Streamlight's TLR range is the most popular weapon light line in the world — and the most confusing to shop. Here's every family decoded, with what we'd actually pick.
The naming logic
Odd numbers are usually light only; the matching even number adds a laser (TLR-1→TLR-2, TLR-7→TLR-8, TLR-9→TLR-10). Then the suffixes: HL = high lumen, HL-X = high lumen + multi-fuel (CR123A or rechargeable SL-B50), HP/HP-X = high candela throwers, G = green laser, sub = micro-compact pistols, X = multi-fuel gen.
Family comparison
| Family | Size | Output | Laser | Best for |
| TLR-1 HL / HL-X | Full-size | 1,000–1,500 lm | — | Full-size pistols and PCCs |
| TLR-1 HP / HP-X | Full-size, long bezel | 1,000–1,300 lm, up to 77,000 cd | — | Long-range throw (rifles/shotguns) |
| TLR-2 (HL/G) | Full-size | 300–1,000 lm | Red or green | TLR-1 + aiming laser |
| TLR-7 / 7A / 7X / HL-X | Compact | 500–1,000 lm | — | Compact pistols (G19 class) |
| TLR-7X sub / HL-X sub | Micro | 725–1,000 lm | — | P365, Glock 43X/48, Hellcat |
| TLR-8 (X/HL-X/sub) | Compact/micro | 500–1,000 lm | Red or green | TLR-7 + laser |
| TLR-9 / TLR-10 | Full-size, slim | 1,000 lm | 10 = red/green | Full rail coverage on full-size frames |
| TLR-6 (HL) | Trigger-guard micro | 100–300 lm | Red or green | Pistols with no rail |
| TLR-3 / TLR-4 / TLR-3X | Compact polymer | 170–500 lm | 4 = red | Lightweight budget option |
| TLR RM 1 / RM 2 | Rifle-mount | 500 / 1,000 lm | Laser & Laser-G versions | Long guns — tail switch + remote |
Our picks
- Full-size pistol: TLR-1 HL-X USB — 1,500 lumens and rechargeable-or-CR123A flexibility.
- Maximum reach: TLR-1 HP — candela beats lumens for distance; see the lumens vs candela chart.
- Compact frames: TLR-7 HL-X USB — 1,000 lm in a genuinely small footprint.
- Light + laser: TLR-8 HL-X.
- Rifle: TLR RM 2 System — 1,000 lm with remote pressure switch.
Multi-fuel matters
HL-X and X models run Streamlight's rechargeable SL-B50 cell or standard CR123As — recharge for range days, keep lithium primaries in for a night out on the ground. It's the single best reason to pick the newer generations.
Browse the full Streamlight range and all weapon lights, or start with our best weapon lights guide and SureFire vs Streamlight. UK-stocked, fast tracked dispatch.