The Byrna CL is the smallest launcher Byrna makes, and Byrna rates it at the same 41.9 J/in² energy density as its full-size LE, in a package Byrna says is 38% smaller by overall volume than the SD. That combination is genuinely impressive. The catch is that you pay for the size, not the power: the CL Universal Kit is $549.99, which is $150 more than the SD and $50 more than the LE. It also runs its own .61-caliber ammo line, and for just $30 more, the CL-XL fixes the CL’s two biggest weaknesses. The CL is the right launcher for a specific buyer, and this review is about figuring out whether that’s you.
The verdict: Buy the CL if concealment decides whether you carry a launcher at all. The Byrna CL Universal Kit is $549.99 direct from Byrna, in a dozen finishes. If you can accept about three-quarters of an inch more length, look hard at the CL-XL at $579.99: it runs on widely available 12-gram CO₂ and ships with a 7-round magazine. If size doesn’t matter to you, the SD does most of the same job for $150 less.
Most CL coverage treats it as a smaller SD. It isn’t. It’s faster, it hits the same energy density as the LE, and it costs more than both, so the real question isn’t whether it’s powerful enough. It’s whether its size is worth the premium, and whether the CL-XL is the better version of the same idea.
How We Evaluated It
We built this review from Byrna’s published specifications, kit contents, and product announcements, plus current Byrna.com and Amazon listings. Where figures come from Byrna, we say so, and where Byrna’s own materials disagree, we show both.
Which Byrna CL Should You Buy?
There are three realistic ways to buy into the CL platform right now: the standard CL kit direct from Byrna, the CL bundle on Amazon, and the CL-XL.
| Package | Price | Rounds / CO₂ | Where | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL Universal Kit | $549.99 | 15 Kinetic / 2 × 8g | Byrna.com | Most buyers, especially anyone adding chemical rounds or wanting a specific finish |
| CL Ultimate Bundle | $549.99–$579.99 | 65 Kinetic / 7 × 8g | Amazon | Buyers who plan to train right away |
| CL-XL Universal Kit | $579.99 | 15 Kinetic / 2 × 12g | Byrna.com | Buyers who want 12g CO₂ and a 7-round magazine |
| Prices checked September 2026 and change frequently. Amazon bundle pricing varies by color. | ||||
The CL Universal Kit is Byrna’s standard package: the launcher, two 5-round magazines, two 8-gram CO₂ cylinders, three 5-round tubes of .61 Kinetic projectiles, a launcher card, and a carrying case. Buying direct has three practical advantages. Byrna gives verified military members, first responders, and teachers 10% off at checkout. You can add chemical rounds, CO₂, or a holster to the same order. And Byrna.com offers far more finishes, a dozen at the time of writing, from Black and Safety Orange to Tan, Green Cerakote, and several pinks. Byrna currently also offers free shipping on orders over $100 in the contiguous U.S.
Check the CL Universal Kit at Byrna →
The Ultimate Bundle is the CL package Byrna sells on Amazon. It includes the launcher, a carrying case, two 5-round magazines, three tubes of Kinetic, a 50-count bag of Kinetic, and seven 8-gram CO₂ cylinders, with a 1-year warranty. It’s sold by Byrna Technologies and ships with Prime. In Black it’s $579.99, which is $30 more than the Universal Kit for 50 more rounds and five more cartridges. At Byrna’s current bulk pricing, that added supply works out to roughly $36, so it’s a modest savings if you already plan to train.
The Color Deal Worth Knowing
When we checked, Amazon listed the Safety Orange Ultimate Bundle at $549.99, the same price as Byrna’s Universal Kit, while Black was $579.99. If you don’t mind orange, that bundle gets you the extra 50 rounds and five cartridges for no extra money. Select the color on the listing, since prices shift.
Check the CL Ultimate Bundle on Amazon →
None of these packages include chemical rounds, so .61 Pepper or MAX rounds are always a separate purchase. Byrna markets its kinetic-only kits as legal for civilian ownership in all U.S. states, but state and local carry, transport, discharge, and possession rules can still apply.
In this review
Byrna CL Specs
Caliber.61Not compatible with .68 rounds
Muzzle velocity400 fpsAt room temperature
Energy density41.9 J/in²Same as the LE, per Byrna
Kinetic energy12 JPer Byrna’s lineup comparison
CO₂8 gram15 shots at room temperature
Magazine5 roundsTwo per kit
Size6.81″ long0.76 lb, per Byrna
SafetyNo external safety leverHas a loaded chamber indicator
Byrna also lists fiber optic sights, a red-dot-ready universal bolt pattern, a Picatinny rail, and a 60-foot effective range. Byrna says the CL is not classified as a firearm under federal law and therefore does not require the federal background-check process associated with firearm purchases. State and local laws can still regulate purchase, possession, carry, transport, or use. Byrna requires buyers to be 18 or older.
