Streamlight 88850 PolyTac 600-Lumen 11500-Candela Tactical LED Flashlight with Non-Rechargeable Batteries, Clear Retail Packaging, Black

My dad managed to break his old flashlight. Not really sure how. He asked for a new one for Christmas. It needed to be small enough to be held in one hand, light enough to be used while doing other things, bright enough to be able to find things in a dark basement when the power goes out, and he did NOT want rechargeable batteries.On that last point, I think he was talking more about not wanting a light that used a drill power pack, like the ones that come in those combination drill/saw/light type sets. However, when I checked with him he assured me he didn't want rechargeable batteries.So, I settled on this Streamlight after looking at reviews of other similar looking lights on Amazon. Basically, the Amazon users sold me on this light. It hit all of the points he had asked for, and came in at what I felt was a really good price point.When he opened the light on Christmas, he was really interested in getting the light out and testing it out. He opened the package, installed the included batteries, and took to using the light. It's very bright. I'm not really very familiar with other "nice" flashlights so I can't compare, but I do know it's brighter than any of the flashlights I have laying around my house. He really seemed to like the way the light was focused and how bright it was. He took it into the basement and came back to assure me that the light would work for what he needed it for.The quality of the build seems solid. I'm used to flashlights being cheap plastic or metal, so this one being a higher grade type of plastic was different for me, but it felt really good in the hand. The button to turn it off and on seems solid, and the fact that it came with batteries is a big plus.Overall, my dad really likes the light, and I think it seems like a pretty good product. The only problem?? I now want one for myself!!!

I recently decided I needed an additional flashlight, but hate the idea of spending hundreds (literally) on another SureFire. Considering the amazing performance I have experienced with the Streamlight ProTac 2AA, I decided to consider this Streamlight PolyTac 600, which was an excellent decision.Key points:- Very bright.- The three-mode operation is excellent and covers any situation (high, strobe, low).- Accepts and works very well with my rechargeable 123A lithium phosphate Surefire batteries.- Lightweight polymer construction with very grippy surface.- The clip is quite usable and I don't intend to remove it.- Could be weapon mounted, but, I'll leave my old Surefire assigned that role and carry this around instead.I would not hesitate to buy another, and I recommend this to others as a great alternative to the overpriced Surefire products.

This is a great flashlight. It's a perfect size, it functions flawlessly and is easy to use. I also have a Streamlight ProTac 2L which I like a lot too. The 2L is very similar to this PolyTac but since the 2L is made of aluminum it's a little more compact. My only criticism of the 2L is that it's surface is very smooth which makes it a little more difficult to push the tail cap button when your hand is either dry or wet.This PolyTac is molded with some substantial ribbing and non-skid panels between some of the ribs. The ribbing and non-skid panels make the tail cap button much easier to operate. The polymer construction makes the PolyTac slightly larger in diameter. The diameter of the PolyTac is 1" in the barrel and 1 1/4" at the head. The ProTac 2L is 3/4" in the barrel and 7/8" at the head. The PolyTac is 1/2" longer than the ProTac. Both flashlights have a removable pocket clip which can be used to attach a lanyard if desired. The tail cap button on the 2L is flush with the end of the barrel while the tail cap button on the PolyTac extends 1/8" beyond the barrel. This feature also makes the button easier to operate.I like both of these flashlights. Although the 2L is easier to carry in a pocket, the PolyTac is a little easier to use. Both have the programable switch for those who can use the two options. Take your pick or get them both like I did. They are great pocket flashlights.Update: 10/24/16 - I've had a chance to use this light and carry the PolyTac for a few days now. The pocked clip is mounted on the wrong end and it's too weak. I know the head is quite a bit bigger in diameter than the barrel, but the mounting should favor the way it's carried. When I grab my flashlight I want the barrel in my hand (where the switch is located) not the head. The spring steel pocket clip is 2 3/4" long on the PolyTac while on the ProTac it's about 1 3/4". The length of the pocket clip on the PolyTac accounts to some degree for the weaker tension on the pocket clip, but at least on the PolyTac I received, the bend of the clip at the roughly 90 degree transition from vertical to horizontal isn't sufficient to give the clip the tension it needs to more securely carry it in a pocket. My solution: remove the head of the PolyTac (it's on there pretty tightly) by turning it counterclockwise. Carefully remove the rubber o-ring between the thread on the body of the flashlight and the ring on the pocket clip. Do nothing to tear, break or otherwise damage the o-ring. If you are in doubt about being able to do this without damaging the o-ring find someone who can or don't do this at all. With the o-ring off, remove the pocket clip. Holding the ring of the pocket clip in one hand and the clip portion in the other, grip with your thumbs and forefingers as close to the 90 degree bend as you can. Slowly bend the clip and the ring so they is about 80 to 85 degrees instead of 90. Place the ring back on the body where it was. Pressing the ring as tightly as possible in place, lift the clip to test the tension on the clip. Bend the clip more or less to preference. After positioning the ring in its place, carefully replace the o-ring in its groove right next to the pocket clip ring. Inspect the ring and o-ring to be sure they are in their proper positions then screw the head back on the body. Be sure the threads on the head and body are not cross threaded. Tighten the head in place and check the tension of the pocket clip. You won't be able to change the end of the flashlight where the pocket clip in mounted, but you can adjust the tension on the clip to improve its grip on your pocket or where ever else yo chose to carry it.