Thrunite TC12 or Streamlight ProTac HL usb?

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

I currently own a Streamlight Strion LED HL that I have been carrying for about a year as part of my EDC. I love the flashlight and it still works great. but I wouldnt mine something a maybe a hair thinner (were the LED and reflector is if nothing else), USB Rechargeable (I hate the charging system of the Strion), More Power (in this regard, I’m happy with more throw, with the same amount of “Flood”, or the opposite with the same amount of throw with a little more “Flood”) with a little bit longer battery life.

I see both the TC12 and the ProTac HL usb fit the bill on USB charging. more power, and longer battery life. they both are similar in lumens being around double that of the Strion and still with more battery life.

the TC12 states 2.6 hours on Turbo. but looking at reviews and videos it looks like its about an hour and a half and then goes to High on its own. were it can go another hour. that probably the best of all 3 lights.

the ProTac states 1.5 hours. I have not looked at many reviews yet on this but I know my strion is pretty accurate at its 1 hour rating. though that to completely dead. I assume the ProTac will be pretty true to its time as well.
Pocket Clip:
one BIG factor I think. is the pocket clips. that’s were I carry my flashlights. right pocket. the TC12 has a lot about the clip that would stick out. That may cause discomfort when I am sitting (bigger guy). the ProTac looks like a much better clip. it doesn’t matter how good a light is. if It annoys me and I don’t carry it. its not doing its job.

the operation of the switches I am pretty indifferent about. I do like the idea of the firefly feature. but I don’t know if I would use it. the ONLY time I use anything other then HIGH on my strion is when I know I will need it for longer then an hour.

there is a $30 difference in price $70 for the TC12 and $100 for the ProTac HL. not a huge factor really. both are pricey enough that I will only purchase one. but low enough that I wont decide based on this.

also. the length. my Strion is right at 6”. the TC12 is about 5.5” and the ProTac is 6.5”. but I think they will all fit in my pocket fine and the pcket clip location is a bigger factor then over all length.

I cant find the diameters of the Streamlights to see how they compare to each other and the TC12. but they all use a single 18650 so I assume there similar. but it looks like the TC12 and the ProTac are thinner at the lens.

2

I would go with the TC12. I own a TN12 and I really like the mode spacing…firefly is excellent for moving around the house at night or if you need very little light. Streamlight products are nice but they’re just not up to date like Thrunite and some of the other companies that flashlight fanatics buy from. Yes, I’ve owned a few protac hls…just not the usb version.

3

do you (or have you tried) picket carry with this? how is it with that whole tail cap sticking out? I honestly think its the only reason I am still debating. is because it looks like so much will be sticking out that it would jab me when moving about in my chair at work or on the couch.

any input on that?

4

I usually like my lights not to show much at all but the TN12 doesn’t stick out very much. It’s comfortable to me.

5

Thank you!

I can take my grip ring on my strion and adjust it to were I have about the same amount sticking out and do a test run. would you say thats about 1.5” above the clip?

6

Exactly 1.25”