Streamlight is constantly producing quality flashlights that can be relied on. We’ve covered a number of items in the past, so it was a no-brainer when we were asked if we wanted to check out the ProTac® 2AA-X.
About the ProTac® 2AA-X
The Streamlight ProTac® 2AA-X is a two AA sized LED flashlight that’s suitable for everyday carry. The lamp is lightweight and constructed of aluminum. Considering its size, the lamp packs a punch delivering 550 lumens of light on high.
The secret to the flashlight’s size to lumen ratio lies within the double-stack designed rechargeable AA battery pack. ProTacs come equipped with a lithium polymer cell 88136 rechargeable via USB-C battery.
The Streamlight ProTac comes with a ballistic nylon belt holster/sheath, lamp and battery, and USB-C charging cable.
In order to turn on or cycle through functions, the ProTac has a rubberized tail switch. The switch is slightly protected by raised castellations where it’s recessed into.
Like other lights in Streamlight’s lineup, the Streamlight ProTac is “Ten-tap® Programmable.” This feature allows users to change the configuration of what mode is the default when turned on. Users can select whether they want the lamp to come on at its high 550 lumen setting, or the low 40 lumen setting.
The battery compartment to the lamp is sealed off with an o-ring. ProTacs have an IPX7 rating with its literature stating it’s waterproof up to one meter.
The light also has a strobe feature that’s initiated after two taps.
Let’s talk about the battery
Noted above, the ProTac utilizes a 88136 rechargeable battery. The lamp can run on conventional AA batteries, but will deliver a lower amount of lumens.
The rechargeable light market is becoming standard today. Part of what makes some rechargeable lamps appealing is non-proprietary charging means. The 88136 battery recharges using a standard USB-C cable.
While some might find it a hassle to have to remove the battery to recharge it, there are several benefits to this. Watertight integrity is not compromised by having an external charging means. The charging circuitry is in the battery, which means if there’s a malfunction, all you need is a new pack–not a whole new lamp. If you have spare batteries, this also allows for charging without the lamp body, letting users continue using the light while a battery is being topped off.
The advertised output of the battery is pretty good considering its size. While running on high, a battery is alleged to last around two and a quarter hours and 16 on low. The strobe feature would run down the battery after four and a half hours.
The ProTac® 2AA-X on standard AA batteries
Let’s face it, having proprietary battery packs can be a pain. No, the 88136 battery is not a standard pack like say the 18650 series. If you don’t want to get spares for your Streamlight ProTac, the light will run on two standard AA batteries. There are some performance trade offs though.
On high, the lamp only puts out 270 lumens for two and a half hours. On low, the light puts out 18 lumens, but will last 48 hours. The strobe will allow about five hours of battery life.
How’d the ProTac® 2AA-X do in the field?
After using the ProTac for several months, it fared fairly well. The strong steel spring clip keeps the lamp in place. It’s not offensive in a pocket. As far as brightness goes, the 550 lumens is plenty for most applications.
Would this light be used as a self-defense option? I’d say no. At least not as a blinding tool. There are better lamps on the market that would work for those purposes. However, as a striking implement, the bezel is slightly castellated and could deliver some damage to an attacker if properly leveraged.
As with most LED lights, there’s no grace when the battery runs down. With the ProTac though, there really is no grace. When the battery is dead, the lamp won’t turn on at all. There’s no “I’m about to die” indicators. It just lets up the magic. Other lamps might only work on a dim setting. Not the ProTac–it’s rather atheist, when it’s dead, it’s dead.
For the size and what you get, this is a great option. The light will fit in a pants pocket without issue. But if you’re in say a business setting, you could easily slip this into an inner blazer pocket too.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Bright for its size. Durable. Trusted company. Limited lifetime warranty. Universal USB-C charging capabilities.
Minuses: No warning when it’s going to die, it just lets out the magic. A little pricey in comparison to other models.
Overall this is a great option from a great company. Streamlight has a track record of putting out quality products. This lamp is a perfect companion for everyday carry, occupational settings, to take with you when traveling, or use during outdoor activities. It’s an all round sturdy go-to that I’ll continue to use. I’d buy one of these lights if I were in the market for one and I’d also recommend it to friends.
The ProTac® 2AA-X is available for purchase through your favorite dealers or online through Amazon.
You’re also not going to want to miss the great rundown we got on new Streamlight products when we were at SHOT Show® 2025, video HERE or in the embed below.
Be sure to check out our reviews on other Streamlight products:
