Streamlight TLR1 HL (High Lumen) Review

By Carebear

So I was on the market for a new pistol light as the current one i run on duty was a little out dated. Don’t get me wrong, I have zero complaints about the Streamlight TLR1. I have had the same light issued to me for the past seven years. This is truly a reliable piece of equipment, but I was looking for a brighter light to rely on from clearing rooms for violent suspects, to chasing the drug runners along the US/Mexican border.

So, step up Streamlight TLR1 HL (HIGH LUMEN). Unveiled at the 2013 SHOT show, I grabbed one as soon as I was able to. I threw it on my issued Glock and ran this monster in the field. I gotta say, this is really worth the buy. The C4 LED lens is spec’d to run for 50,000 hours. The peak beam at 630 lumens shot out 12,000 candela intensity. Translated, its freakin’ bright. This is compared to its predecessor which shot out a small 135 lumens. The TLR 1 HL also has the similar design as the TLR1 so if you are worried if it will fit your holster, don’t worry it will. The HL runs on two (2) 3V CR123 batteries, although tedious to change out, run time is about an hour or so. One of the biggest selling points for me was the wide spread of the light beam, rather than the centered beam from the TLR1.

Streamlight TLR1 HL Review — Streamlight TLR1 vs. TL R1HL

The other sweet feature is TLR1HL comes with several keys, which are interchangeable to your specific gun. They include Glock, Beretta, Smith and Wesson 99 TSW and it’s as easy as removing the nut on the side and slipping the new bracket key in. For those agencies that run H&K, Streamlight sells the adapters for both full size USP and the compact models. Oh yeah, this little devil also rocks a strobe feature. That’s right, a freakin’ strobe light at 630 lumens!!!!! Dis-orient-ing………

I’ve gotta say if you run a pistol as your primary weapon and have a tac light attached, then the TLR1 HL is a must have!! So far on duty this light has proven its worth, and I must say I am definitely pleased. I will be passing the info to my Departments’ Lead Firearm instructor to equip all deputies with the Streamlight TLR1HL to give the edge on identifying threats.