The video review….
The PL-MINI Valkyrie is made by Olight and I have seen them floating around on Amazon and some gun websites but finally decided to pick one up to compare to my Streamlight TLR-1, for that review see this link https://hooksandammo.com/streamlight-tlr-1/. The price is not too high and so far the little light has impressed me.
The TLR-1 and PL-Mini Valkyrie do have some differences right off the bat with size, weight, and price.
The holster selection for the TLR-1 is much much better than the PL-Mini. This will be the biggest hurdle for using the light in a daily carry weapon or backup weapon. Although I am willing to bet if the popularity grows the holster makers will begin to stock compatible holsters or at least have them available to order. For now, the TLR-1 really wins in this regard. But if you’re using it as a home defense light than you won’t have as much need for a holster so that won’t be as much of an issue.
Here are a few pictures side by side of different distances and subjects using each light. I used a DSLR with the exposure and lens manually set. This allowed me to get a true comparison with no adjustments made by the camera and I did no post-processing. The batteries in the TLR were brand new and the PL-Mini was fully charged so what you see is what you get with this photo comparison.
PL Mini about 30 yards from a tree
TLR-1 same distance and camera settings.
PL-Mini inside 15 feet from the wall
TLR-1 same distance and settings
The switches on the two units are semi-similar. The TLR-1 switch is more for right-handers. If your right handed, using your trigger finger the switch rotates downward clockwise to turn and stay on. Or you can give it a slight push down and get a momentary light. If your left handed using your trigger finger the switch rotates upward clockwise to turn and stay on – downward will only turn it on momentarily. This is a little awkward to me but with some use, it would probably not be an issue. I just feel that the downward movement is more natural, and if you have smaller hands the upward push is a slightly harder motion to accomplish.
The other downside to this is if you need to shoot with your weak hand. Your brain already has the way the switch works mapped out for your string hand, then needing to do the opposite when working with your weak hand is a design flaw. The switch should mirror the same motion weak or strong hand, and the PL-Mini does that well.
The PL-Mini has two separate switches. Rather than rotating they just need to be pressed downward. The switches are the same on both sides. Small downward pressure with the trigger finger will give you momentary light, a little more pressure will hold the light on. Then a second press of the button will turn it off again.
The TLR-1 uses batteries that be found in camera stores or online, I ordered a new set using Amazon Prime for $5.95 shipped. The ability to charge the PL-Mini using any USB supported wall charger, power block or car charger is very nice and a great feature – unless your not home or don’t have anywhere to plug it into when it starts to run low. If you charge it on a regular basis this can be avoided but the ability to instantly change batteries on the TLR-1 and be good to go is also something to think about.
To be honest your not changing batteries or charging them in the middle of a firefight so in both cases it comes down to preference. Do you want to have 2 batteries floating around in your bag or do you want a charging cable? Its a moot point to me though. Plan ahead and change or charge your batteries regularly and you are ready to go no matter what you choose.
The rechargeable batteries are a neat option, but one thing I do not like is that its a proprietary charger. If I lose it, break it or the dog chews it then you have to go and buy another one online. Why not make it the same mini USB that has become a semi-standard today – minus Apple products? The argument that dirt could get in can be made but I have plenty of outdoor equipment that has been used and abused and I have never had an issue with the charging port. Plus its easy enough to throw a cover on the port if the worry is still there.
My charging blocks, headlamps, phone and a wide range of other rechargeable equipment all use the mini USB connection. I feel like a good opportunity to stay away from proprietary hard to find chargers was missed. Now I have another cable to keep track of and not forget when I will be away from home for days or weeks.
One thing I do like about the charger is that it is magnetically attached to the PL-Mini. If your charging it and you have to grab your weapon you do not have to fumble with unplugging a cable, or worry about damaging the unit, just pick up your weapon and go and the charging cable drops away. The charging cable also has a simple Red / Green light to tell you if it’s still charging or good to go. I like the simplicity there.
For the PL-Minis size, I am impressed with the light output and how tight it fits my guns rails. There is no rattle and no sliding around once it is locked down. The brightness is a nice white light and covers a large amount of area making it easy to identify and acquire targets. The PL-Mini is more of a flood than the TLR-1 and the TLR-1 definitely has a hotter center point to its beam and then radiates out from that point. The PL-Mini has less of that hot enter and a more consistent flood pattern. However, that also means that at longer distances, such as outside, the TLR-1 has an advantage and the beam throw seems to carry better. Inside the nice spread of the PL-Minis flood covers more without the hotspot in the center reducing glare.
The on / off switch has some texture to it and is not so large that it will snag on anything, I do like its design over the TLR-1s switch. The TLR-1 switch is great for right-handers but lacking a bit for the lefties – in my opinion. The PL-Mini works for shooters using either hand the same way, press down. I think under stress this is a great design. You don’t have to reverse your thinking if you move to your weak hand.
The lack of holsters available for the PL-Mini at this time does mean that using it on a carry weapon is a little more difficult than the TLR-1. I believe if this light keeps gaining popularity this will change, but for now, unless you make your own or know someone who makes holsters, it’s going to be difficult to find one.
I would buy this again and plan to use it on my home defense weapon until I can figure out the holster situation. I would not hesitate to recommend the PL-Mini to anyone looking for a smaller light for a compact or sub-compact handgun, or even a rifle for close quarters. Although this would not be my first choice on a rifle due to the lack of a pressure switch option.
All in all a solid buy.
