Editor Paul Austin presents a round-up of his favourite Streamlight torches... as he says, every self respecting hunter/shooter needs one!

credit: Archant

Every self-respecting shooter needs a decent torch, and Streamlight have got quite a selection to choose from. I’ve picked a few of my personal favourites that should be the perfect fit for any drag bag.

MACROSTREAM USB EVERYDAY CARRY FLASHLIGHT

First up is the dinky little Macrostream USB (EDC) Flashlight. It’s a pen-sized light measuring 9cm long but a fair bit thicker than the average biro. Nevertheless, it’s ideal for top pocket storage, with a solid clip to keep it in place. It’s a non-focusable two-power unit that delivers 500 lumens in high power, generating a 41m beam and a runtime of 2.25 hours per charge.

The USP for this little torch is the built-in micro USB charging port. The front of the unit slides forward over an O-ring water seal revealing the port beneath. A great choice if you need a pocket torch that you can charge on the go in the car while en route to a permission. Very handy, a clever design and not too expensive either. Highly recommended.

PROTAC 90 X USB/PROTAC 90 X

The 90 degree design of the 90 X is its real stretch. Perfect for picking up at the end of the evening or alternatively clipped on to a pocket to provide hands -free illumination during game extraction.

Like its smaller sibling, it’s non-focusable and offers two power settings, delivering the same 500 lumens but with considerably more punch courtesy of the larger lens, which reaches out to 165m. Streamlight describe it as a ‘duel fuel’ torch, which means it can be powered by either a single 18650 or 2x CR123A batteries.

A perfect pocket companion for anyone who may need to go ‘hands-free’ when extracting game or hiking on rough country after hours. The 90 X ships also with the micro USB rechargeable 18650 (listed below) as standard.

SL-B26 LI-ION USB BATTERY PACK AND BANK CHARGER

The next item isn’t actually a torch, it’s a battery. Admittedly not what you’d call a sexy accessory but this little 18650 has a unique little twist in the form of a micro USB charging port built into the battery itself.

I’m constantly forgetting to recharge batteries and this little unit gives you the opportunity to charge on the go in a vehicle or via a power bank. Handy if you have a memory like mine but particularly useful if you’re going on an extended trip and need to recharge in the field via the power bank.

This particular combo package includes an eight-port mains charger but for me the star of the show is the actual battery itself with its dual charging option.

PROTAC RAIL MOUNT HL-X LASER LONG GUN LIGHT

The HL-X Laser long gun light will probably appeal more to the ‘tactical’ guys with its picatinny mount but it’s nevertheless an interesting light, pumping out 1000 lumens to a quoted distance of 336m, all via a single 18650 or 2x CR123A batteries.

There’s an adjustable laser built into the reflective cone of the touch, so you have a combined torch and a laser aim point. It ships with a rat’s tail control pad which can be attached to the rifle, offering remote control via a pressure switch or traditional off/on button (which initiates both the torch and laser simultaneously). You can control each individually in the standard configuration or via a two-button switch at the base of the torch. Great fun, if perhaps a bit more of a niche product.

MACROSTREAM® USB EVERYDAY CARRY FLASHLIGHT: Price: £69

PROTAC® 90 X USB/PROTAC® 90 X: Price: £88 and £77

SL-B26™ LI-ION USB BATTERY PACK AND BANK CHARGER: Price: £49

PROTAC® RAIL MOUNT HL-X LASER LONG GUN LIGHT: Price £215

All torches come with Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty

Supplier: Viking Arms

www.vikingshoot.com