Examining the Build and Design
Build Quality and Materials
The first impression of the Streamlight Protac 2 is one of solid construction. The body is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, a material known for its strength and durability. This choice immediately suggests a flashlight built to withstand the rigors of daily use, whether you’re a law enforcement officer on patrol or a civilian relying on it for home defense. The aluminum is treated with a Type III hard-anodized finish, offering a matte black or sometimes, depending on the variant, tan color. This finish isn’t just for aesthetics; it provides excellent abrasion resistance, protecting the flashlight from scratches and wear.
Design, Size, and Weight
The Protac 2’s design is streamlined and functional. There are no unnecessary frills. The knurling on the body provides a secure grip, even with wet hands or when wearing gloves. The overall feel is comfortable and balanced in the hand, making it easy to maneuver in various situations. The size and weight are key considerations for a tactical flashlight, especially one designed for EDC. The Protac 2 strikes a good balance, being small enough to be easily carried in a pocket or on a belt, yet substantial enough to provide a comfortable grip and a significant amount of light output.
Durability and Construction
The Protac 2 is known for its ruggedness. It is built to withstand impacts, weather, and extreme conditions. Streamlight is a brand that is known for its reliability, and the Protac 2 is a prime example of their commitment to quality.
Delving into Key Features and Specifications
Brightness and Modes of Operation
The Protac 2 offers multiple brightness settings. The standard configuration typically provides a high mode for maximum output, a low mode for extended runtime and conserving battery life, and a strobe mode for disorienting a threat. Streamlight utilizes a proprietary “Ten-Tap” programming system, enabling users to customize the mode selection. Users can choose between high/strobe/low, high only, or low/high. This customization allows the user to select the operating modes that fit their operational needs and requirements. The brightness level itself is impressive for a flashlight of its size, providing ample illumination for a wide range of tasks.
Battery Power and Runtime Capabilities
The Streamlight Protac 2 typically operates on CR123A lithium batteries. These batteries are readily available and offer a good balance of power and runtime. The use of lithium batteries contributes to the flashlight’s relatively lightweight design and ensures reliable performance, even in cold temperatures. The runtime on the high mode is a crucial factor to consider. Depending on the specific model and battery capacity, the Protac 2 provides a respectable duration of bright light, which is more than enough for most tactical situations and self-defense scenarios. The low mode significantly extends the runtime, making it ideal for tasks that don’t require maximum brightness, such as navigating a dark environment or conserving battery life.
Shape and Weight as Factors
The dimensions and weight of the Protac 2 are optimized for portability and ease of carry. The relatively compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket, on a belt, or in a tactical vest. The weight, while substantial enough to feel robust, is not overly burdensome, ensuring comfort during extended use. This balance makes it a suitable choice for both law enforcement professionals who need a reliable light source on duty and civilians who are looking for a dependable EDC flashlight.
Durability and Weather Resistance
As mentioned earlier, the aluminum construction and hard-anodized finish contribute significantly to the Protac 2’s durability. Streamlight flashlights are built to withstand the bumps, drops, and everyday wear and tear that are common in the real world. The Protac 2 is also engineered for water resistance. While not a dive light, it is designed to withstand rain, splashes, and exposure to the elements. This level of protection is essential for a flashlight that may be used in various outdoor environments. The Protac 2’s water resistance is critical for use in inclement weather, adding to the flashlight’s overall reliability.
Switching Methods and Operation
The controls of the Streamlight Protac 2 are intuitive and easy to operate, even under stress. The tailcap switch is a standard design, providing tactile feedback and easy access to the light’s various modes. The Ten-Tap programming further enhances the ease of use by allowing users to customize the mode selection according to their preferences. The switch design is well-suited for quick activation, which is crucial in tactical situations. The recessed tailcap switch prevents accidental activation, which is a valuable safety feature.
