Streamlight Sidewinder Compact Review
As an outdoor enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact, a compact and powerful flashlight designed for everyday carry. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth considering for your outdoor adventures.
Design and Build
The Sidewinder Compact is built around a lightweight yet robust aluminum body, measuring 4.8 inches long and 1.2 inches in diameter. The anodized finish provides a solid grip, while the knurling on the body provides a comfortable hold. The flashlight is also IPX7-rated, with a maximum drop test of 6.5 feet.
Light Output and Beam
The Sidewinder Compact boasts a Cree XP-L LED, delivering a maximum output of 1,000 lumens. The flashlight features three brightness levels: Low (150 lumens), Medium (450 lumans), and High (1,000 lumens). The light output is evenly dispersed, with a 50,000 candela beam that provides excellent peripheral illumination.
Battery and Power
The flashlight runs on two preceding CR123A lithium batteries, which provide an impressive 23 hours of runtime on low, 4.5 hours on medium, and 1.5 hours on high. The flashlight also features a clever battery level indicator, showing whether the batteries are at 75%, 50%, or 25% capacity.
Additional Features
The Sidewinder Compact comes with a range of additional features, including:
- A Mode selecting switch, allowing for easy switching between brightness levels
- A "Strobe" function for disorienting or signaling
- A "SOS" function for signaling for help
- A reversible pocket clip for easy carry
Pros:
• Compact and lightweight: The Sidewinder Compact is designed for everyday carry, making it easy to slip into a backpack or pocket
• Bright and even beam: The Cree XP-L LED and 50,000 candela beam provide excellent peripheral illumination
• Long-lasting batteries: The CR123A batteries deliver impressive runtime
• Multiple modes: The flashlight offers multiple brightness levels, strobe, and SOS modes for versatility
• Durable build: The anodized aluminum body and IPX7 rating ensure rugged durability
Cons:
• Better memory: The flashlight tends to retain the last used mode, which can be frustrating
• Difficult to adjust: The mode selecting switch is small and may be difficult to operate with gloves on
• Limited charging options: The flashlight requires CR123A batteries, which may not be easily accessible
Conclusion
The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and first responders looking for a reliable and compact flashlight. While it has a few limitations, the pros far outweigh the cons. The flashlight’s bright and even beam, long-lasting batteries, and multiple modes make it a versatile and reliable companion for any outdoor adventure.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation
If you’re in the market for a compact flashlight, the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a flashlight with more advanced features, such as rechargeable batteries or more precise beam control, you may want to explore other options.
