Recommend a replacement light

[2ball]

I only have 1 flashlight and I lost it. It was my work light and I loved it. It was a streamlight pro Tac HL-X. I used it with 18650 Orbtronic rechargeable batteries.

Questions

1. If I use 2 cr123 rechargeable batteries instead of 1 18650 rechargeable I will get a brighter light but have less run time?
2. Is Orbtronic a good brand or should I go with another company for rechargeable batteries?
3. Does anyone make a flashlight with a tracking device in it (like an Apple tag)
4. If I don't go with the same exact flashlight what would some good flashlights to consider especially ones that are a little cheaper.

 

[aznsx]

I only have 1 flashlight and I lost it. It was my work light and I loved it. It was a streamlight pro Tac HL-X. I used it with 16650 Orbtronic rechargeable batteries.

Questions

1. If I use 2 cr123 rechargeable batteries instead of 1 16650 rechargeable I will get a brighter light but have less run time?
2. Is Orbtronic a good brand or should I go with another company for rechargeable batteries?
3. Does anyone make a flashlight with a tracking device in it (like an Apple tag)
4. If I don't go with the same exact flashlight what would some good flashlights to consider especially ones that are a little cheaper.

I don't own an HL-X, but am familiar with it, and almost bought one. I went with a 2L-X instead because my needs changed. It meets similar criteria, but is somewhat smaller, although it does have lower max output. Based on (what little) I know, if I had an HLX and lost it, I would replace it with another HL-X today. I'm not aware of another light that would match it today, given my personal criteria.

1) This link should help with with such questions. Also compare features (Ten-Tap, ANSI Impact Rating, output / time graph, etc. with other contenders for a replacement.

https://www.streamlight.com/docs/default-source/fact-sheet/280.pdf

2) I recently started using a KP 16650 in one light, but don't have much info to offer yet. From what I understand from others, they've had good results with that brand. There's a Streamlight 18650 in my 2L-X right now, so if in doubt, I can recommend those.

3) I'm not aware of any, but if one exists, I can practically guarantee you it won't be a flashlight as good as the HL-X in other respects.

EDIT: As a side note, keep in mind that re: ANSI impact rating, 2 >> 1 + 1, and "1.5" is not a valid ANSI rating.
Also, Just noticed you're using a 16650 in the HL-X(?). Why not an 18650 in that light?
Welcome to CPF, VA!

 

[2ball]

Thanks for the info,
I am not sure exactly what battery was in the flashlight, but looking at my charger, it doesn't say it charges 16550 but it does charge 18650. 18650 is probably what I am using. I will edit the origional post.

 

[ABTOMAT]

The HL-X comes with a Streamlight brand protected 18650 if you buy it new with batteries. They call it a B26. I think the light is regulated for the rechargeable batteries and you don't gain anything with lithiums.

You want another HL-X? I have a new one I'm not using I'd sell. No batteries.

 

[Tungsten98]

Consider having a look at either a Nitecore P20V2, or one of the P20IX models. I own both. The P20V2 is an older 18650 model, and I've used one at work in a factory as a tech for about five years. Extremely durable. Also have one mounted to an AK.
The P20IX I don't have as much time with, as I keep that one looking nice for going out. That said, it's never let me down. That one is newer, and more expensive. It uses the 21700, although I believe is backward compatible with the 18650. It has a type C charger built in, which makes it nice and convenient to charge, but of course you can easily swap cells if you want/need.
The P20IX is a brighter light, and has a bit better distance to it, but both are good.

 

[aznsx]

P20IX

I note that this one has a 2-meter impact rating. Many don't even look at that rating, but I definitely do, and it it's legit (and I have no reason to believe it's not), that's a very good indication. When shopping, you'll find that relatively few legitimately-rated lights earn that rating. The OP's HLX (and the 2LX I mentioned), as well as my Strions, 1L1AA, etc. are all in that category. Of course if you insist on a 3-meter rating, the Polytac X I have offers that.

The P20V2 is an older 18650 model, and I've used one at work in a factory as a tech for about five years

If your industrial application is anything like my experiences, that's a very significant recommendation in itself. In general, industrial maintenance environments are often not kind to flashlights (or technicians;-) If someone says they've been using 'light X' for 'Y' years, that might mean something. If someone says they've been using one in an industrial environment for that long, I pay attention.

 

[Tungsten98]

If your industrial application is anything like my experiences, that's a very significant recommendation in itself.

~Adding further context.

I work as a process technician in an injection molding (plastics) environment for both automotive and medical applications. Dirty, wet, oily, conditions are a daily thing. Concrete floors. On occasion I do help out the maintenance guy when necessary. It has been covered in every nasty thing you can imagine, and cleaned with our specific version of brake parts cleaner on the regular. The button nor the lens has been affected by the solvent, and the rubber button (although worn) has not rubbed through.

It has been dropped on a few occasions, and one (expletive) used it to bang something shut! It did shut off, but turned right back on. Never loaned him my light again. Still a little miffed about that.

I have two or three more still new in the package for when this one gives it up. Although I don't see that being any time soon at this point in time.

Absolute 10/10 imho.