Streamlight ProTac HL-X: A Beefy EDC Rechargeable Flashlight
If you’ve been following my EDC content, you’d know that I love the Streamlight ProTac HL-X. Surprisingly enough, I’ve never created any specific content on this EDC rechargeable flashlight. Well, that all ends today.
I’ve been carrying the Streamlight ProTac HL-X since July 2021, and it’s just about the only flashlight that I EDC here of late. That said, the Streamlight ProTac HL-X is an extremely beefy rechargeable flashlight, and many people may not consider it an “EDC” or “pocket-friendly” flashlight. I, however, find it fits my pocket nicely, and while on the larger side of the spectrum, the 1,000 lumens pushes out some serious light.
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As with all my flashlights, it’s not optional but rather necessary for me to swap out the clip and put on a Thyrm Switchback 2.0. It makes indexing and deploying the light exceptionally fast, and I like that it allows me to have greater retention of the light and manipulate it. It should be noted that when you purchase the Streamlight ProTac HL-X, it comes with the standard metal clip, not one of the Thyrm Switchbacks, as shown in the images of my personal EDC flashlight.
Being that the Streamlight ProTac HL-X is so large, it appears that the brand tried to remedy this by recently launching the Streamlight ProTac HL USB. It’s essentially a similar 1,000-lumen flashlight, only the head of the flashlight is smaller than the HL-X and is the same size as the rest of the body. Will that help it carry better? Sure. But without physically holding it and testing it, I’m not sure how the light compares to the Streamlight ProTac HL-X that I use daily.
Disclaimer: I purchased the Streamlight ProTac HL-X with my own money. This product was not supplied to me by Streamlight, they did not pay me or compensate me to speak about their product, and the opinions on this product are solely mine and my personal experience with this handheld flashlight.
Table of contents
What Makes the Streamlight ProTac HL-X My Go-To EDC Flashlight?
For starters, I love the 1,000-lumen output. Add in the fact that I refuse to purchase any flashlights these days that aren’t rechargeable, and you have my ideal EDC flashlight.
I’m outside my property just about every night and with some red fox roaming around, deer, and other animals, I like to see my surroundings, and a smaller lumen light just won’t cut it.
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The Streamlight ProTac HL-X has a high/low/strobe output but also comes with the Streamlight Ten-Tap® programming that allows you to program the flashlight to your preferred operation cycle. Personally, I consider this my defensive light and want “all the lumens” all the time. When I activate the flashlight, I want to turn night into day and see everything around me and for distance. Therefore, I programmed my Streamlight ProTac HL-X to only come on high, no matter how many times I hit the tail switch.
I also prefer an EDC flashlight that when I grip it, the head of the flashlight extends past my hand, which allows it to be used as a kubotan or striking device if needed.
Flashlight Specifications
To save you from searching, below are the Streamlight ProTac HL-X specs directly from the brand’s website.
- Multi-Fuel — Uses rechargeable Streamlight SL-B26™ protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack or two CR123A lithium batteries
- Rechargeable system includes SL-B26 battery pack and USB cord and nylon holster
- Non-rechargeable system includes two CR123A lithium batteries and nylon holster
- TEN-TAP® Programming — Choice of three user-selectable programs:
- 1) high/strobe/low
- 2) high only
- 3) low/medium/high
- Output:
- High for maximum illumination: 1,000 lumens; 330m beam; runs 1.25 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 1.5 hours (SL-B26 battery pack)
- Medium for bright light and longer run time: 400 lumens; 200m beam; runs 3 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 3.5 hours (SL-B26 battery pack)
- Low for extended run time: 65 lumens; 80m beam; runs 20 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 23 hours (SL-B26 battery pack)
- Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 2.5 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 3.25 hours (SL-B26 battery pack)
- Durable, anodized aluminum construction; Unbreakable pocket clip
- IP68 rated; dust-tight and waterproof to 2m; All openings O-ring sealed
- 2m impact resistance tested
- Anti-roll head
- 5.43 in. (13.8 cm); 5.7 oz (162g) with CR123 batteries; 6.2 oz (176g) with SL-B26 battery pack
- RoHS compliant
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Is the Streamlight ProTac HL-X Waterproof?
The Streamlight ProTac HL-X is advertised as being water-resistant, but the exact level of waterproofing might vary. That said, it is IP68 rated and claims to be waterproof up to 2m. It’s important to note that there’s a distinction between water-resistant and waterproof.
Water-resistant typically means the device can withstand some exposure to moisture or light rain without being damaged. Waterproof, on the other hand, suggests a higher level of protection against water immersion and submersion.
How Do You Program the Streamlight ProTac HL-X?
The Streamlight ProTac HL-X flashlight typically has different programmable modes that you can configure based on your preferences. Please note that the exact instructions might vary based on the flashlight’s version and firmware. Below is a general guide on how to program the Streamlight ProTac HL-X:
Streamlight ProTac HL_X Programming Ten-Tap® Feature:
- Access Programming Mode: To access the programming mode, you need to tap the switch quickly 9 times, followed by holding it down on the 10th tap. Hold the switch down on the 10th tap until the light flashes, indicating you’ve entered programming mode.
- Select Mode: After entering programming mode, the light will flash once, twice, or three times, indicating the current selected programming. Tap the switch to cycle through the modes and select the one you want to change.
- Change Configuration: Once you’ve selected the desired mode, hold the switch down until the light flashes a certain number of times. This number of flashes corresponds to a specific configuration option. The configurations determine the number of output modes and the order in which they cycle.
- Exit Programming Mode: After setting the desired configuration, wait for the light to turn off or give a long flash. This indicates that the changes have been saved, and you can exit programming mode.
- Check Settings: To verify that your changes were successful, turn the flashlight on and cycle through the modes to ensure they match your programming.
It’s important to read the user manual that comes with your specific version of the ProTac HL-X, as the programming steps might vary slightly based on firmware updates or changes to the product design.
Keep in mind that programming flashlights with multiple modes can sometimes be a bit tricky and might require some practice. If you’re unsure about the process or encounter any issues, you can also contact Streamlight customer support for assistance.
Is There Anything I Dislike About the Streamlight ProTac HL-X?
The only thing that I can think of would be the overall thickness of the light could be smaller since the head of the flashlight is fairly large. Additionally, if you want to recharge the battery, you physically need to take the battery out to do so rather than simply exposing a USB port and plugging it in.
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However, if that’s something that bothers you, it seems like the Streamlight ProTac HL USB solves both of these issues (but also comes with a higher price tag as well).
Do You Want One?
Interestingly enough, you cannot purchase a flashlight directly from the Streamlight website — they force you to go through a retailer (which I fully respect as a business owner).
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That said, I’m not paid for this review or blog post, but if you want this flashlight and would like to support our website/business, you can purchase the Streamlight Protac HL-X on Amazon by clicking here, and your purchase will provide us with a small commission. Also, your flashlight can be used as a great improvised weapon if need be.
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And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor or tactical ninja, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. And if you are in the market for an EDC flashlight with 1,000 lumens, go ahead and pick up the Streamlight ProTac HL-X. You’ll thank me later.
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