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Streamlight PolyTac X Flashlight: Worth going in your go-bag

August 13, 2019 by Matt Jin Leave a Comment

If you were to ask me what brand I recommend for tactical flashlights, I would tell you without hesitation, Streamlight. Streamlight offers a wide range of practical products at a reasonable price. They do their job, and they do it well. My trusted flashlight for my EDC bag is my Streamlight ProTac HL-X (you can read my review for that here). In this review, I will be covering their PolyTac X Flashlight.

Specifications

High Lumens: 600
Run Time on High: 3.50 hours
Run Time on Low: 36.00 hours
Beam Distance: 205 m
Max Candela: 11,485
Battery Type: 18650 lithium ion battery or two CR123A lithium battery
Length: 5.46 in (13.87 cm)
Body Diameter: 1.00 in. (2.54 cm)
Head Diameter: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Major Diameter: 1.35 in. (3.43 cm)
Weight: 4.90 ounces (138.91 g)
Colors: Coyote, yellow, or black
Features

TEN-TAP^® Programming allows the choice of three programs:
1.) high/strobe/low
2.) high only
3.) low/medium/high
Removable, multi-position pocket clip
High-impact, super-tough nylon polymer with “Rocky Stipple” texture for a sure grip
IPX7; waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes; 3m impact resistance tested
C4® LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime
Limited lifetime warranty

Photo and specifications courtesy of Streamlight

My thoughts and review

I have certain expectations when it comes to tactical flashlights, and you should too. I’m glad to say that the PolyTac X meets my requirements. This is a flashlight that I can trust to put in another bag or carry on the go despite it being bulkier than what is ideal. I have yet to have any serious issues with Streamlight’s products. All of my flashlights have been dropped and beat up from frequent use and they still run great. Like I said, Streamlight gets my nod of approval when it comes to tactical lights.

Output settings and Streamlight’s TEN-TAP Programming

600 lumens is an appreciable amount of brightness and covers a good enough distance. I run my Streamlight flashlights exclusively with the high/strobe/low programming. The highest light output is the most important output because it illuminates the most square feet in a room and the widest area when outdoors. When you need to use a light source, you need it immediately. After all, what is the point of having a high lumen flashlight if it isn’t being used to your advantage? The low output is a convenient amount of light if you happen to be working on something close-up so that you don’t blind yourself.

Momentary on/off switch

The momentary on/off feature is something I require of a tactical flashlight. Like other Streamlight flashlights, the momentary on/off switch activates with slight pressure on the on/off switch and doesn’t have an audible click. When you want your light off, you take your thumb off the switch and it will immediately turn off.

Size

The size of the flashlight is my only complaint. The PolyTac X is roughly the same size as the ProTac HL-X and only about an ounce lighter. The PolyTac X is listed at 600 lumens while the ProTac HL-X is listed at 1,000 lumens. Seeing as the PolyTac X doesn’t offer a significant advantage over the ProTac HL-X, if any at all, I would prefer to have the latter, but it is roughly double the cost. Ultimately, your budget will be the deciding factor on whether or not the PolyTac X is the flashlight for you. With that being said, the PolyTac X is an ideal size for maintaining a solid grip. I noticed that the texturing on the flashlight helps out as well, better than their other models.

Pocket clip

My only gripe about the PolyTac X is that it has a short pocket clip that doesn’t cover the entire length of the flashlight. The flashlight is already a little bulky for EDC, but the short pocket clip makes the flashlight more inconvenient to carry in your pants pocket.

The verdict

The good
-High lumen flashlight
-Sturdy product
-TEN-TAP programming allows for customization
-Momentary on/off feature

The bad
–PolyTac X is a little bulky and users might as well just grab the ProTac HL-X
-Short pocket clip

The Streamlight PolyTac X is fairly priced flashlight and comfortable for any budget. There are better lights out there from Streamlight, but the PolyTac X will suit most users just fine. At the time of writing this article, the PolyTac X is available for $40 on Amazon. Whether you need a flashlight for your go-bag or EDC, the PolyTac X would be worth considering.

