Tool Review: Streamlight ProTac HL 6

Dec. 4, 2024
Reviewed by Matt Fanslow, diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota.

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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time? 

A: In a multitude of ways. One, of course, is that it is quite bright -- over 5,000 lm bright. This is a "aim the flashlight at the floor and it lights up the room" kind of bright. Good lighting, be it the shop lighting itself, flashlights, UV lights, etc. is a fundamental tool to do our jobs at the highest of levels.

 

Q: How easy was it to use? 

A: This is an interesting question, to be honest. I mean, yes, you press a button and the light comes on, but it’s bright. Really bright. To change brightness levels, the button press sequences are not intuitive. Luckily, there were instructions.

 

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories? 

A: It comes in an appropriately sized, dense cardboard box familiar to all Streamlight users. This gives one a sense of confidence that the product will live up to standards set by other Streamlight lights. 

 

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?

A: There is, and I had to use it. I really don’t mean that as a criticism, just that to adjust the intensity, you do have to read the manual.

 

Q: What features did you like? 

A: For one, just the heft of the light, meaning that it feels high quality, and we know Streamlights are high quality. I also liked the brightness.

 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool? 

A: Honestly, there needs to be a small speaker and recording of Manfred Mann’s “Blinded by the Light.” I would also like to see a means to charge and store the light and batteries in a dock. You have to take the batteries out and then plug them into a cable, not dock the batteries or dock the flashlight to charge. I’m spoiled by my other Streamlight flashlights and lights where there are docks for charging and storage. I’m listing its brightness as a “like” and “dislike" because this thing is bright. It is most useful on its lowest setting in a repair shop environment.

 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: Eight. This is a great light. I mean, if Clark Griswold could adorn his house with a bunch of these, even if they don’t twinkle, he’d be in heaven and neighbors further down the street could suffer the same consequences as Todd and Margo Chester. I dock points for not having a docking station for charging and storage and that to charge the batteries, I have to take them out and plug USB-C cables into ports on the batteries themselves.

About the Author

Matt Fanslow

Matt Fanslow is the shop manager for Riverside Automotive, an all makes/all models independent repair shop in Red Wing, Minnesota. He has over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry and is an ASE Master Certified Technician (A1-A8) and an L1 Automobile Advanced Engine Performance Specialist. He also has his own podcast, Matt Fanslow Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z, that provides a wide-open perspective on all aspects of the automotive aftermarket from a working diagnosticians' point of view.

To listen to his latest podcast episode and others, visit mattfanslow.captivate.fm/.

In 2021, Fanslow was the recipient of the AAPEX Technician of the Year award. 

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