Streamlights popular TLR-2 has all the same great features of the TLR-1, but with an integrated laser sight for accurate aiming. And, is now shining brighter at 300 lumens. The TLR-2 is machined aluminum sealed construction with a black anodized finish and powered by two CR123 batteries.
However, a counterfeit version of Streamlight's popular TLR-2 Weapon Light is also available on the internet and appearing on eBay.
We obtained the visually very similar counterfeit product with the trademarked Streamlight and TLR-2 branding. While we haven't received a product from Streamlight for a complete comparison, we can can show you some of the visual differences. The counterfeit we received has a red laser and did not have the strobe feature.
While the authentic and counterfeit products are visibly similar, there are distinct features that make it easy to identify the counterfeit product. The most apparent is the size difference in the bright metal bezel ring and sharp edges on the case. The authentic bezel ring is much narrower in width than the counterfeit. The authentic model has rounded "soft" edges while the counterfeit has sharp edges.
When in doubt, carefully review the authentic model on the Streamlight website and always buy from authorized Streamlight retailers. Counterfeiters will often use the manufacturer's stock advertisement photos, a common ploy on the China websites, but send you a counterfeit.
Your authentic Streamlight should look like this, with the Streamlight branding and serial number.
Never buy products from untrusted vendors using stock manufacturers images. Insist on a photo of the actual product and serial number (photo: Streamlight)
Compare the authentic and counterfeit TLR-2. The most immediate identifier is the bright metal trim ring on the bezel. The metal trim ring is much narrower on the authentic model.
Notice the US Patent information the counterfeiters ignored.
A comparison of the rear of the authentic and counterfeit TLR-2 models shows some easy to identify machining characteristics. The counterfeit has tumbled "soft" edges.
The counterfeit has "hard" or sharp edges.
The counterfeit TLR-2 we obtained from a China website has serial #054707. We found that this same serial number was common on several websites in different ad images.
However, there are other serial numbers we found on counterfeit TLR-2 products
The authentic TLR-2 has a "pebble" texture on the reflector, while the counterfeit is smooth. Also, note the difference in sizes of the battery direction image.
The authentic TLR-2 has smooth, rounded edges, the counterfeit has sharp edges.
Counterfeit Streamlight TLR-2 branded lights are common on China websites and with the same serial number as the product we received.
Many counterfeit products end up on eBay offered for sale to unsuspecting buyers at near retail prices.
Counterfeit TLR-2 appears on eBay from a Hong Kong seller. The title is disguised as "TLR-2 Style Red laser tactical light flashlight" but it displays the trademarked Streamlight and TLR-2 branding.
It wont escape Streamlight's attorneys.
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