Streamlight ProTac HL-X Review: 1,000 vs. 1,300 Lumens

The Streamlight ProTac HL-X is a very capable tactical flashlight, especially if you value rugged construction and more than one battery option. But there is something confusing about it today. Some listings call it a 1,000-lumen flashlight, while Streamlight now rates it for as much as 1,300 lumens.

Both numbers can be correct.

With a Streamlight SL-B26 rechargeable battery, the current ProTac HL-X is rated at 1,300 lumens. With two CR123A lithium batteries, it is rated at 1,000 lumens. That multi-fuel design is actually one of the features I find most useful from a preparedness standpoint.

Another point in its favor is its professional track record. In 2025, Streamlight announced that the FBI had selected the ProTac HL-X under a five-year agreement.

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→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88065 (1,000 Lumens / CR123A)
→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88085 (1,300 Lumens / Rechargeable SL-B26)

This review covers the handheld Streamlight ProTac HL-X, including models 88065 and 88085. They are the same flashlight packaged with different batteries. Model 88065 includes two CR123A batteries, while model 88085 includes the rechargeable SL-B26. Either flashlight can use either supported battery setup.

These should not be confused with the similarly named ProTac Rail Mount HL-X weapon light.

Streamlight ProTac HL-X Review: The Short Answer

The ProTac HL-X is compact for a tactical flashlight. It has a strong beam, rugged construction, a simple tail switch, and several battery options.

It measures about 5.4 inches long. Weight ranges from about 5.7 ounces with two CR123A batteries to 6.2 ounces with the SL-B26 rechargeable battery.

I would describe it as more of a serious utility or tactical flashlight than a tiny everyday-carry light. It is small enough to carry easily, but the 1.44-inch head and solid aluminum body give it more substance than many pocket flashlights.

The feature that separates it from many rechargeable flashlights is its multi-fuel capability. You can use a rechargeable Streamlight SL-B26 battery or two CR123A lithium batteries.

For preparedness, that makes a lot of sense. Recharge the SL-B26 during normal use, while keeping CR123A batteries available as another power option when charging is not convenient.

Why Does the ProTac HL-X Say 1,000 or 1,300 Lumens?

This is probably the most confusing part of shopping for the ProTac HL-X today.

Older reviews and many retail listings describe it as a 1,000-lumen flashlight. Amazon’s listing for the Streamlight 88065 still describes it that way.

Streamlight’s current specifications show different output depending on which battery you use.

Candela measures beam intensity. A higher candela number generally means a stronger beam that reaches farther.

The rechargeable SL-B26 does save you from buying disposable batteries, and it also provides more light, greater beam distance, and somewhat longer runtime.

This explains why you see both 1,000 and 1,300 lumens listed for the ProTac HL-X. Model 88065 comes packaged with two CR123A batteries, and that setup is rated at 1,000 lumens. With Streamlight’s SL-B26 rechargeable battery, the same HL-X is rated at 1,300 lumens.

So the 1,000-lumen number is not necessarily outdated or wrong. It may simply refer to the CR123A battery setup.

ProTac HL-X Battery Options and Runtime

For preparedness, the battery flexibility is probably my favorite feature.

The ProTac HL-X accepts either:

• One Streamlight SL-B26 protected lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack
• Two CR123A lithium primary batteries

The SL-B26 is the logical choice for frequent use. You can recharge it and avoid continually replacing disposable batteries.

CR123A lithium batteries provide another option. If the rechargeable battery is depleted during an extended outage, trip, or emergency, you are not completely dependent upon finding a charging source.

→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88065 (1,000 Lumens / CR123A)
→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88085 (1,300 Lumens / Rechargeable SL-B26)

Streamlight says the ProTac HL-X is not designed for rechargeable CR123A batteries. For rechargeable use, use the SL-B26 instead.

Older Streamlight instructions said the HL-X could run on a commercially available protected 3.7V button-top 18650. That wording is no longer included in the current manual. Although I have not tried this, owners still report success with some protected button-top 18650 batteries including certain Keeppower, Orbtronic, and Nitecore models, but fit can vary. I would consider a compatible 18650 an unofficial backup option rather than a guaranteed replacement.

The runtime numbers also show why high mode should not be your normal setting when you do not need it. A 1,300-lumen beam is impressive, but the SL-B26 is rated for about 1.5 hours on high.

Drop to medium and the rating increases to 3.75 hours. Low extends it to about 25 hours.

That flexibility can matter far more during a long power outage than having maximum brightness available all the time.

TEN-TAP Programming: Which Setting Is Best?

