Streamlight TLR7 Sub VS TLR7A [Side By Side Comparison]

Ever wondered how the Streamlight TLR7A stacks up against the SUB?

In this Streamlight TLR 7A Vs Sub, I've personally put both lights to the test, especially the TLR 7A more on my Glock 19. 

Here are side by side comparison:

Streamlight TLR 7 Sub VS TLR7A Comparison

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Both lights cost right around $147 to $153 in most places, and on Amazon they cost about $130, so check out the link on this page to get one if you find this review guide helpful.

Size & Weight

The Streamlight TLR 7 Sub is 0.01 oz lighter and 0.07" shorter than the TLR7 A. You can barely feel the weight difference.

Sold In 3 Separate Models

(GL, M1913, P365)

Streamlight 69402 TLR-7 Sub 500-Lumen Tactical Weapon Light Designed Exclusively and Solely for Select 1913 Railed Short Subcompact Handguns, Includes Mounting Kit with Keys, Black

$139.03

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Or compare deals:

Streamlight 69424 TLR-7 X 500-Lumen Compact Tactical Weapon Light, Includes High, Low Paddle Switches and Key Kit, Black

$131.33

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Pistol Light Lumen & Candela

Both lights give 500 lumens and 5000 candela when using a fully charged CR123A battery. They are great for lighting up things in the dark from 7 to 40 yards.

In this picture, the TLR 7A is the Glock 19 light in a dark warehouse environment for testing.

We stress a lot on our website - Lumen intensity is important, but Candela is king for throwing the beam far to identify targets.

For personal defense engagement distance, the TLR 7A and TLR 7 Sub perform the same as far as lighting up the scene, and the user can clearly see the target in low light, and ID what the person is holding in their hands to make the best judgement.

Both lights have a balanced focused hot spot & flood beam optimized for close-range applications up to 30 yards. It's not a long range light unless using high candela light.

Neutral beam tint for accurate rendition in low light.

Top Down - 5 - 7 Yards

They also share the same light head.

The light head can be replaced via Streamlight's Limited lifetime warranty. Great for airsoft & simunition training. When something breaks, just replace the head.

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

Modes Of Operation

Modes of operation is the same for TLR 7A and TLR 7 Sub

• Single click - Constant on (Drains battery fast)
• Press & Hold - Momentary 
• Double Press - Strobe

Note: To enter the strobe mode (TEN TAPS Programming), press one of the toggle switches 9 times, hold on the 10th press until the light flashes then off. 

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

Both TLR 7 SUB and TLR 7A have the same switches that are easy for shooters to use with either hand.

People with different hand sizes can reach it, and it clicks in a way that you can really feel.

The toggle switch is the main improvement in the TLR 7A from the original TLR 7, and it's great to see the same on the TLR 7 Sub.

Mount & Rail Keys

The TLR 7A model can go on pretty much any compact & full size handguns. Just buy 1 TLR 7A, and it goes on all of them.

However, the TLR 7 SUB are sold separately for 4 different versions:

• Glock 43X
• M1913 (Fits more gun frames than subcompact)
• P365
• Springfield Hellcat

We think Streamlight is trying to make more money this way. They could have put all the clamp sizes in one package, so people only need to buy one light for different guns.

If you own a Glock 43X, a P365 and other Subcompact guns, you might have to buy all 3 models just so that you can get the specific rail clamp.

The Glock version actually uses the same key #1 as the M1913 version, but the clamp size is different. See picture above.

People with 3D printing skills can make their own clamps, but for the rest of us, you just have to buy them all.

Hopefully these rail keys will be available for sell separately in the future.

Durability

TLR 7A and TLR 7 Sub are made out of 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum. Under normal use the light will last you a long time.

Final Verdict

Streamlight TLR 7A and 7 Sub are basically the same light with different body profiles. 

A downside of the TLR 7 Sub is needing to buy all 4 models for certain guns. If you like the TLR 7A but want something smaller, the TLR 7 Sub is a good choice.

What can be improved ? - We are looking forward to seeing the Streamlight TLR 7 series light evolve into using higher lumen & candela output without increase in its overall size.

So far the only improvements the TLR 7 has received is the TLR 7 X model which uses a rechargeable battery, but lumen and candela intensity haven't changed.

Both lights cost right around $147 to $153 in most places, and on Amazon they cost about $130, so check out the link on this page to get one if you find this review guide helpful.