Review: Streamlight ProTac HL USB

The Streamlight ProTac HL USB is a durable, rechargeable, high-power flashlight. It is on the larger side and sells for around $100-$140. The machined aluminum body fits nicely in the palm of my hand and the larger body extends well past my palm. This rugged tactical light generates 850 lumens with 10,000 candelas which should temporarily blind an attacker (has high-beam and strobe). The front and rear have semi-aggressive strike bezels that would make an effective weapon. The body is knurled and very easy and comfortable to grip.

  • Construction: The light is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and it has a semi-aggressive striking bezels on both the head and tail. The threads are tight and smooth and sealed with an O-ring.
  • Size: The ProTac HL UB is larger than my StreamLight ProTac HL. It would work well on a belt holster but would be too large for a concealable light. This light has a slightly larger body diameter than the ProTac HL and it can accept an 18650 rechargeable battery.
  • Waterproof: The light is rated at IPX4 which means that it is water resistant against rain and splashes. This lower level of water sealing is probably due to the USB charging connector.
  • 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 a rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123 lithium batteries. Three rails in side the body that allow it to use batteries of different diameters. The light includes a USB charging cable that can be plugged directly into the body of the light.
  • Beam Pattern: 48″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

The ProTac HL USB has a higher lumen and lower candela rating than my ProTac HL. This means that the HL USB generates a brighter overall beam (higher lumens) with less intensity in the middle of the beam (low candelas). The lens is also the same diameter as the body.

Advantages

This is a good, solid, high-power, rechargeable flashlight. Things I like about this light:

  • Built to be rechargeable but you can use disposable batteries also. 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 HL you can run on the rechargeable battery but use CR123s as a backup. I would never purchase a flashlight that could not use backup batteries.
  • You do NOT need a charger for this flashlight. Simply connect the USB cable to charge the battery.
  • The beam pattern does have a good hot spot but it gives a more even beam pattern.

Disadvantages

The ProTac HL USB is a very good light but it is not perfect. Here are some minor issues that I have with this light:

  • The watersealing is only IPX4 and I prefer lights that are IPX7 or greater.
  • The HL USB is a larger light and I prefer smaller lights.
  • While the light is not outrageously priced it is priced on the high side for me.

Recommendations

If you are looking for an everyday, tactical light then I would NOT choose the HL USB. It is large and would be difficult to conceal for everyday carry. If you need to use the light extensively then a rechargeable light is extremely practical. The standard 18650 rechargeable battery is easy to replace. You can carry CR123s to use as backup batteries in the field. If you use your flashlight extensively, need to generate a lot of light, and do not need to conceal the light then the ProTac HL USB is a solid alternative.