Streamlight is one of the most popular brands for weapon-mounted and handheld lights today. Their lights are used by the military, law enforcement, and civilians everywhere. I’ve used them for years, including the TLR-1HL and TLR-7 series, Protac, and more. They provide great value with a rich feature set. The best part is that they’re reasonably priced, especially compared to options from SureFire, Cloud Defensive, or ModLight.
Last year, Streamlight introduced a new extension to their TLR-1 line with the TLR-1 HP-X USB and TLR-1 HP-X. These really up the ante in performance compared to the Legacy TLR-1 HL, which I’ve used for years. Let’s see how it compares
Specifications
The TLR-1 HP-X looks similar to the TLR-1 HL but differs in many ways. Although it shares the same parent name, it is essentially a new light. The standard specifications for the USB and standard models are listed below.
- Model(s): TLR-1 HP-X USB or TLR-1 HP-X
- High Lumens: 1,300 (w/ SL-B9 Battery), 1,000 (CR123A)
- Run Time: 1 hour (w/ SL-B9 Battery), 1.5 hours (CR123A)
- Beam Distance: 555 Meters (w/ SL-B9 Battery), 460 Meters 1,000 (CR123A)
- Max Candela: 77,000 (w/ SL-B9 Battery), 53,000 (CR123A)
- Length: 3.70”
- Weight: 5.2-5.43 oz (depending on battery)
- Color: Black
- Battery: SL-B9 or CR123A
- Charging: The SL-B9 battery pack charges in 2.5 hours via a USB-C cable or an optional bank charger.
- MSRP: $359 for USB, $335 for CR123A
Feature
The TLR-1 HP-X USB/TLR-1 HP-X is specially designed to provide high-candela performance and long-range illumination for both full-size and compact railed handguns. Streamlight developed this weapon light around a white power LED and a specialized optic that produces a tightly focused beam while maintaining useful peripheral light, delivering 1,300 lumens and 77,000 candela up to 555 meters with two SL-B9 Li-Ion 850mAh USB-C rechargeable battery packs, or 1,000 lumens and 53,000 candela to 460 meters on two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries.
The versatile platform allows users to choose between rechargeable SL-B9 packs—charging in 2.5 hours via the included USB-C “Y” cable or an optional bank charger—or disposable batteries, with run times of 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. Customizable rear switches, available in standard or extended versions, support ambidextrous momentary, constant-on, and user-activated strobe functions.
A hinged face cap allows front-loaded battery swaps without removing the light, which mounts securely without placing hands in front of the muzzle. Constructed from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish and an impact- and chemical-resistant polymer switch housing, the 3.70-inch light weighs as little as 5.20 ounces, is IPX7-rated, extensively tested through live firing, comes with mounting keys and switch options, and carries Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. The MSRP is $359.00 for the USB model and $335.00 for the CR123A version.
Setup
So far, I’ve swapped the weapon light between a Springfield Echelon full-size and a Staccato C2. In each instance, I’m using an outside of the waistband holster. For the Echelon, I’m using a T-REX Arms Ragnarok with the Safariland QLS interface. For the Staccato, I’m using a Safariland 6390RDS- ALS Mid-Ride Duty-Rated Level 1 Retention Holster (what a name). Both holsters were set up for the Streamlight TLR-1 HL but are compatible with the new HP-X model. Of course, depending on tolerances, differences can occur between holster brands. Double-check if you can. But in this instance, both were fine.
TLR-1 HL vs. TLR-1 HP-X
Okay, what performance are you getting when you pick up the HP-X? The TLR-1 HL remains a great light, but it’s a bit outdated. When using both in low light, it’s easy to notice. The older model maxed out at 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candelas. The new one far surpasses that. It’s really not comparable.
There are the activation switches. The TLR-1 HL has a simple momentary/constant on switch. On the older light, when I press down with my left support hand, it activates momentary. Flipping the switch upwards changes it to constant. I find that this isn’t the most natural setup for shooters.
On the other hand, the HP-X uses push buttons that can be indexed with my support thumb. Press and hold (then release) for momentary on, and then press (and release) for constant. I find the push versus a switch to be more intuitive.
Even the battery compartment access is better on the HP-X. With the old HL model, you must remove the light to swap batteries, since the batteries are rear-loaded. On the new HP, all the user has to do is press a side button, then flip a lever on the opposite side. The light head then hinges open, allowing you to access the batteries. Of course, some could argue that the TLR-1 HL method is more foolproof, since the compartment door is protected, and maybe so. But the HP-X feels solid, and the performance upgrade is well worth it. Knowing Streamlight, they put this light through the wringer before bringing it to market.
Regarding the beam, the new HP-X is noticeably brighter with a cold center compared to my older HL, which is much warmer. The hotspot on the HP-X is more defined, while the HL has more spill and less clarity. Overall, the flood on the HL is larger, covering a greater surface area, but not focused or defined. I mainly use these lights for home defense, so they are most often used indoors. The HP-X can illuminate an entire room, making it difficult for shadows to escape.
Parting Shots
The TLR-1 HP-X is a significant upgrade over the older TLR-1 HL. Its dual-fuel compatibility is much-needed for today’s trends (and thank you for it being USB-C). While the latter model is still perfectly usable, I find the HP-X to be a worthy upgrade. Price-wise, it varies widely. I’ve found them as low as $223.99 on Optics Planet (as of February ’26), which isn’t much more than the TLR-1 HL. When it comes down to it, if you’re in law enforcement or just need a new light for home defense, Streamlight is as trusted as any brand and the new TLR-1 HP-X continues that legacy with even greater performance.