Whether in daily life or in tactical environments, a flashlight needs to be a reliable performer. And Streamlight is a brand that has developed a great reputation over the years with rock-solid quality and dependable performance.
The Streamlight Strion has been my go-to flashlight for a few years now and I love its performance. However, there are plenty of other Streamlight models that are equally good for various types of users.
Based on our decades of industry experience, we’ve determined that these are the best streamlight flashlights out right now.
Summary of Contents
6 Best Streamlight Flashlights
Pros
- Fantastic build quality
- Lens made from Borofloat glass
- Excellent heat regulation
- IPX7 waterproofing and 2-meter impact resistance
Cons
- Lacks a moonlight mode
- Heavy at 12.3 oz.
The Stinger Lineup has been around for a long time. The 2020 version has great specs and delivers a whopping 2,000 lumens in High mode.
At first glance, the flashlight may look odd with a rectangular to circular body transformation. But the overall ergonomics is top-notch and the textured surface offers great grip.
It has four modes including Strobe and the output is 850 lumens and 100 lumens in Medium and Low modes respectively. The operation is through independent head and tail switches, and the UI is super simple. The hotspot is bright and the throw distance is good enough for professional use.
The Stinger uses dual Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery packs that can be charged through micro-USBs. You can stretch the battery for as long as 25 hours in the low mode.
Bottom line: the Stinger is a top-quality flashlight that’s built like a tank. It’s available at a great price and can easily compete with similar models from Fenix, Nitecore, or Olight.
Pros
- Easy one-handed operation
- The battery can be charged inside the light or out
- Safety control circuit
- Can be used with a rail mount
Cons
- Lacks a moonlight mode
- The beam distance could be better
Made from machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, the Pro Tac 2.0 looks like it’s ready to tackle rugged environments. Moreover, it is IP67-rated and has been impact-tested from 2 meters.
Streamlight uses an SL-B50-protected Li-Ion battery pack that is USB-C rechargeable. The charging port is covered by a sliding sleeve that seats nicely on the O-rings. You get three modes with a top output of 2000 lumens and the max run-time is 25 hours in low mode.
The proprietary TEN-TAP programming is another plus that makes it versatile. Tapping on the tactical tail switch will allow you to switch between three different modes as per your needs. The beam pattern is well-balanced with a bright hotspot.
At 6.1 inches, it may not be the best choice as a compact, everyday carry flashlight. But as a tactical flashlight, the ProTac 2.0 is great for law enforcement teams, first responders, and outdoorsmen.
Pros
- Good beam brightness
- Excellent battery life
- Ideal for pocket carry
- Superb durability
Cons
- Not the best UV frequency
- The tail cap switch is stiff
Note, this is the UV version of the original Stylus Pro. Even though the Stylus Pro looks and feels like a penlight, the little guy packs a lot of punch. Firstly, it is incredibly lightweight at 1.9 oz. and the thin pen-shaped design provides a great purchase on the light.
The light source is a 400 nm ultraviolet LED with 325 mW frequency. The power source is a lithium-ion battery that can be charged through the included USB charger or from an AC wall adapter.
Strictly speaking, the ideal frequency of the best UV flashlights should be around 365 nm. The Stylus Pro falls right at the 400 nm cut-off point of the UV light range. On the plus side, the high efficiency of the LED makes the output more powerful than cheaper UV flashlights
Fabricated from machined aluminum, the light has an anodized finish and is IPX4 water-resistant. The removable pocket clip is nicely designed too.
Whether you need a UV light for fun or technical observation, the Stylus Pro is a good pick.
Pros
- Designed to last for years
- LED charge indicator
- Durable Borofloat glass lens
Cons
- Not the brightest output
The Strion isn’t the brightest Streamlight flashlight you can pick. But a great user interface and solid dependability make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Coming to brightness, you get 615 lumens at High mode with a 219-meter beam distance. It has the typical Streamlight four-mode user interface which is as simple as it gets. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged through a USB port within 3.5 hours.
Streamlight hasn’t failed to make the Strion rugged enough to be used outdoors and also as a weapon-mounted light. It’s IPX4 water-resistant with 2-meter impact resistance. With a length of 5.9 inches, it slips easily into a jeans or cargo pocket.
Can you pick it over the Streamlight Stinger?
That depends on your light requirements. The Stringer is significantly brighter with a higher beam throw. But if you feel a high lumen output of 2000 lumens is overkill, the Strion is a lighter and more compact LED flashlight. And Strion is also the cheaper option on Amazon.
Pros
- High-quality fit and finish
- Bright hotspot with good spill
- Pocket-friendly design
- Weighs only 3.3 ounces
Cons
- Not the cheapest EDC option
Wedge is another product from Streamlight that stands out with its unique design. Unlike most other everyday carry lights, the wedge is not round but flat-bodied.
Thanks to the shape and lightweight design, it’s super easy to carry in a pocket. Even though the body lacks texture, it has finger grooves that provide a secure grip. The tough build with an IPX7 waterproof rating makes it resistant to falls, knicks, and the elements.
