In the never-ending search for quality, performance and value in the market for every day carry, there is often little to separate certain products from one another. For weapon lights, one of the best I have found is the Olight PL-2 Valkyrie. It has those little qualities that make it stand out for me. I’ve previously written about my preference for an exclusive weapon light over one that includes a laser. Nothing has changed my opinion. A light allows you to acquire your target faster without having to find the light.
The PL-2 Valkyrie uses a CREE XHP35 high-lumen LED with up to 1200 lumens and is powered by two CR123A batteries. Batteries can only be replaced when the light is unmounted. The light is advertised as using a TIR optic lens for a 235-meter-long focused beam.
It is very well machined and has a solid construction and compact design. The heavy-duty quick attach and release mounting system is one of my favorite features compared to similar products on the market. Once attached there is absolutely no movement. The system makes installation and removal a literal snap instead of having to hand screw a bolt. It comes with two adapters for mounting with a 1913 or Glock style rail.
My other favorite feature is the ambidextrous switch that allows the user to continue to use their preferred grip while utilizing a temporary on, constant on, or strobe setting. I particularly like the buttons instead of the levers that some competing models offer. The buttons are easy to access and use and they don’t offer the chance of breaking or falling off like a lever.
I think this is one of the better-looking weapon lights on the market due to its simplicity and finish. As far as battery life, waterproof ability, beam quality, and overall function, it performs just as well or better than other lights with a $100 price-point. At the range, the light held up to the rigors of shooting and I trust it to perform in real-life scenarios as well.
| GENERAL DATA | |
| Beam Distance (ft) | 770 |
| Beam Distance (m) | 235 |
| Max. Performance (lumens) | 1200 |
| Charge type | Optional charger |
| Compatible Batteries | 2 x CR123A/RCR123A |
| Light Intensity (candela) | 13800 |
| Light Form | Standard hotspot diameter with impressive distance. The perfect all-around beam profile. |
| Lens / Reflector Type | TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot) |
| Mode Operation | Side Switch |
| Form/Size Factor | Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter) |
| Series | Series PL (gun flashlight) |
| Unique Characteristics | Ambidextrous switch that can be front pushed or side pressed Compact to fit all standard pistol sizes Narrow and simple design perfect for IWB carry |
| LIGHTING LEVELS | |
| LEVEL 1 (lumens) | 1200 |
| Run-time LEVEL 1 | 1200lumens (~600lm);1h10m (1.5m) – 2 x CR123A 1600mAh 3V. |
| Strobe | Yes |
| SOS / BEACON | No |
| TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS | |
| Waterproof | IPX6 |
| Weight (g / oz) | 80 / 2.82 |
| Length (mm / in) | 82.5 / 3.25 |
| Head Diameter (mm / in) | 32.5 / 1.28 |
| Body Diameter (mm / in) | 36.5 / 1.28 |
| Led | Cree XHP35 HI |
| Packaging | Carton box |
| Use | Police, military, tactical use |
| Package Contents | Flashlight x 1 1600mAh CR123A Battery x 2 1913 Rail Mount (for 1913 Rail) x 1 T6/T8 Socket Head Wrench x 1 Instruction Manual |
*Featured image courtesy of Olightworld.com. All other photos courtesy of author.
Originally published on SOFREP and written by
