Review - Streamlight TLR RM 1 & 2 Tactical Lights

streamlight tlr rm1 on kriss vector top mount

Are you a fan of the Inforce WML ? If so you will love what Streamlight has to offer.

In this review guide, let's take a look at the Streamlight TLR RM1 and RM2 weapon lights with built in angled top light activation ergonomics that subgun & long gun users love.

These 2 lights are basically the exact profile and design as the TLR7 and TLR9 with different names, slightly different circuit boards and control module.

Let's take a look to see if this is for you.

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Core Dimensions & Specs

Streamlight RM1 & RM2

	RM1	RM2
MAX OUTPUT	500 lms / 5K cd	1K lms / 10K cd
RUNTIME	~90 Mins	~90 Mins
LENGTH	3.2"	4.55"
WEIGHT W/BATTERIES	2.74 oz	4.55 oz
BATTERIES	1 CR123A	2 CR123A

What's Included In The Packaging

Pressure Switch Optional

You get:

The light
CR123A batteries
Remote retaining clips
Double sided tape
Pressure Switch (Optional)
Zip ties
Manual
Sticker

RM1 & RM2 Best Used For

The TLR RM1 is great sub gun use for CQB & up to practically ~40 yards of usable light for low light target identification.

The TLR RM2 is great for long gun applications up to ~70 yards

The angled pressure switch and the tap switch are great for adding ambi control capability on firearms that don't offer mirrored grip ergonomics.

Indoor home defense
Range use
Training
Wide flood beam for max situational awareness

Streamlight RM1 & 2 Core Features

Lumen & Candela

kriss vector SBR with streamlight TLR RM1

The TLR RM1 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 7-30 yards with maximum light beam brightness & hot spot.

The 500 lumens can lit up things nearby, but at a distance beyond 30 yards the user wouldn't be able to clearly see besides the dimmed silhouette.

The TLR RM2 can output up to 1000 lumens & 10K candela that 2X the performance of the RM1, which makes it very similar to the Inforce WMLx 800 lumens that can throw as far as 60 yards of useable light.

Beam Performance & Color Tint

streamlight TLR RM1 vs RM2 beam comparison

The TLR RM1 and RM2 have the same beam pattern, but the RM 2 is definitely brighter. Both lights can illuminate targets up to 80 yards, but if you want something a thrower light that can shine a bright hot spot as far as 180 - 200 yards to absolutely see what you need to see at longer distance, please check out the Cloud Defensive REIN or the MODLITE PLHv2.

MODLITE PLHv2

Able to see everything clearly (~260 ft)

Streamlight TLR RM2

Barely able to see ((~260 ft)

Both beams have a neutral color tint for accurate color rendition in low light, which is important for accurate target identification.

What you don't want is a bluish beam tint that can skew the color perceptions in low light.

Indoor Performance

Streamlight TLR RM1

Same as TLR RM2 as far as beam pattern

Streamlight TLR RM2

Can't see on the camera, but much brighter than RM1

Control Ergonomics

X95 with streamlight TLR RM2 left hand grip

Both TLR RM1 and TLR RM2 can accept pressure tap switches for secondary light activation. It's a great feature that the Inforce WMLx was missing, and I think Streamlight did a great job by adding this feature.

A setup like this works great on most guns including the X95 and KRISS Vector where the lefties and righties can comfortably operate the light when switching sides.

streamlight TLR RM2 angled pressure switch

Regardless where you mount the light on the handguard rail, weather be 12, 9, 3 o'clock location, or offset spots, the user place the hand over the top and easily engage the switch without any issue.

In addition, the remote pressure switch exits at 90° providing improved wire routing option while preserving rail space.

Modes Of Operation

Kriss vector weapon light streamlight TLR RM1

The TLR RM1 and TLR RM2 have the same modes of operation:

Single click - Constant on
Press & Hold - Momentary

It can be activated with a plug in pressure switch as well if you purchase the version that includes it.

streamlight TLR rm1 with pressure switch pad

Safety Mode

The TLR7A also features a safety mode on the LED lens bezel that allows the light to be completely shut off just like the original TLR7.

The purpose is to prevent accidental light discharge while carrying it in a holster to prevent battery loss, where the toggle switch can bump into clothing or other things without the user knowing.

The practical use of this feature is still under testing, but based on our initial impression, this feature can cause the user to forget to turn it back on and get surprised by it in an emergency situation. We highly recommend leaving the safety off at all times.

Size & Weight

As a serious shooter myself, the weight of both lights are negligible. the TLR RM1 weighs 2.74 oz and the TLR RM2 weighs only 4.55 oz.

The profile of the two lights are the same, and RM2 is just longer.

Many people will compare these two lights with the Inforce WML, and the RM series lights are definitely slimmer than WML.

Battery Performance

The RM1 uses a single CR123A battery that lasts about 90 mins and the RM2 uses 2. 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.

Did you know the RM2 can use 16650 rechargeable battery ? - As the industry is moving towards using more rechargeable batteries for weapon lights, the TLR RM2 in fact can use a 16650 rechargeable battery. It fits, it works, and it saves money. (Get the KeepPower 3.7V 16650 here)

Mount & Rail Keys

The TLR RM1 and RM2 come with rail slot mounts, and the packaging include multiple mounting keys similar to the TLR7 and 8 series lights for various handgun frames including Glock rail & Universal.

However, for long guns and sub guns that have plenty of rail space, there aren't really a need for these mounting keys.

To install the light, it's really easy. Just pop it on and screw it tight with a flat head screw driver or a penny.

Durability

The TLR RM1 and RM2 are made out of 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum. Under normal use the light will last you a long time without any problems.

If you use the light for airsoft or any force on force simunition training, the lens will very likely to experience direct impacts, which will crack the lens.

The lens bezel head screws onto the body of the light the same way for both lights. So in the event that the lens break, the light head can be replaced via Streamlight's Limited lifetime warranty.

both lights are IPX7 rated with waterproof capability down to 1m for about 30 minutes, meaning the light can withstand water splashes, but not recommended for water submersion.