Hey there, I’m an experienced shooter who’s spent countless hours at the range and out in the field testing the Smith & Wesson Equalizer.
Among the various lights I’ve tested with this gun, one clearly stood out: the Streamlight TLR-1 HL. Trust me, when it comes to firearms and their accessories, I’ve got the hands-on knowledge you’re looking for.
The market is flooded with options, and choosing a light is no small feat. It’s more than just brightness and battery life; you must also consider reliability, ease of use, and compatibility.
With this article, you can cut through the noise and make a more informed choice. Because, hey, the right light could make all the difference, and I’m here to help you find it.
| Best Light For Smith & Wesson Equalizer | Category | Price |
| Streamlight TLR-1 HL | Top Pick | $155.24 |
| Streamlight TLR-7A | Good Throw | $121.63 |
| Olight Baldr S | Budget Friendly | $90.96 |
| Viridian C5L | Best Laser Option | $159.20 |
Top 4 Best Flashlight For S&W Equalizer
1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL – Top Pick
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL offers a perfect blend of high lumens, durability, and easy mounting for your Smith & Wesson Equalizer.
Brightness & Beam Intensity: Oh man, are you going to love this? The Streamlight TLR-1 HL dishes out a whopping 1000 lumens, with a peak beam intensity of 20,000 candela.
Also, the 283-meter beam is ideal for spotting those hard-to-see objects in the distance. And it all runs smoothly for about 1.5 hours, which is plenty for most applications.
White LED Technology: The light comes with advanced white LED technology that’s basically shockproof, with a 50,000-hour lifetime.
That’s reliability you can count on, whether you’re in the field or at the range. Plus, its solid-state current regulation ensures that the light remains consistent throughout its operation, which is key when you’re in situations requiring rapid target identification.
TIR Optic for Concentrated Beam: You know how some lights are bright but scatter too much? Not this one. The engineered TIR optic focuses the light into a concentrated beam, offering optimum peripheral illumination.
This means you get an intense central beam with just enough light spilling over to the sides to keep you aware of your surroundings.
Powerful C4 LED Technology: Not only is the C4 LED technology in this light impervious to shock, it’s specifically designed to offer higher performance.
It pushes the limits, giving you those incredible lumens, peak beam intensity, and a well-defined beam, all within a 1.5-hour runtime.
Why I Love It: It’s the real deal, folks. Brightness, reliability, and ease of use all rolled into one well-engineered package. It attaches seamlessly to the Smith & Wesson Equalizer and makes target acquisition in low-light conditions a cinch.
My Experience
Honestly, it felt like the light was tailor-made for the Equalizer. Easy to mount, easy to use, and it
held up beautifully during my tests. I used it in multiple scenarios, from target shooting at the range to field testing, and it never let me down.
Pros
- Exceptional brightness and beam intensity
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Sleek design for quickdraws
- Easy to mount and use
- Consistent illumination
Cons
- Not the cheapest option on the market
2. Streamlight TLR-7A – Good Throw
The TLR-7A is a compact, 500-lumen tactical weapon light with versatile switches and a low-profile design perfect for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer.
500 Lumens and Peak Beam Intensity: First things first, 500 lumens may sound less compared to some other models, but don’t let the numbers fool you.
It’s more than enough for close to mid-range targeting. With a 5000 candela peak beam intensity and a 140-meter beam distance, this little guy sure knows how to light up a space.
Customizable Ergonomic Switches: Here’s where things get interesting. The TLR-7A comes with ergonomic switches that can be customized to a low or high position based on your shooting style.
Now, how cool is that? This kind of customization allows for quick activation in high-stress situations.
Battery Life and Inclusions: The TLR-7A runs on two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries, offering a decent 1.5-hour runtime. The rail-locating keys are also a handy addition, making the setup process even more straightforward.
Why I Love It: I’m smitten with its compact size and customization features. It’s a light that gets the job done without any unnecessary flashiness.
My Experience
Folks, it felt like this light and my Equalizer were made for each other. The low-profile design didn’t interfere with my shooting, and the customizable switches are a game-changer for real-world use. I tested it out in various lighting conditions and distances, and it performed excellently.
Pros
- Compact and low-profile
- Customizable switches for tailored use
- Quick and safe attachment and detachment
- Versatile fit for both full-sized and compact guns
- Prevents accidental activation with the “safe off” feature
Cons
- Cannot retrofit side switch model to rear switch models
3. Olight Baldr S – Budget Friendly
The Olight BALDR S offers a robust 800-lumen output, quick-detach mount, and USB rechargeability, making it a top choice for Smith & Wesson Equalizer owners.
Hefty 800 Lumens and 4400 Candela: Man, this light is bright. With 800 lumens, it overshadows many competitors in the compact light arena.
