Galco needs no introduction when it comes to leather products. Likewise, Streamlight needs no introduction when discussing quality flashlights. So, what do you get when they team up? A high-quality flashlight and leather flashlight carrier.
A few years ago, I was off-duty and stopped to help a deputy look for a small child who had been lost in the woods. I was too far from home to grab any gear or my agency vehicle. Other units were on another priority call. As I jumped out of the car to help search a nearby wooded area, it dawned on me: I had no light!
My off-duty weapon had a light on it, so I was able to remove it from my handgun and use it as a handheld light. This wasn’t ideal by any means, but we make do with what we have, right?
After that, I decided I should start always carrying a small light on me, separate from my weapon-mounted light. It’s important to have a light on your weapon, if possible, but it’s not a lot of good for non-weapon situations. Unless you plan to wave a gun around (which you shouldn’t), a small EDC light is helpful for everyday tasks.
Streamlight offers multiple compact lights to choose from, such as the Wedge, Microstream, and some in the ProTac series. However, some people carry a lot of stuff in their pockets, which makes carrying a light even more burdensome. Galco has solved this problem with its leather light carrier.
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight
In my opinion, the ProTac line of lights is among Streamlight’s best. I use multiple ProTac rail lights on my rifles and have used their handheld lights at work for years. A multi-fuel option with the 1L-1AA makes this light stand out more than other compact options. Most multi-fuel lights use one type of standard battery and have rechargeable battery options as well.
With the 1L-1AA, however, you can use either a CR123 or AA battery. When I first saw this, I thought I was reading something wrong or Streamlight had made a major printing error on their package. This is because the AA is longer and smaller in diameter than the CR123 battery. So how can a light use either one?
Streamlight’s design uses longer battery compartment springs on each end, which allows both batteries to work. You don’t get as much power from the AA, which provides 150 lumens, compared to the CR123, which provides 350. However, having the option to use the more popular AA is a great feature.
When Galco partnered with Streamlight, they built a leather carrier for it, which we will discuss below. When you buy the light from Galco, the Galco name is on the side of the light. I love Galco’s leather holsters and gear, so I thought this was a cool feature of the light.
Ten-Tap Programming Included with the Galco-Branded Protac Light
As Streamlight does with many of their lights, the ProTac 1L-1AA uses 10-tap programming to change the setting on the light. These settings are as follows:
- High-Strobe-Low: The light comes pre-programmed for this setting. When you turn it on, you have the full lumen available for that battery. Push the button on the back of the light (tail switch) twice quickly, and the strobe activates. With three quick pushes, the light goes into low mode.
- High Only: Some like this feature because it keeps the light on the bright setting regardless of how many times you push the tail switch.
- Low-High: In this setting, the light uses the low mode when the button is pushed. Two quick pushes of the button turn on the high mode.
Galco Leather Flashlight Carrier for ProTac Light
As I mentioned above, Galco knows leather. They make some of the best leather products I’ve ever used. When I’m working in dress clothes, I use one of their shoulder holsters on duty. I’ve also used their belt holsters and IWB holsters. I’ve even worn a Galco tan leather belt multiple times a week.
For those who use and appreciate leather gear, this is a no-brainer if you plan to start carrying a low-profile light on you. If you are not used to leather products, you may think the price is a little high, but you get what you pay for. A good leather holster or, in this case, a light carrier will last you a lifetime.
Galco used a loop that snaps in the back so you can put it on and take it off without removing your belt. The light was a little hard to fit in the carrier at first, which is a good thing for leather. Just like with holsters, you can mold the leather to fit the light with a simple process. Place a zip-lock bag around the light and work the light (with a bag around it) into the leather carrier. Leave it there for a day or so, and the light should fit perfectly once the bag is removed.
Classic Leather Carrier with a Reliable Light
This is a great combo for carrying a light on you all the time without adding more stuff to your pocket. It’s also much quicker and easier to retrieve than digging around in your pocket for a flashlight. Either battery provides nearly a 1.5-hour constant run time, which is about the same as most weapon-mounted lights.
I like that I can use a AA battery if needed, and the leather snap on the carrier loop is very handy. I find myself using the snap daily because I want to wear the light when I am heading out the door. I keep it next to my CCW weapon so I can put both on and take them off as I come and go.
I’ve mentioned this before, but even the smell of Glaco’s gear makes you want to buy more. This little light carrier is no different. Good-quality leather has a very pleasant smell, and the stitching and finish echo that quality. It’s a great combo from two of the best in their respective fields. This is a light and carrier combo I will enjoy for years to come.
The post ProTac 1L-1AA by Streamlight and Galco Leather: A Review appeared first on The Mag Life.
Read the full article here
