SureFire X300 review: choose the beam, then the mount
Our verdict: choose the X300U-A when you want SureFire's center-spot-plus-surround Ultra beam on a mount you can attach without tools. SureFire rates it at 1,000 lumens, 11,300 candela and 213 m, and describes its TIR lens as producing a larger center spot plus surround light. It is 3.76 in long and 4.0 oz with its two included 123A batteries, and it comes with Lever Latch plus an included Rail-Lock system. Choose the X300T-A Turbo instead if reach matters more: SureFire rates it at 66,000 candela and 514 m, about 5.8 times the Ultra's candela, for 350 fewer lumens. Compare the best pistol light field before deciding, and read our X400T review if you also want a laser.
SureFire's X300U-A includes Lever Latch and Rail-Lock mounting systems. SureFire's X300U-B uses a T-slot thumbscrew mount and is otherwise rated the same, at 4.1 oz with batteries. Choose between them by your preferred attachment system and confirmed rail fit. The family table below keeps each priced listing separate.
OpticsPlanet shoppers rate the X300 Ultra listing 4.7/5 across 195 reviews. Shopper ratings are listing-wide, not a score for this particular sample or an OpticVerdict AggregateRating.
How we reviewed: this is a research-based review of the OpticsPlanet listing and its owner reviews, checked against SureFire's product pages, A-Series manual and warranty wording. We keep current ratings and model-specific mount descriptions separate. See our methodology.
Which X300 configuration should you buy?
We would settle the mount first, then choose the beam you prefer. Each price is for the black row of that listing. OpticsPlanet shows these prices only in the cart, so check price and availability on OpticsPlanet before you buy.
| Configuration | Manufacturer light rating | Mount | Price | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureFire X300U-A Ultra Carded manufacturer part number: X300U-A; black | SureFire: 1,000 lumens; 11,300 candela; 213 m. | SureFire's X300U-A includes Lever Latch and Rail-Lock mounting systems. | around $320 | Compare SureFire X300U-A Ultra |
| SureFire X300U-B Ultra Carded manufacturer part number: X300U-B; black | SureFire: 1,000 lumens; 11,300 candela; 213 m. | SureFire's X300U-B uses a T-slot thumbscrew mount. | around $320 | Compare SureFire X300U-B Ultra |
| SureFire X300T-A Turbo Carded manufacturer part number: X300T-A; black | SureFire: 650 lumens; 66,000 candela; 514 m. | SureFire identifies Lever Latch mounting for the X300T-A. | around $310 | Compare SureFire X300T-A Turbo |
How the X300U-A compares with the B and the Turbo
| Model | Lumens | Peak candela | Beam distance | Rated runtime | Weight with batteries | Length | Optic | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureFire X300U-A Ultra | 1,000 | 11,300 | 213 m | 1.25 h | 4.0 oz | 3.76 in | TIR lens | Lever Latch plus included Rail-Lock |
| SureFire X300U-B Ultra | 1,000 | 11,300 | 213 m | 1.25 h | 4.1 oz | 3.76 in | TIR lens | T-slot thumbscrew |
| SureFire X300T-A Turbo | 650 | 66,000 | 514 m | 1.5 h | Not stated: SureFire documents differ (4.0, 4.2 and 4.4 oz) | 3.76 in | Smooth parabolic reflector | Lever Latch |
All figures are SureFire's. The Turbo has no single weight here because SureFire's product page, information sheet and shared manual give different figures.
A versus B: the mounting distinction
SureFire's A-Series manual separates tool-free Lever Latch from Rail-Lock, which requires a hex key for rigid attachment, so the X300U-A gives you a tool-free option and a rigid, hex-key option in one box. The same manual says the optional retaining pin is not recommended for use with pistols. The X300U-B replaces both with a T-slot thumbscrew clamp; SureFire gives it the same output, runtime and length and lists it 0.1 oz heavier. Our read: pick the A if you move the light between guns, and the B if you prefer a thumbscrew that stays on one rail.
Ultra versus Turbo: candela against lumens
The Ultra and the Turbo trade one figure for the other. The X300U-A has 350 more lumens (1,000 against 650), which SureFire spreads through a TIR lens as a center spot plus surround light. The X300T-A uses what SureFire calls a smooth parabolic reflector to reach 66,000 candela, about 5.8 times the Ultra's 11,300, and SureFire rates its beam distance at 514 m against 213 m, about 2.4 times as far. SureFire also rates the Turbo's runtime 15 minutes longer, at 1.5 hours against 1.25. Our read: indoors and at close range the Ultra's extra lumens and surround light are the better fit, while the Turbo suits longer sight lines. These are manufacturer ratings, not our target-identification test.
The OpticsPlanet X300T-A listing quotes 56,000 candela in its features, while SureFire's own page says 66,000; we use SureFire's figure. The same listing calls the Turbo dimensionally identical to the X300U-A and compatible with X300U-A holsters, which matches SureFire's 3.76 in length for both.