We enjoy hearing back from our readers. If you have any experience with Streamlight products, let us know what you think!

The Streamlight TLR-6: Increase lethality of compact and sub-compact handguns

August 2, 2019 by Travis Pike Leave a Comment

Streamlight is one of two companies I trust with my weapon lights. The TLR 1 is my home defense companion on my handgun, and now the Streamlight TLR 6 is riding tight on my SIG P365. The P365 has become my EDC gun and the addition of a light and laser truly makes it a gun you can carry and use 365 days of the year. The P365 has a proprietary rail, but the TLR 6 does not use the rail, it’s an after thought.

To attach the light around the gun you have to take it apart with the included Allen key. It splits in half and then wraps around the rail, and the trigger guard. You then tighten the light down and get it rocking and rolling. It sounds complicated, but it takes about 3 minutes if you drink a soda. It’s very easy overall.

Rocking and Rolling with the Streamlight TLR 6

The TLR 6 has a small, easy access button on the side of the unit. A simple press by the trigger finger gets everything running. This is an ambidextrous system and it allows control the system very easily. The button is large and easy to press. It’s silent, but it is tactile and allows you to feel the click.

The light has several different modes believe it or not, more than I predicted for such a small unit. The Streamlight TLR 6 has 3 total modes, not including the off mode. The first is light and laser where the light and laser are simultaneously turned on. The next mode is light only, and the third mode is laser only.

The Streamlight TLR-6: Increase lethality of compact and sub-compact handguns

To change the modes all you need to do is hold one button inward and then press the other. This allows you to click through the different modes quickly and easily. Whichever mode you choose will be the set mode. If you turn the TLR 6 off it will remember the mode you set.

The Light

The Light packs a pleasant 100 lumens and it’s plenty bright and capable for concealed carry use. The 100 lumen light casts a wide beam that does fill your vision. It’s more spotlight than torch. The light can easily travel across a large room, and Streamlight claims an 89 meter range. That seems optimistic, but for what it’s designed for it shines brightly and clearly.

The Laser

The laser is a bright red beam. It’s crystal clear and even in the middle of the day the light cna be seen out to 15 yards. In low light situations the light will be super fast and very easy to see. Adjusting and getting the laser on target requires some minor adjustments with a super small Allen key, and its incredibly easy overall.

The System

The system overall is fantastic. The light and laser work together beautifully, especially when you consider how small the overall system is. There also lots of holsters out there already for the combination of the TLR 6 and P365, specifically from Crossbreed in both OWB and IWB configurations. The TLR 6 is so well known that there are plenty of holster makers chasing it down.

The TLR 6 comes in different configurations for different guns, so its not universally compatible. There is a universal kit that will fit several different guns, but guns like the P365 requires their own special model. The TLR 6 is compatible with the G42, G43, G48, G43X, The KAHR Arms guns, the SIG P238, the Bbay Glocks, and some of the Springfield XD series. As a note they will not work with the Poly 80 lower Glocks.

The TLR 6 is an awesome light and laser combination and is an outstanding concealed carry choice. It gives you a light and laser in a superbly small system that does not compromise your ability to easily conceal and comfortably carry your gun.

You can find more great articles like this on The Gear Bunker

Streamlight Siege X USB rechargeable outdoor lantern

April 8, 2019 by Heath Layman Leave a Comment

Light when and where you need it

Having light when you need it can make or break you! A light that is reliable, bright, durable, and functions in ways you didn’t know you needed is invaluable. The Streamlight Siege X USB lantern is one of those lights you might not have realized you needed until you use it.

Streamlight Means Quality

Streamlight continues their legacy of tradition, quality and innovation with the Siege X USB.

The Siege is easy to use and intuitive. The white output modes allows a low light, medium, and high settings when using it as a lantern. You can also switch it to red output mode with a single brightness setting or turn the red light into a SOS flash that will last a surprisingly long time of 90 hours! Streamlight also put a traditional feeling flashlight into this thing that has two settings of low and high.

