I'm glad you found a way to make your light work for you. I disagree that every "tactical light" has to have a tail cap switch. With the heavy front weight of this flashlight with a large reflector I find holding and manipulating the light from the middle to be much more controllable. Thanks for the idea!
Thank you for commenting! I realize this will not work for everyone. But I figured I would make it known for those that use this light, that they can have a push button tail cap if they so choose. Thanks for watching 👍🏼 Stay safe out there!!
Streamlight didn’t add the tail cap switch because you would not be able to get the waterproof rating with it. To obtain the rating, the sealed end cap is needed.
I’ve done this upgrade and every time I use my light it shuts off and I have to loosen the cap and re-tighten it and then it might work then it might shut off
Hey having contact issues with my hl5x. Light works with one or 2 threads of the tail cap in but as I continue to close the tail as there is no connection. Is there a teardown for this light?
I might be wrong on this, but it's my understanding that many of the higher lumen flashlights push higher amps which the older mechanical switches (in this case the tailcap) might not handle over the long run. Many of the newer lights use electronic switches because of this (I think), and even some flashlights maintain the tailcap switch but make that electronic, too. IMO, the downside is the electronic switch's parasitic drain, and no "push-button" mechanical lockout. Additionally, by using the old tailcap in the new flashlight, you are basically using the old tailcap as a breaker switch (which might burn out eventually), and the electronic side switch as the real "on" button. This is why I have changed my emergency lights to lower lumen flashlights with mechanical switches, or if not, I search for lights that allow for a mechanical lockout (not all flashlights open the circuit when the tailcap is loosened) which means I have to remember to tighten the tailcap when I need to use it.
Mine keeps shutting off while using the tail cap making the flashlight totally unreliable the following year I have to loosen the cap and then re-tighten it, and it might do the same exact thing or it might work
Is this why I am having problems using mine with the tail cap switch sometimes it shuts off and I have to loosen up the tail cap and re-tighten it to get the light to work which makes it very unreliable
@@robthornton9129 I don't know. Is it working with the original tail cap? You might be able to track down a replacement button from Stream light, but if the higher amps is too much for the switch, you'll have to replace it every so often.
Does streamlight sell the tailcap on its own? There's some serious $$ when I have to buy a Protac4 so I can use the tailcap on a Protac5. And if I did switch the tailcap of the Protac5 to the Protac4, now how do I turn the Protac4 on? It won't have a switch, the switch on the Protac4 is only on the tailcap which is now on my Protac5. LOL Sure its an easy fix, but expensive.
Streamlight does, in fact, sell just the push button tailcap separately. The link to the listing on Optics Planet is in the description, or you can click here: www.opticsplanet.com/streamlight-tailcap-assembly-protac-hl-4.html Much cheaper than buying a Protac4. 👍🏼
Probably because of the length and the way you would balance the weight when u hold it.. since it’s longer it’s forward heavy and most people would opt to grip toward the center. Try holding it from the back, it just doesn’t feel natural because of the length. When u grab that light you will naturally go for right behind the head.
hey, i have a problem with my hl5-x ... i think it could be the tail cap connection... sometimes it turns on and the turns off on its own... is there anyway you could help me?
I haven’t run into that issue with mine. Double check that your spring on the tail cap isn’t bent or corroded, and is making good contact with the batteries. If that looks fine, it’s possible there could be an issue with your push button switch... I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Please keep us updated if you get it figured out 👍🏼
Cool. I have an HL-5X. Gonna order the push button light. Next question, I bought this light to mount on my AR pistol, but can't find a solid mount. Any suggestions from you our your readers?
An awesome light and highly recommended but for the price it would have been nice to have the push button as you show (thank you very much by the way... I will order it tonight) a pouch and a way to charge it without removing the cap over and over like there other new lights.
This light really is one of my favorites! But I agree with all of your points. The interchangeable batteries are nice because you can just buy an extra set and swap them as needed. However, it would definitely be nice (and certainly more convenient) to simply charge the light without having to take them out every single time. Thanks for commenting!
