Good morning, SF. I know we've discussed flashlights before, so I'm hesitant to bring it up again. But you guys and gals have a ton of good information and experience, so I'll ask to tap into that.

Short version of the long story: yesterday I got a call about an alarm condition at work. Important note: this wasn't a break-in type alarm -- I'm smart enough to know I'm not qualified to go in first under that kind of condition -- but rather an alarm saying one of the 24-7 systems in the building simply wasn't responding. I'm fairly far down on the call list, so I figured nobody else had it handled and I'd go take a look.

I got in touch with one of our maintenance guys and headed on over. The lights in the building take a good while to come on fully, so I grabbed a flashlight on my way out of the house. As I reached the system in question, I found just how inadequate the light I grabbed was. I could see to get around the building well enough, but it was tough to see details in/around the system in question. At that point I thought, "I need to keep better lights than this in the house and cars." (Things I wanted better-lit yesterday were roughly 20 feet away, and generally dark in color to begin with.)

When I got home I tinkered with a couple of lights I have, and found that they're just fine for working under the hood of a car or looking for the dog after dark as she seems to get a kick out of hiding in the yard once in a while. But I feel like I need something better for "more serious" looking. (Not that I have to go inspect the building often, mind you.)

Having had several small Streamlight models (Microstream), I hit up Streamlight's web site last night. The Protac series seems like the right direction -- not huge like an old-school four-cell Mag-Lite -- and not horribly expensive.

After some surfing, I think I like the Protac HL3. The HL-X seems like a nice one too, in that it will take both CR123A cells and the USB-rechargeable battery pack.

I know people will want to chime in with recommendations from other brands. Though I'm mostly curious about this one, I'm open to suggestions. With that in mind, I'm somewhat budget-conscious as well -- $65 for a flashlight makes me a little squirmy, and I'm really reluctant to go over $100. (For reference: HL-X is available from "Bezos World" at roughly $88, and HL3 is roughly $81.)

Anyone here using Streamlight Protac lights? Got opinions?

Thank you.

No experience with that light. Sure it is good to go though. I own mostly Fenix but they have gotten expensive so not planning on another. Although they do 20% off coupons which help. There are some really good options. But I want something with some name recognition if I am spending serious $. More than $50 Good luck.

If you choose to use a CR123 model, I've had very good experiences using rechargeable inexpensive batteries in a Polytac.

My ProTacs are the rechargables and have been excellent. Streamlight also has a great rechargable keychain light I just bought. Very bright. My HL 5 X is very bright but not a pocket light.

I'm glad to hear the rechargeables are good.

Isthe battery in those charged outside the light? I'm thinking in terms of having spares charged and ready.

I carry an 1100 lumen protac usb whenever I work nights.

It is very good light, get the USB chargeable version, freedom from cr123 batteries is a great thing.

I have a Protac HL USB rechargeable that was my nightstand light for a few years. It worked fine, no issues, 850 Lumens I think. The ability to recharge it directly by plugging a USB cable into it with any USB charger is great, and essential if the light will be carried. Anything that needs a separate battery charger or makes you remove the battery from the light to charge it is a no-go except for dedicated home use.

I have most of the Streamlight USB rechargeables - Microstream USB, Stylus USB, Keylight USB, etc.

At this point I would not buy any light that is not rechargeable or dual fuel by design and intent.

My current nightstand flashlight and for general home use is a Surefire Peacekeeper with low/high power. I keep a couple extra 18650's in the charger for fast swapping if needed. In the car I have a Surefire Stiletto USB rechargeable, and in my work backpack I have a Surefire Sidekick. The last two have non-replaceable internal batteries, but they are otherwise deal for their intended uses.

Streamlight in general are good lights and I've never had one go bad. I use TLR-7A's on my P320's because they fit perfectly with the appropriate key. However I find their standard line of CR123 lights to be underwhelming. One exception is the Protac CR123/AA since it can use either battery type.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lefty Sig,

It may be worth it to look into a model with a warmer, high CRI led. This will help provide a lot more contrast in your situation where you're trying to look into a mess of a darkly colored area.