With one button to interact with, the user quickly learns that the duration of the press determines the outcome. Pushing the button within 1.5 seconds of the last button push will change the light level or intensity. When doing this, you scroll through the different brightness levels until you have the brightness you want or it turns off.

With the light already on, you push and hold for 2 seconds to scroll through white lantern light, red lantern light, red lantern flashing SOS, and flashlight mode.

Solutions to Mounting

The Siege features a spring loaded D-Ring on one end that can be stored flush to the unit when not in use. It also has a handy handle hook that you can hang the light from any edge or bar. When it’s not in use, it is designed to lock in the stowed position.

The Streamlight Siege X uses either two CR123 cell batteries or one Streamlight 18650 USB rechargeable cell (included with USB cord). You simply undo the cover on the bottom and remove the battery for charging.

The operating switch also serves as a charge indicator. With a complete charge time of about 5 hours, it will glow green when done. During use, the color of the switch indicates to you the remaining battery life.

This lantern is durable and well thought out. I’m looking forward to using it this summer when camping and know I’ll be reaching for it when crawling underneath my Jeep in the middle of the forest.

• Multiple modes:
• White LED:
• High for brightest light: 325 lumens; runs 4.5 hours
• Medium for bright light and longer run times: 170 lumens; runs 7.75 hours
• Low provides extended run times for when less light is needed: 30 lumens; runs 25 hours
• Red LED:
• High – Steady (night vision preserving mode): 1.6 lumens; runs 22 hours
• Flash SOS mode for emergency signaling: 1.6 lumens; runs 90 hours
• Night vision preserving mode extends run time for emergency preparedness
• Flashlight Mode
• High: 300 lumens; runs 3.5 hours
• Low: 40 lumens; runs 25 hours
• Top of lantern functions as a flashlight with High and Low modes

MULTI-FUEL:

Uses 18650 USB rechargeable battery; also accepts two CR123A lithium batteries, so you always have a light when you need it

• Polycarbonate glare-reducing cover provides soft, even 360° light distribution; comfortable to use in close quarters without straining your eyes
• Stand it upright, use it as an overhead light or hang it with integrated D-ring
• Rugged polymer construction with rubber molded base that provides stability on slippery or uneven surfaces
• Ergonomic handle designed to lock in upright or stowed position; incorporated hang hook
• Recessed power button prevents accidental activation; features battery level indicator
• Battery level indicator changes from green, to yellow, to red, then to flashing red when batteries reach the end of their usable life.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

High Lumens: 325
Run Time: 25.00 hours
Battery Type: CR123A Lithium, 18650 Lithium Ion Battery
Battery Quantity: 1 – 2
Length: 4.35 inches (11.05 centimeters)
Weight: 7.20 ounces (204.12 grams)
Colors: Coyote

• IPX7 waterproof to 1m submersion; 2m impact resistance tested
• 4.35” (11.05 cm); 7.2 oz. (204.12g) 18650 USB battery; 6.8 oz. (192.78g) CR123A batteries
• Available in Coyote
• RoHS compliant

Streamlight ProTac HL-X | A 1,000 lumen EDC flashlight

March 31, 2019 by Matt Jin Leave a Comment

The ProTac HL-X packs a stout 1,000 lumens in a durable EDC package. I find it to be just the right size for an EDC flashlight that you can wear on your belt or have in your pocket.

For starters, the ProTac HL-X comes with two CR123A batteries and a nylon pouch/holster for the flashlight. The pouch has a Velcro strap to attach to your belt, MOLLE, or whatever you want to attach it to. The strap is a little loose and dangles on your belt, so I only use if I’m affixing the flashlight to the inside of a bag. It’s still a nice extra accessory that Streamlight decided to include.

Instead of using two CR123A batteries, I use rechargeable 18650 batteries because they offer a slightly longer runtime. I also have a SOG Dark Energy 750a, which uses the same battery, so I like having a single type of battery between the two. Most importantly, the benefit of having rechargeable batteries is that I am able to rotate fresh batteries around without having to worry about my light dying on me when I need it most.