What the reviewer record adds
OpticsPlanet reports 195 reviews for the X300 Ultra listing; 193 of them display text. The comments below show different individual experiences with the controls. Neither establishes a model-wide switch-failure rate or a current hardware revision.
“The switches are easy to use and the light is extremely bright.”
iSurvive, an OpticsPlanet reviewer (Verified Owner)
“Compared to my last SureFire light, the switch to turn on and off the light is very stiff.”
Kam, an OpticsPlanet reviewer
Trade-offs to decide before buying
- Size: SureFire lists the X300U-A at 3.76 in long and 4.0 oz with batteries, and gives the B and the Turbo the same 3.76 in length, so switching between these three X300 models does not make the light shorter. Check the fit before making this a compact-pistol choice.
- Power: the factory configuration is two primary 123A lithium cells, not a rechargeable pack. Decide whether buying and carrying spare 123A cells suits your routine.
- Runtime: SureFire rates the X300U-A at 1.25 hours under the ANSI/PLATO FL1-2019 standard, 15 minutes less than the Turbo's 1.5 hours. A runtime rating is not proof of constant maximum output.
- Controls: the two quoted reviewers describe the switch differently, one as easy to use and one as very stiff, so try the switch feel if you can.
X300U-A manufacturer specifications
| Rated output | SureFire rates the X300U-A at 1,000 lumens and 11,300 candela. |
|---|---|
| Rated beam distance | 213 m (SureFire) |
| Rated runtime | SureFire rates the X300U-A runtime at 1.25 hours, to the ANSI/PLATO FL1-2019 standard. |
| Optic | Custom TIR lens: a larger center spot plus surround light (SureFire) |
| Size and battery-inclusive weight | SureFire lists the X300U-A at 3.76 in long and 4.0 oz with batteries. |
| Bezel diameter | 1.125 in (SureFire) |
| Power | SureFire lists two included 123A lithium batteries for the X300U-A. |
| Switching | Integral ambidextrous switch: push for momentary-on, toggle for constant-on (SureFire) |
| Mounting | Lever Latch, plus an included Rail-Lock system; Universal and Picatinny rails (SureFire) |
| Remote switch options | Optional pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches (SureFire) |
| Body | High-strength aerospace aluminum, Mil-Spec hard anodized (OpticsPlanet listing) |
| Protection | SureFire rates the X300U-A IPX7, waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
Warranty scope
SureFire promises repair or replacement when it determines a material or workmanship defect during the customer's lifetime. SureFire excludes consumables and normal wear, including switches wearing out, plus abuse, alterations, unauthorized repairs and use contrary to the manual. Read those conditions before treating the lifetime wording as coverage for every cause.
Should you buy the X300U-A?
Our recommendation is yes if you want 1,000 lumens through a TIR center-spot-plus-surround beam, a tool-free Lever Latch with Rail-Lock in the box, and two 123A cells, after confirming your fit. Choose the B if you prefer a T-slot thumbscrew at the same ratings, or the Turbo if 66,000 candela and 514 m of rated reach matter more to you than 350 lumens.
What else to consider
Compare the pistol light picks for other light formats, the rifle light guide for a rifle-focused purchase, and the X400T review if a laser is part of your decision.
FAQ
Which SureFire X300 should I choose?
Our recommendation is the X300U-A when you want SureFire's 1,000-lumen, 11,300-candela Ultra beam with Lever Latch and an included Rail-Lock system. Choose the X300U-B for the same ratings on a T-slot thumbscrew mount, or the X300T-A when you want 66,000 candela and 514 m of reach and can give up 350 lumens.
What is the difference between X300U-A and X300U-B?
SureFire's X300U-A has Lever Latch and included Rail-Lock systems. The X300U-B uses a T-slot thumbscrew mount. SureFire gives both the same 1,000 lumens, 11,300 candela, 213 m and 3.76 in length; it lists the A at 4.0 oz and the B at 4.1 oz with batteries.
How bright is the SureFire X300 Ultra?
SureFire rates the X300U-A at 1,000 lumens, 11,300 candela and 213 m, with a rated runtime of 1.25 hours. These are manufacturer ratings, not our measured sustained-output results.
Is X300U-A mounting entirely tool-free?
SureFire's A-Series manual separates tool-free Lever Latch from Rail-Lock, which requires a hex key for rigid attachment. The same manual says the optional retaining pin is not recommended for use with pistols.
Does an X300U-A holster fit the X300T-A Turbo?
The OpticsPlanet X300T-A listing calls the Turbo dimensionally identical to the X300U-A and compatible with X300U-A holsters, and SureFire lists both at 3.76 in long. That same features list quotes 56,000 candela rather than SureFire's current 66,000, so it may describe an earlier Turbo; check the holster maker's fit list for your exact pistol and light.
Is the X300 Ultra warranty unconditional?
SureFire promises repair or replacement when it determines a material or workmanship defect during the customer's lifetime. SureFire excludes consumables and normal wear, including switches wearing out, plus abuse, alterations, unauthorized repairs and use contrary to the manual.