Streamlight Tactical Flashlight: Definitive Review (2025)
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Welcome to our Ultimate TopNotch Review of the Streamlight Tactical Flashlight 2025.
We tested this flashlight to its limits, as well as comparing it to some of the top rechargeable flashlights on the market for 2025.
If you want the lowdown on the compact Streamlight flashlight, you’re in the right place.
In this comprehensive review we’ll cover:
- Battery life
- Durability
- Flashlight features
- Lots more…
So if you want to find a tough flashlight with a huge level of brightness, you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
- Battery Life: 11.5 hours on low mode
- Light Output: 3500 lumens
- Construction Material: Aluminum
- Weight:553g
- Manufacturer: Streamlight
Bottom Line : An extremely bright waterproof flashlight
Pros
- Three operating modes, Waterproof, Very bright
Cons
- Bulky size – can be fiddly to recharge
Our Verdict: Streamlight Tactical Flashlight
The Streamlight Protac is durable and easy to use, with great brightness levels.
If you’re looking for a lightweight flashlight to pop in your backpack for a range of trips, this is a great choice.
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It’s also waterproof up to 1 meter, meaning it’s a perfect choice for rainy season trips, fishing weekends, or boating adventures.
Beyond the fact that being waterproof is seriously useful, this new Streamlight Flashlight is also pretty bright.
With a maximum brightness of 3500 lumens, it also has a TEN-TAP power switch that lets you choose the program or brightness you prefer.
If flashlights rolling off surfaces is one of your pet hates – and it sure is one of mine – then you’ll love the anti-roll, beveled head of this flashlight.
It’s a great feature.
On the whole, this is a superb choice as a durable and versatile flashlight.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something a bit chunkier for use on road trips or in your RV, then our Top Pick, the Stanley Fatmax Flashlight, might be more up your street.
Analysis Comparisons and Test Results
This flashlight was one of 10 we tested across a wide range of environments, from the high altitudes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Southern Spain, to around the house during a power cut.
Each time we used it, we remained impressed by how versatile the Streamlight Protac HL really is.
We judge each flashlight using the exact same set of metrics, which we’ll explain a bit later on. The purpose of this is to make sure we’re using a level playing field and scoring as fairly as we possibly can.
And after extensive testing…
…we reckon this is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a versatile flashlight that’s waterproof, very bright, and doesn’t take up much room in your backpack… or weigh very much either for that matter.
One thing we will say is that it’s not the cheapest flashlight we reviewed.
If you’re looking for a budget option rather than the brightest – then the flashlight we awarded our TopNotch Best Value award to is a better choice. That’s the Anker Flashlight LC90 Rechargeable.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the features of this, the brightest tactical flashlight we tested.
Battery Life
Our Streamlight has a battery life of 11.5 hours on low mode which sounds pretty good, right? And technically that should mean a higher score.
So why did this score only 5/10?
Because we also take into account the battery life of the high and medium modes as well.
Battery Life Rating
With 3 hours on medium brightness mode and just 1.25 hours on high, you’ll need to recharge this pretty frequently.
We often use high or medium modes more frequently than low, so that means more time charging and less time shining.
Brightness
This flashlight sure is bright, with a maximum output of 3,500 lumens.
But the medium brightness of 1,000 lumens is lower than some of the other flashlights we reviewed.
Brightness Rating
Bottom line?
If brightness is the reason you want a flashlight, then this is a good choice.
Beam Quality
This does a reasonably good job of picking out particular landmarks (or in our case – the dog!) from a distance.
But it’s not as good as most of the other flashlights we reviewed.
Beam Quality Rating
Ease Of Use
This flashlight is relatively easy to use, but the TEN-TAP power switch can get a bit irritating, and we found ourselves getting a little frustrated scrolling through to try and select the brightness we wanted.
Ease of Use Rating
Durability
Here’s where this flashlight starts to head up the leaderboard.
Why is that?
If you’re looking for durability, the Streamlight Tactical Flashlight is waterproof, dustproof, and created from military-grade aluminum casing. It’s certainly built to last.
Durability Rating
Features
Again, this is the best Streamlight flashlight we reviewed in terms of features.
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There’s an ingenious sliding cover that keeps water and dust away from the charging port.
Features Rating
It also comes with a holster and pocket clip meaning this flashlight can be at your fingertips at all times.
Our Final Verdict: Streamlight Tactical Flashlight
By now…
…you should see this particular flashlight does a lot of things well, but there are also a few things lacking, which is why it’s down at the bottom of our leaderboard – but do bear in mind – these are our top 10 on the market for 2025.
Our Final Verdict Rating
Conclusion: Streamlight Tactical Flashlight
When all’s said and done, if you’re looking for an extremely durable flashlight with a nice range of intelligent features, it’s a great choice.
Especially if you have a budget on the higher end of the scale.
To wrap things up…
You probably won’t find a flashlight with a higher water resistance than this one… and the brightness is right up there with the best – so this definitely hits the spot in those areas.
If you’re wanting Best Value, or a host of features – try checking out our top 3 here…
Thanks for reading – we’ll hand over the baton to you now to make your choice.
