Looking for a powerful yet compact weapon light? Meet the Streamlight TLR7 Sub and TLR8 Sub. It’s like deciding between a focused beam or a wider one, with features like laser precision, versatile rail compatibility, and a perfect fit for concealed carry. We’ll explain the details to help you choose between these top performers. But first, let’s quickly check out what makes the Streamlight TLR7 Sub vs Streamlight TLR8 Sub stand out.
About Streamlight TLR7 Sub
Streamlight 69400 TLR-7 Sub 500-Lumen Pistol Light
The Streamlight 69400 TLR-7 Sub is a 500-lumen pistol light without laser, exclusively designed for railed Glocks. Tailored for GLOCK 43X MOS/48 MOS and GLOCK 43X RAIL/48 RAIL, this ultra-lightweight and compact weapon light enhances visibility and targeting. Its high-power LED ensures extreme brightness, while ambidextrous operation adds convenience. The one-handed snap-on and tightened interface prioritize safety by keeping hands away from the muzzle during attachment or detachment.
Pros:
- Exclusively designed for railed Glocks
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- High-power LED for extreme brightness
- Ambidextrous operation
- Safe one-handed snap-on and tightened interface
Cons:
- It does not include a laser, limiting aiming options
About Streamlight TLR8 Sub
Streamlight 69418 TLR-8 Sub 500-Lumen
The Streamlight 69418 TLR-8 Sub is a compact and potent tactical light tailored exclusively for 1913 short-railed models. Featuring a 500-lumen white light and a <5mW red aiming laser, it ensures precise targeting with a 141-meter beam distance. Ambidextrous rear switches offer customizable operation, while the IPX4-rated design guarantees water-resistant performance. The compact dimensions, measuring 1.16 inches in width and 2.51 inches in length, make it a lightweight yet powerful choice. With a 10-year storage life, this tactical light is ready for action, providing 1.5 hours of continuous LED illumination and 11 hours of laser-only output.
Pros:
- Tailored for 1913 short-railed models
- Powerful 500-lumen white light and red aiming laser
- Ambidextrous rear switches for versatile operation
- Compact and lightweight design
- 10-year battery storage life
Cons:
- The strobe function requires precise double-tap
- Specific fit for 1913 short-railed models may limit universal use
Comparison of The Streamlight TLR7 Sub vs Streamlight TLR8 Sub
Size and Dimensions
The Streamlight TLR7 sub vs Streamlight TLR8 sub boast an ultra-sleek, compact design ideal for smaller handguns or concealed carry. They snugly attach to the firearm without adding bulk. The TLR8 sub slightly extends underneath to accommodate its built-in laser, giving it a more pronounced look than the flush TLR7 sub. However, this difference is minimal and only noticeable if you seek an ultra-streamlined fit.
Both Streamlight models offer superbly compact and luminous options for everyday carry firearms. While the TLR8 sub is a tad larger due to the laser, both deliver lightweight, low-profile illumination solutions for compact handguns.
Light Output
Regarding brightness, the Streamlight TLR7 sub vs Streamlight TLR8 sub are evenly matched, offering a maximum output of 500 lumens. This illumination level is perfectly suitable for close-quarters usage or home defence situations.
The main difference in the beams is that the TLR8 sub produces a more diffused, flood-style beam, while the TLR7 sub has a more focused hotspot and tighter overall beam. The TLR8 sub’s more diffused beam is likely due to the laser housing, which helps spread the LED’s output.
In real-world use, both lights provide ample brightness for their compact size. The TLR7 sub will give you more throw and reach if you need to identify targets at longer distances. The TLR8 sub diffuses brightness over a wider area up close. So it comes down to beam preferences – choose the TLR7 sub for a more tactical-style hotspot or the TLR8 sub for a smoother flood illumination. But their peak 500-lumen output is equally vital.
Features:
When checking out the Streamlight TLR7 sub vs Streamlight TLR8 sub, the standout difference is the TLR8’s bonus feature – an integrated green laser for added aiming precision. This laser gives you a dual-threat-seeking setup, complementing the flashlight’s illumination.
So, with the TLR8 sub, you get a compact package with two targeting systems, while the TLR7 sub sticks to being a light-only option, missing out on that laser versatility.
Beyond the laser, both share handy features like momentary or constant switching, a tactical strobe mode and a switch lockout to prevent accidental activation.
Whether it’s worth it depends on whether you value that extra laser capability for your concealed carry light. Either way, Streamlight’s compact design is paired with practical tactical functions.
Power Source:
Both lights operate on a single CR123 battery, thoughtfully provided by Streamlight. It’s important to note that these lights are not rechargeable. While the battery life is respectable, routine battery replacement is required for continuous use.
Rail Interface:
When setting up, the Streamlight TLR7 sub vs Streamlight TLR8 sub fit standard KeyMod, MLOK, and Picatinny rails for rifles. However, the TLR8 sub offers models tailored for common pistols like Glock, M&P, P320, and more.
One thing to note is that the TLR8 sub might not snugly fit holsters made explicitly for the TLR7 sub due to its slightly larger size accommodating the laser. It varies based on the holster. So, if you’ve got TLR7 sub holsters, they might need replacing for the chunkier TLR8 sub.
Mounting on standard or pistol rails is straightforward for both lights. The TLR8 sub has pistol-specific models, ensuring a precise fit on popular handguns. The size difference mainly matters if you’re considering using existing TLR7 subholsters in the future.
Durability:
Streamlight nails toughness with their TLR7 sub and TLR8 sub weapon lights. Built tough, both sport aircraft-grade aluminium bodies, ensuring they can take a beating without breaking a sweat. They’re waterproof and feature shatter-proof lenses, making them super resilient.
With their aluminium build, waterproofing, and sturdy lenses, these Streamlight models are tough cookies. They handle rough use and harsh weather like champs. Despite their small size, the TLR7 sub and TLR8 sub are no exceptions to Streamlight’s reputation for durability and top-notch performance. You can trust these lights to handle whatever comes your way without needing kid-glove treatment.
Streamlight TLR7 Sub vs TLR8 Sub
| Aspect | TLR7 Sub | TLR8 Sub |
| Purpose | Reliable weapon light | Upgraded version with added laser |
| Compatibility | Fits existing holsters | It may require a new holster |
| Laser Feature | No laser included | The green laser that remains on constantly |
| Beam Difference | Slightly tighter, directional beam | Slightly softer, broader light with variations |
| Adjustment Tool | The provided tool felt undersized, | Personal tools used for better adjustments |
| Compatibility | We may need a new holster for TLR8 | Compatibility issues with existing holster |
| Final Decision | It may require considerations for upgrade | Upgrade needs may prompt holster change |
Now you know the brief comparison of Streamlight TLR7 Sub vs Streamlight TLR8 Sub. You can read our article comprehensive buyers guide for Glock laser light.
End Thought:
The Streamlight TLR7 sub vs Streamlight TLR8 sub offer ultra-compact weapon light options for concealed carry. The TLR8 sub costs more but integrates a useful laser aiming device. Just confirm holster compatibility before upgrading from the TLR7 sub.
FAQs:
What is the difference between TLR7 and TLR-7 sub?
The Streamlight TLR-7 sub distinguishes itself with a more compact light body profile than the TLR-7A while maintaining a powerful 500-lumen output. The package includes the TLR-7 sub Pistol Light, a CR123A Battery, and a Mounting Key for Glock or SIG. It is notably assembled in the USA. However, it’s crucial to note that TLR-7 or TLR-7A holsters may not be suitable for the TLR-7 sub due to their distinct design.