The 4400 candela intensity further adds to its brilliance, making target acquisition a cinch, even at considerable distances. When you’re in a high-stakes situation, this level of brightness can make all the difference.
USB Rechargeability: Let’s face it, buying batteries is a hassle and an added cost. The BALDR S comes with a USB-rechargeable feature, making it super convenient.
Simply plug it in to juice it up, and you’re ready for your next low-light training session or mission.
Inclusion of Strobe Mode: A strobe function can disorient an assailant in a split second. The BALDR S allows for easy activation of this feature, thanks to its dual-switch design. Just double-press both switches, and you’re in strobe mode. It’s that simple.
Money-Saving Battery: Economic and efficient, the USB rechargeable battery is an underrated feature. It’s one of those long-term benefits that’ll save you a good chunk of change over time.
The light also has an impressive 140-minute runtime when set at 100 lumens, providing longevity during prolonged operations.
Why I Love It: This light checks all my boxes: brightness, rechargeability, and easy mounting. Plus, the strobe function is a cherry on top.
My Experience
When I attached this light to my Equalizer, it was like the two were made for each other. The quick-detach feature came in handy during a timed drill, and the 800-lumen brightness was nothing short of impressive.
I even put the USB rechargeability to the test; it lived up to its promise. Overall, it is a well-rounded package.
Pros
- Outstanding 800-lumen output
- USB rechargeable battery
- User-friendly quick-detach mount
- Strobe function for added tactical advantage
- Extended 140-minute runtime at 100 lumens
Cons
- At 3.53 oz, it might feel slightly heavy for some
4. Viridian C5L – Best Laser Option
The Viridian C5L offers an exceptional green laser, various mounting options, and a fast strobe, making it a standout choice for Smith & Wesson Equalizer owners.
Super Bright Green Laser: Let’s get right into it; the green laser on this unit is blindingly good. It’s not just for show; it’s a functional tool that can significantly improve your trigger control and reduce shaking.
That’s right, it’s designed to assist you in those pressure-cooker moments where stability is everything. For me, this green laser is the standout feature of the C5L, and it really sets the bar for what a laser sight should be.
100 Lumen Light for Close Quarters: Look, 100 lumens may not sound like a lot, especially when compared to other tactical lights on the market.
But don’t underestimate it; the C5L punches well above its weight class in close-quarter environments. It gives just the right amount of illumination without being overly conspicuous, a balance that’s often hard to strike.
Fast Flashing Strobe and Cycle Modes: Another area where the Viridian C5L excels is its strobe feature. It flashes at a rate that’s noticeably faster than most of its competitors.
This is a real advantage in a defensive scenario where disorienting a potential threat quickly is crucial. The ability to cycle between different light and laser modes adds another layer of versatility to an already superb product.
Why I Love It: The Viridian C5L combines a powerful green laser with easy mounting and versatile strobe modes. For a compact size, it offers a lot more than one would expect.
My Experience
As soon as I fitted the Viridian C5L onto my Equalizer, it felt like a match made in heaven. The green laser was a revelation, helping me tighten up my shots during range practice.
The mounting was a snap, and the 100-lumen light functioned exceptionally well in confined spaces. Overall, it is a stellar experience that leaves little room for complaints.
Pros
- Ultra-bright green laser
- Easy mounting options
- Effective 100-lumen light for close-quarters
- Fast strobe function
- Lightweight at just 1.66 oz
Cons
- Limited to a single CR2 battery
Final Verdict
Well, folks, after spending a good chunk of time testing these lights on my Smith & Wesson Equalizer, I’ve got to say one of them clearly shone brighter than the rest. My top pick has to be the Streamlight TLR-1 HL.
Now, Of course, the other lights have their merits, and depending on your specific needs, they might be more your speed. But if you’re looking for that all-encompassing light that gives you confidence in any tactical scenario, then the Streamlight TLR-1 HL is the way to go.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to firearms and accessories, but for me, this light hits the sweet spot in a big way.
FAQ’s
What is the trigger pull on a Smith and Wesson Equalizer?
The trigger pull on a Smith & Wesson Equalizer is approximately 4.75 pounds, plus or minus 1.25 pounds.
What is the barrel length of the Smith and Wesson Equalizer?
The barrel length of the Smith & Wesson Equalizer is 3.675 inches.
What is the difference between Shield Plus and Equalizer?
The Shield Plus has a flatter, wider trigger with a more tactile and audible reset, while the Equalizer has a shorter reset.
Is the S&W Equalizer rated for +P ammo?
Yes, the S&W Equalizer is rated for +P ammunition, but it’s recommended to use standard pressure defensive loads for carry.