The Wedge has dual light modes and a lithium polymer battery is USB-C rechargeable. Another unique design feature is the toggle switch that is resistant to accidental pushes.
The normal light output is 300 lumens with a 69-meter beam throw. To bump up the amount of light, there’s the THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode that delivers a 35-second burst of 1000 lumens.
Overall, the Wedge is a high-performance EDC light from Streamlight that ticks all the right boxes. Quite easily, it’s one of the best Streamlight flashlights we have used.
Pros
- Rock solid build quality
- Powerful beam with a tight pattern
- Tactile push-button switch
- Can stand on its base
Cons
- Best for professionals
- It’s pricey
The Vulcan 180 belongs to the Scene Light family from Streamlight, designed for professionals in the line of duty. The name indicates the 180° articulating head that can be pointed in any direction.
The lantern has three LEDS with parabolic reflectors that provide two brightness settings. The High mode delivers a super bright output of 1200 lumens with a beam throw of 548 meters. The Low mode generates an output of 350 lumens.
In addition, it has twin blue tail light LEDs that keep you visible even in thick smoke or smog.
This Streamlight handheld lantern packs a lithium-ion battery that takes around 9 hours to charge. The battery life is excellent and it can run for 16 hours in low mode. As expected from Streamlight, the durability is top-notch with high-impact nylon construction and an aluminum head.
At 2.47 lbs., this isn’t a light tool. But it has a rubberized handle and you can carry it by using the shoulder strap with a quick-release mechanism.
The Vulcan 180 is a rugged utility tool that delivers excellent performance. While casual users will find it an investment, it provides excellent value for firefighters and utility workers.
How to Choose the Best Streamlight Flashlight
While choosing from the top-rated Streamlight flashlights there are a few points you need to consider. Take a look.
Brightness
Technically, brightness depends on multiple factors. Many buyers get confused about the difference between lumens and candelas while picking EDC flashlights.
While lumen measures the total energy output from the light in all directions, candela indicates the amount of light emitted in a particular direction. For average users, 600 to 1200-lumen flashlights should be good enough
Higher lumens delivered by flashlights like the Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X will increase the brightness of the light. But a higher number of candelas will generate a light beam that is narrow and more focused.
If you want a high beam intensity that can penetrate through smoke or fog look for a high candela flashlight. Whereas, for indoor use, a low candela rating should be good enough.
Battery Type
The best Streamlight rechargeable flashlights have lithium ion or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. However, there are alkaline-powered flashlights and flashlights that use standard CR123A batteries.
If you are always on the go, flashlights with rechargeable batteries and USB charging will help you save money in the long run. For infrequent users, disposable or AAA batteries can be a better option.
Type of Flashlight
Quite simply, your requirements will determine the type of light you pick. For EDC, pick a compact or keychain flashlight that’s easy to carry.
On the other hand, tactical flashlights are heavier and deliver higher outputs. But if you don’t need the advanced features, stick to a basic handheld flashlight.
In case you are in a profession that demands your hands to be free, it’s best to pick a headlamp or a lantern with a shoulder strap.
What Are the Benefits of Using Streamlight Flashlights?
Here’s a quick look at the main advantages of Streamlight Flashlights.
Durable- Durability is one of Streamlights greatest strengths. All of their flashlights are made from quality materials and the build is robust. These are flashlights that can handle adverse conditions like champs.
Reliable- Streamlight ensures quality through rigorous field testing that allows their products to perform without fail. Streamlight products have been used by professionals in dangerous environments, where a dependable light source can save lives.
Good Quality– A primary reason behind the high reputation of Streamlight is its unwavering product quality. The brand holds over 150 U.S. patents and focuses on innovations that ensure efficiency.
Excellent Beam Profile- No matter the type of light you choose from the Streamlight stable, the beam profile is perfect for the purpose it is designed for. Not only do you get bright light, but the high-quality reflectors also ensure a good balance between the hotspot and the spill.
Lifetime Warranty- All Streamlight products come with a lifetime warranty, excluding the bulbs and the batteries. Streamlight will repair or replace any defective product. Also, it might refund the purchase price of the same in some cases.
FAQs
How small is the Streamlight wedge?
The Streamlight Wedge has a length of 5.46 inches and weighs 3.3 oz.
Is the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Rechargeable?
Yes, the Pro Tac 2.0 comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack.
How long does a Streamlight last?
In terms of durability, Streamlight products will last for years. However, rechargeable battery packs have fixed life cycles. Depending on the battery type, Streamlight lithium batteries can last between 300 to 1000 charge cycles.
Final Thoughts
Streamlight is a well-respected flashlight manufacturer with a proven range of products. If you haven’t used their flashlights before, we strongly recommend that you check them out.
Which is the best Streamlight flashlight you can choose?
Well, that depends. All of the EDC and tactical lights mentioned here are reliable options. But no matter what a flashlight review says, make sure that you pick a flashlight that suits your job and working environment.
It’s down to you.