Great hack. Now in 2022 there are so many much smaller lights pushing out 3K-ish lumens that big Streamlight seems burdensome at this point. Might fit some purposes like leaving in a garage or truck maybe.
I would tend to agree. I still use this light pretty regularly, but there are certainly more capable and more modern lights out there today. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have some of the 2-5k fancy newer smaller lights. I prefer the wide hotspot of the HL5 when searching for something outside under 100 yards away. It's my go-to outdoor flashlight, mostly used at the low or medium setting. The only other "ultra wide" hotspot with decent throw I've come across is the Acebeam L35 (although the Olight Seeker might qualify - I don't have one). The L35 feels awkward, while the HL5 balances well near the head. The high candela tiny hotspots on the smaller ultra throwers does nothing for me... YMMV. Pairing with a floody indoor or closeup 1x 18650 light makes a nice combo. The biggest downside for me is that the low is WAY too bright for closeup, e.g. checking a breaker box.
I apologize for the late reply. I typically carry this in the cruiser, and then just grab it when I step out. I have a smaller flashlight on my actual belt. I’ve seen some of those ring style keepers that the light could slide into. I never really liked the light loose and swinging around like that. And I have not come across a holster that this would slide into. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. While this light is still my go to on scene, it’s just too big for me to carry comfortably on my belt every night. Stay safe out there!
Is there something specific you are trying to figure out? I will have to look, but I don’t think I have the original paperwork that came with my light. Streamlight does have some fact sheets on their website under the “documentation” tab (www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/protac-hl-5-x#) and the “Ten Tap” programming instructions can be found here (www.streamlight.com/resources/learning-left/ten-tap-programming-for-flexible-lighting-options#). Let me know if you need anything else.
Once you activated the flashlight with the tailcap, you no longer attempted to turn it on with the front switch. Does that switch become disabled when using the tailcap hack? In other words, will both switches work to turn the light on and off?
I apologize for the late reply. I missed your comment. Both switches will continue to work to turn the light on and off. However, the light must initially be turned on with the primary (front switch). If you turn it off from this same switch, it will temporarily disable the tail cap switch.
What batteries are you using; CR123A or 18650s? The CR123As will give less power, therefore, less lumens. It could also be because of the way it's programmed. There's three different settings. Here's how to program it. ruclips.net/video/ldRStF70ejY/видео.html
I think the reason it doesn't come with one has to do with Police Officers complaining about the tail cap actuator. Imagine sitting in your patrol car with this on your duty belt and every time you shift your weight the seat actuates the light, blinding you in your car, and signaling to everyone your hiding spot at night.
You can't beat a full on only tail switch as a tac light.In the dark it's much easier to find and activate a tail switch when your in a hurry or half asleep then a little switch located somewhere in a 360 degree circumference . A tail switch should only turn on the max light only, everytime.
Good deal ! ,..Like & trust my HL-X, microstream & other similar slightly bigger, w, a bell shaped head, strobe, etc...(both with 10440's batteries, n' a little smarts to not burn em up,...are great little lights though....
Yeah, TRYING to troubleshoot mine now. Seems the “pushbutton” has pooped the bed. Edited..: “a SIMPLE, @ HOME, do-it- yourself upgrade” HUH?! Ok......IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE THE ‘4’ “hanging around” I suppose. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as they say?
I disagree. That light is to long and thick for a comfortable carry tail switch… you can still grip it “tactically” with the regular switch, using your middle finger to turn on/off. Its fine just the way it is….
The light is not USB rechargeable as the man in the video mentioned. Some of Streamlight's rechargeable 18650 batteries have a micro usb port for usb charging. That being said the HL5-X is not USB rechargeable. Just a PA for consumers looking to buy this light. Thanks for the video.
