with think a 500-600 lumen weaponlight is overkill, but these things make the inside of a car like daylight in the middle of the night while standing at the B pillar of a car on a traffic stop when things squirrelly.

[Default.mp3]

I have heard of people complaining about breaking the crossbolt on the X300U-B. That being said, I personally never had any issue with it loosening or falling off on my X400/X400Us, in the ~6 years I've had them on my pistols.

[Sasage]

I just traded a B for an A. The newer As are also 600 lumens. I like the tooless lockup if I wanted to swap it easily or if I needed to use a handheld in a pinch.

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[CS Tactical]

I have heard of people complaining about breaking the crossbolt on the X300U-B. That being said, I personally never had any issue with it loosening or falling off on my X400/X400Us, in the ~6 years I've had them on my pistols.

I've seen that happen on an Officer's duty gun.

[L-2]

Regarding Post#4, I don't know what a "crossbolt" on this weaponlight is. Can someone explain this to me?
http://www.surefire.com/illumination/weaponlights/handgun/x300u-b-weaponlight.html

[SeriousStudent]

I have an X-300U-B on my Beretta 1301. It's got over 250 rounds of Winchester AA heavy target loads (3 dram) and sixty Federal 00 Buck, along with thirty Brenneke slugs. I have never done any tightening or anything else. I just checked it, and the tension is fine.

Just like Whiskey_Bravo, I have seen multiple Streamlight TLR units attempt low Earth orbit from carbines and pistols. So far, the Surefire has not had that issue.

I'll keep beating the shotgun and light like a rented mule, and let you know of any difficulties.

[Default.mp3]

Regarding Post#4, I don't know what a "crossbolt" on this weaponlight is. Can someone explain this to me?
http://www.surefire.com/illumination/weaponlights/handgun/x300u-b-weaponlight.html
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8297/29042333103_82dc1a3d38_o.jpg

FWIW, one of the P&S podcasts mentions that the vast majority of X300U-As are 575 lumens, as Surefire did some tweaking and released it just a couple months after launch, they just never updated the packaging. Also, the X300U-As will continue to be sold for some time, supposedly, as Surefire has a contract with one of the large (CA?) LEAs.

[Whiskey_Bravo]

I appreciate all the feedback guys, thank you. I think I will end up buying a B series and running it on my handgun. Can always trade later if I decide I don't like it, Surefire makes legit stuff. Plain and simple.

Now I need to get a Glock 17M and run the B light on it. Then I can play "guess what comes out of the holster" at the range. Will it be:
1.) Complete gun with light
2.) Complete gun no light
3.) Frame only

[Whiskey_Bravo]

I've seen that happen on an Officer's duty gun.

I recall reading a forum post somewhere where LEO described the cross lot breaking under simple finger tension. Believe it was on a Sig but can't completely recall. The author ended up replacing the bolt with a steel one from a hardware store. I'll see if I can find it...

[Cookie Monster]

I broke a cross bolt but I am Johnny Overtorque and was installing it on my 870, Surefire sent a new part no issues or cost. Definitely go B. Installing A on a pic tinny rail is a pain.

[Sasage]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160914/1935fd4bd6b1a8423a20abccdfdb1586.jpg

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[jondoe297]

I'm using an X300U-B and a TLR-1HL on different guns. The TLR-1 tends to loosen whenever I fire more than 200+/- rounds through the gun in one outing, although it has never come off the gun. Thus far, I haven't had any issues with the X300U-B and tightness. It's held up to 200-500 rounds of fire at a time, through a 1911 and a Beretta M9A1.

[Whiskey_Bravo]

Sound like the B series light is superior for rail (long gun) mounted applications. However I would prefer to have the Unity Tactical Exo installed to help prevent accidental activation, especially in a rifle bag, and the B series is non compatible with the Exo. I may jump on that Big Tex sale and get a 600 lumen A series for my rifle and call it a day. Thanks guys.

Just a heads up, that sale from Big Tex comes out to $207 shipped! That's Amazon cheap without the worry of a knockoff.

[Whiskey_Bravo]

In case anyone was wondering...

My 600 lumen X300U-A arrived today from Big Tex Outdoors. This model features the classic QD mount with the upgraded paddles and lens/emitter/beam/whatever. Very impressed so far.

The stubby toggle switches are short and wide with serrations for traction. They feel like they require less pressure to activate, but that may just be an illusion since I'm getting more surface area of my finger on them now.

The beam is crystal clear and incredibly bright. However the output is almost softer on the eyes even though it's a higher lumen rating. The hot spot is bright and pronounced, but the light does a better job of illuminating the surrounding area. My original X300U is super bright and focused on the center spot/hot spot and doesn't spill out as well.

I tested both lights in a pitch black basement, garage, and non-lighted outdoor space. The new version provides better total illumination while being less harsh on the eyes. Even at contact distance against white walls and auto glass. I won't even attempt to take pictures comparing the two outputs, because my photos would be embarrassing.

The new version will be mounted on my duty weapon for patrol carry. The standard model will be getting a Unity Tactical Exo installed and mounted on a carbine. The older style switches seem like they will work better with the Exo and the intense spotlight function of the beam seems perfect for a long gun.

[Beat Trash]

I was not aware that they have upgraded the X30U-A with the new switch as well as using the output to 600 lumen. If the only difference now between the A and B models is the mounting system, I see a new A model in my future.

[Sasage]

I was not aware that they have upgraded the X30U-A with the new switch as well as using the output to 600 lumen. If the only difference now between the A and B models is the mounting system, I see a new A model in my future.
You're correct the only difference is the mount.

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