Streamlight Strion LED Rechargeable Flashlight Review
Featuring the same great user interface as the Streamlight Stinger, the Strion family of lithium-ion flashlights combines rechargeable performance with the small size of a tactical flashlight. At a mere 6”, about the same size as a 2AA flashlight, the Strion LED puts out a regulated 160 lumens for 2 hours, or up to 7.5 hours on low. Charging is done through a cradle, and the 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery takes up to 3 hours to charge.
Key Specifications
- Output: 160 lumens high, 80 lumens medium, 40 lumens low, 160 lumens strobe
- Intensity: 10,000 candela
- Runtime: 2h high, 4h medium, 7h 30min low, 5h 30min strobe
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Length: 5.9″
- Diameter: 1.25″ bezel, 0.95″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 5.2 oz.
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $126-$215
- Actual Pricing: ~$95
Pricing & Ordering
Depending on charger configuration, MSRP for the Strion LED is around $180, and the light is only available in black. Most configurations can be found for around $100.
Like the Stinger series, the Strion LED has package choices for input voltage and number of charging cradles.
In The Box
Included in the box are: Streamlight Strion LED, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, charging cradle, 2 x mounting screws, AC adapter, cigarette lighter adapter, and user manual.
Our package is the 120V AC/DC with 1 holder (item # 74301), and of course, contents depends on the package.
Batteries
A proprietary rechargeable 2000mAh lithium-ion battery is used in the Strion LED and can be recharged up to 500 times. To compare, this battery has more capacity than the nickel-cadmium battery used in the Stinger series, yet is about half the size and weight.
To charge the light, insert the barrel of the light into the charger, and pull down until it locks. Charging time can take up to three hours.
The Light
Head
The head features a Borofloat high-temperature glass window and partially textured reflector.
The reflector is an interesting feature of the Strion LED. With the textured pattern closest to the LED, this hybrid reflector smoothes out some artifacts in the beam pattern yet maintains good throw.
Body
The light is made of type-II anodized aluminum inside and out. Charging contacts are on the back of the light, on an elevated triangle that orients the light in the charging cradle.
Multiple bands of knurling on the body make it easy to maintain a secure grip on the light.
Tail Cap
On the tail cap is a momentary-capable electronic switch, which is covered by black rubber with Streamlight’s logo on it.
As expected, the switch is responsive with good travel.
Modes
The Strion LED shares the same four-mode user interface of the Stinger LED lights.
Single Click: High
A single click activates 100% mode for 185 lumens.
Click and Hold: High-Medium-Low
When either button is pressed and held, the light will slowly cycle through the three brightness levels in high-medium-low-medium-high order. When the button is released, the light will stay in the current mode. The mode can be changed anytime, whether the light is on or off.
Two Fast Clicks: Strobe
With two fast clicks, the 185 lumen strobe is activated. Once again, strobe can be activated anytime, whether the light is on or off. To return the light to high, double-click the switch again (this would turn the light off then immediately turn it back on).
For all modes, a single click will turn the light off. Since the light uses electronic switches, there is a small standby current drain of 5 µA (0.005 mA), which is negligible.
Performance
The Strion LED is rated for 160 lumens with its Cree XR-E LED, and it has a fairly clean beam pattern due to the hybrid reflector although some rings and artifacts are still visible around the hotspot.
The light is rated for IPX4 water-resistance, which means it can withstand splashing water from all directions, and rainfall would be nothing to be worried about.
When in a quiet environment, we observed a high-pitched inductor whine from the Strion LED for the first couple seconds when it is turned on. Streamlight advised us that this is not an indication of malfunction, and that some people hear it while others do not. If you’re sensitive to high frequencies, do keep this in mind.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Accessories
Streamlight offers a variety of charging options and add-ons, such as traffic wands and holsters. However, no PiggyBack option is available for the Strion series.
Conclusion
Regrettably, the Streamlight Strion LED came very close to being the first flashlight that we reviewed and didn’t find any drawbacks. For those who find mid-sized rechargeable flashlights to be just a bit too large, the pocket-sized Strion LED is a great choice to have the same performance in a smaller package. Although the Strion LED is not compatible with Stinger family accessories (except for the AC charge cord), it shares the same charger as other Strion series products.
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Related Links
Streamlight Strion Series Product Page
Download the Streamlight Strion LED Fact Sheet
Download the Streamlight Strion LED Info Sheet
Rechargeable Flashlight Comparison on LED-Resource
