Thoughts on Streamlight products?

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I have one of the single AA Microstream, its a great pocket light for just a quick look at something. I have washed it multiple times in my uniform and pull it out and it fires with no issues at all. Yes it is small light but it is always there for use.
 
HIDSGT said:
durable but like 20 years behind in technology.....
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This is just not true.

They still offer some old models, for those that want them. But they also have modern designs.

What they don't have is a slick modern web site. Mag is even worse. There is a reason for this. They own all the retail channels. They don't need marketing.
 
My only beef with the new Streamlight offerings is that they don't use high enough frequency PWM for their low. Maybe I'm just sensitive to it, but had I kept the PropolyMax, I would've needed to program it as a single mode light.
 
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They make a good product and have very good warranty support. They don't have the coolest design or most features but I've never had one fail on me. If you want reflectored throw in a compact form at a reasonable price they are about the the best out there. There are few companies that can beat the newer Polytac HP at a ~$40 price point or the 4AA Propolymax.
 
Streamlight Microstream

Just picked up a Streamlight Microstream C4 for EDC. Was wondering if anybody has been carring this light for a while and how it is functioning as far as durability, battery life, etc?
 
Re: Streamlight Microstream

Well, took mine swimming one night and later found little droplets of water inside the lens and reflector. Not very water resistant if you ask me. :shrug:
 
Re: Streamlight Microstream

The microstream was the everyday carry that first got me into High power flashlights. I have used and abused the heck out of mine. It has held up great over time. I use li-ion 10440 unprotected cells, gets extremely bright and hot, lasts around 30 mins. Once everyone at work saw how bright mine was, they all made the switch to 10440 cells instead of alkaline. Been using it for well over a year everyday with li-ions and still works great. Hope this helps


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Just got a yellow propolymax and love it. Something about their workmanlike construction just appeals. Diffusion film makes it a great all a rounder.
 
My first serious defensive light was a Streamlight Scorpion, which worked well.

I own two TLR-1 weapon lights, and my next weapon light purchase will very likely be a TLR-3 or TLR-4. Streamlight is the first place I look for weapon lights. Even when I carried a Surefire daily, I could not justify spending what they charge for a weapon light.
 
I own the Streamlight Knucklehead work light and love it. It is my goto light when I work on my car. Had it for many years and it works great.
 
I personally think they are overhyped and way overpriced. I know a lot of cops that have had issues with them, so they do not live up to their "zero-fail" rep. And, I personally had bad luck with them: bought 2 stingers a year or so after they came out and both died within a year. I didn't bother with the warranty, so I can't really say if it was just bad luck or not. But while they may have a reputation as durable quality lights, I think there are better lights for less money on the market. Bottomline (for me anyway) is that Steamlight has been living on an old reputation that they haven't earn in more than 20 years.
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

Monocrom said:
My SureFires have proven to be far too reliable and dependable to be Ferrari vehicles. ;)
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Word.

I oogled a Polytac at Bass and Pro shops, I was actually really impressed with the build quality and price...
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

I've abused the crap out of several Streamlight flashlights and weaponlights, including a Polytac that's been attached to my Benelli M2 12ga shotgun for several months and several hundred rounds. I'm going from memory, but I currently own the following:
SL20X with Terralux 600 lumen drop-in
(2) incan SL20Xs
Stinger
Stinger XT
Stinger DS LED (Standard 300 lumen model)
X2
TLR2
TLR2G
PT2AA
PT1L
PT2AAA
(2) Microstreams
Protac HL
Super Tac X (I think that's what it's called)
Polytac HP
Polytac 275 lumen version
Strion (original model with Terralux 200 lumen drop-in)
Strion HL (this light kicks so much rear-end for law enforcement!!!)

I also own a similarly nutty list of Surefire lights and lights from other manufacturers, so I'm not saying Streamlight is the only quality game in town, but their products, and especially their service are awesome!
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

Just purchased a SL Stinger LED HL and I am very impressed with it so far , I work in a auto shop and seen several of these lights that look destroyed but still light up like new .. I will take care if mine and hope it will stand the test if time .
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

I used to have a Streamlight Microstream which was awesome. I like how straightforward it was. I might have to buy one of those again and/or maybe the Stylus Pro.
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

Over the last 10 years we've owned quite a few SL products - a few Twin Task, a bunch of 2-AAAA Stylus, three TL-2 incandescent, a few weapon-mounted lights, a bunch of Septor head lamps and a bunch of Task-Light 3AAA (I used to sell Streamlight products online). To this day we keep some Task-Light 3AAA and Septors handy in the house and in our vehicles loaded with Energizer lithium cells. We still have the TL-2 lights which are well-made lights with great throw for 70 lumens, one of which I plan on modding with a TL-3 bulb and a pair of IMR cells. I've experimented with using 18500 cell in the Task-Light and all I need to do is come up with a "non-Rube" bushing to hold the cell.

The ONLY failures we have had through owning dozens of Streamlight products were due to leaking alkaline batteries (which I now refuse to put in any of my lights).

Recently, I purchased a new PolyTac 275-lumen to keep in my vehicle, see my comments/review here.
 
Re: Thoughts On Streamlight Products?

Streamlight leads the rechargeable market, especially with law enforcement. No other company comes close. Over the years, SL has introduced several "firsts" in the industry:

--First full size rechargeable (SL-15/20/35 series)
--First mid size rechargeable (Stinger) which is, likely, the most popular rechargeable light platform.
--First commercially widely available 18650 Li-ion powered light: Strion.
As far as I know, most products are updated, but use the "C4" moniker for the LED, so knowing what's being used can be tricky. "Behind 20 years" not by a long shot. The current HPL lights are up to any current standard.

The lacking product is SL's weapon mounted lights, which don't have the best reputation for liability.
 
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