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!
