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 | — | Duty pistols, home defence |
| 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 carry 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 duty guns |
| 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 carry: TLR-7 HL-X USB — 1,000 lm in a concealable 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 training, keep lithium primaries in for duty. 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. UK-stocked, fast tracked dispatch.
