Harbor Freight’s $50 Tactical Weapon Light – Streamlight Clone? [Video Review]

[The Hobby Gunsmith]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share something I recently picked up from Harbor Freight — the Braun 1000 Lumen Tactical Rail-Mount LED Light. At a glance, it looks like a budget clone of the Streamlight TLR-1 HL, but with a price tag of only $50, I figured it was worth checking out.

I made a quick open box and initial impressions video where I cover:

- What comes in the Packaging

- Build quality and materials

- Weight and size compared to standard WMLs

- Brightness demonstration in a dark room

- My overall thoughts on its potential use

If you’ve been curious about this light or are looking for a budget option to test out, this might be worth a look.

Let me know what you think — and if anyone else has hands-on experience with this light, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Knotwild]

I personally would still buy Streamlight. There are only two times in my life where I got exceptional customer service, and the best experience was with Streamlight. I had two EDC Streamlights. One I lost for a year in a field and rats ate the tail switch, and the tail switch stopped working on the second. After one email, I was given an address to return them, and one week later I had two new lights. I've got another of their EDC lights and it's been in my pocket with my keys for 3 years without a hickup. Their lights are forever.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Does the light use a rechargeable c123 battery? Do you need to remove the light from pistol to change battery?

 

[The Hobby Gunsmith]

Does the light use a rechargeable c123 battery? Do you need to remove the light from pistol to change battery?

So the light needs to be removed as the battery access is from the rear where it butts up against the trigger guard, and CR123 are not rechargeable that I'm aware of at least not the ones that come with the unit.

 

[muleystalker]

Did you leave the light on for any amount of time? I find with the cheaper lights they get hot after 3-5 minutes and shut off.

 

[The Hobby Gunsmith]

Did you leave the light on for any amount of time? I find with the cheaper lights they get hot after 3-5 minutes and shut off.

Negative, i will have to try that. it does emit so good heat from the bulb though gets warm quick.

 

[dhagerty40]

One negative I will add.. The Harbor freight unit only has a 90 day warranty While the streamlight has a lifetime warranty.

 

[Mark W]

I personally would still buy Streamlight. There are only two times in my life where I got exceptional customer service, and the best experience was with Streamlight. I had two EDC Streamlights. One I lost for a year in a field and rats ate the tail switch, and the tail switch stopped working on the second. After one email, I was given an address to return them, and one week later I had two new lights. I've got another of their EDC lights and it's been in my pocket with my keys for 3 years without a hickup. Their lights are forever.

I dropped mine and broke the lense. When I called and tried to get a replacement lense, I didn’t get any love. Maybe the guy that I talked to was having a bad day, but he wasn’t particularly helpful or even pleasant to speak with. Maybe I will try again.

 

[Knotwild]

I dropped mine and broke the lense. When I called and tried to get a replacement lense, I didn’t get any love. Maybe the guy that I talked to was having a bad day, but he wasn’t particularly helpful or even pleasant to speak with. Maybe I will try again.

I may be wrong, but I don’t think they do replcement parts unless it’s for something that can break, like their TLR1 battery door.

This one has been in my pants pocket with keys and such for around 5 years. No finish left on it. Used every day and no problems.

 

[Mark W]

I may be wrong, but I don’t think they do replcement parts unless it’s for something that can break, like their TLR1 battery door.

This one has been in my pants pocket with keys and such for around 5 years. No finish left on it. Used every day and no problems.

View attachment 1674911

The grump that I spoke with took all of my information and said that he would get back to me with tracking info, so I don’t know.

Here’s mine. It’s almost ten years old. I don’t carry it daily, but it has spent a lot of time with me on hunting trips and doing building inspections. I still use it often, broken lense and all.

 

[Knotwild]

Boy, that thing must have hit just right to get that lens. I contacted them via email. They can and should do better than that. I think every company today knows we live with a throw away and replace mentality and design the process to increase profit.

If you really want to have some fun, send a registered letter to the CEO or some board members outlining your experience.

 

[rr2030]

The grump that I spoke with took all of my information and said that he would get back to me with tracking info, so I don’t know.

Here’s mine. It’s almost ten years old. I don’t carry it daily, but it has spent a lot of time with me on hunting trips and doing building inspections. I still use it often, broken lense and all.

View attachment 1674918


View attachment 1674919

Remind me to not loan you my flashlight

 

[Mark W]

Remind me to not loan you my flashlight

That flashlight and I have been through a lot together……lol.

 

[alintx]

I have a tl1 over carried everyday in my pocket for at least 15 years, and never done anything but change batteries. Best light EVER