Streamlight Polytac 90 Flashlight Review: A Powerhouse in Your Pocket
As an outdoor enthusiast, law enforcement officer, or simply someone who loves camping and hiking, a reliable flashlight is an essential tool to have in your arsenal. In our search for the perfect light, we’ve had the pleasure of getting familiar with the Streamlight Polytac 90. This revolutionary flashlight has caught our attention with its impressive brightness, rugged build quality, and ergonomic design. Let’s dive into our in-depth review to find out if this powerhouse flashlight lives up to its promising specs.
Design and Build Quality
**The Polytac 90’s rugged design is instantly noticeable, with a durable anodized aluminum body that’s built to withstand the harshest environments. The flashlight is waterproof (IPX7 rated) and extremely durable, with a rubberized grip that provides a secure hold even in wet and slippery conditions. The overall build quality is superb, giving the impression that this light is capable of withstanding extreme abuse.
Operating Modes and Brightness
The Streamlight Polytac 90 boasts an impressive set of features, including:
• High Output (900 lumens): A blindingly bright strobe light that can be seen from a mile away
• Medium Output (140 lumens): A versatile setting for everyday use, providing a comfortable beam distance
• Low Output (10 lumens): A low-power setting for extended battery life or reduced light pollution
• Strobe (900 lumens): A disorienting strobe mode to disorient or signal for help
The Polytac 90’s maximum output is 900 lumens, making it one of the brightest flashlights on the market. This level of brightness is perfect for a variety of applications, from camping and hiking to search and rescue operations.
Performance in the Field
During our testing, we put the Streamlight Polytac 90 through its paces in various environments and scenarios. Here are our findings:
• Performance in Darkness: The Polytac 90 shone bright in complete darkness, illuminating everything with ease.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and direct sunlight didn’t faze the light, which remained functional and bright throughout.
• Beam Quality: The beam was clean, well-focused, and free of artifacts, making it perfect for target acquisition.
• Battery Life: We experienced up to 30 hours of use on a single set of NiMH batteries, impressive considering the excess brightness.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Streamlight Polytac 90’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
• Unbeatable Brightness: The Polytac 90 is one of the brightest flashlights on the market, making it perfect for search and rescue, outdoor activities, or nighttime navigation.
• Durable Construction: The rugged anodized aluminum body is impervious to scratches, impacts, and harsh weather conditions.
• Simple Operation: The intuitive interface and easy-to-use buttons make it simple to switch between modes.
• Long-Lasting Battery Life: The flashlight can run for hours on a single set of NiMH batteries.
Cons:
• Size and Weight: The Polytac 90 is a larger flashlight, which might make it uncomfortable for those with smaller hands or preferences.
• Power Source: While the flashlight works with standard NiMH batteries, the manufacturer’s proprietary battery pack is recommended for optimal performance and compatibility.
• Cost: The Polytac 90 is an investment, with a higher price tag than some other similar lights on the market.
Conclusion
The Streamlight Polytac 90 is a remarkable flashlight that checks all the boxes for durability, brightness, and versatility. While it may not be the most compact or affordable option, its impressive performance and rugged build quality make it an excellent choice for anyone requiring a reliable flashlight for their daily duties or outdoor adventures. We highly recommend the Streamlight Polytac 90 to those seeking a flashlite that can keep up with their demands.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