Like other Streamlight flashlights, the ProTac HL-X utilizes the TEN-TAP programming. If you are not familiar with Streamlight products, this may be confusing at first. The TEN-TAP programming lets you choose one of three different programs to customize the output settings of your flashlight. As Streamlight explains, the “TEN-TAP® programmable switch allows user selection of one of three different programs: high/strobe/low (factory default), high only, or low/medium/high.” To change programs, you tap the tail switch 10 times, and on the 10th tap you hold the switch down until your Streamlight turns off; if done correctly, your Streamlight flashlight will have successfully changed programs.

The author’s ProTac HL-X in the nylon pouch that it came with

The ProTac HL-X’s two-way removable clip

The ProTac HL-X has a 1.44” head diameter, a comfortable width for your EDC needs

The Verdict

The Good

1,000 Lumens
Waterproof
Excellent size/weight for its features
Very affordable price

The Bad

Made in China

Streamlight’s ProTac HL-X offers everything you would want in an EDC flashlight, and at 1,000 lumens, it is certainly a standout product from Streamlight. The ProTac HL-X happens to be an affordable piece of gear as well, with several online retailers listing it for around $70 after shipping/tax. If you happen to be in the market for an EDC flashlight, the Streamlight ProTac HL-X might just be the best candidate out there right now.

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Whether you use the ProTac HL-X or other Streamlight products, let us know what you think

Streamlight ProTac light: Alternative to Surefire?

January 26, 2019 by Garand Thumb Leave a Comment

Like most gear enthusiasts I have a problem not putting the “best” gear on my rifle. What is the best? Gear that is used and vetted by only the most accomplished/published gunfighters in the business. For the longest time, I’ve only trusted Surefire lights on my weapons. They’ve never failed me at home or abroad and it’s what is issued to me as well. Plenty of warfighters before me have trusted Surefire weapons lights to work when they are needed. When I was building my latest rifle I decided to break with tradition and take a look at a different weapon light. Not a newcomer but rather one that has been proving itself time and time again.

Streamlight has been used in rough and tough conditions for a long time. Many have said that the Streamlight is every bit of light that the Surefire is but at less than half the price. I decided to order a Streamlight Protac Rail Mount 1 with Arisaka mount through Arisaka’s excellent website. My particular Arisaka mount is the inline keymod mount which I can’t recommend highly enough.

What impressed me upon receiving my Streamlight ProTac was the amount of stuff that came with it. Pressure pads, zip ties, tailcaps, and other misc items. It was a very convenient package with everything needed to mount it to a rifle. The ProTac “Rail Mount 1” is 4.25 inches in length and can accept either a CR123A, AA alkaline or AA lithium. Pretty nifty though somewhat unnecessary as CR123A’s aren’t particularly rare. Though it certainly adds redundancy to the system. To my untrained boot stomping brain the Streamlight ProTac looks very similar to my SureFire M300 Mini Scout though is it slightly longer.

The Streamlight once mounted felt and looked good on my rifle. The pressure pad felt better than many of the pressure pads I’ve had the pleasure of trying in the past. The pressure pad features a button at one end that once depressed puts the light into a constant on position. It has solid powerful light when I compared it to my SureFire M300 Mini Scout. The Streamlight ProTac is rated at 350 lumens compared to the SureFire at 300 lumens. I will say that they are very close, but I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen from the Streamlight ProTac thus far. I was mildly irked when first trying it out and discovering it had a strobe function. However a quick read through the manual and I was able to put the light into a different mode on the first try (high output only). Though there are several other modes available.

I’ve done only limited testing with the light thus far. The light performed well in cold and warm weather, specifically moving from one to the other suddenly. The light while attached to the rifle was used in several shoot courses that went indoors at various times. The Streamlight has felt approximately 300 rounds of 5.56 thus far and will experience many more until my mind is made up. I will say this, what I’ve seen so far has impressed me. The quality of build, performance of the light in adverse conditions and it’s output have almost made me a believer in the short week I’ve had it so far. Time will tell how it does long-term.

