FOG HORN

Sreamlights ProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the ultimate

experience. By: Sal Palma

2013
Twobirds Flying Publication

If you thought the lumens race was limited to handheld 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 time for 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 competitors bow. 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 of illumination 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.

Copyright 2013, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Sreamlights ProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the ultimate experience.

2013

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.

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 540 lumens, 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
Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

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.

Sreamlights ProTac HL Headlamp ten tap programming for the ultimate experience.
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 art of 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 a wide beam to light an entire area Features TEN-TAP programming, which allows the user to select one of three different programs: 1. High/medium/low (factory default) 2. High only 3. Low/medium/high Three lighting modes: o High for super-bright light with farreaching beam distance; 540 lumens, 7,400 candela; 172m beam distance; runs 1.75 hours o Medium for bright light and longer run times; 95 lumens,1,200 candela; 69m beam distance; runs 8 hours o

2013

Low for extended run times and when a less intense beam is ideal; 18 lumens; 250 candela; 31m beam distance; runs 36 hours Solid State power regulation provides maximum 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 impact resistance tested Ships with rubber helmet strap installed; also includes adjustable elastic headstrap 6.8 oz. (187g)

Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved