Streamlight TLR 7 HL X Review – 2X Brighter

Finally, the Streamlight TLR 7 HL X is here. This has been a highly requested TLR 7 upgrade and it's now available to buy.

Here are the aspects I appreciated and found lacking, which should assist you in making an informed purchasing decision if you are buying a compact size pistol light.

Streamlight TLR 7 HL X Review

What's Included In The Packaging

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

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

What Is TLR 7 HL X Best Used For

So the TLR 7 HL X is finally here for anyone who love to bump up the light output to identify targets better.

Great for any compact size guns like Glock 19, P10C, Shadow System series and other similar guns.

Carrying it concealed is the same as TLR 7 X but the head sticks out just a little bit more this time.

Check out more full size duty grade lights for Glock 19

TLR 7 HL X Core Features

Improved Control Switch

Streamlight TLR 7 HL X has the same HIGH and LOW switch options as the TLR 7 X. Activating the light is very easy while shooting one-handed and without breaking a two-handed grip. 

One thing I noticed during the winter time is that when my hands are freezing cold I can still operate the toggle switch easily. It's very responsive.

If you want better finger placement, Currently the Emissary Development paddle shifter kit for the TLR 7A and TLR 7 X a great option, so the shooter can activate the light from both high and low positions.

The high switch is my favorite as it sits higher for better finger reach & feels more tactile.

Modes Of Operation

The TLR 7 HL X works the same as the original with easy ambidextrous activation.

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

Note: TLR 7 HL X also feature the 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 7 HL X 's overall body is still the same size as the TLR 7 but the light module is about 0.4" longer this time for increased lumen and candela output. 

The light only weighs about 0.4 oz heavier with a battery installed, but it's still very lightweight and the difference is almost unnoticeable.

If you are new to the compact light market, I would definitely check out the TLR 7 HL X. However, if you still think that the TLR 7 X provides plenty of light output that you actually need while staying compact, then it's still a great option to consider.

The TLR 7 HL X will stick out more on guns like the Glock 43X, Hellcat and P365.

Lumen & Candela

The TLR 7 HL X can output up to 1000 lumens & 22000 candela on a fully charged CR123A battery, and it's best used for illuminating targets of interest in low light up to 40-70 yards with maximum light beam brightness & hot spot.

The 22000 candela is about 4X more than the original model, and it's similar to a Streamlight TLR 1 HL, and in reality, 22000 candela can only throw the light beam up to 70 yards.

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. 

For a pistol light upgrade, the TLR 7 HL X is very impressive, but not the same as a rifle light with up to 90000 candela. 

However, under ambient lights and fog, the most effective light can reach roughly about 16 - 30 yards.

For personal defense use, the TLR 7 HL X absolutely beats the original TLR 7 X to clearly see the target.

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

Beam Pattern & Color Tint

The TLR 7 HL X features a well-balanced beam with a focused hot spot and flood beam designed for close-range tasks within 70 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 HL 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 main head goes in front and then insert the battery into the body.

Safety Mode

The LED lens bezel of the TLR7 HLX 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 HL X is equipped with multiple mounting keys to fit different handgun frames, such as the Glock rail and Universal options.

You can use the back of a shell casing, a coin, or a flat-head screwdriver to securely tighten the screw mount. It is designed to be recessed, ensuring a flush profile on the side of the gun.

Durability

The new TLR 7 HL X is made from durable 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, ensuring a long lifespan under normal use. However, if used for airsoft or simunition training, the lens may crack upon direct impact.

The lens bezel head features built-in threads that attach it to the light's body. If the lens breaks, you can replace the light head under Streamlight's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The TLR 7 HL X is IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can withstand water splashes for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter, but it is not suitable for complete submersion.

Final Verdict

Pros

• Significantly improved lumen and candela output 
• Same control ergonomics and body profile as TLR 7 X
• Still very lightweight
• Much brighter to ID targets and see further

Cons

• Not much unless we compared it with Modlite OKW