Higher candela and longer beam distance continues to be the theme among recent product launches and the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP is no exception. New for 2025, the “HP” model is an update of the original ProTac 2.0 (released in 2022) which maintains the same shape and size but now delivers significantly higher peak beam intensity of 85,000 candela (compared to 17,300 candela in the previous model). The ProTac 2.0 HP has the same maximum output of 2,000 lumens, supports USB-C charging without removing the battery, and allows users to choose between three function sets optimized for different requirements.
Key Specifications
- Output: 2,000 lumens high, 550 lumens medium, 100 lumens low
- Intensity: 85,000 candela
- Runtime: 2h 30min high, 5h medium, 31h low, 2h strobe
- Battery: SL-B50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable (4,900mAh)
- Length: 6.1″
- Diameter: 1.5″ bezel, 1.0″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 8.3 oz.
- Colors: Black
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $220
- Actual Pricing: ~$120-140
Pricing & Contents
Included in the clear plastic box (item # 89023) are: Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP, SL-B50 battery, nylon holster, USB-C cable, and user manual.
Batteries
The ProTac 2.0 HP uses a 21700 size SL-B50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4,900mAh and a built-in USB-C charging port.
The SL-B50 battery has a unique design and is currently only used in the ProTac 2.0 series. Both terminals used to deliver power are located at the top of the battery, only a very small amount of current (0.1mA) flows through the tail cap during operation because the switch only provides a signal rather and is not used to complete the circuit.
Charge time is 6 hours unless limited by the USB power supply. The charge indicator LED lights up the clear plastic on top of the battery, glowing red while charging and green when complete.
The Light
The ProTac 2.0 HP is just a bit larger than an average 18650-based light with the main difference being a wider body diameter. The aluminum body is type-II anodized and has a waterproof IPX7 rating.
Head
The head features a crenelated bezel with an anti-reflective coated glass window and a smooth aluminum reflector. Streamlight’s trademark silver ring has been added to the bezel of the ProTac 2.0 HP and three flat areas on the heatsink help stop the light from rolling away on a smooth surface.
Body
The charging sleeve is held in place by friction from the O-ring and does not have any threads. Grooves on the charging port cover provide grip when opening and the body is smooth with no knurling. To ensure correct orientation for the USB-C charge port, the SL-B50 battery is keyed with a flat side that slots into the head and prevents the battery from rotating.
The pocket clip is attached to the back of the body, but like most of the ProTac and Stream lineup, it is not securely attached and can be pulled off with moderate force.
Tail Cap
Textured black rubber with the Streamlight logo covers the forward click switch. The tail cap is shrouded to protect against accidental activation and allows the light to tail stand.
Function Sets
Streamlight’s TEN-TAP Programming allows you to choose between three different function sets, making the ProTac 2.0 HP suitable for both practical and tactical use. To change the function set, simply tap the switch nine times, each time within 0.4 seconds, and hold the switch on the tenth time until the light turns off.
High/Strobe/Low (Default)
Press once for high, press twice for strobe, and press three times for low.
High Only
Keeping things simple, this single-output function set is ideal for tactical use.
Low/Medium/High
Press once for low, press twice for medium, or press three times for high.
Modes
Three output levels can be activated using the tail switch.
High
Maximum output of 2,000 lumens.
Medium
Medium output of 550 lumens.
Low
Reduced power output of 100 lumens.
Performance
Using a Luminus SFT-40 LED, this emitter is flat with no dome and a relatively small light emitting surface (LES). This combination of characteristics allows for a more tightly focused beam pattern without increasing the reflector’s diameter. Instead of using a plastic reflector, the ProTac 2.0 HP uses an aluminum reflector for additional thermal mass to help absorb and dissipate heat during prolonged use.
The beam pattern is tightly focused with limited spill outside of the hotspot. The size of the hotspot is fairly large for an “HP” model, which improves everyday usability, but there is one ring about halfway out from the center.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Streamlight uses step-down regulation for high output mode with a gradual reduction over the first five minutes followed by consistent output just above 50% for the remainder of the runtime. Medium and low output modes are well regulated for the entire duration.
The ProTac 2.0 HP does start to heat up rather quickly after just a couple minutes of continuous operation in high output mode. Assuming your fingers do not extend beyond the charging cover and onto the head, the body of the light does not get uncomfortably hot during prolonged use.
Conclusion
Unlike dedicated high-candela lights such as the SureFire EDC2-DFT Turbo or Streamlight ProTac HP-X, the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP offers much more than just a tightly focused beam. The small size of the hotspot from these 18650 based lights, which use tiny emitters and deep reflectors, makes them best suited for outdoor use or long-distance illumination. On the opposite end of the spectrum, low-candela high-lumen lights such as the Stinger 2020 or original ProTac 2.0 have much larger hotspots but struggle at range due to the diffused beam pattern. This is where the ProTac 2.0 HP strikes a balance between high-candela and high-lumen without compromise.
One of the primary limiting factors for the performance of rechargeable lights is battery capacity. By switching from the commonly used 18650 size to the larger 21700 size, the ProTac 2.0 family is able to increase runtime while also operating at higher output levels with the only drawback being a slight increase in both diameter and length of the light. Combined with the new flat emitter from Luminus, which is also slightly more efficient than comparable domed emitters, the ProTac 2.0 HP has better sustained performance with a beam distance that is comparable to dedicated high-candela models.
The only problem we found with the ProTac 2.0 HP is that the charging port cover, similar to the MegaStream USB, is only held closed by friction from the O-ring. However, since the light has a larger size and shape compared to the MegaStream USB, we did find that the charging port cover is much less prone to opening by itself. With that being said, there is still a risk of water ingress should the charging port cover accidentally open during use or while in storage. Since the ProTac family includes a holster with most models, storing or carrying the light in the included holster is an easy way to reduce the likelihood of this happening and will also protect the light from accidental damage.
In addition to offering balanced performance for both work up close and at further distances, the ProTac 2.0 HP is also versatile and can be adapted for different use cases with the TEN-TAP Programming feature. For tactical use, unnecessary modes that could get in the way can be disabled by using the high-only function set. For everyday use, the full 2,000 lumen output may be overkill and the Low/Medium/High function makes the lower output modes more easily accessible to prolong runtime and avoid glare. The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP is one of the best compact rechargeable lights with balanced performance, convenient features, and a competitive price point.
| Pros |
|
| Neutral |
|
| Cons |
|
Related Links
Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP Product Page
