Topic: Streamlight's New Sidewinder LED Light

[Tomac]

I've spent a long time and a bit of money looking for my "ideal" LED multipurpose light and it looks like Streamlight's new Sidewinder just might be exactly what I've been looking for:
Uses AA batteries (both std & lithium).
Multi-color LED's (white, blue, red and IR or green).
Variable brightness and strobe function.
Waterproof.
Head rotates through 185 degrees.
Detachable clip can be mounted on either side.
Battery life is 100hrs on the lowest setting and appx 7-12hrs at the highest setting (depending upon the LED in use).
The included pic shows the Sidewinder next to the Pentagon Lights MOLLE Light and a couple of AA batteries for size comparison.
The MOLLE Light is smaller & lighter, using a single AA battery (using lithiums, however, will void the warranty) and costs appx half as much as the Sidewinder. However, IMHO the Sidewinder's extra capabilities make it worth the price difference.
When set to high/white the 20 lumen output of the Sidewinder appears to be nearly as bright as the 40 lumens of the MOLLE Light w/more than 2x the battery life. When set to red/low it's much brighter than the MOLLE Light w/red filter w/more than 30x the battery life.
Tomac

[Jeff]

Thanks for bringing them to Pizza for show and tell.  I liked them both but really like the simplicity of the Pentagon Molle.  It turns out I can get them from my distributor for a smoking price.  So, I'll probably have a few as soon as they're back in stock. 

I like Streamlight stuff and will probably get a Sidewinder when my distributor gets them stocked too (they carry Streamlight but not the Sidewinder yet).  My only concern is all the moving parts and that it's pretty complex.  Meaning, it's probably more likely to fail.  But, time will tell.

[Tomac]

Thanks for bringing them to Pizza for show and tell.  I liked them both but really like the simplicity of the Pentagon Molle.  It turns out I can get them from my distributor for a smoking price.  So, I'll probably have a few as soon as they're back in stock. 

I like Streamlight stuff and will probably get a Sidewinder when my distributor gets them stocked too (they carry Streamlight but not the Sidewinder yet).  My only concern is all the moving parts and that it's pretty complex.  Meaning, it's probably more likely to fail.  But, time will tell.

You're welcome! I, too, like the simplicity of the MOLLE Light but using anything other than std alkaline batteries will void the warranty (unlike the Sidewinder) which makes me just a tad leery and I like the extra features of the Sidewinder as well. Fortunately I now own both and so can see how they both hold up over time. Thx!...
Tomac

[Jeff]

Well, I plan on using rechargeables.  Since the voltage of a rechargeable is slightly less than an alkaline I see no reason for worry.  I'll test that once I get a light.  I've been using the rechargeables for a long time in lots of gear and have only had one problem.  If you try to run them in an EOTech you'll get a low battery warning because of the lower voltage.  They still work but I went back to lithiums in it.

BTW, since this is the Preparedness forum I might as well point out that I have and sometimes use a solar panel to recharge the batteries.  I feel better knowing that if I'm off the grid I can keep my lights, comms, etc. running.  Lithiums/alkalines do wear out. 

[Tomac]

Well, I plan on using rechargeables.  Since the voltage of a rechargeable is slightly less than an alkaline I see no reason for worry.  I'll test that once I get a light.  I've been using the rechargeables for a long time in lots of gear and have only had one problem.  If you try to run them in an EOTech you'll get a low battery warning because of the lower voltage.  They still work but I went back to lithiums in it.

BTW, since this is the Preparedness forum I might as well point out that I have and sometimes use a solar panel to recharge the batteries.  I feel better knowing that if I'm off the grid I can keep my lights, comms, etc. running.  Lithiums/alkalines do wear out. 

Agreed, that's why I have a couple of portable AA solar rechargers (nearly all my gear runs on AA's) and some of the new Sanyo Eneloop rechargeables that are supposed to retain 85% of their charge after one year (unlike the fast self-discharge rate of std NiMH rechargeables). Unfortunately, using rechargeables in the Pentagon MOLLE Light also voids the warranty. Still, it's a great basic little light that's amazingly bright (tried it out last night during a night shoot), light & simple w/a 3hr run time.
Tomac