Streamlight ProTac HL-X vs Nitecore P20i
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Quick take: The Streamlight ProTac HL-X costs $5 less; the Nitecore P20i is brighter (1,800 vs 1,000 lm); the Nitecore P20i throws farther (340m vs 332m); the Nitecore P20i runs longer on high (2 vs 1.5 hrs).
| Spec | Streamlight ProTac HL-X | Nitecore P20i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65 | $70 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Tactical |
| Lumens | 1,000 lm | 1,800 lm |
| Candela | 27,600 cd | 29,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 332m | 340m |
| Runtime | 1.5 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 21700 |
| LED | CREE C4 LED | Luminus SST-40 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 3 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | TEN-TAP | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 5.6 oz | 3.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 1.4 in | 5.5 x 1.0 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Streamlight ProTac HL-X
- ✓Measured output exceeded the claimed figure by a good margin
- ✓Tail switch offers momentary, constant-on and programmable modes
- ✓Dual fuel: two CR123As or the rechargeable SL-B26 pack
- ✓Around 328 yards of reach from a 1,000-lumen light
- ✓Streamlight's long-standing reputation for dependability
- ✗One owner reported it flickering off under recoil after ~300 rounds
- ✗Uncomfortably hot to hold after more than three minutes
- ✗Heavier than several competing lights
- ✗No high-CRI option
- ✗The rechargeable pack is proprietary to Streamlight
Nitecore P20i
- ✓1,800 lumens with 344 m of throw — genuine reach for a duty light
- ✓IP68 to two metres and rated for a 1 m drop
- ✓Well-proportioned body with natural grip from the wider head and tail
- ✓Included NTH20 holster fits a wide belt range and MOLLE
- ✓USB-C charging with Power Delivery support
- ✗Only takes CR123A pairs or Nitecore's proprietary i-series 21700
- ✗The proprietary cell can only be charged inside the light
- ✗The pocket clip's bend radius doesn't suit a light this thick
- ✗Cool 6500K SST-40 with low colour rendering
- ✗Three levels plus strobe is a thin mode set for the price