What the CL Does Well
It’s small enough to actually carry. Byrna lists the CL at 6.81 inches long, 5.1 inches tall, 1.18 inches wide, and 0.76 pounds, and says it’s 38% smaller by overall volume than the SD. That’s the whole point of the launcher. A larger launcher that stays home because it doesn’t fit your pocket, purse, or console protects no one.
It hits LE-level energy density in the smallest frame. Byrna rates the CL at 41.9 J/in², the same figure it publishes for the LE and well above the SD’s 30. Byrna uses energy density to normalize for projectile size, which makes it useful alongside raw kinetic energy when comparing the .61- and .68-caliber launchers. The CL matches the LE’s published 41.9 J/in² energy-density figure, although the LE still carries more total kinetic energy.
It’s the fastest launcher in its class. At a rated 400 fps, the CL is faster than the SD (280) and the LE (330). Only the CL-XL, at 410, is faster in the pistol lineup.
It’s built for modern carry setups. Fiber optic sights, a red-dot-ready mounting pattern, and a loaded chamber indicator are all standard. Those are features Byrna added with the CL generation, and they matter more on a launcher you’re likely to carry daily.
It comes in more finishes than any other Byrna. A dozen options on Byrna.com means you can pick for discretion, visibility, or personal taste, which is a real consideration on a launcher you’ll carry in public.
Byrna CL Universal Kit
Check current price at Byrna →$549.99 direct from Byrna, with 10% off for verified military, first responders, and teachers
The CL’s Price Puzzle
Byrna’s pistol prices don’t follow power. The four current Universal Kits run $399.99 for the SD, $499.99 for the LE, $549.99 for the CL, and $579.99 for the CL-XL. The LE is Byrna’s most powerful .68-caliber pistol, yet the smaller CL costs $50 more.
What you’re paying for is miniaturization. The CL delivers the LE’s rated energy density and a higher velocity in a launcher meant for pockets and consoles. That’s a real engineering achievement, and it’s reasonable that it costs more. But it means the CL is a premium product, not a budget one, and it should be bought for its size.
The Practical Reading
If you’ll carry it, the CL’s premium buys something the SD and LE can’t give you. If it’ll mostly sit on a nightstand, you’re paying $150 over the SD for a size advantage you won’t use.
Known Issues
Five Things to Know Before You Buy
- It costs more than the LE. At $549.99, the CL Universal Kit is $150 more than the SD and $50 more than the LE. You’re paying for size, not more power than the LE.
- It has its own ammo line. The CL fires .61-caliber projectiles only, and .68 rounds from the SD or LE won’t fit. The .61 lineup covers Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds, but there’s no .61 Eco-Kinetic, Byrna’s water-soluble training round. Check the caliber on every ammo order.
- It gets the fewest shots per CO₂. Byrna rates the CL at 15 shots per 8-gram cartridge at room temperature, the lowest in the pistol lineup. And 8-gram cartridges are harder to find in stores than standard 12-gram. The CL-XL addresses both.
- There’s no external safety lever. Byrna lists this plainly. For pocket or purse carry, use a holster or carry setup that fully covers the trigger.
- Five-round magazines are standard. The CL kit ships with two 5-round magazines. Byrna does sell a CL 7-round magazine as an add-on on the CL’s product page, and the CL-XL ships with one in the box.
CL or CL-XL?
For many buyers, this is the real decision. The CL-XL is built on the CL and uses the same .61-caliber rounds, but it runs on 12-gram CO₂ and ships with a 7-round magazine. Byrna says it adds just over three-quarters of an inch to the overall length.
| Spec | CL | CL-XL |
|---|---|---|
| Kit price | $549.99 | $579.99 |
| Velocity | 400 fps | 410 fps |
| Energy density | 41.9 J/in² | 42.3 J/in² |
| CO₂ | 8 g | 12 g |
| Shots per CO₂ | 15 | 17 |
| Magazines in kit | Two 5-round | One 7-round, one 5-round |
| Best for | Smallest possible carry | Easier CO₂ and more capacity |
| Byrna.com figures, September 2026. Shot counts at room temperature. | ||
The case for the CL-XL is strong: for $30, you get the much more widely available 12-gram CO₂ size, two more rated shots per cartridge, and a 7-round magazine for 7+1 capacity. The case for the CL is the extra three-quarters of an inch. If that length is the difference between a launcher that fits your pocket and one that doesn’t, the CL is the right call. If it isn’t, the CL-XL is likely the better buy. Our Byrna CL-XL review covers it in depth.
