Streamlight ProTac 2L-X vs Streamlight MicroStream USB
Quick take: The Streamlight MicroStream USB costs $20 less; the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X is brighter (500 vs 250 lm); the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X throws farther (237m vs 68m); the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X runs longer on high (2.5 vs 1.5 hrs).
| Spec | Streamlight ProTac 2L-X | Streamlight MicroStream USB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 | $30 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Keychain |
| Lumens | 500 lm | 250 lm |
| Candela | 14,000 cd | 1,150 cd |
| Beam distance | 237m | 68m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 1.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | CR123A | Built-in |
| LED | CREE C4 LED | C4 LED |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 3 Stepped | 2 Stepped |
| UI | TEN-TAP | Simple |
| IP rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.0 oz | 1.2 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 1.1 in | 3.9 x 0.6 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X
- ✓Runs on two CR123As or a single 18650, with better runtime from the 18650
- ✓One owner reports three and a half years of hard use with no wear
- ✓Light for its durability, resisting both impact and water
- ✓Streamlight's warranty and reputation behind it
- ✓Wide beam pattern suits close-range work well
- ✗Output drops after fifteen minutes and settles around 350 lumens, not 500
- ✗Scattered reports of flickering and failing to switch on with fresh cells
- ✗One owner's dimming issue only resolved by using a genuine Streamlight cell
- ✗The wide beam wastes the output at distance
- ✗No high-CRI option
Streamlight MicroStream USB
- ✓Slim and light enough to carry daily without noticing it
- ✓Hold for momentary, click for constant — the right interface for the size
- ✓Streamlight's lifetime warranty
- ✓USB rechargeable, so no cells to buy
- ✓Genuine performance for a pen-format light
- ✗The button needs unusually high effort, especially for constant-on
- ✗The pocket clip is weak
- ✗Heats up quickly even on the low setting
- ✗The focusing lens makes almost no difference to the beam
- ✗Micro-USB charging on older stock