Beyond the Basics: Other Helpful Features
Beyond the core functions, the Protac 2 often includes additional features that enhance its functionality. A removable pocket clip is often included, allowing for secure attachment to a pocket, belt, or MOLLE webbing. Some models feature bezel designs that allow for defensive striking or glass breaking. These are all helpful features, showing the Protac 2 is a well-designed flashlight.
Evaluating Performance: Putting It to the Test
Luminosity and the Beam Spread
The brightness of the Streamlight Protac 2 is immediately apparent. The light output is powerful, providing ample illumination for both close-range and medium-range tasks. The beam pattern typically offers a combination of a focused hotspot and a wider spill beam. This combination is advantageous, as it allows for both spotlighting distant objects and illuminating the surrounding area. The hotspot provides excellent throw, allowing for identification of potential threats or objects at a distance. The spill beam illuminates the immediate surroundings, enhancing situational awareness. The Protac 2’s beam pattern is well-suited for tasks requiring both distance illumination and close-range awareness.
Testing Endurance: Battery Life Checks
The runtime of the Protac 2 is another critical aspect of its performance. Testing the flashlight on each mode will reveal the exact battery life. This allows you to measure the duration of light, under varied settings, which will determine battery performance. This level of endurance is crucial for a tactical light, ensuring that it will perform when needed. Battery life is important, so users must balance how they intend to use the flashlight to manage power.
User Experience and Comfort of Handling
The ergonomics of the Streamlight Protac 2 are excellent. The flashlight feels comfortable in the hand, even with prolonged use. The textured grip provides a secure hold, even in wet or gloved conditions. The tailcap switch is easy to locate and operate, and the customizable mode selection is very user-friendly. The overall design of the flashlight promotes ease of use and comfort, making it an asset in various situations.
Pros and Cons Summary
Advantageous Qualities
The Protac 2 offers several notable advantages. The build quality is exceptional, with a robust aluminum construction and a durable finish. The light output is impressive for its size, providing ample brightness for a wide range of tasks. The customizable mode selection enhances versatility, allowing users to tailor the flashlight to their needs. The ease of use and comfortable ergonomics contribute to a positive user experience. The price-to-performance ratio is also highly favorable, making it an excellent value.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Streamlight Protac 2 has many strengths, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The use of CR123A batteries, while offering excellent performance, can be a drawback for users who prefer rechargeable options. Some users may prefer a more flood-focused beam pattern for close-range work.
Comparing and Contrasting
Versus Other Competitors
Many other quality flashlight brands are available, but the Protac 2 stands out for its excellent balance of price, performance, and durability. Compared to some higher-end brands, the Protac 2 provides similar performance at a significantly lower cost. The Streamlight Protac 2 is a solid option for a law enforcement flashlight. When it comes to durability, the Protac 2 holds its own against many competitors.
Assessing Value for Price
The Streamlight Protac 2 offers a fantastic value proposition. The combination of high-quality construction, impressive performance, and a reasonable price makes it an appealing option for a variety of users. The flashlight’s reliability and durability further enhance its value, making it a worthwhile investment. The Protac 2 is available at a price point that makes it accessible for many consumers, without sacrificing important performance.
Conclusion: A Final Verdict
After evaluating the Streamlight Protac 2, its strengths clearly outweigh its weaknesses. The Protac 2 stands out as a high-performing and reliable flashlight, perfect for various users.
Recommendation for Purchase
The Streamlight Protac 2 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful, durable, and versatile tactical flashlight. It’s particularly well-suited for law enforcement, security professionals, and anyone who prioritizes reliability and performance. Its compact size makes it an excellent EDC choice, and its rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The customizable mode settings and user-friendly controls make it easy to operate in any situation.
Final Considerations
The Streamlight Protac 2 delivers on its promise of providing robust performance in a compact package. It represents a smart investment, offering excellent value for the price. If you’re in the market for a dependable and powerful tactical flashlight, the Streamlight Protac 2 is a strong contender.
