Background
Streamlight’s venerable TLR-1 pistol-mounted light has been around forever. There was the TLR-1, then the “S” version, and a number of years ago they released the “HL” version. The HL has been a popular light for good reason. It provides good lumen and candela output, plus good switches, wrapped in Streamlight’s excellent reputation — at an affordable $136 (current Amazon street price).
If you want to see our data on the TLR-1 HL from a couple years ago, here is the article. Feel free to bring it up in a separate tab so you can compare output charts and the like.
The HL-X Update
Streamlight announced their update to the TLR-1, called the HL-X. The lumen spec is increased, plus the light uses TLR-7A style rear switches. A closer look reveals a lever on the right side with a button on the left. This is the mechanism to fold the front of the light down, allowing battery changes without removing the light from the pistol. This is especially convenient when using the SL-B9 batteries that are supplied with specific part numbers of this light.
And you definitely want to use the SL-B9 batteries, since they are required for the maximum output.
Here are Streamlight’s specs for the light with CR123A and SL-B9 batteries:
| Spec | CR123A | SL-B9 |
|---|---|---|
| Lumens | 1,000 | 1,500 |
| Candela | 15,000 | 20,000 |
| MSRP | $335 | $359 |
| Street | <$210 | ~$210 |
These are duty size lights and have significant output. But you can also see that they come at a higher price than the HL version.
Note that both lights can use prime cells or the SL-B9 batteries, which means if you need to quickly swap out for fully charged batteries, you can use either.
Full Size Light
This light is the size and shape accepted for duty use. In other words, it is large. But it fits well on most full size pistols. The body has small differences from the TLR-1 HL, but overall dimensions are the same.
The battery door opens in the front by pressing on the left side button, and flipping the lever clockwise forward. This reveals the battery compartment that takes two CR123A or SL-B9 batteries. Closing the door results in a small click, after which a counterclockwise rotation on the lever provides a satisfying loud click as the door is secured.
Due to external features such as the battery door lever, this light will not fit properly in any holsters precision fit for the TLR-1 / TLR-1S / TLR-1HL lights. You’ll need a holster specific to your TLR-1 HL-X.
Another subtle change is how the body of the light has more of an arrow shape to help make holstering smoother.
Switches
The switches are very similar to those introduced in the TLR-7A. There are two switches, one on each side of the rear of the light. I’ve always liked the TLR-7A switches, and they’ve progressively improved in feel over the years. These switches feel excellent to me. A short tap turns the light on constant mode, and a longer press activates the light momentarily — until the finger is lifted.
This is a departure from traditional TLR-1 mechanical switches. I suspect Streamlight received a lot of feedback from departments and agencies that the TLR-7A style switches are preferred. These switches are easier to train both right and left-handed operators.
Streamlight provides both “high” and “low” switches. While the low switches are mounted, it’s trivial to change the switches out with the included tool. I think the high switch may work quite well for those who prefer thumbs to ride higher; it’s a shorter move to the switch.
The HL-X switches are excellent.
Lumens
We tested in our integrating sphere utilizing the light with SL-B9 batteries.
Based upon the data above, we have:
| Item | Measured |
|---|---|
| Max Lumens | 1,687 |
| Lumens at 30s | 1,660 |
| Runtime to 10% | 01:29:18 |
| Runtime to <10lm | 01:29:18 |
Our sample handily beat the 1,500 lumen spec, staying above that number for over a minute and a half. This is significant because many lights drop in output significantly as soon as you turn them on, often falling below spec quickly. The light also ran to its advertised 1 hour and 30 minute claim (well, within a few seconds).
Candela
We measured candela right after turn on, and at 30 seconds.
| Time | Candela |
|---|---|
| 0 seconds | 18,750 |
| 30 seconds | 18.440 |
These are strong results, and are over 90% of Streamlight’s claimed values. I’m a little disappointed that our sample did not exceed 20,000 candela, but this is still a strong light.
Beam Shots: TLR1 HL-X with SL-B9 and CR123A Batteries
Light Comparison: TLR-1 HL-X to TLR-1 HL to TLR-7 HL-X
It’s natural to compare this light to the previous TLR-1 as well as the recently released compact TLR-7 HL-X.
Lumens:
Lumens for first 10 minutes:
Candela:
Based upon the charts above, the TLR-1 HL-X clearly has superior lumen output for the first two and a half minutes, and between 9:30 and 52:00. The first two and a half minutes are likely the most critical timeframe, and the large blast of lumens is more likely to help when searching and identifying. However, it is interesting to see that the two HL-X lights (TLR-1 and TLR-7) have almost identical candela. This means that if you’re looking for a “punchy” light with great switches and a rechargeable battery from Streamlight, then either the TLR-1 HL-X or the TLR-7 HL-X would suit you quite well. I appreciate that the TLR-7 HL-X is slimmer, making my holster carry a little easier. But if you’re carrying OWB, then the size difference is probably negligible, and the lumen increase of the TLR-1 HL-X could be an advantage.
Beam Shots: TLR-1 HL-X to TLR-7 HL-X to TLR-1 HL
Light Quality: CRI and Color Temperature
There isn’t much to say here. CRI is toward the lower end of the range we see for tactical lights, but no one is going to tell the difference between 66 and 70 CRI. Color temperature is cool, which is also typical.
Holster Support
Precision fit holsters for the TLR-1HL, such as those provided by Werkz, won’t work with the new HL-X. Though the lights look similar, there are a myriad of subtle changes, and the mechanism to open the front of the light protrudes on the right side of the pistol. This causes interference, and thus requires a holster built for the new HL-X.
Summary
The TRL-1 HL-X is a nice upgrade from the TLR-1 HL. It provides more lumens and more candela. Color temperature is slightly warmer, which I like. I like the old TLR-1 style switches, but the new HL-X switches are excellent; they provide a short tactical throw, and I can easily control between constant and momentary modes. However, street price for the HL-X seems to be about $60 more than the HL. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth the 40% price increase. And yes, you’ll most likely need a new holster to support this new light.
