Olight sent me one of their new Baldr PL-2RL weapon light to review. When I am outfitting a full-size handgun for defensive use, I will usually select a Surefire weapon light. They are durable and they have outstanding customer service. However, that does come at a significant cost.

I believe in spending money for quality equipment. That does not necessarily mean that you should go without if you don’t have a large budget. The Olight PL2-RL is an affordable option.

I don’t find lasers to be very useful on a defensive handgun. They can be useful for SWAT Officers carrying a shield. They may be useful for shooters with some vision problems. Outside of those situations, I prefer standard iron sights or a red dot optic. The PL-2RL is available without the laser, as the PL-2 Valkyrie.

Our sample PL-2RL weighed 4.9 ounces with the two CR123 batteries installed. The body of the light is aluminum with a black anodized coating. The type of aluminum is not specified and our sample already shows one ding from handling while we were photographing it. It does not feel cheap, but it does not have the same quality feel as a Surefire X-series light.

The most important feature of a weapon light is the light. Olight advertises that the PL-2RL pushes out 1200 Lumens of light. I have no way to objectively test this claim. Compared to a Surefire X300 Ultra 1,000 Lumen light, the PL-2RL appears to be equal in brightness. The most noticeable difference between the two is the beam pattern. The Surefire has a very even spill of light –difficult to photograph–. The PL-2RL has a distinct hot spot at the center with a severe drop-off to the sides. The PL-2RL has a cool-white color compared to the more greenish tint than the Surefire X300 Ultra.

The red laser is what differentiates the PL2-RL from the less expensive PL-2. It is easily zeroed by turning two set screws until the laser intersects the line of sight of the iron sights. Olight includes the appropriate size torx key for the task.

The PL-2RL laser is located under the light bezel. When installed on a Glock 17 Gen 5, that equates to a 2.5 inch offset. This can cause some serious problems if shooters zero the laser to line up with iron sights at too close of a range. I recommend setting the laser to intersect with the iron sights on a target placed 50 yards away. With this method at defensive ranges, the bullet will never impact higher than 2.5 inches above the laser point of aim.

The most serious problem with the PL-2RL is that the <5mW laser power is insufficient for bright sunlight. I was unable to see the dot on a dark target placed 15 yards away in full sun. This is a common issue with less expensive laser sights. In the shadows the laser is visible, but it cannot be relied upon in daylight conditions within the ranges that a handgun is effective.

The main on/off function is controlled by pressure buttons on either side of the light body. They are covered with a heavy synthetic material. The buttons are large enough that they can be pushed easily with gloved hands. The covers on the buttons wrap around the back of the battery compartment and will activate with a downward press, similar to the Surefire and Streamlight lights.

The PL2-RL offers several modes of operation. Shooters can select light only, light and laser or laser only by the switch behind the laser module. When the light and laser or light only modes are selected, a single press and release of either side button will turn the light on in “constant on” mode. Pressing the button again will turn the light off. Pressing and holding either side button will turn the light on in “momentary” mode. Releasing that button will turn the light off. Pressing and releasing both buttons at the same time and releasing them will put the light into “strobe” mode, but the laser will remain in constant-on. There is no “lock-out” feature on the unit.

The battery compartment of the PL-2RL is well constructed. The compartment can be opened by flipping the metal latch on the rear of the light. This lever cannot be accessed when the light is installed on a handgun.

The battery compartment is sealed by a gasket and should do a good job of keeping rain out. Olight advertises IPX6 water resistance for the PL-2RL. The IPX6 rating indicates that the Item tested is sealed against powerful jets of water. We did not do any submersion testing of the PL-2RL, but it should survive a downpour or splash.

The mounting system of the PL-2RL uses a flip-lever type quick release. To mount the light to the handgun, you first flip the lever forward. Then, you push in on the lever to open the clamp to its widest position. After slipping the PL-2RL onto the handgun’s accessory rail, you release the lever, then flip it to the rear to lock the mount.

The PL-2RL comes equipped with a replaceable lug in the mount. Ours had the “Glock” sized lug in place when we removed it from the box. A “universal” lug is also included in the box. The lug is held in place by two torx screws. These screws use the same included torx key as the laser adjustment screws.

We mounted the PL-2RL to two different generations of Glock 17 pistols. With the “GL” lug installed, there was some front to rear movement even after the flip-lever was locked down. There is no way to adjust the tension on the mount. We zeroed the laser in the “forward” position, where recoil would push it. When sliding the PL-2RL to the rear we did notice a small zero shift. Shooter should take care to push the unit forward when mounting it.

Overall, the PL-2RL offers a good value for the shooter who wants a high-lumen light/laser combo and can not afford a Surefire X400. I would caution, that if you do not need the laser function of the PL-2RL, the PL-2 Valkyrie offers an even better value. I still prefer Surefire and Inforce weapon-lights, but I cannot deny that the Olight offerings are attractive to shooters on a budget.