Streamlight PROTAC HL Headlamp

8/13/2019 Streamlight PROTAC HL Headlamp

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FOG HORN 2013Twobirds Flying Publication

Copyright 2013, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

SreamlightsProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the ultimate

experience.

By: Sal Palma

If you thought the lumens race was limited tohandheld and weapon mounted lights think

again. As their utility is discovered by an

increasing number of users, headlamps are not

just gaining popularity, they are also achieving

greater performance and Streamlight presently

has the big stick in the competitive headlamp

space.

In October of 2013, Streamlight announced the

ProTac HL Headlamp, which began hitting the

shelves in November and December just in timefor the Holidays. The significance of this event is

that it marks the first entry of a revved up

headlamp capable of producing 540 lumens of

clean white light. It leaves the competition in

the dust, which presently finds itself at, or

under, the 200 lumen output level; wondering

what the hell just happened. So, I think its fair

to credit Streamlight with firing the first shot

across its competitorsbow.The ProTac HL Headlamp is a no nonsense

heavy duty illumination tool. The housing is

machined from aluminum, with an anodized

finish. The entire assembly is gasket-sealed to

provide IPX4 water-resistance. Like all of their

professional line of illumination products, this

headlamp features a light orange peel reflector

that produces a well collimated wide beam.

When operated on high, the lamp produces a

540 lumen, wide beam of light, capable ofillumination out to 172 meters. Its quite

extraordinary to see, and is sure to please

rescue workers and cavers.

The ProTac HL runs on two 3V CR123A

batteries delivering 1.75 hrs. of run time, on

high.


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Sreamlights ProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the

ultimate experience.2013

Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Overall, the Pro Tac HL headlamp is slightly

heavier than some of its competition;

understandably so, with its two batteries and

aluminum housing, yet it gives nothing up in

comfort and stability. You can easily wear this

lamp for hours without fatigue or neck strain.

The lamp ships with a one inch adjustable

elastic strap and a rubber helmet strap.

Although Streamlight does not claim MOLLE

compatibility as part of its mounting options, I

had no trouble securely attaching it to my plate

carrier. Whether by design, or a simple

coincidence, it just so happens that the

mounting base works nicely with one inch PALS

webbing. That was a pleasant surprise as quite

often headlamps have to compete for head

space with other devices.

Streamlight claims only 90 of articulation

possibly due to the fact theyve limited the

detents to accommodate only a 90 arc;

however, the LED head moves reliably through

a 180 arc.

Function is identical to the handheld ProTac HL

minus the strobe function, which makes

complete sense.

The user has three different programs to

choose from:

1. High/medium/low (factory default).2. High only.3. Low/medium/high

TEN-TAP programming makes accessing each

mode a snap and supports momentary and

constant on functionality. High/medium/low is

the factory default, which I immediately

changed to Low/Medium/High as a matter of

personal preference. Ten taps in rapid

succession cycles through to the next program

and the tenth locks the selection in.

High provides a super-bright light with 540lumens, 7,400 candela of intensity and 172m

beam distance. In this mode you can expect a

run-time of 1.75 hours. Medium gives you 95

lumens, 1,200 candela, 69m beam distance and

runs for 8 hours. Low is used for extended run

times and when a less intense beam is ideal; 18

lumens; 250 candela; 31m beam distance; runs

36 hours.

Interestingly enough, some of the high output

tactical lighting Ive reviewed will exhibit a

momentary almost imperceptible LED flicker -

Im not sure what its root cause is but it was

absent from the Streamlight headlamp.

If preservation of night vision is of concern to

you, youll be disappointed to know that

Streamlight does not offer colored filters for the


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Sreamlights ProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the

ultimate experience.2013

Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

ProTac HL Headlamp. This is an oversight in my

view and I hope theyll offer a set in the near

future.

The ProTac HL Headlamp is an ideal

illumination tool for first responders, search

and rescue, law enforcement and even shady

tree mechanics. Its both functional and

comfortable, and quite capable of filling a wide

range of needs. It is now available from a

number of retailers at a $60 to $70 price point

which makes it both affordable and a great

value.

Its not hard to see why Streamlight is so

successful. The company has mastered the artof producing quality, timely and robust

products at an unbeatable price point. An

important point because, as many are

discovering, you can over engineer yourself out

of market share.

-SP

Manufacturers Specification

Designed for maximum illumination with awide beam to light an entire area

Features TEN-TAP programming, whichallows the user to select one of three

different programs:

1. High/medium/low (factory default)2. High only3. Low/medium/high

Three lighting modes:o High for super-bright light with far-

reaching beam distance; 540lumens, 7,400 candela; 172m

beam distance; runs 1.75 hours

o Medium for bright light and longerrun times; 95 lumens,1,200

candela; 69m beam distance; runs

8 hours

o Low for extended run times andwhen a less intense beam is ideal;

18 lumens; 250 candela; 31m

beam distance; runs 36 hours

Solid State power regulation providesmaximum light output throughout battery

life

90 degree tilting head reduces neck fatigue Powered by two 3V CR123A lithium

batteries (included)

Durable, anodized aluminum construction;gasket-sealed, glass lens

IPX4 water-resistant; 1 meter impactresistance tested

Ships with rubber helmet strap installed;also includes adjustable elastic headstrap

6.8 oz. (187g)
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=294http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=294http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=294

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Streamlight PROTAC HL Headlamp