Modlite Weapon Lights: Brand Guide

Images used here are from Modlite.

Reading Time: 9 mins 34 sec

Modlite builds weapon lights for shooters who demand maximum throw distance and modular flexibility—but which configuration actually fits your needs?

This guide shows you exactly how Modlite’s system works, which head-and-body combinations deliver the performance you need, and when spending premium dollars makes tactical sense.

Highlights

• Modular design lets you upgrade heads instead of replacing entire lights, saving money over time.
• PLHv2 offers the best all-around performance for most shooters at around $279.
• Premium pricing ($279 – $420) delivers double the candela of budget alternatives for serious use.
• All components work universally across Modlite bodies, heads, and switches for multi-rifle flexibility.
• Lifetime warranty on bodies and LEDs backs hand-tested quality from their Texas facility.

Understanding the Modlite Philosophy: Performance Over Features

Why Modlite Exists: The Candela-First Approach

Modlite was founded in 2018 by Cory Starr to solve a persistent problem in tactical lighting. He spent years working on lights for people he met through mountain bike racing, but every option failed to deliver what shooters actually needed.

Lights with great throw cost too much. Budget options couldn’t survive the punishing recoil from rifles and shotguns.

Starr worked with law enforcement to develop weapon lights, prioritizing candela over lumens. Here’s why candela matters more for defensive weapon lights.

Lumens measure total output in all directions. Candela measures beam intensity in a specific direction—the concentrated power that reaches distant targets.

A 1,000-lumen light with 20,000 candela creates a wide flood. That same 1,000 lumens with 60,000 candela produces a concentrated beam reaching three times farther.

Most defensive lights deliver 20,000-30,000 candela. Modlite lights push 54,000-69,000 candela, giving you positive identification at 100+ yards instead of just 50 yards.

The Modular System Explained

Modlite weapon lights use a three-component system: light head, light body, and tailcap or switch. Each component works independently.

This delivers three advantages. First, upgrade performance without replacing entire units—swap just the head when better options arrive.

Second, customize for specific missions by mixing components. Use the same body with different heads for different rifles.

Third, repair individual parts instead of replacing whole systems. When a switch fails, you replace only the switch.

All light heads work with all bodies. All bodies accept standard Scout-pattern mounts and switches, giving you flexibility that integrated competitors can’t match.

Initial investment costs more, but over the years of ownership, modularity saves money and reduces waste.

Modlite assembles and tests every light by hand in San Antonio, Texas. Each unit undergoes individual testing for function, output, and thermal regulation before shipping.

The lifetime warranty covers bodies and LEDs. Electronics and batteries get two-year protection.

Modlite Light Heads: Choosing Your Beam Profile

OKW (Optimized Kinetic Window): Maximum Throw Distance

The Modlite OKW head delivers 680 lumens with 69,000 candela, reaching approximately 525 meters—that’s over 1,700 feet. The extremely tight hotspot with minimal spill creates a laser-like beam that lights exactly what you’re aiming at.

This excels for specific scenarios. Rural property defense where threats appear 100-200 yards away benefits from OKW’s extreme reach.

Vehicle interdiction at a distance uses this concentrated beam effectively. The high candela also cuts through fog, rain, and headlight glare better than flood beams.

Battery runtime is 75 minutes on 18650 cells. The compact 18350 cells provide 35 minutes, which works fine for realistic use where you’re not leaving the light constantly on.

Here’s the problem: Close-quarters use under 20 feet creates tunnel vision that misses peripheral threats. You’ll search with the hotspot instead of seeing your entire field instantly.

For typical suburban home defense, OKW is overkill. You’re paying for distance capability you’ll never use while accepting close-range disadvantages.

Complete packages cost $279 – $309.

PLHv2 (Programmable Light Head version 2): Balanced Performance

The Modlite PLHv2 produces 1,350 lumens with 54,000 candela.

