FOG HORN

2015
Twobirds Flying Publication

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB

Copyright 2015, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability.

2015

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB a high lumen tactical handheld light

plus USB rechargeability.
By: Sal Palma
For 2015 Streamlight
Inc. added a number
of tactical lights to
their USB line. The
line now includes
five products; EPU5200, which I reviewed here, Clip Mate USB,
Double Clutch USB Headlamp, Stylus Pro USB
and Pro-Tac USB HL the subject of my review.
The Pro-Tac lights are a highly successful and
mature product for Streamlight, but what
separates this light from its Pro-Tac brethren is
its USB charging port and 3 power options. USB
ports are ubiquitous; they are found on desktop
computers, laptops, automobiles, motorcycles,
aircraft you name it! So, youre never too far
away from a source of power and thats
awesome. The USB equipped Pro-Tac can also
be recharged from a number of solar panels on
the market as well as Streamlights own EPU5200 power pack.

In the absence of USB charging sources, the

Pro-Tac HL USB will also run on (2) 3V CR123A
batteries or lithium-ion 18650 rechargeable
battery
At Shot Show 2015, I received a guided tour of
the Pro-Tac HL USB and remember expressing a
concern over the possibility of moisture
entering the USB port, so the first thing I
checked on, this July, when a production model
arrived was its IPX4 water resistance rating. The
timing was perfect because weve been on the
receiving end of torrential rainfall. So, Im happy
to report that this light handled the rain like a
champ; consistent with Streamlights design
and quality standards.
Exposing the USB port to charge the light is
accomplished by sliding back an O-ring sealed
sleeve.

Moving the sleeve rearward, allows access to

the charging port and exposes an L.E.D., which
lights red when the light is charging and green
when the light is fully charged.

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability.

2015

Scrolling through the three programs is fast and

simple; the user taps the pushbutton switch 10
times in rapid succession but holds on the 10th
tap. The light will scroll to the next program and
shut-off.
On low, light output is 85 lumens and a run time
of 12 hours. Medium increases light output to
350 lumens with a run time of 4 hours. Finally,
on high, light output increases to 850 lumens
with a run time of 1.5 hours.

With typical Streamlight thoroughness, the

battery cap switch is also O-ring sealed ensuring
that moisture stays out.

Inside the lights housing, you find a proprietary

rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, which as I
mentioned earlier can be replaced by 2 CR123A
lithium batteries or a rechargeable 18650
battery pack.

Performance is classic Streamlight - I took the

Pro-Tac HL USB for a test drive on a completely
dark alley with an abundance of vegetation.
Both photographs were taken at 21:00.

Low Setting

Common to all members of the Pro-Tac family is

the Ten-Tap Programming. This light ships with
three programs selectable through the Ten-Tap
process.

Program No. 1 High/Strobe/Low

Program No. 2 High Only
Program No. 3 Low/Medium/ High

High Setting
Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability.

For comparison, Ive designated a couple of

points on each picture with yellow arrows.

On high, the illumination from this light is

amazing with a well-focused beam. As can be
readily seen, peripheral lighting floods the near
field while the focused beam projects well
beyond the length of the alley illuminating
every nook and cranny. The low setting is
probably a little bright for task lighting but ideal
for navigation.

During my review process, I always ask myself

what is there that really excites me about the
product under review, and so I did for
Streamlights Pro-Tac HL USB. My first choice
has to be that this light can use three different
power sources. Second is the USB charging
option, eliminating the need for charging
cradles or other unecessary paraphernalia?
Streamlights Pro-Tac HL USB is a high
performance tactical light ideally suited to law
enforcement or anyone needing superior
illumination on the move.
When combined with Streamlights EPU-5200
power pack, youll have a high performance and
robust illumination package unsurpassed for
excellence and value. With the Pro-Tac HL USB,
Streamlight delivers exceptional performance at
a street price of just over $100.
Youll want to add this rechargeable handheld
tactical light to your kit, Id bet money on it. So,
check it out and see if you agree that this is one
of the best tactical lighting deals in town.

-SP
Manufacturer Specifications

2015

TEN-TAP Programming Choice of three

user selectable programs: high/strobe/low;
2.) high only; 3.) low/medium/high
High for maximum illumination: 850
lumens; 10,000 candela; 200m beam; runs
1.5 hours
Medium for bright light and longer run
time: 350 lumens; 4,000 candela; 126m
beam; runs 4 hours
Low for a less intense beam and extended
run time: 85 lumens; 1,000 candela; 63m
beam; runs 12 hours
Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 1.5
hours
Uses lithium ion battery (P/N 74175); also
accepts two 3V CR123A lithium batteries or
a commercially available Li-Ion 18650
rechargeable battery
Self-adjusting battery cradle secures
multiple battery sizes and eliminates
battery rattle
Rechargeable using supplied USB cord or
optional AC wall adapter
Durable, anodized aluminum construction;
IPX4 water resistant; 1 meter impact
resistance tested
Water-resistant sliding metal sleeve
protects USB port
Includes USB cord, removable pocket clip
and tear resistant nylon holster
Multi-function, push-button tail switch for
one-handed operation
C4 LED technology, impervious to shock
with a 50,000 hour lifetime
Anti-roll head prevents the light from rolling
away when you set it down
Removable pocket clip; nylon holster
included
IPX4 water-resistant; 1 meter impact
resistance tested
6.50 (16.5 cm); 7.2 oz. (204g) with Li-Ion
rechargeable battery (included in purchase)
RoHS compliant
Limited lifetime warranty

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved