It's not uncommon for me to ask people I know who carry "What do you have on you?" when privacy lends itself... and I have given probably hundreds of lectures over the lack of a handheld flashlight. "Why don't you have a light?" is the one thing that gets a few excuses. "Lights like you carry are expensive." "Batteries don't last long enough." "123 Batteries are expensive." "I carried a ...... but it just didn't seem bright enough." "I don't want to carry a big flashlight around with me all day." Those are what I get most commonly.
What if there was a new line out there that made every single one of those excuses invalid once and for all?
I recently purchased a pair of Streamlight USB rechargeable flashlights (along with a pair of Streamlight EPU-5200 backup power cells) and I must say that I am quite impressed with them.
Before I get into the particulars of these lights, I need to hit on a few common traits a good EDC light must possess, at least as far as I'm concerned:
-High output at a minimum of 60 lumens with more strongly preferred.
-Simple and positive switching
-Tailcap mounted on-off switch
-Easily available power source
-Run time of one hour or more
-Diameter less than 1.5"
-If multiple output, highest output possible must activate first
Bonus features that I think are nice, but not required, are as follows:
-LED instead of incandescent lamp
-Low setting for general purposes
-Strobe function
-Pocket clip for carry
-The more compact, the better
-1" or less tube diameter
-Rechargeable (USB is strongly preferred)
Streamlight's new offerings actually hit all of these square on the head.
I will start with the smaller Stylus Pro USB as it is the smallest and most economical of the pair I own.
The Stylus Pro USB is powered by a 660mAh rechargeable battery that is charged by a covered Micro USB (for all you Android phone users, like myself, you already have extra chargers around) port. The charging port has a multi-color indicator LED (red for charging, green for charged) that is only active when the charger cord is connected. It is operated by a single tail cap switch. The switch can be lightly pressed for momentary activation or can be fully depressed until an audible and tactile click occurs for constant on. The light's output is 70 lumens and it has a run time of 3.5 hours. Think old-school SureFire output with over triple the runtime from the light only slightly larger than a Pilot G2 ink pen. What does this light cost? Around $50.00... For 50 bucks you can get an adequate tactical light that is small enough you only have to worry about replacing batteries ONCE A YEAR if you have to charge it every single day. Streamlight does sell replacement battery sticks, which are good for about 300 charge cycles (hence my "charge it every day for a year" comment), for $12 or so. I have adopted this light as a general purpose light as the 70 lumens is bright enough for tactical uses but is not so excessively bright for general purpose tasks like locating the keyhole to my door, rummaging through my EDC bag, taking the dogs out to their outdoor kennel at night, or simply finding my dip can or the lid to my spit bottle when they roll under the seat of my truck when I get home at night. A clip is included and I usually keep mine clipped into the back pocket of my pants behind my wallet chain or clipped to my shirt. It is seriously as easy to carry as an ink pen. If you're worried about weather, it's IPX4 rated for water resistance so rain won't bother it but you don't want to carry it swimming unless it's in a dry bag or dry box. A small, simple, open-top nylon belt sheath is included but I don't use it. What I don't like about this light is that is runs ONLY on the USB battery. I would like to see this light made dual-fuel capable and functional off AA or AAA cells.
Both lights include pocket clips, belt sheaths, and USB cords.
So far, I'm quite impressed with this pair of items. They complement each other quite well and if you're in the market for a new light I strongly advise you to give these two a strong look.
I ordered mine from MIDWAYUSA.COM and strongly recommend them as well.
Until next time,
Stay Safe
Stay Frosty
Stay Dangerous
-Kenny Smith
Founder and CEO
Total Force Holdings, Inc.