This light is considered to be “dual fuel” and is, in fact, USB rechargeable. It can use the 18650 rechargeable batteries that plug into a micro USB cable, or the CR123A batteries. While it is true that this light does not have a USB port built into the light itself, with the appropriate batteries, this light is still considered rechargeable. These 18650 batteries are easily swappable while you have another set plugged into the micro USB cable, and provide adequate battery life. Thank you for watching and commenting.
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 ok, you just basically made my point. There's nothing wrong with being wrong. But yes, the batteries, not the light, are rechargeable. The way you said it in your video made it sound as if the light itself is USB rechargeable.
I have seen the price jump around quite a bit on Amazon. It’s around $74 as of today (11/28/19). Definitely good to keep an eye on it, and check when it’s on sale.
It absolutely does make sense. With gloves on, the push button tail cap makes it easier to reference and to manipulate the flashlight. Especially in a hurry.
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 you're going to hold that flashlight by the last 4 inches then adjust your grip? if it's on the barrel wouldn't it be faster?
Are you going to have the awareness in the heat of the moment to grab the light and twist it around until you can eventually find the button somewhere on the front? With the button on the tail cap it’s in the same place every single time. There’s no guess work. You can readjust your hold later on if/when appropriate. Typically it’s tucked under the arm anyway, so that both hands are always free.
@@drock83 it doesn't take much to regrip the light. It takes literally 1 second to regrip.. it absolutely makes sense to have a tail cap on this light, as numerous lights even bigger have. This tail cap is not new on a light this size.
I usually don't comment on RUclips videos, but for whatever reason, this one rubbed me wrong. This isn't a DIY upgrade. This only works if you happen to have another, discontinued, expensive flashlight laying around to swap the parts from. Beyond that, this video is way too long to say " I swap the tail caps for these two flashlights, and it worked."
Anyone that starts their comment with “I usually don’t, but…” clearly has nothing better to do with their time. And did you even watch the video? You are using the tail cap from the older model. You can purchase just that tail cap at the link I provided in the description. The video was for demonstration and testing purposes, because we already had both lights on hand. It simply shows that the tail cap will indeed work. Not once did I say anything about needing that older model flashlight “laying around”.
Do you work in Law Enforcement? If you did, you would understand that both a full size flashlight and a compact flashlight serve two different purposes. This is not a light to carry on a duty belt. This is a light used to approach a car with. This is a light that you can easily tuck under your arm when conducting a traffic stop so that you have two hands that are always free. Why not have access to both this flashlight, and a compact flashlight? Why limit yourself? Problem solved!
You obviously don't work in Law Enforcement, clearly evident by your response. Who the hell wants to hold that light???? How about an officer who tucks this under arm to converse with a driver on a stop to keep both hands free? Or the same while talking with a suspect outside a car and you need to keep noth hands free? Now that we established the use of a long light like this, why not have a push button on the tailcap for EASY manipulation? The regular button is indented slightly in the body of the light make it tough to reference with gloves on especially in a hurry. Law Enforcement personnel would already know this. Great video.
@@moparkid440 HA!!! I was law enforcement back in the early 90's using the D-Cell Maglites and Streamlights, WITH SIDE SWITCHES. So think before you respond kid.
Like Tom said, light is too heavy to carry by the end of the tube. I make traffic stops daily and trust the MagCharger as my light. It’s a lot simpler to use the side mounted switch and have more control with a light that size or of the size of the HL5X when holding the head than it is by holding the tail cap. When holding the head you can use the light as a impact weapon if needed as a last resort. It’s also easier to tuck under an arm when you are not holding the back end of a light. I have used Stingers, MagChargers, Ultra Stingers, Strions. Only found the tail cap useful on smaller lights. The larger the light the more unbalanced the feel of it is.
Jesus Christ man! You wasted 5 minutes and 10 seconds of my life. Get with it! Purchase the HL-4 replacement cap and put it on the HL-5x. See that took two seconds to announce!
Technically, 5 minutes and 16 seconds to be exact. Thanks for the view count. And I’m glad you learned something new. Even if you had to waste 0.000012683916794% of your life to figure that out.