The wide hotspot with generous spill maintains situational awareness while pushing illumination to 100+ yards. This versatility handles indoor home defense, outdoor property work, and mixed environments without compromises.

The 5,700K neutral white LED balances brightness with natural color rendering for accurate target identification. Runtime matches OKW at 75 minutes on 18650 cells and 35 minutes on 18350 cells.

Compare this to Streamlight ProTac HL-X, which delivers 1,000 lumens with 50,000 candela. The PLHv2 gives you more lumens AND more candela, creating noticeably better performance at all distances.

The SureFire M640DF Turbo Scout Pro delivers 700 lumens with 100,000 candela on its 18650 battery. Testing shows the PLHv2 offers more lumens and better peripheral coverage while providing solid throw for most defensive distances.

For most shooters, PLHv2 is the smart choice. You get enough throw for realistic defensive distances without sacrificing peripheral awareness for scenarios you’ll probably never face.

Complete packages cost around $279.

IR (Infrared): Night Vision Operations

Modlite offers an 850nm infrared head for night vision device users. This serves military and law enforcement with NODs, but civilian shooters rarely need it without existing night vision equipment.

Modlite Light Bodies: Selecting Your Platform

18650 Bodies: Maximum Runtime

The 18650 body measures approximately 5 inches and accepts 3,500mAh cells for a 75-minute runtime. Weight increases to about 6 ounces with the battery installed.

The “Keep-Alive” feature prevents battery drain during storage, maintaining charge when the Modlite light sits unused for extended periods. Mount 4-6 inches from your muzzle on rifles to avoid extreme heat and carbon buildup.

This is best for duty rifles, home defense, and applications where maximum runtime matters. The body costs $74 – $99 separately.

18350 Bodies: Compact Performance

The 18350 body reduces overall length to approximately 4 inches and accepts 1,200 mAh cells. Runtime drops to 35 minutes—about half the 18650 performance.

Weight decreases by 1 – 1.15 ounces versus the 18650 configuration. For short-barreled rifles, PDWs, and competition guns where every ounce matters, this reduction improves handling.

The compact footprint positions your light closer to accessories, making rail space planning easier. You won’t need offset mounts as often because the shorter body clears most backup sights and lasers naturally.

This is best for SBRs, PDWs, and competition guns—costs around $72 – $175.

CR123A Compatibility: Disposable Backup

Modlite lights marked “Dual Fuel” accept two CR123A disposable batteries as an alternative to rechargeable cells. Output typically reduces slightly versus rechargeable batteries, but you get a 10-year shelf life.

The main advantage is cold-weather performance. Below freezing temperatures kill rechargeable capacity, but CR123A cells maintain output down to -40°F.

CRITICAL WARNING: Only use CR123A in lights specifically marked “Dual Fuel.” Standard Modlite heads don’t support disposable batteries and can overheat, potentially causing fires or explosions. Verify your head’s compatibility before attempting to use CR123A cells.

Tailcaps and Switches: Controlling Your Light

Clicky Tailcaps: Simple Reliability

Clicky tailcaps offer partial press for momentary-on and full click for constant-on. Maximum reliability with no cables to fail.

The disadvantage is slower activation, requiring grip adjustment. Best for handguns or as backup when running remote switches.

Costs around $40 – $50.

ModButton Series: Remote Switching

ModButton switches mount on your handguard for natural activation without grip changes. ModButton Lite offers basic function, while standard ModButton adds enhanced durability.

These work with Modlite, SureFire Scout, and Cloud Defensive lights. Route cables away from heat using M-LOK clips, not zip ties that slide under recoil.

Always maintain dual activation—use ModButton as primary but keep clicky tailcap functional as backup when cables fail.

Costs $78 – $150.

Complete Configuration Guide: Building Your Modlite

For AR-15 Home Defense (10-50 Yards)

Recommended: PLHv2 head + 18650 body + ModButton Lite (~$380). Balanced beam handles rooms and property effectively. Maximum 75-minute runtime ensures reliability in emergencies. ModButton enables fast activation without shifting grip.

