Loopgear SK55 vs SK55 Pro: Big-Capacity Power Bank Flashlights Compared

Introduction

Loopgear has built a reputation for tucking genuinely novel features into its flashlights, and the SK55 and SK55 Pro continue that pattern while arguably being the brand’s most practical lights to date. Both pack a huge 8,000 mAh of battery storage, both function as waterproof power banks, and both combine a spot beam, a flood emitter, and side lights in one body. The Pro costs more, but the upgrades may justify it. Here is how the two compare.

Shared Hardware: One Design, Two Flavours

At their core, the two models are very similar. Both carry three sets of lights: side lights, a spot, and a flood, and both share the same 8,000 mAh total capacity. Each has a rotary switch that activates the lockout position, the flood beam, the spot, or the side lights, and both charge over USB-C.

That USB-C port matters more than usual, because both lights double as power banks. They charge connected devices noticeably faster than many other power bank flashlights, which means less time waiting for your phone or accessories to top up. Full waterproofing is maintained alongside this, which is genuinely impressive for a light with an open charging port.

One often-overlooked hardware strength: both models work with a magnetic tail, and the magnet is strong enough to hold these relatively heavy lights securely. That is rare in this class and makes hands-free use far more practical.

The Big Difference: Battery Access

The most meaningful hardware split is at the back. The standard SK55 has batteries built in that require disassembling the flashlight to reach. The SK55 Pro unlocks its switch and lets you pop out and swap its two 18650 cells directly.

That swappability is more than a convenience. It means you can carry spares and never be stranded without light or power, which pairs perfectly with the power bank role. As a bonus, the Pro also delivers a higher output from both front lights. It is not a dramatic difference, but it is clearly noticeable.

User Interface: Practical First, Playful Second

Regardless of which output mode you are in, holding the button produces maximum brightness from both front emitters at once, momentary only. It functions like a burst mode, useful in emergencies for seeing something at distance quickly or for deterring an animal approaching at speed. It is very bright, and brighter still on the Pro.

From off, a single press activates the memorized mode. Once on, a hold cycles through three output levels, and each mode remembers its own setting independently, so you can mix and match low on the flood with high on the spot. A double press jumps straight to the top of the ramp, and a triple press brings up strobe.

The side lights are where Loopgear lets its personality show. There is a practical white side light with three levels, plus a red light for preserving night vision. Beyond that, double pressing cycles through a series of playful modes: blinking red, unusual patterns, and a sliding rainbow effect. You may not use them often, but they are fun to have, and the Pro’s white side light appears warmer and possibly higher CRI than the standard model’s, another quiet argument for stepping up.

A small but charming touch: every time you turn the light on, it tells you how much battery charge remains.

Performance and Value

The SK55 Pro is the higher-output model of the pair, and for most buyers it is worth the extra money. At around $100, it is considerably less expensive than expected for what it delivers; the estimate going in was closer to double that. The standard model sits below it in output but shares nearly everything else.

If there is a critique, it is the emitters. The flood LEDs run cool white rather than a warm, high-CRI tone around 4,000K, which would be gentler on the eyes for close-up use. Enthusiasts may also wish the spot used a more modern emitter for maximum throw. Neither issue is a dealbreaker, but it is the main area where output and runtime could have been pushed from good to great.

Who Should Buy Which

The SK55 Pro suits anyone who wants the best version of this platform: swappable batteries, higher output, and a nicer side light, all for around $100. The standard SK55 makes sense if you want the same 8,000 mAh capacity, power bank function, and three-light versatility at a lower price and can live with built-in batteries and slightly less output.

Conclusion

Both models deliver an unusual combination: a capable multi-light flashlight, a fast-charging waterproof power bank, and a genuinely useful magnetic tail. The Pro’s replaceable batteries and higher output make it the stronger recommendation, but either way, Loopgear has produced one of the more practical and versatile lights in its class.