The Streamlight PolyTac is an extremely durable, high-power flashlight constructed from a very tough nylon polymer. It sells for about $40 and generates a 275 beam at 9,500 candelas. This light output should temporarily blind an attacker using either the high-beam or strobe modes. The front and read caps have a semi-aggressive pattern to make it an effective striking weapon. The grip areas are textured and easy to grip and it includes a nylon holster.

• Construction: Extremely tough nylon polymer, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing, removable clip, extremely durable and can withstand a 3-meter drop (other Streamlights withstand 1-2 meter drops)
• Size: Small enough for everyday carry (EDC), diameter is large enough to hold effectively, long enough to fit across your palm when gripped tightly, and fits a variety of weapon mounts
• Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof to 1-meter for 30 minutes
• Durability: Withstands 3-meter drop
• Features: High/Strobe/Low modes with Ten-Tap programming to switch it to High/Low only or Low/High only
• Batteries: Two CR123 batteries with 3-hour run time on high
• Light Output: High: 275 lumens, 9,50 candelas, 3 hour run time
  Low: 14 lumens, 500 candelas, 65-hour runtime.
• Beam Pattern: 41″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

If you want a very tough, bright, everyday carry flashlight then consider this one. I worked someone who dropped his PolyTac while riding his motorcycle at 40 MPH. His light had a few scuffs and one of the nubs on the tail was beveled a bit but the PolyTac worked fine. For me it was a tough call choosing between the PolyTac and the Streamlight 1L-1AA. The Polytac has slightly lower lumen output than the 1L-1AA but slightly higher candela output.

The Streamlight ProTac HL4 is a durable, ultra high-power flashlight, that can use either disposable CR123 lithium batteries or 18650 rechargeable batteries (not included). At 8.6″ long and a head 2.4″ in diameter this is a large flashlight. The HL4 comes with four CR123 batteries and a heavy, and sells for about $100 (does NOT come with a holster). It does NOT include rechargeable batteries but can operate on two 18650 rechargeable batteries.
The HL4 has a poly covered machined aluminum body. This large tactical light generates a remarkable 2,200 lumens at 30,000 candelas. The front and rear have semi-aggressive strike bezels that would make an effective weapon. The body is easy and comfortable to grip especially with the poly cover.

• Construction: The HL4 is machined from aircraft grade aluminum that has a poly cover and semi-aggressive striking bezels on both the head and tail. The threads are tight and smooth and sealed with an O-ring.
• Size: The HL4 is large (8.6″ long) and would work well on a service belt.
• Waterproof: The HL4 is rated at IPX7 waterproof.
• Features: Has high, strobe, and low modes. You can also change the light mode using the Ten-Tap programming feature.
• Batteries: This light can use either two rechargeable 18650 batteries or four CR123 lithium batteries. Three rails in side the body that allow it to use batteries of different diameters. Recharge the 18650 batteries using a separately available charger.
• Light Output: (high) 2,200 lumens at 30,000 candelas for 1.75 hours, (medium) 600 lumens at 8,300 candelas for 4 hours, (low) 60 lumens at 8,000 candelas for 43 hours.

Advantages

This is an ultra high-power flashlight that can use either 18650, rechargeable batteries or CR123 batteries. Things I like about the HL4:

• Built to use either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Some rechargeable lights cannot use alternate batteries. Consequently, if those lights lose power when you are in the field then you are stuck without a light. With the HL4 you can run on rechargeable batteries but use CR123s as a backup. I would never purchase a flashlight that could not use backup batteries.
• You DO need a separate charger and 18650 batteries for this flashlight. You cannot directly charge the batteries in the flashlight.

Disadvantages

The ProTac HL4 is an excellent ultra high-power flashlight. My only issues with the flashlight are

• Large size
• Rechargeable batteries and charger sold separately
• No case included
• For heavy use the rechargeable batteries would have to be manually replaced — you cannot simply plug in the flashlight to recharge the batteries

Recommendations

If you are looking for a high-power tactical light then this is a good choice. This would be a good choice for first responders with the caveat being that the rechargeable batteries must be swapped when drained.

The Streamlight Siege is just a good, solid product that is well constructed and does its job very well. The Siege sells for about $30-40 and runs on three D-cell batteries. When browsing in a store this might be a product that you would quickly pass by. It is more expensive than similar products and is not flashy. However, in my opinion, this is the product to purchase.

It has three white light modes and two red light modes:

• Low white light: 33 lumens runs for 295 hours
• Medium white light: 175 lumens runs for 70 hours
• High white light: 340 lumens runs for 30 hours
• High red light: 10 lumens runs for 235 hours (9.7 days)
• Red flashing SOS mode for emergency signaling: 10 lumens runs 430 hours (17.9 days)

Press the power button to activate the light, and press again to move through the lighting modes. Press and hold the button to toggle between white light and red light modes. The lantern can be hung right-side up or upside down. The handle allows the lantern to be hung on the edge of tables, cords, or branches. You can remove the diffuser cover and hang the Siege upside down to provide more even lighting (works well inside tents).

The selling points for me with this lantern are the durability and the red light. The Siege is very durable and can easily withstand one meter drops onto concrete. It is IPX7 waterproof and can be submerged in water for 30 minutes and it floats. The red light can be used for emergency signaling. If you have car trouble you can put the Siege in red blinking mode to alert others. The flat areas on the main body help eliminate rolling and the square rubber feet on the base help it to not slip.

When I worked at an outdoors store I would routinely show this lantern to customers. They would be unimpressed since they can purchase a similar looking lantern for about $10. Then I would drop the Siege onto the hard floor (thin, carpet covered concrete). I would then say that in an emergency situation you need to the light to function even when subject to dropping and abuse. That would usually close the sale.

Conclusion

This is a larger, higher-output lantern is not flashy or gimmicky. It is just a bright, durable, effective, and affordable lantern. This product does one job and does it very well. If you need a smaller lantern then consider the Streamlight Siege AA.

Energizer TUF2AAPE. This light is bright (250 lumens), durable (high impact plastic case), very affordable (about $16), and it uses 2 AA batteries. This is just a good, basic, bright, inexpensive light. The Energizer is IPX4 water resistant and will withstand a 7 meter drop (about 23′).

Advantages

• Very tough and will withstand a 7 meter drop
• Long battery life of 5 hours on high-power
• Very long battery life of 50 hours on low-power
• Very low cost

Disadvantages

• Non-tactical light
• Larger in size

The Energizer produces a more even beam that does NOT have an intense hotspot.