Streamlight 88850 PolyTac 600-Lumen 11500-Candela Tactical LED Flashlight, Ten-TAP Programmable, Clear Retail Packaging, Black

My dad managed to break his old flashlight. Not really sure how. He asked for a new one for Christmas. It needed to be small enough to be held in one hand, light enough to be used while doing other things, bright enough to be able to find things in a dark basement when the power goes out, and he did NOT want rechargeable batteries. On that last point, I think he was talking more about not wanting a light that used a drill power pack, like the ones that come in those combination drill/saw/light type sets. However, when I checked with him he assured me he didn't want rechargeable batteries. So, I settled on this Streamlight after looking at reviews of other similar looking lights on Amazon. Basically, the Amazon users sold me on this light. It hit all of the points he had asked for, and came in at what I felt was a really good price point. When he opened the light on Christmas, he was really interested in getting the light out and testing it out. He opened the package, installed the included batteries, and took to using the light. It's very bright. I'm not really very familiar with other "nice" flashlights so I can't compare, but I do know it's brighter than any of the flashlights I have laying around my house. He really seemed to like the way the light was focused and how bright it was. He took it into the basement and came back to assure me that the light would work for what he needed it for. The quality of the build seems solid. I'm used to flashlights being cheap plastic or metal, so this one being a higher grade type of plastic was different for me, but it felt really good in the hand. The button to turn it off and on seems solid, and the fact that it came with batteries is a big plus. Overall, my dad really likes the light, and I think it seems like a pretty good product. The only problem?? I now want one for myself!!!

I have thrown this at walls, people, cars, windows, concrete, cactus, gravel, dirt, metal posts, signs and grass. Nothing has cracked or dented or flung off. It’s bright at 1000-1200 lumens (I think) and is running strong. The battery life, on average, last about 6 hours of constant high beam use. With using CR123 batteries, you’d expect the light to get hot but not entirely. It takes quite a while and also depends on the weather. Its length sits at about 4-5 inches and isn’t bulky at all. It fits in regular pistol mag pouches easily.

Let's face it: The number of "tactical" flashlights on Amazon is TOO DAMN HIGH! Lol! There are simply too many choices. Plus, you've got all this no-name-brand Chinese crap and it's difficult to tell which flashlight the reviews actually apply to. After a few hours of painful research, I "settled" on the Streamlight brand. The company seems legit, they aren't going to fold overnight, and the light comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This Polytac seemed the best for my application (mounting a few on an IWI Tavor and a couple of AR-15s, all using off-set Picatinny mounts). Here's what I don't like: - Removing the o-ring in order to remove the pocket clip (which is necessary to mount the light in a 1-inch mount) was a pain. I was able to do it, but I was very worried I'd nick the o-ring or cut it in the removal process. It's on tight. - All tactical flashlights should feature some redundancy or versatility with their power source. I think the lights should be able to use AA, AAA, or the lithium batteries. Only a few lights I've seen do this, but I think it should be a design feature for any light where you might need options in a pinch. - I don't like my flashlights to have complicated modes that rely upon the speed of the operator to click a button twice fast, or three times fast, and to remember how many times and when. Jesus, who could do this under fire-- even with training? Glock is the one manufacturer I've seen who got this right with their flashlight-laser combo. There's a three-way switch with three tiny diagrams on the unit so you can select the mode you want once the light is activated. They even eliminated the language barrier with this physical toggle. Brilliant! As for the Streamlight, I absolutely cannot activate the low-beam setting-- even after fooling with the light for 20 minutes and trying to reprogram it. I can get high-beam and strobe, but that's all. I'm not happy with the fact that I can't use low-beam because it dramatically improves the battery life. - The price is a little high for what you get. I don't think this is American made, so the price is nearly twice as high as similar Chinese-made lights. Here's what I like: + The flashlight is very lightweight. + The button on the back clicks with authority, isn't mushy, and feels solid. + The plastic housing has a nice texture and feel. I also think the off-set mount I'm using grips it nice and snug without scratching or damaging the flashlight case were it metal. + The flashlight is very bright and has a solid beam (meaning, unlike some lights were you have to do a lot of focusing to get right of the dark spot or spots, this light just has a solid and bright beam center). I'm keeping the flashlight and actually ordering another.

