Los Angeles, CA – (FirearmsGuide.com) – The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub is the newest gun light/laser combo from Streamlight. This is a small, compact, but very powerful gun light/laser combo made for small sub-compact pistols that become radically more popular as EDC guns every day. Get one on the Streamlight website: https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/tlr-8-hl-x-g-sub
Design and Build:
The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub is an ultra-compact weapon light with a green laser, specifically engineered for subcompact firearms. The sub-version that we tested is for Springfield Hellcat pistols but TLR-8 HL-X G sub models can be securely attached to a range of pistols including GLOCK 43X MOS/48 MOS and GLOCK 43X RAIL/48 RAIL, SIG SAUER P365 and P365 XL (closed rail systems), and the Springfield Armory Hellcat – as well as select 1913 short railed subcompact handguns including the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 subcompact, Beretta Px4 Storm subcompact, Springfield Armory XD-E, XD-S and Hellcat Pro, Heckler & Koch HK45 compact, and SIG SAUER P365 XMACRO.
The unit’s construction from 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum, with a black anodized finish, speaks to its durability. The interchangeable rear paddle switches are especially praised for their customization options to match any shooting style. The green laser, which is more visible than red, provides a clear advantage in both low-light and daylight conditions. The compact size ensures it doesn’t protrude beyond the muzzle on 4-inch barrel models (it does on 3-inch barrel pistols, please watch the video test), which is ideal for concealed carry.
MATERIAL/DURABILITY
• 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum with black anodized finish
• Switch housing: Impact- and chemical-resistant engineered polymer
• High temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT glass lens
• IPX4 waterproof
Laser/ Light Combo with lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack, USB-C recharging cable, manual and tools & switches are provided in the package. Hellcat….that is an extra
Fuel:
The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub comes in the package with one SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable protected lithium-ion battery pack, but it can be fueled with a single CR123A lithium battery too. The provided SL-B9 battery pack charges within 2.5 hours via USB-C cord or bank charger, and it is rechargeable up to 500 cycles. In the package, you will also get a USB-C charging cable for the SL-B9 battery pack. The capacity of the SL-B9 lithium-ion battery pack is 850 mAh. While charging, the battery red diode will be lit, and when charged light will turn green.
Performance:
The biggest improvement that Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub brought over the previous model TLR-8 G Sub is an extra 500 lumens of light. The TLR-8 G Sub has 500 lumens, while the new TLR-8 HL-X G sub has an amazing 1,000 lumens of light. The difference in power of the light is more than visible, and to witness that, please watch our video test of the TLR-8 HL-X G sub. You will witness it with your own eyes. I don’t know if HL in the TLR-8 HL-X G sub stands for “High Lux” or maybe “High Lumens,” but it would be appropriate. The difference in brightness and power of the light is huge. By producing twice as much light, the Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub runs hotter than the 500-lumen TLR-8 G Sub model.
This light/laser combo outputs 1,000 lumens, and it is engineered to produce a longer-reaching beam of now amazing 200 meters, offering remarkable illumination for its dimensions. The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub, when fueled with SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable protected lithium-ion battery pack, will produce 1,000 lumens; 10,000 candela; 200m beam, and it will run for 30 minutes (default). In programmable mode, it can operate at 500 lumens for 1 hour. With a CR123A battery, it offers 500 lumens and 11,000 candelas for 1.5 hours. Now, if you think that with 1,000 lumens, TLR-8 HL-X G sub is overpowered, you can dim it down to 500 lumens, 5,000 candelas, with 141 m beam and 1 hour run time.
Green laser is very visible even in daylight
LASER: The integrated green laser operates at 510–530nm, enhancing visibility, especially in daylight. The laser’s class 3R rating makes it safe for use while being highly visible. Users can choose between light-only, laser-only, or light-and-laser modes for versatility in different environments. The strobe feature, which can be programmed for quick activation, has been noted for its effectiveness in disorienting threats. The runtime is commendable at 1.5 hours for the light or light/laser combo, with the laser alone running for 10 hours on a single CR123A battery.
