Streamlight Knucklehead Spot Flashlight Review
As an outdoor enthusiast and flashlight enthusiast, I was excited to put the Streamlight Knucklehead through its paces. This rechargeable, high-power flashlight promises to deliver exceptional performance, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Streamlight Knucklehead arrived in a compact box with a sleek, modern design. Inside, I found the flashlight itself,charger, and a user manual. The flashlight’s body is made of a durable, high-quality polymer that exudes a sense of premium quality. The Knucklehead’s design is sleek and minimalist, with a focus on functional simplicity.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Streamlight Knucklehead’s build quality is exceptional, with a solid feel that inspires confidence. The flashlight’s body is designed for comfortable grip, with a contoured shape that fits nicely in the hand. The knuckle-style grip is a masterstroke, allowing for a secure hold even in wet or gloomy conditions. The flashlight’s dimensions are 9.75" (24.8 cm) long, 1.75" (4.4 cm) diameter, and 5.5 oz (156 grams) in weight, making it an easy companion for outdoor adventures.
Light Output and Performance
The Streamlight Knucklehead is equipped with a high-powered Cree XM-L2 LED, capable of outputting an impressive 2,200 lumens. The LED is surrounded by a parabolic reflector, which helps to focus the light beam to a tight 40-degree hotspot. This results in a beam pattern that’s perfect for spot application, easy to use for searching, reading, or signaling.
Modes and Features
The Streamlight Knucklehead offers several modes to suit different situations:
• High: 2,200 lumens, 1.5 hours runtime
• Medium: 350 lumts, 8 hours runtime
• Low: 20 lumens, 50 hours runtime
• Strobe: for signaling or disorienting, but remember to use responsibly
Additionally, the Knucklehead features a runtime indicator that displays the remaining battery life in hours and minutes. This is a thoughtful touch, as it helps you plan your use and avoid surprises.
Battery Life and Charging
The Streamlight Knucklehead uses a rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery, which is easily removable and interchangeable. The charger is a standard mini-USB design, making it easy to recharge on the go or at home. According to Streamlight, the battery can be recharged up to 500 times, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Cons and Pros
Here’s a breakdown of my experience with the Streamlight Knucklehead:
• Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- High-powered LED output
- Versatile modes for different situations
- Runtime indicator for planning
- Rechargeable battery reduces waste
- Compact and lightweight design
• Cons: - No tactical tail switch (it’s a push-button tail switch)
- No IPX7 or higher water resistance rating (it’s only IPX4)
Conclusion
The Streamlight Knucklehead is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance flashlight for outdoor use. Its exceptional build quality, impressive light output, and versatile modes make it a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s toolkit. While it might not be perfect, with some minor compromises on water resistance and a missing tactical tail switch, the Knucklehead still delivers a stellar experience. If you’re in the market for a top-notch spot flashlight, the Streamlight Knucklehead deserves serious consideration.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars