Existing users of the Streamlight 88040 Pro Tactical Flashlight rate this model highly – and it gets an impressive 4.8/5.0 rating on Amazon. Much of the praise is down to four key features: programmable lighting modes, the C4 LED technology, high output power at 600 lumen, and a beam that can reach over 250 yards. Added to this, the Streamlight is shockproof, waterproof (down to 1 yard for approx. 30 minutes), and it comes with a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
This is a torch that’s so well features, robust and durable that the ProTac is a tactical tool used by emergency and law enforcement officers – and it’s also great for outdoor sports or as an all-around flashlight.
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Review of the Streamlight ProTac 88040HL LED flashlight
As one of the highest-rated tactical flashlights on the market, the Streamlight ProTac 88040HL LED torch uses LED technology with clever electronics that allow you to program the beam output (and flashing effects) in ten ways. At full-power, the beam has a maximum output of 600 lumens (16,000 candela) and at this peak output it will run for about an hour with the standard batteries – providing a bright beam with a range of over 250 yards.
One good feature of this flashlight is that it uses C4 LED technology: this means that electronics control the battery power so that the intensity and power of the output beam remains constant even as the battery charge runs down over time. You won’t get a dimming or yellowing beam that some other flashlights suffer from as the battery fades. This lets you run the torch at full output power right up until the battery needs replacing.
There are three power modes (High, Low, and Strobe); Low mode provides a beam intensity of about 800 candela with an impressive 18 hour runtime; High mode provides a 16,000 candela beam with an hour’s runtime. Switching between modes is via a double-click of a button on the casing. Speaking of casing, this model is waterproof down to 1 yard (IPX7) for a maximum of 30minutes.
There’s no tactical or weapons mount on this 88040HL model, but it does work with several popular third-party mounts. Most suppliers include a holster and a pocket clip, which makes are very useful if you’re in the emergency services, security, law enforcement, or if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
This ProTac model has a wider beam than normal when compared to similarly-priced LED flashlights (for example, the GX2), which is good for general work and close work but means that it’s less effective for pin-point long-range illumination – and the beam spread cannot be changed or focussed, which is a feature of some high-end flashlights.
This is a robust tool, with good build quality and materials – the main casing is made from machined aluminum which is then anodized with a protective black finish. It does get a little warm in use, especially in the high-output mode, but the casing is sturdy and survives well through general use.
Summary
The Streamlight 88040HL Pro Tactical flashlight is a good, solid casing that makes this a dependable unit with an really good, high output, bright beam. It’s highly-rated by existing users and available at a good discount from many online stores.
Top 5 Main Features
- Three main modes and ten programmable modes
- One-hand operation, with tap-to-select the modes
- C4 LED technology maintains a consistent brightness regardless of battery power
- Bulb lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Waterproof down to one yard for a maximum of 30 minutes
- Impact resistant if dropped from up to one yard
- Includes a limited lifetime warranty
Physical features
- Size: 5.2 inches (length) x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Battery: Two non-rechargeable CR123A Lithium batteries are included
- Power: 16,000 lumens on high, 800 on low
- Body Material: Anodized machined aircraft aluminum
- Mounting: none
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