This is a great flashlight. It's a perfect size, it functions flawlessly and is easy to use. I also have a Streamlight ProTac 2L which I like a lot too. The 2L is very similar to this PolyTac but since the 2L is made of aluminum it's a little more compact. My only criticism of the 2L is that it's surface is very smooth which makes it a little more difficult to push the tail cap button when your hand is either dry or wet. This PolyTac is molded with some substantial ribbing and non-skid panels between some of the ribs. The ribbing and non-skid panels make the tail cap button much easier to operate. The polymer construction makes the PolyTac slightly larger in diameter. The diameter of the PolyTac is 1" in the barrel and 1 1/4" at the head. The ProTac 2L is 3/4" in the barrel and 7/8" at the head. The PolyTac is 1/2" longer than the ProTac. Both flashlights have a removable pocket clip which can be used to attach a lanyard if desired. The tail cap button on the 2L is flush with the end of the barrel while the tail cap button on the PolyTac extends 1/8" beyond the barrel. This feature also makes the button easier to operate. I like both of these flashlights. Although the 2L is easier to carry in a pocket, the PolyTac is a little easier to use. Both have the programable switch for those who can use the two options. Take your pick or get them both like I did. They are great pocket flashlights. Update: 10/24/16 - I've had a chance to use this light and carry the PolyTac for a few days now. The pocked clip is mounted on the wrong end and it's too weak. I know the head is quite a bit bigger in diameter than the barrel, but the mounting should favor the way it's carried. When I grab my flashlight I want the barrel in my hand (where the switch is located) not the head. The spring steel pocket clip is 2 3/4" long on the PolyTac while on the ProTac it's about 1 3/4". The length of the pocket clip on the PolyTac accounts to some degree for the weaker tension on the pocket clip, but at least on the PolyTac I received, the bend of the clip at the roughly 90 degree transition from vertical to horizontal isn't sufficient to give the clip the tension it needs to more securely carry it in a pocket. My solution: remove the head of the PolyTac (it's on there pretty tightly) by turning it counterclockwise. Carefully remove the rubber o-ring between the thread on the body of the flashlight and the ring on the pocket clip. Do nothing to tear, break or otherwise damage the o-ring. If you are in doubt about being able to do this without damaging the o-ring find someone who can or don't do this at all. With the o-ring off, remove the pocket clip. Holding the ring of the pocket clip in one hand and the clip portion in the other, grip with your thumbs and forefingers as close to the 90 degree bend as you can. Slowly bend the clip and the ring so they is about 80 to 85 degrees instead of 90. Place the ring back on the body where it was. Pressing the ring as tightly as possible in place, lift the clip to test the tension on the clip. Bend the clip more or less to preference. After positioning the ring in its place, carefully replace the o-ring in its groove right next to the pocket clip ring. Inspect the ring and o-ring to be sure they are in their proper positions then screw the head back on the body. Be sure the threads on the head and body are not cross threaded. Tighten the head in place and check the tension of the pocket clip. You won't be able to change the end of the flashlight where the pocket clip in mounted, but you can adjust the tension on the clip to improve its grip on your pocket or where ever else yo chose to carry it.

It's slightly different than the model pictured - specifically, there is no included belt clip. The outer casing is slightly different, but apart from that it appears to be the same light. With that out of the way... Initial impressions are very positive. The polymer casing is very tough and feels like it will be very hard-wearing over time. A flashlight ought to be able to take a few bumps and bangs and drops in its life and this certainly seems capable. I don't feel like I will have to be too concerned about it if I throw it in a drawer, bag, pocket, or whatever. The lens and tailcap are the only exterior parts that I'd be overly concerned with. The tailcap button is pretty nice. It extends from the base far enough that you get good purchase on the button with the pad of your thumb and don't really need to use the tip of your thumb to operate it. The momentary press only requires just a bit of pressure to operate. From there, there's a bit of travel and a surprising amount of pressure is required to click it on permanent. It's enough that it has to be deliberate (you won't accidentally turn it on and kill your battery) but not so much that it's unreasonable. As for the actual light, I don't know how well it lives up to the claims. Those are so hard to measure and are rarely accurate. The best I can say is that I have a TLR-1, also by streamlight, and the shine characteristics are nearly identical. At the same distance, the 88850 has a slightly larger and less focused center spot, and the total spread is a little wider. The brightness is very similar though, and the the 88850 has a slightly warmer color. Apart from that, it seems to be essentially a TLR-1 in a handheld package (even if that's not necessarily the case). With the included Stereamlight CR123A cells inserted, there only the slightest of rattle from the cells inside the tube. The cells only just fit in there - if there were any less rattle, they would probably be stuck. To that point, 18650 rechargeable cells would not work in this light. Their diameter is just too much and you'd never get them out again if you crammed them in there. All in all I shall be very happy with it if it works as well as the TLR-1.

At this point I have at least 4 of these and every single one is amazing. 3 light settings from high, strobe and low. Super powerful battery life. It’s definitely on the larger size for edc but the amount I use a flashlight it’s warranted. 3 of my lights are weapon lights and they all withstand the elements phenomenally.

Why You Should Buy This Light: - Great light for any use as long as you have batteries. - Will survive just about anything. - Bright. Very. Why I Love This Light: - It is made of Polymer. This means I don't have to worry about it getting scratched, or damaging any other surface it contacts. I can drop it on mom's kitchen tile without worrying. This also means.. - It's lightweight. Very important if you are carrying other things besides just your flashlight. - It has seals to prevent water leaking in. Don't go diving with it, but dropping it in a puddle on a rainy night should be no problem. - Did I mention it's bright? Rated at something like 350 lumens, it's more than enough to take care of your personal needs. - The thumb button is large and easy to actuate. A good thing if you plan to use this in the rain or with gloves on. (Half-presses cycle through High-Strobe-Low settings.) - Pocket clip is positioned correctly and long enough to keep the light in place without being too tight. Makes it handy to use. - The CR123A batteries are not something I normally see at Walmart or Best Buy. Fortunately, they can be found on Amazon for reasonable prices. - I like this light so much I bought one for my dad. Just because.

This flashlight is an excellent value considering its quality and low price. I have a few other Streamlight products and they have been 100% reliable. The Polytac is the lowest priced light I've seen that I would trust in a defensive situation. I had previously mounted a Fenix TK11 and before that, a PD32 on my Mossberg 500, which is kept for home defense. These flashlights are more expensive than the Streamlight, have more features and are significantly brighter - probably brighter than necessary for interior use. The Streamlight has more than enough power for this purpose, would be simple to use in a panic situation and is a great choice for a dedicated HD weapon which, in all likelihood won't ever need to be used. I use the more expensive lights as handheld, general use lights. I might get another Polytac for my AR, which now has the TK11 mounted on it, but I'm not sure if 130 lumens would be enough for outdoors (where an AR would most likely be used). For the price, the Polytac would also be a good spare light to have around the house or in a car.