Streamlight ProTac 90X USB Flashlight: My Right-Angled, Right Hand Man

In the dark, the ability to see hands-free is more important than you’d think, and it may be too late once you realize that fact. Streamlight yet again provides a valuable option to add to your ever-growing gear collection. The Streamlight ProTac 90X USB flashlight has a 90° angled light as well as other features, making it a perfect choice if you need the versatility of comfortable handling or the ability to clip it and forget it.

Specifications and Features

streamlight protac flashlight, battery, and holster — The Streamlight ProTac 90X comes with a USB rechargeable battery and a holster. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

The Streamlight ProTac 90X is a conveniently small right-angle flashlight. It is 4.39’’ long and weighing between 4.40 and 4.90 ounces, depending on the battery used. It has the special feature of being dual-powered. There are two ways to power this flashlight: the SL-B26 Li-ion USB rechargeable battery that comes with the flashlight, or two CR123A Lithium batteries bought separately.

The flexibility is nice, especially since the provided battery is charged outside of the flashlight using a micro-USB cord, so you could swap between the two as needed. It is also important to note that the battery is likely not going to arrive pre-charged, so make sure you get it prepped right away.

There are a total of three modes: High, Strobe, and Low. At a full charge, the two CR123A batteries allow for about 2.5 hours of run time on high, four hours on strobe, and 21 hours on low. With the provided SL-B26 battery, it runs 1.75 hours on high, 4.75 hours on strobe, and 24 hours on low.

Flashlight beam in grass — This is a rough view of the beam on high at a close distance, showing the focused and dispersed light. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

The beam can reach up to 171 meters on high, projecting around 1,000 lumens. This is incredibly bright, especially for its small size. On Strobe, it reaches up to 91 meters, projecting 300 lumens, an average (but still high) level for common flashlights. On Low, the flashlight reaches up to 42 meters at 65 lumens.

Changing between these settings is simple. To access High, tap and hold. For Strobe, quickly double-tap the button. Lastly, for Low, quickly triple tap. To keep any of these settings locked on, press the button after doing the required action. If you’d prefer another setting, Streamlight offers the TEN-TAP program, meaning you can access High only or Low-High, the other two options. Just click the button nine times, holding on the 10th click until it turns off, which will change the setting.

The casing is made of IPX7 waterproof, impact-proof anodized aluminum. This keeps it fairly light while protecting itself as much as possible. Though it isn’t as dainty as some daily carry flashlights, it’s definitely manageable with the removable pocket clip making hands-free carry easy.

streamlight protac holster on hip, man pulling flashlight out of it — If you don’t want to carry the flashlight by the clip, the holster is another great option. It can loop around your belt or any bag webbing, making it compatible with MOLLE. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

Even easier is the harness it comes with. The velcro on the harness stays in place, not letting the flashlight make it far if bumped around. The harness itself is lightweight, minimalistic, and perfect to have as an additional accessory. Whether it be a belt, webbing, or another surface, the harness makes it even easier to carry more often.

The button on the head of the flashlight makes it easy to operate with your thumb. Even better, it’s raised, making it easy to use with gloved hands. Clicking through settings is simple as well since the shape of the light makes a consistent grip easier.

Limited Warranty

Streamlight offers a limited warranty that mainly covers defects, however, that excludes the battery and bulb. Any damage from normal wear is not accepted in their warranty. If you keep proof of purchase, they will replace the rechargeable battery, charger, and switch. However, it still may vary on a case-to-case basis.

Using the Streamlight ProTac 90X USB Flashlight

streamlight protac flashlight on backpack strap — You can easily attach this flashlight to a backpack strap using the clip. This has been helpful while walking through the woods at night, leaving my hands free to carry what I need to. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

A huge appeal of this is the angled light. No matter the exact situation, having a free-standing flashlight that won’t roll away and you don’t have to struggle to aim can feel like a lifesaver. It’s incredibly helpful, especially for those working alone. It reminds me of a similar flashlight I’ve had for years that I found at a flea market — I’m thrilled to have a smaller version I can take along with me.

The clip allows it to be clipped to a chest harness, backpack strap, hat brim, or chest pocket with ease. This is perfect for just about any outdoorsman or sport shooter since you never know when you’ll need a hand. Especially when carrying a rifle while hunting, a hands-free flashlight that you can hook anywhere you need to — is perfect. The provided harness is also perfect to keep in your range or hunting bag, which most likely has MOLLE webbing.

Many occupations would benefit from this light as well, especially in a shop setting that requires constant focused light separate from yourself, at times without help. The flashlight remains stable when set up, with its low center of gravity (due to the battery) making it hard to tip. Though obviously it’s locked at a 90° angle, moving the height of the flashlight can help shine the light at almost any angle needed.

Though it’s not quite strong enough for all search and rescue, its strength and size can make this flashlight great for personal emergencies. At high, 1000 lumens is rated to be best for searching large areas and hunting, which is definitely needed in some scenarios. Plus, its other features make it even better to keep your hands free from what’s needed and the area bright for safety.

streamlight protac laying on it's side — The casing is incredibly strong, ready to handle the elements. Reliability is so important, and Streamlight delivers. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

In a similar realm, this is great for bug-out bags. Its small size allows for more free space for other essentials. This flashlight sits nicely in just about any bag without making clutter. And, multiple battery options make it a great opportunity to make sure no matter what, you have light.

In your home, the ProTac 90X USB makes a great nightstand addition. Not only is it optimal for blackouts, it’s also essential for self-defense scenarios. If you can’t see the threat, you can’t properly defend yourself. Flashlights can be severely underestimated when it comes to self-defense, so why not make sure you have a quality option nearby?

This flashlight is great for both indoor and outdoor use, especially with the High and Low settings. From now on, I plan to keep this at my bedside table if not my hunting or range bag. I’ve found it especially useful in an old house with faulty fuses where scrambling for my phone flashlight isn’t always the easiest.

This flashlight is a bit higher in price, typically being near $130. However, for a high-quality flashlight, the price is beyond worth it. Just about any truly high-quality tool or piece of gear is worth it.

If you’ve never owned a 90° angled flashlight, I’d highly recommend it.

The Streamlight ProTac 90X USB is a strong and versatile flashlight ready to light your way through whatever life throws. Hands-free lighting has never been so easy.