See the night test and full review of the Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G Sub here:
GENERAL DATA:
DIMENSIONS
Waterproof: IPX4
Weight: 2.77 oz (78.5g)
Length: 2.51 in (6.38 cm)
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime warranty
Assembled in the USA
Ease of Use:
The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G sub’s design facilitates easy, one-handed installation without putting hands in front of the muzzle, enhancing safety. Once properly mounted and then sighted in, you can start using it. One of the best design solutions of the Streamlight light/laser combos is the Front-Loading Capability. Once you sight in the laser in the combo, you don’t have to take the entire combo off of your pistol to change or recharge the battery and then sight it in again. To take the rechargeable battery out for charging, just unscrew the front cap with the lenses and change the battery. Screw the cap back and you are ready to go and your laser is still perfectly sighted in.
Both sets of High Switch and Low Switch are provided in the package.
The ambidextrous controls are user-friendly, allowing for natural operation without breaking the shooting grip. Reviews often mention the ease with which the light can be activated, even under stress or while wearing gloves. The “safe-off” feature on the bezel prevents accidental activation, preserving battery life and ensuring the light doesn’t come on when not needed. Ambidextrous rear paddle switches with HIGH and LOW options, and both sets of switches are provided in the package.
Springfield Hellcat Sub-Compact in 9mm with Streamlight TLR-8HL-x G sub with rechargeable battery inside weights 20.95 ozs
The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G Sub securely attaches to select subcompact handguns:
GLOCK 43X MOS/48 MOS and GLOCK 43X RAIL/48 RAIL
SIG SAUER P365 and P365 XL (closed rail systems), P365 XMACRO
Springfield Armory Hellcat, XD-E, XD-S, and Hellcat Pro
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 subcompact
Beretta Px4 Storm subcompact
Heckler & Koch HK45 compact
And to other guns with a 1913 rail.
Durability and Reliability:
With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, this unit can withstand water sprays, making it suitable for various weather conditions. The robust construction has been tested to ensure performance under impact, with many users reporting no issues even after extensive use. The quality of build and materials used is often highlighted in reviews, with the device living up to the expectations set by Streamlight’s reputation.
Our Experience:
The TLR-8 HL-X G sub was easy to mount and sight in. Design-wise, it looks nice, very tactical and streamlined. The rechargeable battery pack is easy to charge, and we will not have to spend on CR123A batteries. Light is very powerful, and it will blind your enemy in the night. With this much light, you will be able to light a much wider area and see better even in total darkness. That often can be the difference between life and tragedy. A green laser is very visible even in daylight, and that is awesome. Dimension-wise, the TLR-8 HL-X G is still of the same dimensions as 500-lumen models, so why not have the most powerful light if you can? Ambidextrous rear paddle switches with HIGH and LOW options are fantastic. Front-loading capability is “a must-have” for us. A limited lifetime warranty from Streamlight is a great safety feature to have.
All the tools that you will need and extra set of switches are provided in the package
Value:
The combination of features, build quality, and performance makes the TLR-8 HL-X G sub a valuable option for those who prioritize these aspects in a weapon light/laser combo. The lifetime warranty adds significant value, ensuring long-term use and reliability.
Conclusion:
The Streamlight TLR-8 HL-X G Sub stands out for its performance in a compact form factor, suitable for subcompact handguns. Twice as much light as on a previous model makes TLR-8 HL-X G Sub the most desirable model in the current Streamlight catalog. The bright light and bright green laser are simply phenomenal. Its design, functionality, and the positive user feedback regarding its illumination and laser visibility make it a top choice for both concealed carry and tactical applications. The combination of Streamlight’s build quality and customer support makes this product not just a tool but an investment in personal defense equipment. If you can afford this combo, buy it. It is simply the best & brightest out there. Get one on the Streamlight website: https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/tlr-8-hl-x-g-sub
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