Tactical flashlights have gotten brighter and smaller.
But is all of that extra light actually useful?
Does shrinking a full-size tactical light to something small enough for a micro-compact pistol impact durability?
The TLR-7 X Sub seamlessly integrates with the Hellcat Pro, offering a compact solution without compromising on light output.
Those are just two of the questions he sets out to answer here.
The light was provided for testing by Streamlight.
Tactical flashlights have come a long way.
The TLR-7 X Sub gives the Hellcat Pro a tactical edge with its powerful beam and compact design. For the author, this combination proved both practical and effective for daily carry.
Weapon-mounted lights were pure fantasy for us patrol cops.
In the passing decades, lighting technology leaped forward in breathtaking strides.
LED emitters and lithium rechargeable batteries put truly blinding lights in the hands of every citizen who wanted one.
Mounted on the Hellcat Pro, the TLR-7 X Sub provides an impressive 500 lumens of illumination. The author found this level of brightness ideal for self-defense scenarios in low-light conditions.
As one would expect, the same technology turned the hope for lightweight weapon-mounted lights into a reality.
Streamlight is well-known for making powerful flashlights and weapon-mounted lights.
When I got started in police work, our department didnt issue flashlights.
Designed specifically for compact pistols, the TLR-7 X Sub fits securely on the Hellcat Pro’s accessory rail. The author appreciated the ease of installation.
It was big, but bright at least compared to everything else available at the time.
It was the first, but not the last, Streamlight flashlight I purchased and carried on duty.
Today, I evaluate the Streamlight TLR-7 X Sub USB.
The ambidextrous switches on the TLR-7 X Sub allow for easy activation when mounted on the Hellcat Pro.
This is a weapon-mounted light intended for compact pistols including the Springfield Armory Hellcat line of pistols.
A few years back, I transitioned from another brand of pistol to the Hellcat for every day carry.
WhenSpringfield introduced the Hellcat Pro, I bought that, too.
Built to endure, the TLR-7 X Sub withstood all of the author’s durability tests without a hitch. Its rugged build complements the Hellcat Pro’s robust design, making it a reliable defense tool.
What Is the TLR-7 X Sub USB?
It is designed to be small to keep your defensive pistol compact and light.
Yet, it is intended to be bright enough for addressing deadly threats.
With the TLR-7 X Sub, the Hellcat Pro gains a rechargeable lighting solution that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
Streamlights TLR line of weapon-mounted lights has proven itself to me.
In my experience, the 500 lumens output is a lot of light to work with.
It mounted easily using the same basic technique used throughout the TLR line.
The TLR-7 X Sub’s beam pattern provides a broad field of view, especially useful on the Hellcat Pro. The author found this feature essential for identifying targets in close-quarters settings.
On the left side of the light unit is a screwhead.
Streamlight includes a multi-tool that fits the screwhead slot perfectly.
Use this to loosen the screw so it will fit onto the rail of your Hellcat or Hellcat Pro.
Ive also used a U.S. quarter instead of the multi-tool.
The slot is concave, which allows the coin to fit perfectly.
However, the multi-tool is still encouraged as it is non-marring, and a quarter can leave marks.
Once loose, a spring retains light tension on the rails.
Press the screwhead with your thumb to release the tension and slide the unit onto the pistols accessory rail.
Once in place, release the pressure and the unit should be loosely fixed on the gun.
Use the multi-tool to tighten the screw and test the unit to ensure it is secure on the gun.
They are ambidextrous, allowing shooters to use whatever digit they like to activate the light.
it’s possible for you to push forward or down on the switches to activate the light.
Streamlight includes a second, low-profile set of switches with the TLR-7 X Sub USB.
I did not find the normal switches caused any issues for me while carrying the gun.
However, if you have any issues, the lower-profile switches can be swapped in.
Torture Testing the Streamlight Weapon Light
Ive tested more than 100 flashlights in recent years.
However, a handful of companies seem to be straight shooters when it comes to reporting lab data.
Streamlight has been one of those companies.
Streamlight does not provide any specific durability specifications such as drop test data.
But I tested it anyway.
The drop was repeated a total of six times, once for each side and end.
After each drop, I checked the function of the light.
Each time, the TLR-7 X Sub worked exactly as it should.
Streamlight does offer a water resistance rating of IPX7.
This indicates that it is submersible (waterproof) to a distance of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
So, after the drop testing, I tossed it into my pool.
It sat at the bottom slightly more than one meter in depth for 43 minutes before I retrieved it.
I could find no water intrusion into the unit, and it worked normally.
My unit proved to be as durable as I could expect, and more durable than Streamlight claimed.
Battery Power
The TLR-7 X Sub USB is powered by the included SL-B9 battery.
This is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for 3.6 volts and 850 mAh.
It has an integrated USB-C port for charging and is rated for 300 charging cycles.
It does have an internal safety control circuit to prevent overcharging and reduce the possibility of a fire.
you could charge it via any standard USB connection.
An indicator on the battery shines red to indicate charging.
When it turns green, it has a full charge.
The TLR-7 X Sub USB light can also be powered with a standard CR-123A battery.
Streamlight designed the battery compartment so that it is accessible from the front.
My Final Thoughts
The TLR-7 X Sub USB is an outstanding light.
It offers a great deal of light in a very compact package.
The included rechargeable battery makes this light a no-brainer for me.
It is now affixed to my daily carry Hellcat Pro and will remain there for the foreseeable future.
