I really should try the Strion 2020 when discounts become available.
BTW, which proper distributor(s) discounts Streamlight? I will not be changing from the ones I currently use, but if I get any poorer, I might have to start 'bottom feeding' for price at some point. Right now, I still prioritize distributor quality above a small price difference, but that could change.
I think that's a bit of a stretch, Bro'.
The rest of the thing feels like you could pound nails with it. The head is much, much stronger than other Stingers.
That's good, but if it can't survive a minor fall without damage requiring repair, weight does not matter (except for use as a weapon). Keep in mind that (most if not all) other Stingers cannot pass FL1 2-meter testing, or they would get that rating. Some like to equate weight with reliability / durability, but if that were true, anyone could make reliable / durable flashlights. Unfortunately it doesn't, and few do. It's also worth noting that one of the Stinger 2020s features appreciated by me is its superb
balance. Unfortunately that may work against it when dropped, as it's about as likely to land on its tail as its head(?). Also, keep in mind that 6 samples survived 'worse' hits than yours had on their tail, although I'm sure there can be some small angular variability. That's one reason why 2 meters requires that all 6 samples pass. Given that the light passes FL1 impact at 2 meter criteria, I don't feel that your light should have been dented in a way that required repair. It probably couldn't pass IP either. Didn't you say yours leaked even before being dropped?
"Dropped samples cannot have any visible cracks or breaks and must remain fully functional."
I understand that technically your light was probably basically functional, and the damage incurred likely wasn't 'visible', but I still maintain that this should not have happened (either the functionally compromised / dented housing or water ingress).
Keep in mind that the specs for IP test state:
'...it must be done after impact resistance testing is completed to ensure water resistance under real-life conditions.'
I will continue to maintain that your unit most probably had some original defect. Your failure was
not necessarily due to design defect, so I would not be so quick to assume that is the case. I am quite confident in the quality of SL's FL1 testing. They may be the only manufacturer I would make that statement regarding. It would take extraordinary luck for your sample to have passed FL1 2-meter testing, when we know 6 samples did. You only tested 1. I can do that math;-)
By the way, Streamlight's response was excellent as usual.
Good to hear. In all the years I've never had to use them for repair/warranty work (knock on wood), but it's good to know that their Support quality is up to the standards of their Product quality.