(+4 rating, 4 votes)
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Feature_5211
In 2025 Streamlight released updated versions of their flagship pistol light – the TLR-1. One of these is the HL-X model. Essentially, better output and performance through a deeper reflector while being optimized for Streamlight’s own brand of rechargeable batteries. There are at least two more features that will come up further along in the article.
The BadGuy’s view – the TLR-1 HL-X (left) and a Surefire X300U/T (right).
Output
This light is a dual-fuel design. Meaning that it can be used with either rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries or the now ubiquitous CR-123 batteries. If you go with Streamlight’s branded rechargeables, the SL-B9, they say you will get 1,500 lumens and 20,000 candela. The beam will cover 283 meters of beam distance with a one-hour run time. Switching to CR123s, as you might have to in an extended-duration event, reduces the output. Per the manufacturer, you will get 1000 lumens and 15000 candela over 245 meters, but there could be an extra half hour of runtime.
You recharge the SL-B9 batteries with a USB-C charging cable that inserts into the battery’s body near the positive end. There are red and green LED indicators for charging and charged.
Streamlight’s rechargeable batteries – the SL-B9 – use a USB-C cord.
Switching
One of the more obvious updates to the design involves the light’s Switchology. Instead of rocker switches (see the recent article on pistol light Switchology), these are push-forward or push-down lever designs. With these, the light activates the same way regardless of which lever you push. The light is then in a constant-on mode. There does not appear to be an intermittent option, though.
What about the length of the switches? Hopefully, the aftermarket world will bring an extended-length switch to market for those of us with shorter fingers. Even with adjusting my grip, I can only barely hit the switch with my trigger finger. Using my support-side thumb requires me to compromise my grip.
The witness marks stayed intact as the mount did not loosen during the last 288-round session.
Attachment
Putting this TLR-1 version onto your pistol is going to be familiar to you if you have used any of the Streamlight pistol lights. First, ensure the pistol is unloaded. Insert the appropriate block from the light rail on your pistol, generally either Universal or M1913 (Picatinny rail standard). Loosen the attachment screw as far as possible. Line up the block, rock the light laterally onto the frame. Then tighten the screw. Based on years of observing various Streamlights in the wild, I turn that screw as tight as I can get it.
Then I witness-mark it – as I do with any other aftermarket items attached to firearms.
The bulb/battery compartment opens by folding down and forward after pressing a button and rotating the lever to the front.
Battery Access
One feature I have been happy with on a couple of newer pistol lights is the ability to change batteries without removing the light from the pistol. The safety issue with having to do that in the field, with a loaded handgun, should be evident. The TLR-1 HL-X made the battery compartment accessible when you move the bulb out of the way.
The bulb end is hinged at the bottom front of the battery compartment/body. Two actions are required to release it. First, there is a button on the left-hand side that must be pushed inward. Second, the lever on the right-hand side must be rotated up and forward. Once both are done, you will need to pull the bulb head forward and downward. Then you can access the batteries to replace them.
Having this feature is a significant upgrade, as the screw-on attachment and rear compartment access of the previous design were, at best, very awkward in the field.
Very early on, there were a couple of reports about users unintentionally activating the button and lever while shooting. I have not heard of it continuing to happen, nor have I seen any indication of it.
The comparison lights used inside the non-live-fire shoot house at The Farm Training Center. From L to R – SF X300U/T, Modlite PL350c & Noxon Evak T1, and TLR-1 HL-X.
Endurance
I would love to run high-round-count endurance tests on each handgun, light, and optic. However, I do not have an ammunition supplier who covers those needs at no cost. I have right around seven hundred (700) rounds through the gun with the TLR-1 HL-X on it. That includes practice sessions, two matches, and a two-hour low-light class. The last range session was two hundred eighty-eight (288) rounds.
Prior to it, I checked tightness (it was), refreshed a witness mark, and applied a second one. There was no indication that it loosened during the session. The marks did not break either.
The HL-X model is compatible with holsters that fit the original TLR-1. Here it is in Blade-Tech’s newly released VALOR model.
Holster Compatibility
The HL-X fits in both TLR-1 holsters I tried it in. The first is an outside-the-waistband model from JM Custom Kydex, built for an M&P with the original TLR-1. The other is the very new VALOR duty holster from Blade-Tech, designed to accommodate a range of lights.
With this light on a full-size M&P, both holsters fit like they were built for the light specifically.
Dimensions
Should it be a concern, the light’s measurements are: 1.44” wide and tall with a length of 3.45”
You might have to deal with different lighting conditions. Here, a backlit torso is illuminated with a Modlite PL350c (left) and the TLR-1 HL-X (right).
Final Thoughts
The TLR-1 HL-X is definitely an improvement over previous TLR-1 models, both in terms of output and field-accessible battery compartment. Aside from my earlier mention of the switch length, the other improvements I would seek are a tighter hot spot with greater candela behind it.
I would not have concerns with this being approved or issued by an organization. It will easily suffice for home defense.
