When it comes to weapon-mounted lights (WML), you have many options and styles to choose from, depending on your specific needs and style preferences. Within the Olight line-up, your choices are just as wide and varied.
In particular, the Valkyrie series spans from the small compact size of the PL-mini 2 all the way to the long range of the recently released LEP Turbo. The full-size, CR123A powered, PL-2 was a very popular and reliable WML with 1,200 lumens and 257 yards of the throw. It was built tough and could be attached to your rail mounting system via a quick-release swing arm.
The PL-Pro version bumped up the max output to 1,500 lumens and adopted the Olight magnetic charging capability, which also enabled the use of a pressure pad for activation using it with your mid to long-range set-ups. There are as many people that favor replaceable batteries as there are that prefer the magnetic charging capability. Which one is better is really a matter of personal preference as well as your typical use scenarios. For those that need and prefer the replaceable battery option, Olight is releasing an upgrade to the popular PL-2 model from a few years ago, the Valkyrie PL-3.
Built TOUGH with upgraded performance
Having had the PL-3 in hand for several weeks now, I can attest to the robust build quality. I've dropped it a couple of times and it doesn’t miss a beat! It is a very solidly built WML with an all-metal housing, and the overall fit and finish on the light are fantastic. The battery compartment closely very securely. With a water resistance rating of IPX6 and a drop test rating of 1 meter, I have had no concerns in most of my use conditions. At 4.2 ounces it certainly isn’t the lightest WML in Olight’s line-up, but overall it feels great mounted. It comes in slightly shorter than the PL-2, with an overall length of just 3.19 inches.
As compared to its predecessor, the PL-3 increases the max output by approximately 8%, going from 1,200 lumens to 1,300 lumens. The PL-3 also adds a low setting of 200 lumens, which comes in handy when you need to have just the right amount of light indoors without blinding those around you. But when the need arises, the full 1,300 lumens is just a double tap away. Pressing both side switches simultaneously activates a blinding and disorienting strobe function. However, this can be a bit challenging as you need both hands to do so.
In my evaluation of each setting, the high mode is very bright, but I would prefer that it was the default setting when it is first activated. It does have a memory and will restart at the last brightness level providing the light is reactivated within a couple of minutes, otherwise, it reverts to the low setting, unfortunately. The low setting was great inside and in close quarters while I was just exploring the room. Finally, the strobe mode is very bright and very disorienting. The images below show a beam comparison between the PL-3 and the Turbo. As you can see, the PL-3 provides a room-filling amount of illumination while the LEP Turbo throws a very concentrated beam of light.
Industry-leading adjustable rail mounting block
Perhaps one of the most impressive upgrades is the adjustable key block. When mounted, you do not want any looseness or shaking in your WML while in use. The locking swing arm from the PL-2 was nice and secure but the upgraded adjustable key block takes the security of fit to a whole new level. Once locked in using the setscrew, this light is not budge, even under the harshest of conditions and use. After several rounds, it has remained just as secure as it was when I first tightened it down. The unique adjustable key block is fantastic as it allows the user the ability to customize the fit to their specific weapon, with three positions of adjustment available.
I mounted it to my tactical shotgun and took it with me on a clay shoot a week ago. I figured if it stayed locked in place on my shotgun while shooting, then it would easily remain secured on any handgun or rifle. After a day of shooting nearly 70 shells, I can happily report that the PL-3 was just as secure and locked in place as when I initially installed it.
By the numbers
What's included in the box
Final thoughts
The upgraded PL-3 is not necessarily a huge step up in performance when compared to its predecessor the PL-2. Despite the modest performance improvements, the PL-3 is still a worthy upgrade thanks to the long run times, the addition of a low setting, and the rock-solid mounting system. The ability to custom-fit a variety of weapons is truly fantastic. Once installed on your rail system and with the set screw tightened, this WML will not move. With the included rail inserts for either Glock or Picatinny rail mounting options, this WML is well-suited for a wide variety of weapons.
For those who depend on their duty weapons around the clock, having the ability to swap batteries on the go is a huge plus, and CR123A batteries are readily available at almost any convenience store. Finally, this light is built to be tough and should remain reliable in almost any condition and situation. There will be three colors available upon release, black, desert tan, and gunmetal grey. Please note that the Gunmetal Grey is limited to 6000pcs globally, first come first served, while stocks last!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks to Joshua's product experience contribution, what is your favorite feature of PL-3? Leave a comment below and we will randomly select one lucky person to give away a PL-3, we sincerely invite you to join our activities!
📅Activity time:
November 18th EST - November 28th 23:59:59 EST
Winners will be notified via their registered email addresses by November 29th, 2022. The final results will also be announced in this blog. Please note that we will not contact those who are not selected. EVERYONE/EVERY ADDRESS!
Congratulations to Gary for the PL－3 Valkyrie Black！
