Why Streamlight has become my go-to for lights

[esrice]

During a range outing this past weekend I realized that all the lights I currently carry and use on a regular basis are from Streamlight.

They are:

• Streamlight MicroStream - Key Chain Light Series - MicroStream® | Streamlight
• Streamlight PolyTac LED - Tactical Hand-Held Series - PolyTac® LED | Streamlight
• Streamlight PT2L - ProTac™ Series - ProTac™ 2L | Streamlight
• Streamlight PT1L - ProTac™ Series - ProTac™ 1L | Streamlight

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My love affair first started with the MicroStream. I needed a very small yet powerful light to carry at work to aid me in seeing into dark corners during hotel room inspections. I've carried this at work daily for the past three years and have documented that time in this thread: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...12462-review_streamlight_microstream_led.html

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That then lead me to look for something a bit more stout for non-work EDC. I wanted something blindingly bright, large and beefy enough to use as an impact weapon yet small enough to carry in jeans pockets comfortably. Enter the PT2L. Of course I also documented that purchase: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...-opinions_on_streamlight_88031_protac_2l.html

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When it came to weaponlights I first picked a Streamlight PolyTac LED mated to a VTAC offset mount. It served my purposes very well, even when I compared it to Surefire's G2 LED: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...urefire_g2led_vs_streamlight_polytac_led.html

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When I was looking for a smaller and lighter weight weaponlight, I again turned to Streamlight-- this time going with a PT1L. This has kept my SBR project nice and light while still proving plenty of light. You can read about my initial search here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...small_compact_lightweight_weaponlight_ar.html


Looking back, I can point to several key features that keep me coming back to Streamlight for my go-to lights:

• They work. I've yet to have any issues with any of my lights.
• They're tough. My most-used light (MicroStream) does have some finish rubbed off on the edges and my 2-year-old did rip off the rubber tailcap, but it still functions 100%. My PT2L has rolled off my roof and onto concrete. My PolyTac and PT1L have held up just fine under repeated 5.56 recoil.
• They're priced right. All the lights mentioned here are priced under $50 each. I don't mind paying good money for good products, but I like when I find a product that I feel is a good value for the money I spent.

If you're in the market for a reliable hard-use light, but feel that Surefire is too expensive and Fenix/Olight/4sevens is too "cheap", I would recommend giving Streamlight a try.

 

[lovemachine]

Dude. You're a Streamlight whore....

 

[esrice]

Dude. You're a Streamlight whore....

I know. I just realized it this weekend.

 

[lovemachine]

Didn't you have a TLR-2?

 

[OneBadV8]

off topic... but that Noveske branded Troy sight is pretty sexy

 

[Sweetums]

I started buying Streamlights for carry after we started using the Streamlight ProPolymers at work. They take an absolute thrashing at work (much harsher then anything I'll ever do at home) and continue to perform. When we have had a failure, it gets sent back to Streamlight for a free repair or replacement under their lifetime warranty policy. As a disclaimer - I have no idea if they have such a warranty for all of their products, or if it is just on the ProPolymers, but they have certainly treated us well.

 

[Sweetums]

As a side note...they make some nifty pen lights too! Great for looking down gun barrels.

EURO Approved ATEX Series - Stylus Reach® | Streamlight

EURO Approved ATEX Series - Stylus® | Streamlight

 

[esrice]

Didn't you have a TLR-2?

Good point! (and good memory!) I did have a TLR-1 on my Glock for a while. I only sold it off when I decided not to run a weapon-mounted pistol light anymore.

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off topic... but that Noveske branded Troy sight is pretty sexy

I know, right!

 

[Jtgarner]

I have a PT2L and love it. I am also looking into the PT1L for my Draco SBR, although the polytac has been looked at too. I like my handheld streamlight better than my handheld surefire, but for pistol mounted lights I LOVE my x300

 

[Caleb]

Look nice

 

[gohard43]

I have a PT2L for carry! I actually had misplaced (lost) the first one I bought.....felt naked not having it for about a month so I manned up and bought another one! Can't live with out it. You've got some great setups!!

 

[esrice]

I actually had misplaced (lost) the first one I bought.....felt naked not having it for about a month so I manned up and bought another one!

See that right there is why I like the value of Streamlight. I don't make a habit of losing things, but it does happen. And when it does, the sting of losing $50 is much less than painful than losing $200.

 

[cornfused]

I've carried Streamlights for years, I carry the PT2L everyday at work and the PT1L at home. Both are Very bright and a great value, I can't see spending $200 on a light...

 

[gohard43]

See that right there is why I like the value of Streamlight. I don't make a habit of losing things, but it does happen. And when it does, the sting of losing $50 is much less than painful than losing $200.

Agreed! Well put. I am very impressed with the performance for... $50! Can't beat that.

Can't wait until it shows up one of these days. Dual wield.

 

[sittydown]

I'm a big Streamlight fan as well...I have the TLR-1, StylusPro, several of the Stylus penlights, StylusReach, and ProPolymer 4AA. All are great, but I'm not a huge fan of the regular Stylus penlights. I've had 2 or 3 go out on me under normal operating conditions, although they are very handy. I got the ProPolymer as an all around flashlight and mechanic tool...that thing has been dropped more times than I can count, even in a drain pan full of anti-freeze and it still doesn't miss a beat.

I really like their Nano keychain lights as well, but I have to get a new one every so often. They like to come unscrewed in your pocket after they get some age on them. Putting a little oil on the o-ring helps for a while, but they eventually crap out.

 

[jsharmon7]

I've been looking for a decent flashlight with a pocket clip, that MicroStream looks like exactly what I want. I think I need to make a trip over to TSG and see one.

 

[sittydown]

Side note: Napa also carries Streamlight, although their tactical selection has limited availability.

 

[Caleb]

Although not a streamlight, but thought I'd share my micro mag with a terralux switch...just about as bright as my fenix tk30.

 

[JohnP82]

I too love Streamlight products and have been 100% satisfied with all of my experiences with their products. I have had my Microstream for a couple years now. What a great little light. Small enough you can always have it with you and I have never had an issue with it. Battery life is pretty darn good too. I will without a doubt continue to buy more Streamlight products in the future. Excellent products at a very fair price!

 

[Kirk Freeman]

You guys don't use lanyards on your lights? Do you guys do the Monica when reloading or jacking with the gun?

I too carry Streamlights, the TL-2 with the Tiger Ring.

I put the mini flashlights that comes with them on my key chain.

I carry those Photon II, "bugs", too (get the switch). Those little buggers are so handy. If I was a cop I'd carry a string on them and fling them into dark rooms.