Why Your Light Choice Determines Your Holster
A weapon-mounted light (WML) changes the geometry of your pistol significantly. The light adds length, width, and a rail-mounted profile that a standard holster simply cannot accommodate. If you're carrying with a light, you need a holster built specifically for your gun-and-light combination — not a universal fit or a "light compatible" shell that doesn't actually index on the light body.
Two brands dominate the carry-light market: Olight and Streamlight. Both make excellent lights, but they differ in size, mounting system, and holster compatibility. Here's what you need to know.
Olight Carry Lights: What to Know
Olight has built a strong following in the EDC and carry community. Their most popular carry-compatible models include:
- Olight PL-Mini 2 — Compact, 600 lumens, magnetic charging. One of the most popular carry lights due to its small footprint. Widely supported in holster cuts.
- Olight PL-Mini 3 — Updated version with improved output and a slightly revised body profile. Not interchangeable with PL-Mini 2 holsters.
- Olight Baldr S — Adds a green laser to the light package. Larger body than the PL-Mini series; requires its own holster cut.
- Olight PL-X — Full-size light with higher output. Larger profile; confirm holster availability for your specific gun pairing.
Important: Olight models are not cross-compatible in holsters. A holster cut for the PL-Mini 2 will not fit the PL-Mini 3 or Baldr S. Always specify your exact light model when ordering.
Streamlight Carry Lights: What to Know
Streamlight has been a staple in law enforcement and military for decades. Their carry-focused lineup includes:
- Streamlight TLR-7 Sub — Designed specifically for subcompact pistols with a 1913 or proprietary rail. The TLR-7 Sub comes in multiple rail variants — confirm your pistol's rail type before ordering.
- Streamlight TLR-7A — Full-size version for compact and full-size pistols. 500 lumens, ambidextrous switch.
- Streamlight TLR-8 — Adds an integrated red laser. Slightly larger than the TLR-7A.
Streamlight's TLR series uses a standard 1913 Picatinny or proprietary rail key system. The TLR-7 Sub in particular has model-specific variants (for SIG, Springfield, etc.) — make sure you have the right sub-model for your pistol.
Olight vs Streamlight: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Olight PL-Mini 2 | Streamlight TLR-7A |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 600 lumens | 500 lumens |
| Charging | Magnetic USB | CR123A battery |
| Size | Compact | Compact |
| Switch | Ambidextrous paddle | Ambidextrous paddle |
| Holster support | Wide | Wide |
Both are solid choices for carry. Olight's magnetic charging is convenient; Streamlight's battery-based system means no charging cables in the field. Neither is objectively better — it comes down to your preference and which holsters are available for your specific gun pairing.
Finding the Right Holster for Your Setup
At EDK Tactical, every light-bearing holster is molded to a specific gun-and-light combination. We don't use generic shells. That means the holster indexes on both the trigger guard of the pistol and the body of the light, giving you consistent retention and a clean draw every time.
Browse our IWB Light-Bearing Holsters to find your exact combination. If you're running a Canik METE MC9 Prime with an Olight, for example, we have holsters built specifically for:
- Canik METE MC9 Prime + Olight PL-X
- Canik METE MC9 Prime + Olight Baldr S
- Canik METE MC9 Prime + Olight PL-Mini 2
- Canik METE MC9 Prime + Streamlight TLR-7 Sub
Don't See Your Combination?
We're constantly adding new gun-and-light pairings. If you don't see your exact setup listed, reach out — we may be able to build it. Every holster ships with adjustable retention so you can dial in the fit once it arrives.