Dude shut up. You're complaining about taking too much time to make a video yet you uploaded a worthless 11 minute and 51 second video of you "plowing" in Montana, of which no one gives a flying fuck about. It's literally a dash video of you driving up and down snow covered roads in silence Lolol. Talk about wasting people's time. Lol. Go away
I'm glad you found a way to make your light work for you. I disagree that every "tactical light" has to have a tail cap switch. With the heavy front weight of this flashlight with a large reflector I find holding and manipulating the light from the middle to be much more controllable. Thanks for the idea!
Thank you for commenting! I realize this will not work for everyone. But I figured I would make it known for those that use this light, that they can have a push button tail cap if they so choose. Thanks for watching 👍🏼 Stay safe out there!!
Streamlight didn’t add the tail cap switch because you would not be able to get the waterproof rating with it. To obtain the rating, the sealed end cap is needed.
I’ve done this upgrade and every time I use my light it shuts off and I have to loosen the cap and re-tighten it and then it might work then it might shut off
Hey having contact issues with my hl5x. Light works with one or 2 threads of the tail cap in but as I continue to close the tail as there is no connection. Is there a teardown for this light?
Nice lil upgrade had to get, great video.
I might be wrong on this, but it's my understanding that many of the higher lumen flashlights push higher amps which the older mechanical switches (in this case the tailcap) might not handle over the long run. Many of the newer lights use electronic switches because of this (I think), and even some flashlights maintain the tailcap switch but make that electronic, too. IMO, the downside is the electronic switch's parasitic drain, and no "push-button" mechanical lockout. Additionally, by using the old tailcap in the new flashlight, you are basically using the old tailcap as a breaker switch (which might burn out eventually), and the electronic side switch as the real "on" button. This is why I have changed my emergency lights to lower lumen flashlights with mechanical switches, or if not, I search for lights that allow for a mechanical lockout (not all flashlights open the circuit when the tailcap is loosened) which means I have to remember to tighten the tailcap when I need to use it.
Mine keeps shutting off while using the tail cap making the flashlight totally unreliable the following year I have to loosen the cap and then re-tighten it, and it might do the same exact thing or it might work
Is this why I am having problems using mine with the tail cap switch sometimes it shuts off and I have to loosen up the tail cap and re-tighten it to get the light to work which makes it very unreliable
@@robthornton9129 I don't know. Is it working with the original tail cap? You might be able to track down a replacement button from Stream light, but if the higher amps is too much for the switch, you'll have to replace it every so often.
Does streamlight sell the tailcap on its own? There's some serious $$ when I have to buy a Protac4 so I can use the tailcap on a Protac5. And if I did switch the tailcap of the Protac5 to the Protac4, now how do I turn the Protac4 on? It won't have a switch, the switch on the Protac4 is only on the tailcap which is now on my Protac5. LOL Sure its an easy fix, but expensive.
Streamlight does, in fact, sell just the push button tailcap separately. The link to the listing on Optics Planet is in the description, or you can click here: www.opticsplanet.com/streamlight-tailcap-assembly-protac-hl-4.html
Much cheaper than buying a Protac4. 👍🏼
...EXXXXXXXXACTLY.
Thanks buddy for the perfect solution to my problem! I have a new/ old tail cap on the way!
Glad we could help! 👍🏼
I want red and green lens caps for mine please explain my needs to management I think it would be an upgrade
Probably because of the length and the way you would balance the weight when u hold it.. since it’s longer it’s forward heavy and most people would opt to grip toward the center. Try holding it from the back, it just doesn’t feel natural because of the length. When u grab that light you will naturally go for right behind the head.
I bought one and it only bright a lot the first time and now is not bright like it should!!. 😢 can somebody tell me what can i do?? Please!!! 🙏
hey, i have a problem with my hl5-x ... i think it could be the tail cap connection... sometimes it turns on and the turns off on its own... is there anyway you could help me?
