For many years the surefire Scout has been the weapon light of choice for anyone looking for a powerful, slim, and lightweight flashlight for their rifle. We have picked up the new Streamlight HL-X and we are gonna put it to the test.
Initial Thoughts
The HL-X comes in a nice compact package and it displays well. It explains clearly what comes with the HL-X and lists the features in bullet points on the back. Once I pulled the HL-X out of the packaging, I noticed it felt very similar to other Sreamlight flashlights. It felt solid, but not overbuilt and I was relatively impressed with the finish and overall feel.
Features
- Features TEN-TAP® Programming – Choose from three user selectable programs:
1.) High/Strobe/Low; 2.) High only; 3.) Low/Medium/High - C4® LED illumination output and run times:
- High for maximum illumination: 1,000 lumens; 27,100 candela; 330m beam; runs 1.25 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 1.5 hours (18650 battery)
- Medium for bright light and longer run time: 400 lumens; 10,000 candela; 200m beam; runs 3 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 3.5 hours (18650 battery)
- Low for extended run time: 65 lumens; 1,600 candela; 80m beam; runs 20 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 23 hours (18650 battery)
- Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 2.5 hours (CR123A batteries); runs 3.25 hours (18650 battery)
- Solid State power regulation provides maximum light output throughout battery life
- Dual fuel – uses two CR123A lithium batteries (included); also accepts one Streamlight rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery
- Durable, anodized aluminum construction; Unbreakable pocket clip
- IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes, 2m impact resistance tested
- Anti-roll head
- Includes two CR123A lithium batteries and nylon holster
- 5.43 in. (13.8 cm); 5.7 oz (162g) with CR123 batteries; 6.2 oz ( 176g) with 18650 rechargeable battery
- RoHS compliant
Programming
This is one feature that most flashlights don’t have. While I did not understand why anyone would need this at first, I now see why it’s beneficial. For people who would never use the strobe function, you can take that out by just programming the flashlight. You can also program the flashlight to only use High/Low mode or just High mode.
These features are great additions to any rifle mounted light because when applications change, you want to make sure you can produce the correct light for the situation at hand.
Size
One of my biggest concerns about the HL-X was how it would compare in size to the Surefire M600U. I took the risk and picked one up a Surefire M600U for comparison and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The HL-X has the same screw mount setup as the M600U, so that allows you to use any flashlight mount that is compatible with the M600U, and there are a lot of them.
Mounting Options
One of the best things about the HL-X is the fact that any Surefire M600U mount will work for the HL-X. It will also tuck into the rail much like the M600U’s. The pictured mount is a Noveske Keymod Scout Light Mount
Price
The best part of the HL-X is the fact that it comes ready to mount to your rifle. The HL-X comes in right around $100 on Amazon. $100 for a 1,000 lumen flashlight is good by anyone’s standards. We recommend you grab yours from Amazon and with Prime 2-Day shipping, you’ll be up and running in no time. Be on the lookout for the comparison between the Streamlight HL-X versus the Surefire M600U, it’ll be coming down the pipe very soon!
