Back in 2023, I reviewed the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 personal flashlight, an excellent compact, rechargeable, multi-use flashlight. Featuring Streamlight’s typical rugged construction and top-of-the-line high-tech innovation, it quickly became one of my favorites. Now Streamlight has already raised the bar with the new ProTac 2.0 HP — a high-performance model designed to light farther and brighter while keeping the same compact size.

I first heard about the upgrade when I requested a Streamlight TLR-1 HP for testing. A Streamlight rep asked if I’d also like to review the ProTac 2.0 HP. Knowing anything from Streamlight is worth reviewing and a new light would be great for my family’s annual vacation, the answer was an easy yes. Unfortunately, it arrived too late to utilize on vacation.

When I finally removed the package from its box after our vacation, I had a moment of panic. At first glance, the light looked identical to the ProTac 2.0 I had already reviewed. Had I been sent the same model twice? Thankfully, my 11-year-old son — our household Streamlight expert — set me straight. Comparing the new arrival to our original Streamlight ProTac 2.0, I then noticed the new light was marked with an HP. My son pulled up the Streamlight website and showed me the differences. The ProTac 2.0 HP may look like the original, but its beam performance is on another level.

The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 vs. 2.0 HP

Specifications

ProTac 2.0

ProTac 2.0 HP
High lumens 2,000 2,000
Runtime on high 2.5 hours 2.5 hours
Runtime on low 25 hours 31 hours
Beam distance 262 meters 583 meters
Max candela 17,300 85,000
Battery type SL-B50 Rechargeable Battery Pack SL-B50 Rechargeable Battery Pack
Battery quantity 1 (included) 1 (included)
Length 6.10 inches 6.10 inches
Weight 8.25 ounces 8.25 ounces
Colors Black Black

Understanding Flashlight Output

Over my 40-year law enforcement career, I have seen flashlight terminology change three times. For example, my first high-powered duty flashlight in 1986 was a rechargeable Streamlight SL-20. At the time, “candlepower” was the standard measurement, and that SL-20 put out an eye-blistering 20,000 incandescent candlepower when fully charged. It served me well for the remainder of my time at that department.

When LED lights hit the market, “lumens” replaced candlepower. That change caused some confusion as lumens refers to a different aspect of light. Lumens measure total light output rather than beam intensity.

More recently, manufacturers have adopted “max candela,” a measurement of beam concentration and distance. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter which term and method is used as long as there’s a consistent system that allows us to compare across models.

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 vs. ProTac 2.0 HP Review: What’s Different?

At first glance, the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 and ProTac 2.0 HP are practically indistinguishable from each other. Both share the same body length, weight and rugged design. The HP model can be identified by the letters “HP” on the middle portion of the light. More noticeable is a silver ring about ½ inch from the end of the lightly crenelated bezel. It is visible even in dimmer light and useful if you happen to own both lights.

Like the ProTac 2.0, the control switch is in the base of the HP, giving it the potential to be a tactical flashlight as well as a compact general-purpose light. The ProTac 2.0 HP uses Streamlight’s Ten-Tap programming, giving three user-selectable modes:

  • High/Strobe/Low
  • High only
  • Low/Medium/High

The output settings on the ProTac 2.0 HP are as follows:

  • High: 2,000 lumens, 583-meter beam, 2.5-hour runtime
  • Medium: 550 lumens, 300-meter beam, 5-hour runtime
  • Low: 100 lumens, 132-meter beam, 31-hour runtime
  • Strobe: 2-hour runtime (useful for signaling or disorienting)

A Dramatic Jump in Performance

On paper, both lights put out 2,000 lumens. However, the HP model blows the ProTac 2.0 away in terms of max candela. The 2.0 delivers 17,300 max candela, nothing to sneeze at, while the ProTac HP 2.0 delivers an unbelievable 85,000 max candela. That’s more than an upgrade. It’s revolutionary!

How does that translate for real-world use? The ProTac HP throws a more concentrated beam farther downrange at a distance of 583 meters. That’s more than double the 2.0’s more diffused range of 262 meters. In side-by-side backyard testing, the difference was unmistakable: the HP’s beam cut farther and harder. What’s more, the more powerful 2.0 HP’s runtime on low is six hours longer.

  • ProTac 2.0: 17,300 candela, 262m beam
  • ProTac 2.0 HP: 85,000 candela, 583m beam

Battery and Charging

Both lights use the Streamlight SL-B50 rechargeable battery pack. It features a built-in USB-C charging port and a red/green charging status light. The battery pack can be charged inside the flashlight or separately. Streamlight advises to fully charge the battery before inserting in the flashlight. After that, the pack can stay in the light until it needs to be replaced. To charge it in the light, simply slide the collar directly below the lamp head down to access the port. Once charged, push the collar back past the red O-ring to maintain water resistance.

Everyday Carry Options: Clip vs. Holster

Both ProTac 2.0 models include a removable pocket clip and nylon belt holster. While the holster would work fine as a protective case in a glovebox or drawer, it’s not ideal for actual carry. The stretchy construction would likely lead to clumsy re-holstering. If you’re a law enforcement officer, medic or firefighter, I recommend investing in a firmer belt holster to keep your $135 flashlight secure. For the everyday carrier, the included holster should work just fine.

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Review: Is the HP Worth It?

When I finally put the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP to the test, the difference as compared to the original ProTac 2.0 was impressive. Its 85,000-candela output provides increased reach and intensity. And I much preferred the tighter and brighter beam the HP produces.

For those in need of a duty light, the HP is an obvious choice of the ProTac 2.0 models and the option I would select if I were still a street cop. For indoor or home-defense use, both ProTac 2.0 models are capable of disorienting an opponent and illuminating a room.

Available on OpticsPlanet.com for $119.99 for the standard and $129.99 for the HP, price isn’t really the deciding factor. Consider the application of your chosen light. The standard ProTac 2.0 is great for interior light or general use, while the HP shines for outdoor or tactical applications.

Streamlight: Streamlight.com