I haven’t run into that issue with mine. Double check that your spring on the tail cap isn’t bent or corroded, and is making good contact with the batteries. If that looks fine, it’s possible there could be an issue with your push button switch... I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Please keep us updated if you get it figured out 👍🏼
How about a tail cap with the push button and a port for a pressure switch?
Great video thanks!!! Also, what brand is that jacket it’s nice!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!! And the jacket is from Under Armour. I’ve had it awhile, so I’m not sure if they still make that specific style.
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 of course !!! Lol I figured lol would be my luck they wouldn’t have it anymore haha!! Thanks again !!
Cool. I have an HL-5X. Gonna order the push button light.
Next question, I bought this light to mount on my AR pistol, but can't find a solid mount. Any suggestions from you our your readers?
Use the Polytac X smaller, but powerful enough
You bought a 10 inch long, 1.2 lb light to mount on a shorty AR? 🤔
@@basedWisco715 yep
@@davidtreibs interesting choice, how’s it working out for you?
@@basedWisco715 Haven't found a mount, yet.
An awesome light and highly recommended but for the price it would have been nice to have the push button as you show (thank you very much by the way... I will order it tonight) a pouch and a way to charge it without removing the cap over and over like there other new lights.
This light really is one of my favorites! But I agree with all of your points. The interchangeable batteries are nice because you can just buy an extra set and swap them as needed. However, it would definitely be nice (and certainly more convenient) to simply charge the light without having to take them out every single time. Thanks for commenting!
Does the strobe function still work using the upgrade tailcap?
You would still have to activate the strobe function from the switch at the front of the light.
Great hack.
Now in 2022 there are so many much smaller lights pushing out 3K-ish lumens that big Streamlight seems burdensome at this point. Might fit some purposes like leaving in a garage or truck maybe.
I would tend to agree. I still use this light pretty regularly, but there are certainly more capable and more modern lights out there today. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 Suggestions please!
I have some of the 2-5k fancy newer smaller lights. I prefer the wide hotspot of the HL5 when searching for something outside under 100 yards away. It's my go-to outdoor flashlight, mostly used at the low or medium setting. The only other "ultra wide" hotspot with decent throw I've come across is the Acebeam L35 (although the Olight Seeker might qualify - I don't have one). The L35 feels awkward, while the HL5 balances well near the head. The high candela tiny hotspots on the smaller ultra throwers does nothing for me... YMMV. Pairing with a floody indoor or closeup 1x 18650 light makes a nice combo. The biggest downside for me is that the low is WAY too bright for closeup, e.g. checking a breaker box.
What do you use to carry this, at work? Can't find a very secure way to put this onto my belt.
I apologize for the late reply. I typically carry this in the cruiser, and then just grab it when I step out. I have a smaller flashlight on my actual belt. I’ve seen some of those ring style keepers that the light could slide into. I never really liked the light loose and swinging around like that. And I have not come across a holster that this would slide into. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. While this light is still my go to on scene, it’s just too big for me to carry comfortably on my belt every night. Stay safe out there!
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 yeah. Me either. I resorted to keeping in my bag and just getting it out when I need it.
Mine came with a holster for a tactical belt.
How do you change light bulbs?
Send it to stream light and they will do it for free is my answer
One of my favorites (it replaced an old SL-20X), perhaps Streamlight should include both tailcap types with the original purchase.
Do you have a operating manual for the hl 5-x?
Is there something specific you are trying to figure out? I will have to look, but I don’t think I have the original paperwork that came with my light. Streamlight does have some fact sheets on their website under the “documentation” tab (www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/protac-hl-5-x#) and the “Ten Tap” programming instructions can be found here (www.streamlight.com/resources/learning-left/ten-tap-programming-for-flexible-lighting-options#). Let me know if you need anything else.
Using this light in this way your probably getting some parasitic drain. Maybe quite a bit. Might want to check on that.
