First Thoughts on the Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light
Weapon-mounted lights (WMLs) have become essential for anyone serious about tactical readiness or home defense, and the Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light steps into the arena with a compelling blend of power, compact design, and compatibility. Olight is a well-known manufacturer in the tactical lighting space. The PL Turbo Valkyrie promises potent illumination for positively identifying threats in low-light scenarios, all while maintaining a streamlined profile on your handgun.
My journey towards the PL Turbo Valkyrie began when I started focusing on nighttime shooting drills and home defense planning. My existing WML was bulky and limited compatibility. I needed a light that wouldn’t weigh down my pistol, offered secure mounting, and could throw a beam far enough to assess situations at a distance.
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie immediately impressed me with its sleek, black anodized aluminum construction and surprisingly lightweight feel. Picking it up, it felt solid and well-made. The ambidextrous controls were intuitive and easily accessible. Compared to my older Streamlight TLR-1, the PL Turbo Valkyrie felt significantly lighter and more streamlined. And it was much more compact than a Surefire X300U. My initial excitement stemmed from its promise of high performance in a compact package, something I’ve been searching for in a WML for a while.
Real-World Testing: Putting Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie was at an outdoor shooting range during a low-light training session. I mounted it on my Glock 19, utilizing the included Glock rail adapter. The mounting process was quick and straightforward thanks to the secure screw mechanism.
The PL Turbo Valkyrie performed admirably even in slightly misty conditions. The 800-lumen high mode cut through the darkness, illuminating targets out to approximately 50 meters with impressive clarity. The push-button controls were intuitive. They allowed me to switch between constant-on and momentary modes quickly. I did find that the momentary mode switch was a bit sensitive and took a little getting used to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use during training and dry-fire practice, the Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. There are no noticeable scratches or wear marks on the anodized finish. This speaks to the quality of the aluminum construction.
The light has also held up well against recoil during live-fire exercises. It shows no signs of loosening or shifting on the rail. Maintaining the PL Turbo Valkyrie is also a breeze. Simply wiping it down with a damp cloth after use keeps it clean. Compared to a previous experience with a cheaper WML that failed after only a few range sessions, the PL Turbo Valkyrie has significantly outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light
Specifications
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light boasts a variable output of 400 or 800 lumens, providing flexibility for different scenarios. This allows you to adjust the brightness to suit the environment and preserve battery life.
The light offers a range of up to 515 meters, enabling target identification at considerable distances. This extended range is crucial for assessing potential threats before they become immediate dangers.
It’s constructed from durable aluminum with a black anodized finish, offering both robustness and a sleek aesthetic. The aluminum body provides excellent impact resistance. The anodized finish protects against corrosion and wear.
It’s powered by two CR123A batteries, providing up to 2 hours of runtime. The readily available CR123A batteries ensure you can easily find replacements.
It features an IPX6 waterproof rating, protecting it from splashing water and heavy rain. This waterproofing ensures reliable operation in adverse weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie excels in its primary function: illuminating targets in low-light environments. Its beam pattern provides a focused hotspot with ample spill, striking a balance between target identification and situational awareness. The 800-lumen high mode offers impressive brightness and range. The 400-lumen low mode is useful for close-quarters situations where excessive brightness might be detrimental.
One slight weakness is the sensitivity of the momentary-on switch, which might require some practice to master. The PL Turbo Valkyrie meets and, in many ways, exceeds expectations for a WML in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie features a compact and lightweight design that minimizes bulk on your handgun. The ambidextrous controls are easily accessible, even with gloved hands. The push-button switches are responsive and provide tactile feedback.
The light’s aluminum construction feels solid and well-made. The black anodized finish adds a touch of elegance. The light feels balanced and comfortable. There is little to no noticeable increase in weight to the firearm once mounted.
Durability & Maintenance
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie‘s rugged aluminum construction and IPX6 waterproof rating suggest it will withstand considerable abuse. So far, my testing has supported this assumption. Maintaining the light is simple. It requires only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The durable construction and ease of maintenance suggest a long service life. This makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable WML.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie includes a GL rail, a 1913 rail adapter, and two CR123A batteries. The included adapters ensure compatibility with a wide range of handguns.
While the PL Turbo Valkyrie itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with most standard weapon rails. It allows users to attach it to various firearms without modification.
Pros and Cons of Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light
Pros
- High Output & Long Range: The 800-lumen output and 515-meter range provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Minimizes bulk on the firearm, improving handling and comfort.
- Ambidextrous Controls: Offers easy operation for both left- and right-handed shooters.
- Durable Construction: The Aluminum body and IPX6 rating ensure long-lasting reliability.
- Versatile Fit: It fits a wide variety of popular handguns.
Cons
- The momentary-on switch can be overly sensitive, requiring practice.
- CR123A batteries are not rechargeable, requiring replacements.
Who Should Buy Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light?
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts.
- Law enforcement officers seeking a reliable and compact WML.
- Tactical shooters participating in low-light training.
Who should skip this product? Those who require a WML with rechargeable batteries might want to explore other options.
A must-have modification would be a weapon mounted laser to improve accuracy in low light situations.
Conclusion on Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light
The Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie Black Anodized 400/800 Lumens White LED Weapon Light is a powerful and versatile WML that offers excellent value for its price. Its combination of high output, compact design, and durable construction makes it a compelling option for a variety of users.
The price of $89.99 is justified given the light’s performance and features. It is significantly cheaper than higher-end WMLs.
I would absolutely recommend the PL Turbo Valkyrie to anyone looking for a reliable and effective weapon-mounted light. Equip yourself with the Olightstore PL Turbo Valkyrie and step confidently into any low-light situation.