Streamlight TLR 7 X Review [After 2 Years Update]

In this Streamlight TLR 7 X review guide, let's take a look at how much improvement it has received since the TLR 7A model. This compact light I've personally carried and used for almost 2 years.

Here are the aspects I appreciated and found lacking, which should assist you in making an informed purchasing decision:

Streamlight TLR 7A Review

What's Included In The Packaging

The Streamlight TLR 7 X Flex comes in a standard Streamlight packaging that includes:

• Streamlight TLR 7 X Flex
• 1 CR123A battery
• Streamlight sticker
• Mini Streamlight catalog
• Allen wrench
• Retainer clip remover
• Low & high control switch

What Is This Light Best Used For

The Streamlight TLR 7 X is rebranded from the TLR 7 A as the multi-fuel rail mounted light to help users save more money on batteries. If you're tired of buying CR123A batteries, the TLR 7X is for you.

Check out more full size duty grade lights for Glock 19

TLR 7 X Flex Core Features

Improved Control Switch

Streamlight TLR 7 X has  HIGH and LOW switch options, which come as standard, making it one of the easiest pistol lights to activate while shooting one-handed and without breaking a two-handed grip. 

Either you wear gloves or not, the light is easy to turn on and off. The same goes for during the winter time when your hands are freezing cold.

Based on testing, the high switch is our favorite as it sits higher for better finger reach & feels more tactile.

One thing Streamlight can make the switch better in a future product release would be to extend the paddle switch a bit out to increase the surface area for better contact.

Currently this is a Emissary Development paddle shifter kit for the TLR 7A and TLR 7 X

Modes Of Operation

The TLR 7A is a very effective compact light with easy ambidextrous activation.

• Single click - Constant on
• Press & Hold - Momentary
• Double press - Strobe

Note: TLR 7A all feature strobe mode via Streamlight's TEN TAPS procedure. 

To activate strobe mode: Press one of the toggle switches 9 times, hold on the 10th press until the light flashes then off.

To return to normal mode: Repeat the TEN TAPS programming procedure 

When the strobe mode is activated, you can still operate constant on and momentary modes as normal.

Size & Weight

The TLR 7A Flex is the same size as the TLR 7 as far as the overall size profile. With the interchangeable control module, the TLR 7A Flex stretches slightly longer so the user can reach the control toggle switches much easier with index fingers.

The light only weighs about 2.4 oz with a battery installed, and it's so light that it's almost unnoticeable, which makes carrying it hassle-free.

Overall it looks great and feels great for mounting on any compact size pistols.

The NEW Streamlight TLR 7 Sub review on our site if this catches your eye. This light is a smaller version that fits sub compact handgun frames.

Or check out our TLR 7 Sub VS TLR 7A to see more side by side comparison.

Lumen & Candela

The TLR 7X can output up to 500 lumens & 5000 candela on a fully charged CR123A battery, and it's best used for illuminating targets of interest in low light up to 7-40 yards with maximum light beam brightness & hot spot.

For longer ranges, this may not have enough candela to PID targets especially targets are hiding behind dense structures like shelf racks, tree lines, fences, clutters and other things you can imagine.

The 500 lumens can lit up things nearby, but at a distance of up to 70 yards max the user wouldn't be able to clearly see besides the dimmed silhouette.

However, under ambient lights or fog, the most effective light can reach roughly about 16 - 20 yards

For personal defense use, it's absolutely important to see clearly what the target is, and if it's a person you need to see what he/she is holding in their hands to make the best judgement.

For users seeking higher output, the TLR-7 HL-X variant is available. This model is engineered to produce a longer-reaching, tighter beam, delivering 1,000 lumens and 22,000 candela with the SL-B9 battery, extending the beam distance to 297 meters. However, this increased performance comes with a reduced runtime of 30 minutes.

Lumen intensity is important, but Candela is king when it comes to identifying targets at longer distances.

Beam Pattern & Color Tint

The TLR 7X features a well-balanced beam with a focused hot spot and flood beam designed for close-range tasks within 30 yards. This allows you to blind a potential threat using the hot spot while illuminating your surroundings with the flood beam, enhancing situational awareness without directly aiming the light at the subject.

Additionally, the beam emits a warm tint, which provides more neutral and accurate color representation in low-light conditions. This is crucial for correctly identifying targets.

What you should avoid is a bluish-tinted light as it can distort color perception in low-light situations.

Battery

The TLR 7 X functions exactly the same as the TLR 7 A. It uses a single CR123A battery that lasts about 90 mins. Any CR123A batteries on the market will work.

To install the battery, the LED head has to be removed first, then insert the battery into the body.

The only difference is that the TLR 7 X can use Streamlight's rechargeble battery.

The lumen intensity and candela however remained the same.

Safety Mode

The LED lens bezel of the TLR7X has a safety mode that lets you turn off the light completely. This prevents accidental light activation when carrying it in a holster, where the toggle switch might bump into clothing or objects without your knowledge.

While we're still testing its practical use, our initial impression suggests that this feature might make users forget to turn it back on and surprise them in emergency situations. We strongly advise keeping the safety mode off at all times.

Mount & Rail Keys

The TLR 7 X includes different mounting keys that fit various handgun frames, including the Glock rail and Universal options.

You can securely tighten the screw mount using the back of a shell casing, a coin, or a flat-head screwdriver. It's recessed to maintain a flush profile on the side of the gun.

Durability

The TLR 7A consists of durable 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum. When used normally, the light has a long lifespan.

However, if you use the light for airsoft or simunition training, the lens may crack upon direct impact.

The lens bezel head contains built-in threads that attach to the light's body. If the lens breaks, you can replace the light head under Streamlight's Limited lifetime warranty.

It is IPX7 waterproof, allowing it to withstand water splashes for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter, though it's not suitable for complete water submersion.

Final Verdict

Pros

• Reduced overall size profile for conceal carry & faster holstering
• Significantly improved control ergonomics
• Includes multiple mounting keys for different rail systems
• Super lightweight
• The new TLR 7 X model uses a rechargeable battery as well as a regular CR123A battery
• Optimized beam pattern for close-range application

Cons

• The lumen & candela intensity is great for close-range use but not for beyond 30 - 40 yards. For that, we need to a high candela light.
• TLR 7 X didn't improve the candela output

The Streamlight TLR 7 X outshines other compact pistol lights due to its size and aesthetics. The new TLR 7 X model is the exactly the same as the TLR 7 A but it uses the rechargeable battery.

In low light, the TLR 7 X effectively illuminates targets for personal defense and performs admirably during range drills. It's suitable for both compact and full-size handguns.

 You can buy this in most places for about $147, and you can get a better deal on Amazon for about $130 with the fastest shipping. So check it out the link below

Common FAQ

Can the TLR 7A switch work on the original TLR 7?

The upgraded control module switch DOESN'T WORK with the older design because their circuit boards are different.

Is the TLR 7 X Different than the TLR 7 A?

The brand new TLR 7 X is a rechargeable light that uses a Streamlight SL-B9 Li-Ion rechargeable battery, and yes the light can still work with a regular CR123A battery.