Daniel Muscarella why would you get parasitic drain when the circuit isn’t completed without the tail switch activated?
@@wldktz1 Exactly. I have had this light for 2 years and have noticed absolutely no excess drain in my battery. There's no parasitic draw.
Once you activated the flashlight with the tailcap, you no longer attempted to turn it on with the front switch. Does that switch become disabled when using the tailcap hack? In other words, will both switches work to turn the light on and off?
I apologize for the late reply. I missed your comment. Both switches will continue to work to turn the light on and off. However, the light must initially be turned on with the primary (front switch). If you turn it off from this same switch, it will temporarily disable the tail cap switch.
The maglite doesn't have a tail switch it was used by all the police department in the states.
And your point is? The Maglight is also outdated and replaced with better technology
You just saved my life bro ❤
It’s awkward and un practical for a flashlight of these dimensions and it loses its waterproof rating with the button
That's just your opinion. It's not awkward at all
@@moparkid440 I mean it is extremely front have to holding it from the back is impractical
Would you know why mines is stuck on low beam
What batteries are you using; CR123A or 18650s? The CR123As will give less power, therefore, less lumens. It could also be because of the way it's programmed. There's three different settings. Here's how to program it. ruclips.net/video/ldRStF70ejY/видео.html
I think the reason it doesn't come with one has to do with Police Officers complaining about the tail cap actuator. Imagine sitting in your patrol car with this on your duty belt and every time you shift your weight the seat actuates the light, blinding you in your car, and signaling to everyone your hiding spot at night.
The solution is don't put it on your duty belt, but rather next to you, and grab it at will
You can't beat a full on only tail switch as a tac light.In the dark it's much easier to find and activate a tail switch when your in a hurry or half asleep then a little switch located somewhere in a 360 degree circumference .
A tail switch should only turn on the max light only, everytime.
Great video bro
Good deal ! ,..Like & trust my HL-X, microstream & other similar slightly bigger, w, a bell shaped head, strobe, etc...(both with 10440's batteries, n' a little smarts to not burn em up,...are great little lights though....
I followed exactly what you did and it didn't work
Yeah, TRYING to troubleshoot mine now. Seems the “pushbutton” has pooped the bed. Edited..: “a SIMPLE, @ HOME, do-it- yourself upgrade” HUH?! Ok......IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE THE ‘4’ “hanging around” I suppose. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as they say?
I disagree. That light is to long and thick for a comfortable carry tail switch… you can still grip it “tactically” with the regular switch, using your middle finger to turn on/off. Its fine just the way it is….
I just bought one I haven't used it yet but I paid 139 for it well 129 but with taxes you know lol hahaha but I'm sure I'll like it
The light is not USB rechargeable as the man in the video mentioned. Some of Streamlight's rechargeable 18650 batteries have a micro usb port for usb charging. That being said the HL5-X is not USB rechargeable. Just a PA for consumers looking to buy this light. Thanks for the video.
This light is considered to be “dual fuel” and is, in fact, USB rechargeable. It can use the 18650 rechargeable batteries that plug into a micro USB cable, or the CR123A batteries. While it is true that this light does not have a USB port built into the light itself, with the appropriate batteries, this light is still considered rechargeable. These 18650 batteries are easily swappable while you have another set plugged into the micro USB cable, and provide adequate battery life. Thank you for watching and commenting.
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 ok, you just basically made my point. There's nothing wrong with being wrong. But yes, the batteries, not the light, are rechargeable. The way you said it in your video made it sound as if the light itself is USB rechargeable.
What a great video. Commandant approves this message
This light is $69 on Amazon right now. Crazy.
You wish.
I have seen the price jump around quite a bit on Amazon. It’s around $74 as of today (11/28/19). Definitely good to keep an eye on it, and check when it’s on sale.
64 bucks today with cr123 batteries.
A push button tail cap doesn't make sense on a flashlight that isn't the size of your palm.
