The Streamlight ProTac 3xAAA Penlight: A Quick Shabazz Review

Nick, All of the protac lights have what streamlight calls the TEN-TAP programmable switch. basically if you quickly press the button 9 times and hold down on the 10th time, it will put the light into a different operation mode, so you can change it from (High-Strobe-Low) to (Low-High) or (High). Much like you, when I first got a protac, I was very frustrated with it, but after switching it so that it comes on (Low-High) the light sucks a little less.

Uh. You do know you can change the programming really easily to switch this to low-high or high only right?

Exactly. I hate lights that low is the last setting. I have come to light slightly thicker lights lately. Not to thick. I mean a thin one is great in a shirt pocket but only if the too is thin like you said in your last preon review.

the switch is hard to activate so it wont come on accidentally which could lead to a worse situation.

the remedy for this is to take the tailswitch apart and add some foam under the rubber switch and reassemble. add or subtract foam until activation is to your liking.

it worked wonders for my streamlight microstream.

I picked up the slightly larger 2xAA version of this flashlight for $40 a few months ago and it's been fantastic for my EDC uses; I work in aircraft maintenance, so 90% of the time I need a long distance spotlight for inspections, maybe 8-9% of the time I use the strobe to get other mechanics' attention, and rarely ever use low mode. Definitely not for everybody but for my uses (and at the price point I found it) it's pretty stellar.

Carry it all day, everyday – and I love it. Sorry you don’t!

I don't get those strobe lights..Growing up in a high crime city, I don't think shining my strobe flashlight at some dirtbag with a gun etc is going to do much…. I kind of doubt they will be blinded, drop their gun and run for darkness…Ill probably get shot but the ambulance will be able to find me quicker laying on the ground in strobe mode..

Love me some Shick Nabazz uploads

I guess the disco could be used for defense. Then you can stab somebody with it.

Should start in med, then low, then high. No disco.

I’d prefer my iPhone light.

Nick have you ever considered reviewing any SOG knives? The flash 2 is a very popular EDC option. It's around $40, so I guess it would be for a Thrifty Thursday, Frugal Friday, Sparing Saturday, Saving Sunday, Meticulous Monday, Tightwad Tuesday, or Cost Wary Wednesday. 🙂 Also love your videos. Oh, and the flash 2 is pretty LIGHT… Get it…

It seems like a decent light for 30 bucks. I think you don't like it personally, not that it isn't a good light.

Hey NICK it says ten-tap programmable on the side of the light and there awesome.

Nick, you should use an iPhone for your size comparisons

I liked the old no mode version but yeah this is stupid

Fair enough nick.
Thanks for shining a light on the piss poor design
Appreciate your review
Disco is outdated nick
All about the raves nowadays.

ThruNite TI4. I've an older version. Starts at low, can go as low as 0.3 lumens which is useful for me. 0.3 lumens is just right when doing close up work at night. Also has low, hi (252 lumens) and strobe. Choice of cool or neutral tint. 20 dollars. Very light. Pocket clip. No tailstand though and has exposed switch.

Nick, I know you review from an EDC perspective, but Streamlight is a big law enforcement brand, and the narrow beam, and Hi/Strobe/Low are designed and very well suited to tactical use. You might not get it, in which case you probably shouldn't review it, rather than giving it a bad review for the wrong reasons (fwiw there are enough reasons within the scope of its intended use this might get a bad review, just none of the ones you mentioned).

I own and use this light. I find the disco mode is good for when I'm walking home in the dark and I want cars to really be aware that I'm in a crosswalk. Serves the same purpose as strobes on a bicycle.

Never owned a streamlight, they always seem overpriced. Love my CWF lights, and my olights… Need to try zebra lights soon. Awesome video as always

I've been looking at the Olight SR1 Baton and S Mini. I'm pretty confident in their quality, but what are your thoughts?

Too bad you don't have an opinion about this penlight.

streamlight it's just outdated and overpriced (since it's outdated )

This is a tactical flashlight made to be easy to operate and find strobe in an intense situation without going straight to low mode because that'd be useless. If ur not aware they also teach low light combatives with flashlights and you don't want low to be your first option. Good light just for a different person

Thanks, Nick, for shedding light on this dud.

Pairs well with the z hunter as an edc combo!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Hi then strobe is tactical.  Low then high is EDC.

It helps if you try and blink real fast during strobe

Thanks Nick. Have you looked at the 'Coast'-HP7 at all? It's halfway between a pocket and a larger torch (has a lanyard hole even). Three power settings, lockable zoom function, recessed end power button so you can stand it up, 4xAAA batteries. 5-1/2 inches long, 1-1/2 at the bright end and about 1-1/4 at the button end. 60-410 Lumens, a maximum throw of 751 feet (min 288). Between 2 and 12 hours continuous runtime and weighs 7.2oz. I think I paid $39 AUD for it.

3xAAA or 2XAAA? Rat 1 or Rat 2? #notabrillantman

Hey nick I know this is off topic and I've asked you before. But the kershaw link just came out with it in M390. So now it has 420HC, S35VN, and the new M390. Revisit the knife maybe with another video? Great content on everything else!!! Keep it up!

Dear Nick… Can we please get more pen reviews :'(