Streamlight’s TEN-TAP programming lets you choose how the tail switch controls the flashlight.

There are three programs:

1. High / Strobe / Low
2. High Only
3. Low / Medium / High

The factory setting is High/Strobe/Low.

Changing programs is done through the tail switch. Starting with the flashlight off, rapidly tap the switch nine times and hold it on the tenth tap until the light shuts off. Repeating the process advances to the next program.

For general emergency and household use, I like the logic of Low/Medium/High.

There are plenty of situations where 1,000 or 1,300 lumens is far more light than you need. Starting on low saves battery power and prevents you from blasting your own night vision when checking something nearby.

High-only operation could make more sense for someone who wants the flashlight to immediately produce its maximum output every time.

The programming also gives you the option to avoid strobe if you do not want it in your normal operating sequence.

How Durable Is the Streamlight ProTac HL-X?

This is not a delicate flashlight.

The body is made from 6000-series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish. The glass lens is gasket sealed, and all openings use O-ring seals.

The current HL-X is rated IP68, which means it is dust-tight and waterproof to a depth of 2 meters. It has also been impact tested from 2 meters.

That is an improvement worth noting because older specifications and some current retail listings still describe the HL-X as IPX7.

Other practical features include an anti-roll head, removable pocket clip, tactical tail switch, and nylon holster.

The 5.43-inch length is a good compromise. It is large enough to get a secure grip without becoming the kind of oversized flashlight that gets left behind because it is inconvenient to carry.

That matters. A flashlight that stays at home because it is too bulky is not much help when you need one elsewhere.

Why the FBI Selected the ProTac HL-X Matters

There is another interesting point about this flashlight that did not exist when many older HL-X reviews were written.

In February 2025, Streamlight announced that the FBI selected the ProTac HL-X tactical flashlight under a five-year agreement.

According to Streamlight, the flashlight was selected as the agent-issued handheld tactical light for students of the Firearms Training Unit at the FBI Academy. It was also made available for purchase throughout other FBI divisions.

That does not mean everyone needs the same flashlight used by a federal agency. It also does not automatically make the HL-X the best flashlight for every situation.

What it does tell me is that this is not simply another high-lumen consumer flashlight built around an impressive number on the package. The HL-X was designed for professional use where reliability, controls, battery flexibility, and durability matter.

For preparedness, those are many of the same qualities I look for.

What I Like Most About the ProTac HL-X

Lumens get most of the attention in flashlight advertising, but I don’t think maximum brightness is the main reason to consider the HL-X.

There are much brighter flashlights available today.

The more useful combination is:

• Strong output when needed
• Good beam distance
• Rechargeable and disposable battery options
• Long low-mode runtime
• Programmable controls
• Rugged aluminum construction
• Good water and impact resistance
• A size that is still practical to carry

The SL-B26 battery is especially interesting because it gives you better performance while remaining rechargeable.

For an emergency kit, vehicle, home flashlight, or general preparedness use, I would rather have sensible battery options than chase the highest possible lumen number.

What Could Be Better?

No flashlight is ideal for everyone.

The ProTac HL-X is heavier and has a larger head than many modern pocket-oriented EDC flashlights. Someone looking for a very small light to disappear into a pants pocket may prefer something smaller.

High-mode runtime is another drawback. That’s common with compact, high-output flashlights. At full power, battery energy is consumed quickly. But that is up to the user to choose.

There are also much brighter flashlights available if raw lumen output is your main goal.

But those weaknesses do not bother me much for the role I see this flashlight filling. The HL-X is less about winning a lumen contest and more about being a rugged, predictable light with useful power options.

Is the Streamlight ProTac HL-X Worth It?

For someone looking for a rugged multi-fuel tactical flashlight, I think the Streamlight ProTac HL-X remains a strong choice.

Its biggest advantage is not simply the 1,300-lumen rating. It is the complete package: durable construction, good beam reach, useful low and medium settings, programmable controls, and the ability to switch between a rechargeable SL-B26 battery and CR123A lithium batteries.

The current battery-dependent specifications are worth understanding before buying. With two CR123A batteries, maximum output is 1,000 lumens. With the SL-B26 rechargeable battery, Streamlight currently rates the HL-X for 1,300 lumens and a 374-meter beam.

For preparedness in particular, I like that flexibility.

A bright flashlight is useful. A bright flashlight that still gives you another way to power it when circumstances change is considerably more useful.

→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88065 (1,000 Lumens / CR123A)
→ Streamlight ProTac HL-X 88085 (1,300 Lumens / Rechargeable SL-B26)

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