It absolutely does make sense. With gloves on, the push button tail cap makes it easier to reference and to manipulate the flashlight. Especially in a hurry.
@@nodirectionsincluded5911 you're going to hold that flashlight by the last 4 inches then adjust your grip? if it's on the barrel wouldn't it be faster?
Are you going to have the awareness in the heat of the moment to grab the light and twist it around until you can eventually find the button somewhere on the front? With the button on the tail cap it’s in the same place every single time. There’s no guess work. You can readjust your hold later on if/when appropriate. Typically it’s tucked under the arm anyway, so that both hands are always free.
@@drock83 it doesn't take much to regrip the light. It takes literally 1 second to regrip.. it absolutely makes sense to have a tail cap on this light, as numerous lights even bigger have. This tail cap is not new on a light this size.
@Jolly Tank yes it is..to people that use it professionally and not amateurs, it's very practical.
2xspeed is better.
I prefer to watch at half speed myself, but to each their own 👍🏼
👍👍👍👍👍
👍🏼
I usually don't comment on RUclips videos, but for whatever reason, this one rubbed me wrong. This isn't a DIY upgrade. This only works if you happen to have another, discontinued, expensive flashlight laying around to swap the parts from. Beyond that, this video is way too long to say " I swap the tail caps for these two flashlights, and it worked."
Anyone that starts their comment with “I usually don’t, but…” clearly has nothing better to do with their time. And did you even watch the video? You are using the tail cap from the older model. You can purchase just that tail cap at the link I provided in the description. The video was for demonstration and testing purposes, because we already had both lights on hand. It simply shows that the tail cap will indeed work. Not once did I say anything about needing that older model flashlight “laying around”.
Who the hell wants to hold a 9.5",
Do you work in Law Enforcement? If you did, you would understand that both a full size flashlight and a compact flashlight serve two different purposes. This is not a light to carry on a duty belt. This is a light used to approach a car with. This is a light that you can easily tuck under your arm when conducting a traffic stop so that you have two hands that are always free. Why not have access to both this flashlight, and a compact flashlight? Why limit yourself? Problem solved!
You obviously don't work in Law Enforcement, clearly evident by your response. Who the hell wants to hold that light???? How about an officer who tucks this under arm to converse with a driver on a stop to keep both hands free? Or the same while talking with a suspect outside a car and you need to keep noth hands free? Now that we established the use of a long light like this, why not have a push button on the tailcap for EASY manipulation? The regular button is indented slightly in the body of the light make it tough to reference with gloves on especially in a hurry. Law Enforcement personnel would already know this. Great video.
@@moparkid440 HA!!! I was law enforcement back in the early 90's using the D-Cell Maglites and Streamlights, WITH SIDE SWITCHES. So think before you respond kid.
Like Tom said, light is too heavy to carry by the end of the tube. I make traffic stops daily and trust the MagCharger as my light. It’s a lot simpler to use the side mounted switch and have more control with a light that size or of the size of the HL5X when holding the head than it is by holding the tail cap.
When holding the head you can use the light as a impact weapon if needed as a last resort. It’s also easier to tuck under an arm when you are not holding the back end of a light.
I have used Stingers, MagChargers, Ultra Stingers, Strions. Only found the tail cap useful on smaller lights. The larger the light the more unbalanced the feel of it is.
Tom you don't get the point
Made in China.
Jesus Christ man! You wasted 5 minutes and 10 seconds of my life. Get with it! Purchase the HL-4 replacement cap and put it on the HL-5x. See that took two seconds to announce!
Technically, 5 minutes and 16 seconds to be exact. Thanks for the view count. And I’m glad you learned something new. Even if you had to waste 0.000012683916794% of your life to figure that out.
Dude shut up. You're complaining about taking too much time to make a video yet you uploaded a worthless 11 minute and 51 second video of you "plowing" in Montana, of which no one gives a flying fuck about. It's literally a dash video of you driving up and down snow covered roads in silence Lolol. Talk about wasting people's time. Lol. Go away