The Best Streamlight Flashlights in 2026
New Streamlight Lights for 2026: EDC, Pistol, Hunting and Rifle Lights
Steve and Caleb are at the Brownells bench with several new Streamlight lights for 2026.
Streamlight has a much larger lineup than what is on the bench, so Caleb selected several models that are particularly relevant for everyday carry, handguns, hunting, rifles, and night vision.
The lineup ranges from the compact Wedge SL EDC flashlight to the TLR-3 X handgun light, Sledge headlamp, ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X rifle light, and ProTac Rail Mount VIR with infrared capability.
Streamlight Wedge SL
First up is the Streamlight Wedge SL.
This compact EDC flashlight has an extremely thin profile designed to make it easy to carry in a pocket. It includes a pocket clip along with a removable rubber piece on top.
Unlike the other lights on the table, the Wedge SL uses an internal rechargeable battery. Charging is handled through a USB-C port, making it easy to recharge alongside other everyday electronic equipment.
Wedge SL Output and Controls
The Wedge SL provides several ways to control its output.
A quick press activates constant-on illumination. Another quick press turns the light off. Holding the control provides momentary illumination that shuts off when the user releases it.
There is also a higher-output mode available when additional light is needed.
The standard mode produces approximately 100 lumens and 300 candela. The brighter mode increases output to 500 lumens and approximately 1,600 candela.
That gives the user the ability to select a lower output for everyday tasks while still having considerably more light available when needed.
Understanding Lumens and Candela
Caleb also touches on the difference between lumens and candela.
Lumens describe the overall amount of light produced, while candela relates to beam intensity.
That distinction becomes increasingly important as the discussion moves from compact EDC lights into rifle lights, where greater beam intensity can be particularly useful for illuminating objects farther away.
Streamlight TLR-3 X Handgun Light
Next is the Streamlight TLR-3 X, a compact weapon-mounted light designed primarily for handguns.
The light comes with mounting options for a variety of pistols. The example shown is configured with a 1913 rail mount.
Streamlight also includes alternative switch paddles, allowing the shooter to change the control configuration depending on personal preference.
The TLR-3 X uses a polymer body with metal mounting hardware, helping keep the overall package lightweight.
Multi-Fuel Battery System
One of the TLR-3 X's notable features is its multi-fuel capability.
The light comes with Streamlight's rechargeable SL-B9 battery. The charging port is built directly into the battery, allowing it to be connected to the included charging cable.
The light can also use a CR123A battery.
That gives the user the convenience of a rechargeable battery while retaining the option of using a commonly available disposable battery when necessary.
TLR-3 X Output
The Streamlight TLR-3 X produces 500 lumens and approximately 6,500 candela.
Caleb describes the beam as a useful middle ground for a handgun light, providing a practical combination of illumination and beam intensity.
The light can be activated from either side using its rear controls.
Another practical consideration for any pistol-mounted light is holster availability, and Caleb notes that compatible holster options are already available for the TLR-3 X.
Streamlight Sledge Headlamp
The Streamlight Sledge moves away from weapon-mounted illumination and into hands-free lighting.
Caleb recently used the Sledge while working in the Brownells spray booth. Instead of holding a flashlight while checking his work, the headlamp allowed him to keep both hands free.
The same advantage applies to hunting.
A headlamp can be useful while packing equipment in the dark, tracking game, or handling other tasks where both hands are needed.
Sledge Rechargeable Battery
The Sledge uses Streamlight's SL-B26 rechargeable battery.
It is similar in size to the commonly used 18650 battery format and incorporates a charging port directly into the battery.
Caleb still recommends carrying spare batteries when heading into the field, but the larger rechargeable battery gives the Sledge the capacity needed for extended use.
Multiple Sledge Brightness Settings
The Sledge provides multiple output settings so the user can match the amount of light to the task.
The transcript lists settings ranging from 100 lumens up through 300, 600, and 1,000 lumens.
Lower settings make sense for close-up work where excessive brightness can become distracting. Higher settings provide additional illumination when the user needs to see farther away.
The Sledge comes with both rubber and cloth headband options. Caleb prefers the cloth version for comfort.
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X
Next, Steve and Caleb move into rifle-mounted lights with the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X.
This is a relatively compact rifle light that uses the same SL-B9 rechargeable battery discussed with the TLR-3 X. It can also operate with a CR123A battery.
The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X includes a 1913 rail mount along with an offset M-LOK mounting option.
Offset M-LOK Mount
The offset M-LOK mount allows the light to sit closer to the handguard rather than extending farther out from the side of the rifle.
That helps maintain a compact overall setup.
Caleb still likes having the traditional 1913 mounting option available, but the included offset M-LOK mount should fit the way many shooters configure modern rifle handguards.
850 Lumens and 30,000 Candela
The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X produces 850 lumens and 30,000 candela.
The higher candela gives the light more beam intensity and reach, which Caleb prefers on a rifle where the user may need illumination at greater distances.
That combination also makes the light worth considering for certain hunting applications where identifying or observing something farther away is important.
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount VIR
The final light is the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount VIR.
Unlike the standard rifle light, the VIR combines conventional white light with infrared illumination.
That makes it particularly relevant for shooters and hunters using night vision equipment.
The light can be switched between white light, infrared, and an off or safety setting.
IR Illumination and Night Vision
Infrared illumination can supplement a night vision device when additional light is needed.
How much improvement it provides depends on the particular night vision equipment being used, but the basic purpose is to provide IR illumination that the night vision system can detect.
When night vision is not being used, the ProTac VIR can operate as a conventional white-light rifle light.
That combination makes it a versatile option for a rifle that may be used under different lighting conditions.
Pressure Switch and Cable Management
The ProTac VIR can be activated from the tailcap, but it also includes a remote pressure switch.
The switch mounts to the rifle's rail and incorporates cable management to help keep the setup organized.
The shooter can position the switch based on normal hand placement on the handguard, keeping light activation accessible without requiring a major change in grip.
ProTac VIR Output and Battery
The ProTac VIR is the highest-output light discussed in the video, with the transcript listing approximately 40,000 candela.
It uses a rechargeable battery similar in size to an 18650, with a charging port incorporated directly into the battery.
The larger battery provides additional runtime and power compared with the smaller batteries used in some of the other Streamlight models.
The light is shown with a 1913 mounting system, with M-LOK mounting also available.
Choosing a Streamlight
The lights Steve and Caleb cover span a wide range of applications.
The Wedge SL is a compact rechargeable EDC flashlight. The TLR-3 X provides a lightweight weapon light for handguns. The Sledge gives hunters and other users hands-free illumination.
Moving to rifles, the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X combines a compact package with 30,000 candela and flexible mounting options. The ProTac Rail Mount VIR adds infrared capability for users running night vision equipment.
From something that disappears into a pocket to a rifle-mounted light intended for use with night vision, Streamlight has options covering a broad range of illumination needs.
If you use Streamlight products for everyday carry, hunting, or shooting, let us know about your experience in the comments. If you have questions about these lights or another setup, give the Brownells Tech Line a call. We'll be happy to help.