Streamlight ProTac 90: 300 lumen mini light

January 17, 2019 by Mark Miller Leave a Comment

Streamlight’s new ProTac 90 is a 300 lumen, right angle tactical light with multi-fuel technology. The big news here is that you can use CR123 Lithium batteries for performance or AA Lithium or AA Alkaline when the availability of cost is an issue. Perfect for a firefighter’s turnouts or a soccer mom’s bug out bag, the ProTac does it all.

I have traveled all over the world. I have never been in a country that didn’t have AA batteries. Even closer to home, the neighborhood stop and rob will 100% of the time have AAs. No so much with CR123’s, and when you find them in a store they can be pricey.

The light adjusts itself using a combination of trapdoors, springs and sorcery. All you need to do is put a battery in, the light adapts itself with no effort on your part. If you can put the positive end in first, you can have illumination.

Encased in a virtually indestructible aluminum housing, it’s got a 90-degree head and a multi-function clip designed to fit Molle and other gear. It measures just 3.75 inches and delivers 300 lumens.

The ProTac 90 is super bright, it is so bright that they built a triple click dimmer feature to use the light for up close work that requires less light or situations where battery life needs conservation.

Clip this super bright, compact right-angle flashlight to turnouts, tactical vest, uniform pocket or gear strap—for focused hands-free lighting. The L-shape allows one-handed operation, even with gloved hands. ProTac 90 offers a comfortable, sure grip for any size hand, and convenient operation for fire, rescue, tactical or roadside repairs in the rain.

Advanced Streamlight LED technology delivers 300 lumens of piercing white light for 1.75 hours continuous regulated run time at over 90% of full brightness on High. At just over 3 3/4” long, and 3 oz. with the CR123, the powerful ProTac90 produces a smoke-cutting central beam with optimum peripheral illumination for easier navigation and improved situational awareness.

On Low, it provides a very useful 40 lumens of light for up to 14 hours of continuous run time. It can produce a visible life-saving warning signal in strobe mode for 2.5 hours.

The TEN-TAP switch cycles between three modes: High Beam, Strobe, Low Beam.

Run times for at power with CR123 battery:

High – 300 Lumens, 5400 candela peak beam intensity, 1.75 hours runtime
Low – 40 Lumens, 700 candela peak beam intensity, 14 hours runtime
Strobe – 2.5 hours run time
The 3 Volt “CR 123A” lithium batteries have a shelf life of ten years.

Features:

Uses CR123 Lithium, AA Lithium or AA Alkaline batteries
90° head in fixed position with gasket sealed glass lens
Custom optic produces a blended beam
Optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation
Integrated clip for attaching the light to turnout gear, clothing or equipment
Fully rotatable/reversible/removable clip to allow a variety of mounting positions
Regulated power output provides maximum light output throughout battery life
Push button switch provides one handed momentary or constant on operation
Fast double click from off to activate Strobe mode; fast triple click from off to activate Low mode
Super tough anodized aircraft aluminum body provides exceptional durability and a sure grip
Two meter impact resistance tested, rugged borofloat glass lens
IPX7 rated design; waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes
Limited Lifetime Warranty

This versatile, virtually indestructible right-angle flashlight offers all the durability and simple operation With a rotating, reversible, removable clip it’s very easy to carry and position for maximum effectiveness. The head mounted push button switch provides one-handed momentary or constant “on” operation and quick selection of lighting mode. The high-impact aircraft aluminum body, lens, and LED lighting unit are built to take the heat… or hard professional use.

The LED will never need replacing–it’s guaranteed not to break or burn out over its 50,000 hour operating life. This is truly a light you can depend on in any situation; backed by Streamlight’s No-Fault Lifetime Warranty.

About Streamlight:
Streamlight is a “hands-on” company since it started in 1973. They go through firefighters’ training and take courses in low-light shooting to understand your needs. They’re hunters, fishermen, outdoor and sports enthusiasts. Their hands-on, real-world experience that leads to new ideas and innovations that set Streamlight apart.

*Photos by Mark Miller