FOG HORN
June 2018 Twobirds Flying Publication
STREAMLIGHT’s PROTAC HL® 5-X USB/PROTAC HL® 5-X HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT
Copyright 2018, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
STREAMLIGHT’s PROTAC HL® 5-X USB/PROTAC HL® 5-X HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT
STREAMLIGHT’s PROTAC HL® 5X FLASHLIGHT By: Sal Palma
Streamlight’s continual expansion of its tactical illumination products gave rise to the company’s newest addition to the Protac line, the Protac HL 5-X dual fuel handheld flashlight. I have to share a short but funny story about this light. When I started my review of the HL 5X, I had the opportunity to evaluate its illumination prowess on a dark balmy night. I had Ten-Tap set to high-strobe-low when I turned on the light and observed its lightsaber like beam piercing the night sky to illuminate some oak trees 90 yards away. Shortly thereafter, my neighbor comes running out of his house saying “Sal what the hell is that?” I think the look on his face said it all – WOW!
2018
Streamlight’s 18650 USB batteries incorporate an integral USB recharging port. A fully charged battery illuminates green LEDs, a pretty novel concept.
The Protac HL 5-X is a no nonsense tactical light capable of generating a tightly focused 3,500 lumen beam capable of projecting out to 452 meters. Your projection range will vary with ambient lighting conditions, but on those dark nights it definitely gets out there. The secret behind the beam focus is Streamlight’s engineered optic, or better said the lens.
Streamlight sells two versions of the Protac HL 5-X. One version, the Protac HL 5-X USB, which ships with Streamlight’s 18650 USB batteries, and the other, the Protac HL 5-X, which ships with 4 CR123A batteries. Both of these lights are identical and both are dual fuel. Copyright 2018, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
STREAMLIGHT’s PROTAC HL® 5-X USB/PROTAC HL® 5-X HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT
2018
Like all of the Protac family, the HL 5-X uses TEN-TAP programming to select between three operating modes: 1) high/strobe/low 2) high only 3) low/medium/high. The factory default is high/strobe/low. Changing modes is consistent across the Protac line with 9 rapid taps and holding down on the tenth. My preference is low/medium/high because it is consistent with the light’s application in my kit. However, strobe does come in handy for signaling.
effective in stopping any rolling when I was a bit more meticulous in how I laid down the flashlight.
Optimum performance is achieved when the HL 5-X is powered by the Streamlight 18650 USB rechargeable lithium battery. For example, with the 18650 installed high output is 3,500 lumens compared to 2,500 lumens when the flashlight is powered by CR123A batteries.
This is a large light with an overall length of 9.5 inches and weighing 1.15 lbs., with the 18650 USB batteries. So, it probably works well as a baton; in fact, the head and battery cap are finished with cranial tangs, which as you know make exceptional behavior modification tools.
The HL-5X body is rugged and constructed from anodize aluminum. Streamlight also rubber coated the body resulting in an excellent nonslip surface. The light has excellent balance and feels very comfortable in the hand, even in prolonged use.
The Protac HL 5-X light is robust and water resistant to IPX-7 standards. The head and battery compartment caps are all O-ring sealed and It’s also drop tested to 1 meter height.
Streamlight designed the HL 5-X’s bulky head with an anti-roll feature. In testing, I sat the light down as one would coming off duty, on a fairly level surface, and observed that the flashlight had sufficient mass to overcome the flat spots. However, the anti-roll feature was
With the introduction of the Protac HL-5X, Streamlight expanded its Protac line to include extremely high output professional grade Copyright 2018, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
STREAMLIGHT’s PROTAC HL® 5-X USB/PROTAC HL® 5-X HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT
illumination tools. The TEN-TAP feature allows the customization need by the operator to meet any number of demanding conditions. The rechargeable design ensures that the light is powered to its optimum operational capabilities. It’s unquestionable that Streamlight had the law enforcement officer or professional security guard in mind when they designed the Protac HL-5X. Dollar for Dollar it’s among the best professional illumination tools you can have in your kit. You’ll find this light below the $100 price point making it an exceptional value as well. Check it out and see what your neighbor has to say.
-SP
2018
Manufacturer Specification
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Multi-Fuel - uses two rechargeable 18650 USB batteries; also accepts four CR123A lithium batteries Features TEN-TAP Programming - Choice of three user selectable programs: high/strobe/low 2) high only 3) low/medium/high High (18650 USB): 3,500 lumens; 452m beam; runs 1.25 hours; 51,000 candela High (CR123A): 2,500 lumens; 385m beam; runs 1.5 hours; 37,000 candela Medium: 1,000 lumens; 237m beam; runs 2.5 hours (CR123A); runs 3 hours (18650 USB); 14,100 candela Low: 250 lumens; 120m beam; runs 10.5 hours (CR123A); runs 11.5 hours (18650 USB); 3,620 candela Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 1.5 hours (CR123A); runs 1.25 hours (18650 USB) Engineered optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes; 1 meter impact resistance tested Durable, anodized aluminum construction Anti-roll head prevents the light from rolling away when placed on a flat surface Rubber sleeve provides thermal insulation and a sure grip 9.53 in. (23.65 cm); 1 lb. 3.4 oz. (550g) with two Streamlight 18650 USB batteries; 1 lb. 2.4 oz. (522g) with four CR123A batteries Limited lifetime warranty RoHS compliant
Copyright 2018, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved