Streamlight is a US based flashlight manufacturer out of Eagleville, Pennsylvania. They have been around for a bit and are currently also dabbling in manufacturing disposable batteries. Their flashlight product line has largely focused on hand-held and weapon-mountable lights but they have also been successful with making right angle lights used by firefighters on their turnout gear.
Streamlight markets the Stinger 2020 as a tactical flashlight that has 3 modes: low, medium and high. At the highest mode (high beam) you can put out 2000 lumens and it features a lithium ion battery pack that offers different charging options. Streamlight did well to have the Stinger 2020 flashlight come in at just under 350 grams and a length of 7.67 inches. This puts the flashlight in that perfect middle ground of not too small, not too large nor is it too heavy. Streamlight includes 2 18650 batteries in the box along with the charging cradle, a 12v car adapter lead, charging adapter with the micro USB cable, a warranty card, instruction manual, and two 3 inches stainless steel screws (to mount the charging cradle).
The detailed specifications provided are:
- High Lumens: 2,000
- Run Time on High: 2.00 hours
- Run Time on Low: 24.00 hours
- Beam Distance: 315 meters
- Battery Type: SL-B26 Battery Pack
- Battery Quantity: 2
- Length: 7.67 inches (19.48 centimeters)
- Weight: 12.30 ounces (348.70 grams)
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: IP68
I have already mentioned the size of this flashlight and how it fits in your hand, which is “just so”. I like how Streamlight seems to have really balanced out the weight on the Stinger 2020 because it really is a good light to have in your hands. I think the grip is perfect and makes for easy retention of the Stinger 2020. Are there lighter flashlights out there? Yes, but I think Streamlight purposely built the Stinger 2020 to this weight so it could also be a self-defence weapon. Keep in mind, Streamlight pretty much directly markets the Stinger 2020 to law enforcement and it definitely shows (not that it’s a bad thing at all!). You can tell that Streamlight did not really spare expenses when building the Stinger 2020. I do like that this flashlight is made from high-strength aluminum alloy and a grippy finish. Streamlight also included a spring arrangement inside which essentially absorbs any shock.
This isn’t new technology, but is typically found on higher end flashlights, and is rare at this price point. Streamlight gives the Stinger 2020 a waterproof rating of IP68 which is sold for continuous soaking and includes a 2-meter impact resistance rating. If that doesn’t give you confidence than you should know that Streamlight even made the lens on the Stinger 2020 out of Borofloat glass. This is a very high end glass that is used to withstand extreme temperatures, shock loads and temperature fluctuations.
In order to operate the Stinger flashlight you have to use the clicky switches, one on the head and one on the tail. I will say I was not a big fan of the action of the clicky switch but it does do the job. A 3-position toggle switch for mode selection is located above the front switch. That’s correct; simply moving the switch will change the mode instead of clicking on it. The toggle movement is smooth, and each option is firmly in place. The switches require some work to properly engage, and they have some switch travel before they fully latch. Additionally, the switch boots are quite thick, making it impossible to feel the switch itself. Under the Streamlight logo on the front switch, there is a green LED indication that glows when the light is on. The good news is that both switches can function independently of one another and are almost identical in both function and feel. This supports muscle memory effectively.
Of course, the light performance is there with 2000 lumens. The different modes allow you to adjust as necessary and drop the lumens down to give you more battery life. Streamlight doesn’t specify a tint on the Stinger 2020 but it is definitely just a cool white. The beam is great for what the average “tactical” user might need. It offers as solid throw distance and gives enough battery power to keep it lit.
In conclusion, there is a lot to like about the Streamlight Stringer 2020 even if it is now a 2 year old design. This flashlight feels solid and delivers great light performance. I don’t think you could find a tougher design on a flashlight in this price point of about $100. It is a rock solid flashlight with decent light performance. 8.5/10.