Check the CL-XL Universal Kit at Byrna →
Who Should Skip It
Where to Look Instead
- If the launcher will mostly stay at home → the SD does the job for $150 less, with more shots per cartridge and the .68 ammo line. See our Byrna SD review.
- If you want the most kinetic energy in a pistol → the LE is rated at 15.2 joules, the highest in the lineup, and costs $50 less than the CL. See our Byrna LE review.
- If you want the CL concept with easier CO₂ → the CL-XL uses 12-gram cartridges and ships with a 7-round magazine for $30 more.
- If you want water-soluble training rounds → stay with the .68 platform. Eco-Kinetic isn’t made in .61.
Byrna CL vs. SD vs. LE
| Model | Kit Price | Velocity | Kinetic Energy | Energy Density | Caliber | CO₂ | Shots per CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byrna CL | $549.99 | 400 fps | 12 J | 41.9 J/in² | .61 | 8 g | 15 |
| Byrna SD | $399.99 | 280 fps | 10.9 J | 30 J/in² | .68 | 8 g | 22 |
| Byrna LE | $499.99 | 330 fps | 15.2 J | 41.9 J/in² | .68 | 12 g | 17 |
| Universal Kit prices and performance figures from Byrna.com, September 2026. Byrna’s figures are averages at room temperature. Energy density normalizes for projectile size and is useful alongside total kinetic energy when comparing .61- and .68-caliber launchers. | |||||||
CL vs. SD comes down to carry. The SD costs $150 less, gets 22 shots per cartridge, and uses the .68 ammo line with Eco-Kinetic training rounds. The CL is smaller, faster, and rated at higher energy density. If you’ll carry it daily, the CL earns its premium. If it’ll stay home, the SD is the better value. Our Byrna CL vs SD comparison goes deeper.
CL vs. LE is a size-versus-power trade. The two share the same rated energy density, but the LE delivers more total kinetic energy, costs $50 less, and uses 12-gram CO₂. The LE is the better home launcher; the CL is the better carry launcher.
What It Actually Costs to Run
The launcher is a one-time cost. CO₂ and rounds are what you keep buying, and at Byrna’s current prices the math looks like this:
| Consumable | Price | Approx. Cost Each | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8g CO₂, 10-pack | $19.99 | $2 per cartridge, about 13¢ per shot | At Byrna’s 15-shot rating |
| .61 Kinetic, 95-count | $49.99 | About 53¢ per round | Hard solid rounds; can be collected and reused |
| .61 Pro-Training, 25-count | $24.99 | About $1 per round | Practice round without irritant |
| .61 Pepper, 5-count | $24.99 | About $5 per round | OC/PAVA irritant; shipping restrictions apply |
| .61 MAX, 5-count | $29.99 | About $6 per round | OC/CS blend; shipping restrictions apply |
| Byrna.com prices, September 2026. Per-shot CO₂ cost assumes the rated 15 shots at room temperature. | |||
Two things stand out against the SD. Gas costs about half again as much per shot, because the CL gets 15 shots from the same $2 cartridge the SD stretches to 22. And without a .61 Eco-Kinetic round, your cheapest practice option is reusable Kinetic, which means collecting rounds after each session. For a full breakdown of each round type, see our Byrna ammo guide.
Living With the CL
Ownership Reality
The CL’s size is the reason you’ll carry it, and its caliber is the reason you’ll plan ahead. Nothing in a .68 ammo stash fits it, so every order of rounds is a CL-specific order.
Keep one magazine for defense and one for practice. Keep one magazine loaded with your chosen defensive rounds, ideally .61 Pepper or .61 MAX rounds where legal, and use the second magazine for practice. Stage the launcher with a fresh, unpierced CO₂ cartridge. After any practice session that pierces the CO₂, replace it before returning the launcher to a ready state.
Keep 8-gram CO₂ on hand. A 10-pack of Byrna 8-gram CO₂ cylinders is the first thing to add to your order, since 8-gram cartridges are harder to find locally. Our Byrna CO₂ guide covers piercing, storage, and shot counts in more detail.
Carry it in something that covers the trigger. With no external safety lever, the carry method matters more than it does on the SD or LE. A holster made for the CL, or a pocket or purse setup that fully covers the trigger, is the right starting point.
Think about finish as a carry decision. Black is the most discreet. A bright finish like Safety Orange is easier to tell apart from a firearm at a glance. Which matters more depends on how and where you carry.
