Choose the right Streamlight TLR-7 for your pistol
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Quick answer
The TLR-7 X is the standard rail-mounted version and puts out up to 725 lumens on its rechargeable SL-B9 pack. The TLR-7 X sub is built for subcompact handguns, also up to 725 lumens. The TLR-7 HL-X sub reaches 1,000 lumens and 13,000 candela on the SL-B9 for 30 minutes. All three also run on one CR123A at 550 lumens. Streamlight says not to carry a light-equipped pistol without a holster that fully covers the trigger guard.
- Streamlight TLR-7 X. Best for: Pistols with a standard accessory rail. See options on Amazon
- Streamlight TLR-7 X sub. Best for: Subcompact pistols. See options on Amazon
- Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X sub. Best for: The most output on a subcompact. See options on Amazon
Which TLR-7 is which
Streamlight's TLR-7 series are small rail-mounted lights. The TLR-7 X is the standard version for pistols with an accessory rail. The sub models are built for subcompact handguns, and Streamlight's pages list GLOCK, SIG SAUER P365, Springfield Hellcat and Smith and Wesson M&P among the trademarks tied to its fit information. Check Streamlight's TLR fit guide for your exact pistol before buying.
Output: SL-B9 versus CR123A
Every current TLR-7 is multi-fuel: one Streamlight SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable pack or one CR123A lithium cell. Output depends on the power source. Streamlight's spec tables list:
- TLR-7 X: 725 lumens, 9,500 candela, 195 m beam, 1 hour on SL-B9; 550 lumens, 7,200 candela, 170 m, 1.5 hours on CR123A.
- TLR-7 X sub: 725 lumens, 7,700 candela, 176 m, 1 hour on SL-B9; 550 lumens, 5,000 candela, 141 m, 1.5 hours on CR123A.
- TLR-7 HL-X sub: 1,000 lumens, 13,000 candela, 228 m, 30 minutes on SL-B9 by default, or programmable to 550 lumens for 1 hour; 550 lumens, 7,300 candela, 171 m, 1.5 hours on CR123A.
Streamlight's feature bullets for the TLR-7 X and X sub list 725 lumens next to a CR123A run time, while their spec tables give 550 lumens on CR123A; we use the spec tables.
Lumens versus candela
Lumens measure the total light out of the head; candela measures how intense the center of the beam is, which drives how far it reaches. That is why the TLR-7 X and TLR-7 X sub both list 725 lumens on the SL-B9 but different candela and beam distance: 9,500 candela and 195 m for the X, 7,700 candela and 176 m for the X sub. The HL-X sub pushes both higher, to 1,000 lumens and 13,000 candela with a 228 m beam, and Streamlight says it is engineered to produce a longer reaching beam.
Higher output costs run time. The HL-X sub runs 30 minutes at 1,000 lumens versus 1 hour for the others at 725.
Size and weight
Streamlight lists the TLR-7 X at 2.58 inches long and 2.48 to 2.64 oz, the TLR-7 X sub at 2.51 inches and 2.39 to 2.64 oz, and the TLR-7 HL-X sub at 2.51 inches and 2.39 to 2.49 oz. The TLR-7 X comes in black or flat dark earth.
Switches
Streamlight lists interchangeable, ambidextrous rear paddle switches with high and low options and a safe-off feature that it says prevents accidental activation and saves batteries.
You need a holster made for the light
Streamlight says it does not recommend carrying a TLR-equipped firearm without a proper holster, and that a proper holster should fully cover the trigger guard area, preventing accidental discharge of both the firearm and the light. A holster made for the bare pistol will not fit with a light attached. See our Kydex holster guide.
Mount the light on an unloaded pistol. Project ChildSafe says firearms should be unloaded when not in use and stored locked, with ammunition stored separately.
Batteries for a kit
Because each TLR-7 also runs on a single CR123A, a few spare CR123A cells keep it working when you cannot recharge. See our CR123A battery guide.
What to look for when you buy
Streamlight TLR-7 X
Best for: Pistols with a standard accessory rail
Streamlight lists 725 lumens, 9,500 candela and a 195 m beam on the SL-B9, 550 lumens and 1.5 hours on CR123A, ambidextrous paddle switches, safe-off, 2.58 inches and up to 2.64 oz, in black or flat dark earth.
Watch out: Check the fit guide; subcompacts need the sub version.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Streamlight TLR-7 X sub
Best for: Subcompact pistols
Streamlight lists 725 lumens, 7,700 candela and a 176 m beam on the SL-B9, 550 lumens and 1.5 hours on CR123A, 2.51 inches and up to 2.64 oz, made for subcompact handguns.
Watch out: Sub mounts are pistol-specific; confirm your model in Streamlight's fit guide.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X sub
Best for: The most output on a subcompact
Streamlight lists 1,000 lumens, 13,000 candela and a 228 m beam for 30 minutes on the SL-B9 (programmable to 550 lumens for 1 hour), 550 lumens and 1.5 hours on CR123A, 2.51 inches and up to 2.49 oz.
Watch out: Shortest high-mode run time here.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What is the difference between the TLR-7 X and TLR-7 X sub?
- Both list 725 lumens on the SL-B9 pack. The sub is built for subcompact pistols and lists 7,700 candela versus 9,500 on the TLR-7 X.
- Does the TLR-7 take CR123A batteries?
- Yes. Streamlight lists one CR123A or one SL-B9 rechargeable pack, with 550 lumens and 1.5 hours on CR123A.
- Which TLR-7 is brightest?
- The TLR-7 HL-X sub, at 1,000 lumens and 13,000 candela on the SL-B9 for 30 minutes, per Streamlight.
- Do I need a special holster for a weapon light?
- Yes. Streamlight says to carry a light-equipped firearm only in a holster that fully covers the trigger guard area.
- What colors does the TLR-7 X come in?
- Streamlight lists black and flat dark earth for the TLR-7 X; the sub models list black.
Sources
- TLR-7 X Gun Light (streamlight.com), Streamlight
- TLR-7 X sub Gun Light (streamlight.com), Streamlight
- TLR-7 HL-X sub Gun Light (streamlight.com), Streamlight
- Ten Tips for Firearm Safety in Your Home (projectchildsafe.org), Project ChildSafe (NSSF)