The new Streamlight® ProTac® Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB is a unique multi-fuel long gun high-output white LED light with an integrated red aiming laser designed for close combat/defense. It offers the versatility of using two lithium battery types; two CR123A (non-rechargeable lithium metal) batteries or one 18650 (rechargeable lithium ion) cell. It attaches rapidly and securely to any MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail via an integral thumbscrew rail clamp.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB is constructed of lightweight 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with a black Mil-Spec Type II anodized finish and is o-ring sealed to keep out the elements. The head has machined cooling fins, although the light will still get hot if left on. It has a high-temperature, shock-mounted anti-reflective coated Boro Float™ (borosilicate) glass lens. Maintenance requirements consist of using a soft cloth and mild detergent to clean the glass lens and keeping the threads and o-ring lubricated with a silicone lube.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB is relatively compact and lightweight. Dimensions are: Length 6.56 inches. (16.7 cm) Width 1.47 inches. (3.73 cm); and Height: 1.76 inches(4.47 cm). It weighs 10.3 ounces (292.0 grams) with CR123A batteries and 10.8 ounces (306.2 grams) with 18650 Li Ion rechargeable battery. Each light is serialized for positive identification.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB white light utilizes a virtually indestructible high lumen LED with a 50,000 hour lifetime. The light has a relatively wide (1.47in.) bezel and employs a deep reflector to produce a versatile concentrated beam with enough reach and optimal peripheral (spill) illumination for close to longer range operations. It has a nice well defined hotspot with a definite edge.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB has an 18,200 candela peak beam intensity, 270 meter beam distance, and 1,000 lumen measured system output on high setting Peak beam intensity is 1,000 candela on low, with a 66 meter beam distance, and 60 lumens measured system output.

Think of lumens as raw output. Lumens provide the potential for performance. High lumen counts, while a great selling point, don’t tell the whole story. Without the proper focus, lumens may not be as useful on a weapon mounted light. Candela is a measurement of concentrated light. Think of candela as light on the target, not at the LED. Candela is the result of lumens being focused and thrown down range.

Beam distance is distance in meters at which the light produces a light intensity of at least 0.25 lux, i.e., the amount of light from a full moon on a clear night. For realistic engagement with a weapon light, you can cut stated beam distance for a given light at least in half.

Although the 1,000 lumen output of the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB makes it a relatively high output light, it’s not too much for use indoors, contrary to what many may be thinking. This has been the case with every high output light that I reviewed. Where this myth got started, I have no idea. The only reason that you could be temporarily blinded by a light being reflected is improper technique.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB has a 5mW output red laser. This is the maximum visible laser output allowed by the FDA (which regulates lasers) in the US for commercial sales. The laser aperature is in the reflector of the light. The aiming dot measures approximately 0.5-inch diameter at 50 feet. Operating temperature is -20°F to +120°F.

The laser is adjustable for windage and elevation using the included hex wrench. As is the case with any laser aimer, there will be only one distance where the bullet path will coincide with the laser sight line. This point is the laser zero. In practice, the laser can be adjusted to keep the bullet strike within about two inches. high and two inches. low at 100 feet. It has been extensively live fire tested.

Operation of the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB is via either a multi-function, push-button tactical tailcap switch or dual remote pressure switch with latching push-button. Both switches are included and provide momentary/steady on/off. The tailcap switch has a separate switch for the laser that provides both momentary (light press or tap) and constant on operation (press until click) of the laser. When using the remote switch, the light and laser operate simultaneously.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB features a TEN-TAP® programmable switch. It allows user selection of one of three different programs for the white light : high/strobe (factory default), high only, or low/high. TEN-TAP® provides one-handed operation of momentary, variable intensity or strobe mode. Programming is simple to do.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB comes with one Streamlight lithium ion 18650 protected cylindrical 3.7V 2600 mAh USB rechargeable battery. The battery features an integral micro-USB port for charging. A 22-inch USB charging cable is included that allows charging from any USB charger or device.

The Streamlight 18650 USB battery has an on-board safety control circuit that protects the battery from over-discharge and over-charge. Additional safety features include a safety vent and built-in PTC surge protection. The battery is rechargeable up to 500 times. Charge time is five hours, although it might take a little longer if recharging from PC USB. Battery charge indicators a built into the top of the battery: red for charging and green for charged.

The 18650 USB battery is great for training and can save considerable money over time vs CR123A batteries. 18650 batteries tend to be a little less tolerant to extreme operating environments than CR123A batteries, but the difference will be negligible for the average user.

Streamlight offers an optional 18650 Battery Charger that can recharge either one or two batteries simultaneously and permits charging through either AC/DC or USB power sources.

On high, the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB has a regulated runtime of one hour 15 minutes and one and a half hours to 10% output with the Streamlight 18650 battery. It has 22 hours of regulated run time and 23 hours to 10% output on low with that battery. Runtimes are slightly less with CR123A batteries — 3/4 hour of regulated run time and one hour 15 minutes to 10% output on high and 17 hours of regulated run time and 20 hours to 10% output on low.

The thumb screw rail clamp has a one-handed on/off and tighten interface that keeps hands away from the muzzle when attaching or detaching. The clamp as a unique design that allows laser windage and elevation screws to be in the proper orientation for laser sighting in any mounted position.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB is IPX4 rated with either the Standard two- button switch or the Remote Pressure Switch installed. The IP stands for Ingress Protection. An IPX4 rated product is protected from water splashes from any angle.The workmanship on the sample provided to me by Streamlight for evaluation is excellent.

The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser USB with the 18650 USB battery has a MSRP of $275.00 and includes a rail grabber, push-button tailcap switch, remote pressure switch, hardware kit and 22-inch USB cord. The CR123A lithium battery model has an MSRP of $260.00. It’s made in China and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Rating:

Size: 4/5
Weight: 4/5
Utility: 5/5
Function: 5/5
Brightness: 5/5
Beam Pattern: 5/5
Ruggedness: 4/5 Would have been 5 except Type II instead of Type III Anodizing
Water Resistance: 3/5
Total: 4.6/5

SPECIFICATIONS
STREAMLIGHT PROTAC® RAIL MOUNT HL-X LASER LONG GUN LIGHT

OUTPUT: 1000 or 60 lumens
BATTERY TYPE: 18650 (1) or CR123A (2)
RUNTIME: 1.25 to 23 hours
FEATURES: Compact aluminum body, white 1,000 lumen led high 60 lumen on low plus 1,000 lumen strobe ten tap programming, tail cap switch and a remote pressure switch. Rail grabber with thumbscrew attaches to M1913 picatinny rails.
DIMENSIONS: 6.56″ long x 1.47″ wide x 1.76″ high
WEIGHT: 4.5 oz without battery
ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $275.00
WARRANTY: Streamlight Limited Lifetime

I was provided with this product via Spotter Up as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.