I’ve used Streamlights since I was in my teens, starting with a big old aluminum D cell light. I continued using them throughout my law enforcement career, and my duty lights and EDC lights still tend to be Streamlights today. I’m using a couple earlier generations of their TLR-1’s already, but the latest one has some great new features. The TLR-1 HL-X USB/TLR-1 HL-X build on those prior versions, with a number of enhancements.
The TLR-1 HL-X USB/TLR-1 HL-X Overview
The new TLR-1 HL-X USB/TLR-1 HL-X, is a weapon light designed for full-size handguns and long guns with rails. It features multi-fuel capability and puts out a whopping 1,500 lumens of eye searing brightness. The high-lumen light gives users the choice of using either an SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable battery pack, or 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries. The user can switch out between the tow depending on availability of batteries or charging sources. The light also has new rear paddle switches, as well as a hinged face cap to allow for convenient, front-loading of your batteries.
HL-X Details
The new TLR-1 HL-X has good side spill but also very good throw. It has 20,000 candela and over a 283-meter beam distance when using two Streamlight SL-B9 Li-Ion 850mAh batteries. With two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries it gives you a still impressive 15,000 candela over 245 meters of beam distance. The rechargeable SL-B9 battery packs charge in 2.5 hours via an included “Y” USB-C cord or an optional bank charger. Run times range from 60 minutes using the SL-B9 battery packs to 90 minutes using disposable CR123 batteries.
The TLR-1 HL-X features rear switches to the left and right of the trigger guard that allow for ambidextrous operation. The light comes with both “High” and “Extended High” actuation switches to suit user preference. Like previous generation TLR-1’s, the HL-X model provides momentary and constant-on operation, as well as a user-activated strobe. Battery changes are made easy with a hinged face cap that allows you to do battery changes without removing the light from the firearm. The TLR-1 HL-X includes keys to fit a variety of full-size and compact railed handguns or Picatinny rails.
The HL-X is made from 6000 series machined aluminum and has a black anodized finish. It’s switch housing made from impact- and chemical-resistant engineering polymer. Weight is just 5.19 ounces using two SL-B9 batteries. or 4.94 ounces with two CR123A batteries. Overall length is 3.45 inches long. The HL-X has been extensively live-fire tested, and is impact-resistant. It also is IPX7-rated design, making it waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The new TLR-1 HL-X is packaged with “High” switches mounted on the light, and includes the “Extended High” switches in the box. The TLR-1 HL-X USB ships with two SL-B9 battery packs and a “Y” USB-C cable and has an MSRP of $359.00. The TLR-1 HL-X ships with two CR123A lithium batteries and has an MSRP of $335.00. Basically you save a few bucks if you decide you don’t want the rechargeable batteries, and are just going to run CR123’s. You can always add the rechargeable batteries later if you go this route. Both lights come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
