Last year Streamlight announced that the FBI had signed a five-year contract to issue the ProTac HL-X flashlight to its agents. After reading that press release, I asked myself what made the FBI choose this particular model. So I had Streamlight send me an evaluation sample and I put it through its paces.

The ProTac HL-X tactical flashlight is a dual fuel model that can be powered by a rechargeable battery pack or two CR123 disposable batteries. It offers three modes High (1,300 lumens), Low (65 lumens), and Strobe.

That 1,300-lumen High setting is really bright, and thanks to its 1.44-inch head, it has a 330-meter (1,090 feet) throw. It’s a really powerful 5.43-inch light. Just be aware that on high, the lens gets hot in just a minute of on time.

The robust construction of the ProTac HL-X is immediately noticeable when you first hold it. It’s heavier than most of the pocket-sized tactical light that I have used. And it’s rugged. The body is made of 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum. I dropped it onto concrete twice with no visible or functional damage.

Like many Streamlight flashlights, the ProTac HL-X features the company’s proprietary Ten-Tap programming that allows the user to choose what mode the light activates in when you push the tail cap. I like to start with Low. But you can set it for high or even strobe, if you have a reason to do that.

Runtimes for the ProTac HL-X vary according to the fuel that you use. For example, on High, the CR123s give you one hour and 15 minutes and the rechargeable battery pack is good for 1.5 hours. On low, you get more than 20 hours from both.

The ProTac HL-X is an excellent backup flashlight for uniform officers or primary light for plainclothes officers.