Streamlight has been oddly quiet about the TLR-9, and in general a bit quiet about their range of new products for SHOT Show. This includes a TL Racker for the Mossberg Shockwave and SBS Mossbergs, and of course the TLR-9.
The TLR-9 is Streamlight’s newest full-sized weapon light. This model is specifically designed for the guys and gals who like to shoot beyond full-sized handguns. Think GLOCK 34, HK VP9 Longslide, the SIG XFIVE series and similar. It’s designed to add that little bit of length to be closer to the end of the barrel for a cleaner fit and to avoid the barrel creating a large shadow in the top center of your beam.
The TLR-9 is a 1,000 lumen 200 meter light powered by two CR123s with a 1.5 hour run time on high. Power-wise it’s similar to the TLR-1. It just happens to be longer in one direction and shorter in another.
The TLR-1 has a height of 1.44 inches and the TLR 9 has a height of 1.27 inches. The TLR-9 is also a bit slimmer, but also almost half an inch longer. The most evident difference is the trim look the TLR-9 has.
The ergonomics have also changed with the light using Streamlight’s relatively new high or low ambidextrous switch system. This allows the light to sit nice and snug against the trigger guard with easily accessible on and off switches that are easily changed by the user to either the high or low position. While the TLR-9 is aimed at full-sized handguns it would look clean on a rifle or similar long gun.
The limited handling I got at SHOT proved the light is quite ergonomic and the controls are quick and responsive. At 4.26 ounces, it’s not overly heavy and seems to be a great option for those using the larger category of handguns for home defense or duty use.
You may not be compelled to trade in your TLR-1 for a TLR 9, but there are good reasons why someone would choose this model over the older TLR-1 model when weapon light shopping.
Here’s Streamlight’s press release announcing the new model . . .
Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the TLR-9™ rail mounted tactical light, designed for use with full frame handguns. Featuring a slim, compact design, the new light offers ergonomic rear switches with either a low or high position to match users’ shooting styles, while providing 1,000 lumens for a variety of tactical and home defense uses.
“This lightweight new tactical light is engineered to be both sleek and powerful, featuring a high power LED for extreme brightness and extensive range, as well as good peripheral coverage,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “It also features an ambidextrous on/off rear switch with low and high positions to suit user preference. And it fits a wide variety of full frame handguns, making it an ideal light for first responder and tactical applications.”
The TLR-9 uses a power LED to provide 1,000 lumens and 10,000 candela over a 200-meter beam distance with a run time of 1.5 hours; the light’s strobe mode offers 3 continuous hours of run time. The light is energized by two 3 Volt CR123A lithium batteries.
Securely fitting to a broad range of weapons, the TLR-9 features a one-handed, snap on and tighten interface that keeps hands away from gun muzzles when attaching or detaching it. The light also includes a Safe Off feature, locking it to prevent accidental activation. A key kit is included to securely fit the light to a broad array of handguns.
Constructed with durable 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, the TLR-9 weighs 4.26 ounces and measures 3.87 inches in length.
With extensively live-fire tested, impact-resistant construction, the new model features an IPX7-rated design, making it waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The TLR-9 is packaged as the TLR-9 FLEX that comes with a High switch mounted on the light, plus an included Low switch. It has an MSRP of $240.00, and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.