Gun enthusiasts are always looking for latest and greatest in equipment. This equipment includes weapon lights too. Several weapon lights are available in the market, but Surefire has become one of the most famous weapon light manufacturers over the years.
That’s why in this article, we’ll be comparing Surefire’s two best weapon lights, the XC 1 and XC 2 to help you decide which one is the best for your setup. Let’s start with a quick comparison chart of the differences.
| Surefire XC 1 | Surefire XC 2 | |
| High Output | 300 Lumens | 300 Lumens |
| High Runtime | 45 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
| Peak Beam Intensity | 820 Candela | 820 Candela |
| Batteries | 1 AAA rechargeable NiMH | 1 AAA rechargeable NiMH |
| Switching | Ambidextrous momentary-on / constant-on; constant push through | Ambidextrous momentary-on / constant-on; constant push-through |
| Distance | 54 Meters | 54 Meters |
| Construction | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Finish | Mil-Spec Hard Anodized | Mil-Spec Hard Anodized |
| Weight with batteries | 1.6 Oz | 2.1 Oz |
| Bezel Diameter | 0.95 cm | 0.95cm |
| Liquid Ingress Protection | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
Key differences – Surefire XC 1 vs XC 2
Surefire manufactures both weapon lights; still, there is quite a few differences between them. The first difference is the high runtime.
The XC1 has a high runtime of around 45 minutes; on the other hand, the high runtime for XC 2 is 30 minutes. Another difference is the weight of both weapon lights; XC 1 weighs less than the XC 2 (with batteries). The last difference is that XC 2 features a <5mW635 nm | Class IIIa laser light, which is not featured in XC 1.
The peak beam intensity, switching, distance, construction, finish, etc., are all the same in both weapon lights. However, they also differ in price. Below, we will discuss all the features, pros, and cons of both weapon lights for better understanding. Or, you can click here to compare prices and read reviews on Amazon for these products.
Surefire XC 1 Review
The high-performance LED of this weapon light generates 300 lumens of light. The light generated is tactical-level. The great lumen power and readily available AAA batteries used in this weapon light make it one of a kind. It can be mounted on handguns that are universal-rail-equipped.
The hard anodized (Mil-Spec) aircraft-level aluminum body is very durable and lasts longer than you can imagine. The light can also fit almost any pistol or gun comfortably, and it also features a multifaceted reflector – that produces the MaxVison Beam that lights up the typical human FOV area.
The ambidextrous switching feature allows the user to enjoy the constant-on or momentary activation. You can also turn the light off through the crossbar switch – press it from left to right.
The housing is weatherproof, i.e., water and fog proof, and gasket-sealed. The total runtime is up to 45 minutes that is quite amazing. Click here to check prices and reviews on Amazon for the XC1.
PROS
- High-performance LED.
- 300 lumens
- Uses AAA batteries.
- Universal Rail Equipped
- Durable aluminum body
- Hard anodized finishing.
- Lightweight.
- Multifaceted reflector.
- Weatherproof.
- Gasket sealed.
- Total runtime 45 minutes.
- Ambidextrous switching.
- Costs less than XC 2.
CONS
- Short clamp.
- Does not feature aiming laser light.
Surefire XC 2 Review
The Surefire XC 2 is lightweight and made out of high-quality aluminum, ensuring durability. It generates 300 lumens of tactical light and also features a <5mW635 nm | Class IIIa red laser light. It can be mounted on most of universal rail-equipped handguns.
The MaxVision Beam generates a wide and even light for better visibility. Moreover, the red aiming laser light helps in target acquisition. You can activate both light and laser by switching sliding the side switch – you can select constant-on or momentary use. The aluminum body is rustproof, while the housing is weatherproof for rainy or foggy weather. Lastly, the light works with AAA batteries which are readily available. Click here to check prices and reviews on Amazon for this product.
PROS
- Durable aluminum body.
- LED emitter.
- Hard anodized finishing.
- Red aiming laser light.
- 300 lumens of a tactical light.
- Universal rail equipped
- Self-centering Picatinny mount for railed handguns.
- Water and fog proof.
- Rustproof.
- Ambidextrous Switching.
- Gasket sealed
CONS
- Costs more than XC 1
- Heavier than XC 1
- Lesser High runtime than XC 1 (30 minutes)
To us, the winner here is the Surefire XC 1, as it has almost all the features as XC 2, and at a lower price. But, the truth is that it all depends upon your preferences, whether you want a light only or a light along with aiming laser light.
For people, who are on a budget and are just looking for a weapon light, the Surefire XC 1 is the best one, as it has a great runtime and it costs less than the XC 2. But, if you want to enjoy some extra benefits of the aiming laser light, then you can spend some more cash and buy an XC 2 if these features are important to you. Click here to compare prices and read reviews on Amazon for XC1 and XC2.
