FOG HORN 2015

Twobirds Flying Publication

Copyright 2015, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB – a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability. 2015

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

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; EPU-

5200, 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, you’re never too far

away from a source of power and that’s

awesome. The USB equipped Pro-Tac can also

be recharged from a number of solar panels on

the market as well as Streamlight’s own EPU-

5200 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 we’ve been on the

receiving end of torrential rainfall. So, I’m happy

to report that this light handled the rain like a

champ; consistent with Streamlight’s 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.

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB – a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability. 2015

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

With typical Streamlight thoroughness, the

battery cap switch is also O-ring sealed ensuring

that moisture stays out.

Inside the light’s 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.

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

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.

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

High Setting

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL USB – a high lumen tactical handheld light plus USB rechargeability. 2015

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

For comparison, I’ve 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

Streamlight’s 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?

Streamlight’s 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 Streamlight’s EPU-5200

power pack, you’ll 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.

You’ll want to add this rechargeable handheld

tactical light to your kit, I’d 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

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