Streamlight Inc.’s Polytac 90 flashlight is a small right angle-headed polymer LED flashlight with high performance and good value. With an MSRP of $85, this light provides many thoughtful features.
Powered by two CR123 3-volt lithium batteries, the LED emits either 170 or 17 lumens, depending on the setting. There is also a strobe mode. Battery life is from nearly four hours on high to 30 hours on low.
A top mounted pressure switch provides constant or momentary activation and clicks between modes. The flashlight’s metal spring clip allows it to be attached to M.O.L.L.E. loops, belts, or straps. Further mounting options are possible through a gated D-ring that resides on the top rear of the barrel.
We were able to evaluate two prototypes that were just manufactured. Unlike some previous right angle lights, this one feels very solid in the hand and is waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
As mentioned above, on the high output setting, these lights throw 170 lumens. To help understand what the beam shape and additional lighting characteristics of this flashlight are, Streamlight lists the peak beam intensity at 7,000 candela. Again, that gets you 3.75 hours of runtime – an amazing amount of work time.
The lower level has a peak beam intensity of 700 candela. With a total light output of 17 lumens, this is more than enough for navigation and a lot of tasks you need a flashlight for. With 30 hours of run time, that is a whole lot of work you can get done with this light.
Since a lot of users of this light are not interested in its tactical applications, the light is offered in a bright yellow and bright orange in addition to the traditional black. While this is not the patrol flashlight I would pick to carry on my duty belt, it does make a lot of sense as a secondary light you keep in your bag for longer investigations. Also, I can see where it might make sense for hanging on a tactical vest – not for the entry – but for the search and other work after the scene is secure.