Alternative: PLHv2 + 18350 body for barrels under 14.5 inches to cut weight and improve accessory clearance. Mount at 1-3 o’clock (right-handed) or 9-11 o’clock (left-handed) for thumb access.

For Patrol Rifles (50-100+ Yards)

Recommended: OKW head + 18650 body + ModButton (~$420). 69,000 candela provides superior throw for vehicle stops and distant ID, exceeding most duty lights.

Consider: PLHv2 for urban/rural mix needing building searches alongside open areas—versatility often outweighs extreme distance.

For Compact/PDW Platforms

Recommended: PLHv2 head + 18350 body + clicky tailcap (~$340). Compact design minimizes bulk on SBRs/PDWs. Tailcap offers simple reliability where rail space limits remotes.

For Competition (3-Gun, Tactical Matches)

Recommended: PLHv2 head + 18650 body + ModButton Lite (~$380). Balanced beam suits varied stage distances without OKW tunnel vision. Full runtime avoids mid-match swaps; remote aids transitions.

Mounting Modlite on Different Platforms

AR-15 and Modern Sporting Rifles

Mount your Modlite rifle light at 1-3 o’clock (right-handed) or 9-11 o’clock (left-handed) to eliminate suppressor shadow. This offset also clears backup sights and doesn’t interfere with optic view.

Position 4-6 inches from the muzzle to avoid extreme carbon buildup and blast pressure that damages lights over time. Plan your complete rail layout before installing anything—you need space for backup sights, lasers, grips, and sling mounts.

For remote switches, route cables along the handguard using M-LOK clips. Leave slight slack at connection points so tight cables don’t pull loose under recoil.

AK Platforms

Modlite lights survive AK piston-driven recoil without issues. The robust construction handles forces that destroy budget alternatives—drivers are tested to withstand SCAR 17 recoil, which exceeds AK forces.

You need quality handguard rails first. Zenitco, RS Regulate, and Midwest Industries make rails that provide solid mounting.

Never mount on gas tube rails. Extreme heat and violent movement kill even premium lights within hundreds of rounds.

Side mounting at 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock works best for AK ergonomics.

Shotguns

Shotgun-mounted lights work with magazine tube adapters, but integrated forend lights from Streamlight make more sense for most users. The simplified installation and activation outweigh Modlite’s modular advantages on shotgun platforms.

Battery Management and Power Strategy

Modlite requires protected 18650 or 18350 cells with high discharge ratings. Use Modlite-branded or KeepPower batteries with safety circuits preventing overcharge and shorts.

Never buy from unknown sellers. Counterfeits cause fires and damage lights.

Use Nitecore or XTAR chargers. Maintain rotation with multiple sets—one in light, one charging, one backup. Store at 40-60% charge long-term for maximum lifespan.

Expect 300-500 cycles (3-5 years) before capacity drops. Advertised 75-minute runtime assumes continuous operation—realistic tactical use with brief activations extends this significantly.

Modlite vs Premium Competitors

Modlite vs Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0

Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 delivers 1,250 lumens and over 100,000 candela in an integrated design. Modlite’s key advantage is modularity—head swaps cost $200-$280, versus full REIN replacements at approximately $400.

Choose Cloud Defensive for maximum throw and simple installation. Choose Modlite for upgrade flexibility over time.

Modlite vs SureFire Scout Lights

SureFire M640DF Turbo Pro outputs 700 lumens with 100,000 candela on 18650 batteries (or 1,500 lumens/16,000 candela on 123As). Modlite PLHv2 provides 1,350 lumens and 54,000 candela for balanced performance.

Packages cost around $279 for Modlite versus $350 – $400 for SureFire; both offer strong lifetime warranties on bodies/LEDs.

Choose SureFire for extreme throw options and brand legacy. Choose Modlite for a versatile beam and value.