Flying With Your CL
TSA does not permit charged CO₂ cartridges in carry-on or checked baggage. Empty compressed-gas cylinders may be allowed only when TSA can clearly verify that they’re empty, so for Byrna’s charged disposable cartridges, plan on buying CO₂ at your destination. With the CL’s 8-gram size, that’s harder than it is with 12-gram, which is one more point in the CL-XL’s favor for frequent travelers.
Mind the cold. If the CL lives in a vehicle through the winter, expect lower velocity and fewer shots than Byrna’s room-temperature ratings. With only 15 rated shots to start, that margin matters more on the CL than on the SD.
Byrna CL FAQ
What caliber does the Byrna CL use?
The CL fires .61-caliber projectiles only. The SD, LE, and Byrna’s rifles use .68 caliber, and those rounds won’t fit the CL. The CL-XL shares the CL’s .61 ammo.
What .61 rounds does Byrna make?
Byrna currently offers .61 Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds. There’s no .61 Eco-Kinetic, Byrna’s water-soluble training round.
What comes in the Byrna CL Universal Kit?
The launcher, two 5-round magazines, two 8-gram CO₂ cylinders, three 5-round tubes of .61 Kinetic projectiles, a launcher card, and a carrying case. It does not include chemical projectiles. Some retailer listings show slightly different contents, so confirm before buying.
How many shots does the Byrna CL get per CO₂ cartridge?
Byrna rates the CL at 15 shots per 8-gram cartridge at room temperature. Cold weather reduces that. The CL-XL is rated at 17 shots per 12-gram cartridge.
Is the Byrna CL a firearm?
Byrna says the CL is not classified as a firearm under federal law, so it doesn’t go through the federal background-check process used for firearm purchases. State and local laws can still regulate purchase, possession, carry, transport, or use, and Byrna requires buyers to be 18 or older. See our guide to Byrna legality by state.
Does the Byrna CL have a safety?
Byrna lists the CL as having no external safety lever. It does have a loaded chamber indicator. Carry it in a holster or setup that fully covers the trigger.
Is it cheaper to buy the Byrna CL on Amazon or from Byrna?
It depends on color. When we checked, the Safety Orange Ultimate Bundle on Amazon cost the same as Byrna’s Universal Kit but included 50 more rounds and five more CO₂ cartridges, while Black cost $30 more. Buying direct makes more sense if you qualify for Byrna’s 10% military, first responder, or teacher discount, want a finish Amazon doesn’t carry, or want chemical rounds in the same order.
Bottom Line
If concealment decides whether you carry, the Byrna CL Universal Kit is the smallest launcher Byrna makes, rated at LE-level energy density.
If three-quarters of an inch doesn’t matter, the CL-XL gets you 12-gram CO₂ and a 7-round magazine for $30 more.
If you plan to practice from day one and don’t mind orange, the CL Ultimate Bundle on Amazon has been the best value, with 65 rounds and seven cartridges.
If you want chemical capability, add .61 Pepper or .61 MAX rounds to your order, after confirming Byrna ships them to your state.
If it’ll mostly stay home, skip the CL and read our Byrna SD review.
Ready to Start With the CL?
Check the CL Universal Kit at Byrna →The Universal Kit is $549.99 direct from Byrna, in a dozen finishes
Traveling with your CL? The TSA’s CO₂ cartridge guidance explains what’s allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
Sources: Byrna Technologies product pages, published specifications, and product announcements; Byrna’s Amazon listing; current retailer data. We have not independently tested the Byrna CL.
Legal note: This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Laws on less-lethal launchers and chemical projectiles vary by state, county, and city, and Byrna’s shipping restrictions are company policy rather than law. Check the rules where you live and travel before buying, carrying, or using any less-lethal device.
Affiliate disclosure: Guns Ammo & Gear participates in affiliate programs and may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships never determine which products we recommend or how we describe them.
Note: Prices are approximate and change frequently. Verify current pricing and specifications before purchasing.
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can the cl magazine hold kinetic rounds and pepper rounds at the same time alternately?
Hey Mark. Yes — you sure can mix kinetic rounds and pepper (chemical) rounds in the same Byrna CL magazine, including alternating them. The mag doesn’t care what type of .61 cal projectile you load; it’ll feed them in whatever order you stack them.
That said, there’s a right way to do it. Chemical rounds have a seam, and if you load them seam-to-seam under spring pressure, they’re more likely to crack or leak over time. That’s why most experienced users (and Byrna themselves) recommend putting a kinetic round on top, then either grouping or alternating below it. The kinetic round takes the pressure, and the chemical rounds stay happier.
Bottom line: mixed loads work, lots of people do it, just don’t stack chemical rounds seam-to-seam at the top. If you keep that in mind, the CL handles mixed ammo just fine