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When the lights go out, there is nothing more valuable than a good flashlight. It may be in the middle of the day but if you are inside a building and the power goes out it might as well be the middle of the night.

Streamlight ProTac 2L-X

What makes a flashlight the best for EDC? I see a flashlight first as a defensive tool and secondly as a utility tool. The Streamlight ProTac 2L-X (click here to check it out on Amazon) fits the bill. The ProTac 2L-X is versatile enough to be used for EDC, Bug Out Bags, and home security and defense.

Performance

First things first, it needs to have good performance. The ProTac 2L-X has great performance. On high, the 500 lumens provide great illumination for identifying threats even at distance. The low setting is great for saving on battery life and when a dimmer light is desired.

  • 500 Lumens on High
  • Run Time on High – 3.25 hours
  • Run Time on Low – 30 hours
  • Uses a USB Rechargeable or 2 CR123 Batteries
  • User Programmable lighting Modes
  • Anodized Aluminum Construction
  • Removable Pocket Clip
  • IPX7 Waterproof 

Reliability

It needs to be reliable. If it isn’t reliable and I can not depend on it then it doesn’t make the cut. I’ve never had one of my Streamlights quit on me for any other reason than dead batteries.

Durability

I’ve used several different Streamlight lights over the years and the only time I had a failure was due to unreasonable and excessive abuse on my part, I was still impressed by how well it held up.

Streamlight Stylus Pro

For the Minimalist, the 100-lumen Streamlight Stylus Pro is an excellent alternative. The Stylus Pro runs on 2 AAA batteries and has a run time of 8 hours.

Streamlight MicroStream

For the Ultra-Minimalist, the 28-lumen Streamlight MicroStream is for you. The MicroStream runs on 1 AAA battery and has a run time of 2.25 hours. The MicroStream has one nice feature, a clip that allows you to clip it to a pocket or on to the brim of a cap to function as a makeshift headlamp.