Today, we’ll talk about pistol lights, specifically Modlite’s PL350 G3. So, per Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary:

lumen

3: a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle by a uniform point source of one candle intensity

candela

3: the base unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units that is equal to the luminous intensity in each direction of a source which emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10¹² hertz and has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per unit solid angle.

Non-Dedicated Person Definition

At some point, we all end up as “non-dedicated persons” in one or more subjects. There are topics I am just not as knowledgeable about as many of you. So, I don’t object when someone says Give me the layman’s version of it.

Lumens are the light’s output. Or, for me, spill – giving more illumination over a shorter distance or smaller area.

Candela is the light’s strength. How much illumination it pushes out, and how far it goes. Or its throw.

The third term which you will see later is Kelvin. This addresses the light’s temperature, or how it appears color-wise. I prefer lights with a slight yellowish tint, reminiscent of old incandescent bulbs. They cut through smoke and airborne crud a lot better. The lower the number, the warmer the light appears, while the higher numbers appear much cooler – or icier.

ModLite

Now on the fourth version of their pistol light, the PL350. In addition to two versions of the complete light, there is one with a smaller head (AMP) that seems intended for more concealed applications.

The newest version, the G3, has been out for a few months now. And I was happy when mine arrived.

Varieties

Modlite is known for doing its best to address the needs of its customer base: the dedicated end user. To help with this, they have consistently offered two different types of heads. One, the PLH (now v3), has historically delivered more lumens. A good hot spot with decent enough spill, and some throw.

The other head is the OKW. No, I don’t know what their acronyms stand for. OKW has long been favored by those of us who want as much throw as possible. We want the candela to push that light as far out there as possible. As a result, the OKW has a narrower beam.  

Evolution?

Both heads have evolved over the last several years, and my light collection has the upgraded versions of each. The PLH version 3 provides 1500 lumens at 6,500Kelvin along with 60,000 candela. For me, that means a wider hot spot and spill, without quite as much throw. In other words, this works well on pistol and shotgun lights as well as single-cell handhelds.

While the OKW version gives you 1300 lumens at 5,5800Kelvin. Clean, near daylight-toned output that shows true color and detail. More importantly, you’re getting 95,000 candela. That provides a tighter, brighter hot spot which can project or punch through barriers (window tint). I prefer the OKW heads on my 18650 handhelds and on rifle lights.

These numbers are for a single 18350-cell light, instead of the same head powered by an 18650 battery. With the larger battery, both the output and run time increase.

The performance increase isn’t from the new head alone. The body has been redesigned. It now accepts screws that limit the movement of the activating rocker switch. You only need one, not two.

Mine is set with the screw on the upper right-hand side, so I push it down with my support-hand thumb. Or, if that hand is occupied, turn the light on by sweeping upward with my trigger finger – going away from the trigger. While not ideal, it is necessary if you have been forced into one-handed use.  

New Cell

My G3 variant came with the new, higher-output battery. They are clearly marked as being different. Mine, which is all black with white letters, reads “1600 mAh, 3.6volts, and 5.76 WH. The older ones, with a partially silver label, say “1200mAh, 3.7volts, 4.44Wh.”

I was told Modlite specifically sourced the new battery to support the G23 version with the PLH v3 head.

Usage

Manipulation is simple and solid. With the limiter screw installed, I can work the switch without risking overtravel and turning the light on or off when I want the other. The switch is very positive.

Output has been very acceptable indoors and out. This applies when working through structures, around vehicles, and while shooting.  

Changes?

I’d make two changes, based solely on my hand size. First, a remote switch like SureFire’s SL or DG designs, and the similar but rarely seen Streamlight model. The benefit is being able to activate the light when my fingers can’t reach the switch. Alternatively, have an option for a longer rocker switch like Phlster once made for other lights.

I am happy with the state of the PL350. The G3 version is a solid design advancement. Modlite has been receptive to input from end users out in the field, as well as trainers. I am really happy with the PL350 G3 for duty and defensive use.