With the release of the Streamlight Strion 2020 in early 2024, several of the new features from the Stinger 2020 has finally made it to the Strion family of compact rechargeable lights. The new mode selector switch now eliminates the need to cycle through output levels and the battery status indicator makes it easily to see how much charge is remaining, but one of the biggest changes is that for the first time, the Strion now features a TIR optic rather than a reflector. In our new Quick Test review format, we will be taking a look at the performance of the Strion 2020 with a focus on technical details.
Key Specifications
- Output: 1,200 lumens high, 460 lumens medium, 120 lumens low
- Runtime: 1h 45min high, 5h 30min medium, 12h low
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Length: 6.3″
- Diameter: 1.3″ head, 1.0″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 5.7 oz.
- Colors: Black
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $220-350
- Actual Pricing: ~$120-200
Packaging
Streamlight offers various packages for their rechargeable lights with choices for input voltage and charging options. Although the light can be purchased without a charger, the batteries for the Strion 2020 do not have Micro USB charging like the ones for the Stinger 2020, so a cradle is still needed for charging.
Batteries
To handle the increased current required for the Strion 2020, Streamlight has updated the proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery from 2,600mAh to 3,450mAh while maintaining the same rated cycle count of being able to be recharged up to 1000 times.
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 4.5 hours. In addition, a PiggyBack charger (#74115) is now available for the Strion family and both positions have the same charging speed.
Modes
The mode select switch on the head of the light eliminates the need to cycle through output levels and ensures that the selected mode will always be used. Both head and tail switches can be used independently.
Mode Select: Low-Medium-High
Use the labeled switch to select the output level from Low on the left to High on the right. Detents will make an audible click between settings.
Two Fast Clicks: Strobe
With two fast clicks, the maximum output strobe is activated. Strobe can be activated anytime, even if the light is already turned on.
Performance
Using a Luminus SST-40 LED, the Strion 2020 is also the first in the Strion family to feature a TIR optic. Previous Strion models had a Borofloat glass window but the optic on the Strion 2020 is directly exposed from the front.
Compared to previous models that used a reflector, the Strion 2020 has a more tightly focused beam pattern without the typical sharp cutoff in brightness at the edges. The optic is not perfectly focused, but the bright ring around the hotspot increases its overall size at further distances.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Streamlight uses step-down regulation in the Strion 2020 with a gradual reduction over the first 25 minutes of runtime and then consistent output for the remainder of the runtime that is compared to its predecessor, the Strion DS HL with up to 700 lumens. Using Streamlight’s provided specifications for that light, the Strion 2020 offers more than 30 minutes of additional runtime on high and several hours more runtime on medium as well. This is a significant increase which can be attributed to not just the 33% higher capacity battery but also improved efficiency of the LED in the Strion 2020.
Conclusion
The Strion 2020 combines almost all of the best features that Streamlight has to offer. One of the best new features is the mode select switch, which makes accessing lower output modes easier and faster by not having to cycle through output levels. For everyday use, the Strion 2020 can be left on medium mode by default to balance output and runtime without accidentally blinding yourself with maximum output. In addition, the optional head switch introduced in late 2016 with the Strion “DS” models is now standard. Unlike the Stinger 2020 which has really stiff switches, both of the ones on the Strion 2020 retain the familiar shape and tactile feel.
One potential concern that we have is the lack of a glass window to protect the TIR optic on the Strion 2020. The silver retaining ring can be removed with snap ring pliers to replace a scratched optic, but getting the white gasket seated correctly to maintain water resistance can be difficult. It would be a good idea to store the Strion 2020 in a protective pouch such as the Streamlight holster #85905 to reduce the risk of damage. Other than this, the Strion 2020 is a great choice for a rechargeable light with improved performance, long runtime, and simple user interface. If you are looking to upgrade from an older Strion model, the Strion 2020 will definitely be worth the money.
Related Links
Streamlight Strion 2020 Product Page
