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Picture(s) A Day – 5 December 2009 – Flashlights

Once again, I’m in cash conservation mode.  Christmas shopping and my family’s visit have absorbed about all I can afford to expend aside from maybe buying the next Harry Potter book.  Therefore, there will be a minimum of travel to maximize the length of time the gas in my tank will last which will have a somewhat limiting effect on the subjects available for my photographic blog posts.

With this in mind, I decided to do just a quick comparison between my new Streamlight Stylus Pro and my old everyday carry (EDC) light – a Maglite Solitaire.  Aside from the difference in power (1xAAA vs. 2xAAA batteries), there’s also a difference in the means of producing light.  The Streamlight uses a very bright LED while the Maglite uses an incandescent bulb.  This isn’t a fair head to head test and I know that.  It’s intended to be a demonstration of the reasons for the upgrade and the results of it.

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire and Streamlight Stylus Pro

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire and Streamlight Stylus Pro

On the left is the Maglite Solitaire and the Streamlight Stylus Pro is on the right.  The Maglite is 3.25″ long and weighs .795 oz. while the Streamlight is 5.5″ long and weighs 1.95oz.  Both are pretty darn light, but the Maglite has a definite advantage when it comes to both size and weight, but that’s not all I’m after here.  I personally don’t have any problem at all with carrying a bit of extra weight – just check out one of the pocket knives I carry on a daily basis in addition to a multi tool :wink:   While I don’t mind carrying a bit of extra weight and a bit larger piece of gear, you still won’t see me carrying a Wicked Lasers Torch :P

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Streamlight Stylus Pro shining on a Maglite Solitaire

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Streamlight Stylus Pro shining on a Maglite Solitaire

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire shining on a Streamlight Stylus Pro

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire shining on a Streamlight Stylus Pro

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire beam on the left, Streamlight Stylus Pro on the right

5 December 2009 - Flashlights - Maglite Solitaire beam on the left, Streamlight Stylus Pro on the right

While they’re not the greatest comparison shots in the world, these should give you a decent idea of the difference in brightness between these two lights.  Manufacturer specs for the Maglite Solitaire show that its average light output is 3.5 lumens with a continuous run time of about 3.5 hours.  The Streamlight Stylus Pro, on the other hand, can put out up to 24 lumens for up to 7.5 hours.  I don’t care who you are, that’s a HUGE difference :D   Aside from the extra battery, the Streamlight uses an LED that consumes much less power, puts out more light, and also features a digital power regulator.  That power regulation means that you don’t start off with a super bright light that gets dimmer as the batteries drop off :wink:

I don’t remember how much I paid for the Maglite, but it’s going for about $5.00 from what I can find online.  I paid about $25 at Bass Pro, but I much prefer to buy in a brick and mortar establishment.  Yourcornerstore.com has the Stylus Pro for only $17.82 + shipping and Amazon.com has it for about $20 + shipping.

And this is how I found out about the Streamlight – yep, it’s a Nutnfancy review :D   If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll probably be familiar with Nutn and why I like him.  For those who haven’t got a clue who or what Nutnfancy or TNP is, you’ll want to check out a few previous posts like this one, this one, or this other one :wink:   With over 500 videos, advice and reviews that make sense, and a whole bunch of cool gear to review, Nutn is one of my favorite subscriptions on YouTube 8)

So, is it worth it?  This would depend on you and your requirements, but for me the answer is a resounding YES :)   I can take an extra three quarters of an ounce in weight and an extra 2.25 inches in length if it gets me that much more light and that much longer burn time.  I’ll probably keep the Maglite around for a while longer and I might even try to modify it to LED lighting, but it’s still not going to match up to the Streamlight.  One other thing the Streamlight has going for it is that pocket clip.  It’s strong and it has a hole in the top that can be used for a place to attach a lanyard.  I’d say it’s $25 very well spent, especially when you need a flashlight and you’ve got something that’s this good.  Here’s hoping this helps at least one person out there :wink:

Have fun, everyone :mrgreen:

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4 comments to Picture(s) A Day – 5 December 2009 – Flashlights

  • Kath

    The basic flashlight might not seem all that important, until you don’t have one. Or you have one of those little “freebie” things that puts out less light than a match! I don’t carry matches in the car, but I for sure have a flashlight.

  • Glenn Cassel AMH1(AW) USN Retired

    A candle in a coffee can, flashlight, wool blankets(2), knife, small tool kit/multi-tool and a roll of toilet paper in a container. Don’t laugh at the last one. The candle can provide enough heat inside an automobile even with a window cracked. Bottled water or a large canteen and maybe a thermos with coffee or tea in it.
    And the clothes should be winter clothes with heavy socks for your feet. A heavy coat, gloves and a toque. Overshoes if you have no actual insulated leather boots. And one of those battery/crank radios would be handy also.

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