Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X USB Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

I’ve had a number of streamlights over the years. I purchased the HL 5-X primarily for a series of advanced self defense handgun classes which requires a handheld for down range shooting. The HL 5-X is too large for my intended purpose but I’m very pleased overall. Here’s my 2 month observation:

What I like:
* It’s bright! Throws a long flood which is nice for scanning across a field. I can light up the far corners of my property with ease.
* It’s well built. Rugged, heavy aluminum, O’rings, etc.
* USB battery run time. Amazing how long the batteries last during normal use.
* The grip. This light has a nice rubberized grip surface that fits med to large hands well.

What I don’t like:
* It’s very large. Larger than necessary. It’s about the size of an old school mag light. Nice for working in the shop and general purpose but too big for most needs.
* The USB charging. Not a huge deal but they must be removed for charging each time. I get the advantage of freeing up additional electronics from the main frame by incorporating charging ports directly to the battery. It’s a brilliant design! Regardless, it does require removal to charge unlike the Stinger series.
*Switch location: The location is fine for normal use but it would be nicer to have a tail cap button. Ideally attached to a shorter shaft which would be more balanced in hand.
* The tricky switch: I’m not a fan of it. I’m trying to get used to it but I’m just not there yet. I’m going to re-program it to a more desirable setting (low 1st, high 2nd, flash 3rd) which will be much better than the silly default setting. The default will initially weld your retinas on high with the 1st half-press, then disco strobe-confusion mode on the 2nd half-press, before finally achieving a soothing normal beam with the 3rd “full-press” to a click.


Summary: The 4 star review is due to switch location and functionality for tactical purposes. It’s nice alright. Very nice! However; this is supposed to be a “tactical” light, based on the name ProTac. This is not (in my opinion) a PROfessional TACtical light! It’s not natural to use the side switch in a one-handed combat situation, especially while maneuvering with a firearm in the other. Sorta my definition of a tactical light:) Meanwhile I’m looking forward to continued general use of the HL 5-X USB.

The purchase: This was my 1st purchase from this site. They did a splendid job in every way. Great to be able to talk with a knowledgeable person when needed. I placed a 2nd order with them for a smaller tactical light this morning that should better suit my needs.

This product is deserving of a 5 star review. This ProTac HL 5-X USB flashlight is worth so much more than the price it is selling for. You will have to simply trust me, as I have dozens of "high-end," middle grade, and even a few "budget" torches to compare it to. AMAZING!! The 3,500 lumens is legit...and the included 18650 USB batteries last a long time. I am very impressed. I also have a ProTac HL 4, HL 3, & the original HL...which are all fantastic tactical lights as well, however, this HL 5-X USB model is ARGUABLY the best torch on the market.

The 250 lumens low setting seems to be close to comparable to a 629 lumens 5.11 torch I have...a $90 item, I might add. The 1000 lumens middle mode is as bright as the 1100 high mode on the HL 3, however, with a wider beam. (The HL 3 being more of a "thrower") This light has awesome, massive flood characteristics AND throw capability! The perfect tactical flashlight.

This light worked great - for a while. I bought it last October. It just suddenly died and I swapped out the batteries since I bought 4, and still nothing. I am thinking it's a contact issue as sometimes I could get an extremely dim light in the head of it. After trying the other batteries didn't work I decided to put them on the charge. It took over an hour to charge the batteries back up which had a full charge when I stored them in my bag. Also after charging them to a full charge, just setting for an hour or so they will drop from a full charge. I have treated this flashlight well, not used it much and just in my job at early morning dark hours to light up tanks I fill with bleach. The yellow light of this light is also a negative as it's not a bright white light like my protac hl (1000 lumens) or my protac hl 3 that I own and have for a couple of years. I am wondering if there is a known issue with this light that they have addressed with newer models, and the batteries are NOT of high quality durability. I am returning and told them I will accept exchange as I generally have good faith in Streamlight and their products for their durable and reliable products in the past. I also wonder if the head can be changed to a bright white as it's far better in my job application. I do not know that answer. Only 6 months life out of this light is NOT a good thing, along with the batteries not being up to snuff.

After reading the reviews of the Streamlight HL 5-X I had high hopes. I ordered one and anxiously awaited it’s arrival. Unfortunately, it then took 3+ days to ship it and having chosen the cheapest shipping option, it may have traveled by burro to Southern California. That was a poor choice on my part but most companies I deal with ship surprisingly fast. When the light arrives, (in a small Streamlight box with no internal protection inside a slightly bigger shipping box and crumpled paper) I charge the two Streamlight USB 18650 batteries until the two lights turned from red to green. I placed them into the light and replaced the screw-endcap and pressed the on/off switch. Nothing happened. I try again and again, still nothing. I must’ve left the switch in the on position because as I was unscrewing the cap until it almost fell off, the light flashed. The only time the light shines is when the cap is so loose that it wiggles from side to side/ up and down and then it’s only a brief flash.

The price was right for such a high quality high intensity tactical light. Great for home, camping, boating, emergencies or whatever activities you pursue in the dark. Would also be great for a B.O.B. since it can use cr123a batteries in case you can't find a source to recharge the 18650's it comes with. I highly recommend spending the money for one or two. The only gripes I have are: 1) mine didn't come with an ac adapter just the cable to charge the batteries so I used one from my cell phone and 2) the wrist lanyard is an absolute pain in the ass to put on.

It's like owning a piece of the sun. I just thought 1,100 lumen was bright...this ProTac HL 5-X puts that to shame. 3,500 lumen (you heard that right...no typo) with USB rechargeable batteries...2,500 with your on hand CR123 batteries, so it's dual fuel powered in a pinch. This is, by far, the brightest flashlight I've ever owned and would highly recommend to everyone...especially family and friends.

The light is great in many ways! That is until U find out U have no way to charge it! All great things about the light go dark when U find that out so no reason in mentioning them! When someone pays 100.00 dollars for a flashlight that comes with just a cord but nothing to plug it into?😳 That's so rediculas and unprofessional it's really hard to comprehend!!!

The HL 5-X is a solid value. IMO about 85-90% of Surefire quality at a much, much lower price. Time will tell about reliability. In the meantime, a tremendous amount of light. Accessing the different lighting features is typical complicated. I have nothing negative to say about this light. Dealing with the site was a real pleasure too!

This light was introduced at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. This is the newest light from Streamlight from the HL4X USB which had 2,000 lumens. Great quality construction and feel. A lot of light for the cost. If this was a Surefire with this many lumens it would be quadruple the price. Thinking of buying a second one.

Very happy with this flashlight! Lights up the neighborhood unlike any other light I’ve seen. In strobe mode, this thing would disorient anyone. Very sturdy and appears to be well made.