The other thing to consider is get one that can be used both as a handheld and as a headlight. This just really improves usability imho.

I'm a fan of Fenix lights. I have six flashlights and a headlamp, all rechargeable.
A couple charge by a USB cable, similar to charging a cellphone, and the others use rechargeable CR123 batteries.
I'm very happy with the performance of them all.

Just last night I used my PD35 to see what my dog was all excited about at the back fence along the woods 200 feet out from my deck (it was a couple of coyotes that I could easily see).

You won't be disappointed with a Fenix light.

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:

You won't be disappointed with a Fenix light.

I have a Fenix that stopped working. Contacted the no-support department who told me that they no longer have repair parts for that model, but they would give me a "special deal" -- 20% off on any new Fenix light.

That is a real "special deal" all right. The same as they are offering to the rest of the world in their current promotion.

No more Fenix for me, not going to spend that kind of money on a product that they will not repair, even if I am willing to pay for the out-of-warranty repair.

I bought a Protac 2 years ago and it was okay, but I was fairly careful with it.

Then I went back to the best light, a SureFire.

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
at the back fence along the woods 200 feet out

Sweet.

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
Then I went back to the best light, a SureFire.

I'm open to suggestions. Which model?

(I figured Surefire, Fenix, and Streamlight would be the most mentioned here.)

All of the Streamlight stuff is fine. I've used the Polytac, HL-X, various Stingers, Strion, Strion LED, Microstream, Macrostrem, and others. They make decent products that are high performance and affordable and offer a good warranty that you'll probably not need.

I also like their 18660 rechargeables with a built in USB port. No need for a special charger and really only need access to a USB port in a pinch.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
at the back fence along the woods 200 feet out

Sweet.

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
Then I went back to the best light, a SureFire.

I'm open to suggestions. Which model?

(I figured Surefire, Fenix, and Streamlight would be the most mentioned here.)

This is the one I've been using for the last 1-1/2 years:

1,200 lumens high, 5 lumens low.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Given your options, I would go for one of the HL-Xs. Primary reason is the ability to use a rechargeable large capacity battery.

The options are definitely overwhelming. I’ve had a little bit of everything, and stream light and sure fire are definitely good quality. However, I’ve had success with Fenix lights for my career. Currently a UC35. I have zero complaints.

I also agree with above that a decent headlamp can also really be handy.

I have several ProTac's. 1 HL-X and a handful of 2L-X. I love them. I also have a Stinger Switchblade. It's a great rechargeable work light.

I have three hlx long gun light and for the price they are excellent. I actually purchased two after using it. One for a 10"AR, one on a 14"AR and one for a 18" 870.

The tape switch is not the best one out there but more competitive with brands 3x the price.

I have run one through 1k rounds on the 10" without failure.

I have several protacs in my bag, all compact. The 90X is very small, puts out a lot of light, and I have some of the 2AA and 2AAA lights. I also use a Sidewinder light; the batteries go on forever on the low setting, with a colored LED.

I've had few streamlights in which the switch didn't eventually fail. I prefer Surefire, and carry a surefire light on my belt all the time.

I also have an Energizer 6AA light which I use for most things, in my bag. It's got a bright 1,500 lumen setting, and a lesser setting I use most of the time. The batteries have good life on the lower setting, and it's enough for most of what I use, even in the daylight. At night, more than enough.

The energizer is a lot more economical, and you can find them at home depot. I have several at home (the wife takes them), and they're great. Like the bunny, they keep going and going.

I can’t comment on the specific brands you are considering but I have migrated my flashlight use to using good headlamps. It seems that I’m always needing to use both hands and the better units can throw a tremendous amount of light.

I’m currently using the Nightcore HC60 and have been very impressed with its performance.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M...uYlIWf9yykV4826&th=1