Modlite vs Streamlight ProTac Series

Streamlight ProTac HL-X Pro delivers 1,000 lumens and ~50,000 candela at $150 – $180. Modlite PLHv2 (1,350 lumens, 54,000 candela) costs $279—roughly double.

The lumen/candela advantages benefit demanding use, but budget users may prefer Streamlight’s capability.

Choose Streamlight for cost-effective performance under 50 yards. Choose Modlite for professional-grade output beyond 75 yards.

Making Your Decision: Is Modlite Right for You?

Buy Modlite When: You need legitimate extreme throw for rural property defense, professional use at 100+ yards, or vehicle interdiction. Modularity appeals to multiple rifles. Premium performance justifies the price, and you train frequently enough to appreciate quality differences.

Save Money When: Realistic distances stay under 50 yards consistently. Budget constraints exist, and $150 – $200 lights perform adequately. Casual use doesn’t justify premium—spend on ammunition instead.

Before spending, ask: What are my actual engagement distances? Most defensive encounters happen within 21 feet. How often will this see action? Is this preventing training, optics, or ammunition purchases?

Conclusion

Modlite delivers industry-leading candela through modular systems that make sense for shooters with multiple rifles or evolving needs. The OKW and PLHv2 heads reach farther than mainstream alternatives through concentrated beam intensity.

However, premium pricing demands an honest assessment. Indoor home defense and suburban scenarios rarely justify the extreme throw you’re paying for.

If you’re considering other weapon lights aside from Modlite, call Gold Trigger at 713-485-5773 for platform-specific recommendations on building the right weapon light for your gun.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this comprehensive Modlite weapon light guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Firearm modifications and accessory installations can affect weapon safety, performance, and legal compliance. Users are solely responsible for ensuring all modifications and purchases comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws before installation or use.

Improper installation of weapon lights or accessories can result in serious injury, equipment damage, or dangerous malfunction. We strongly recommend professional installation by qualified gunsmiths for all firearm modifications and accessories, particularly when mounting lights or routing remote switch cables near heat sources. Weapon lights do not replace fundamental firearms safety practices—never point a weapon or weapon-mounted light at anything you’re not willing to destroy. This guide does not substitute for manufacturer instructions, proper training, or professional expertise.

Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries require proper handling, charging, storage, and disposal. Always use protected cells from reputable manufacturers with appropriate chargers. Improper battery use can result in fire, explosion, or equipment damage. Never use damaged batteries, and immediately discontinue use if cells show swelling, leaking, or unusual heat. Store batteries at partial charge (40-60%) in cool, dry locations away from flammable materials. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations—never throw batteries in regular trash.

Product specifications, availability, pricing, and features are subject to change without notice. Modlite continuously develops and updates their product lineup. Always verify current information with Modlite directly or through authorized dealers before making purchasing decisions. Individual product performance varies based on environmental conditions, maintenance, installation, battery selection, and usage patterns. Inspect equipment regularly and immediately replace worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components.

Legal requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states and localities restrict certain firearm modifications, accessories, or the use of artificial illumination for specific purposes like hunting. Always verify compliance with your local laws before purchasing or installing any weapon light or accessories. When in doubt, consult with legal professionals specializing in firearms law.

While this guide references Modlite’s specifications and features, all information is based on publicly available data and user reports current as of the publication date. Performance characteristics may change as the manufacturer updates products. The comparisons made between Modlite and other manufacturers are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements or criticisms of any specific brand. Users should conduct their own research and testing before making purchasing decisions.

Gold Trigger is not responsible for any modifications, installations, or purchases made based on this information. Users assume all risks associated with firearm modification and accessory use, including but not limited to personal injury, equipment damage, legal liability, and performance variations. The use of firearms and related accessories carries inherent risks including injury, death, property damage, and legal consequences. Weapon lights enhance target identification capabilities but do not eliminate the user’s responsibility for proper identification and rules of engagement. Always prioritize safety, legal compliance, and proper training over performance modifications or brand preferences.