Streamlight Propolymer 3C LED

First Impressions:  I really think this might be one of the best "bang for your buck" led flashlights out there.  You get alot of very usable, smooth, flooding light for $30.  The light has a few features that make it really functional and versatile.  The body of the light has rubber inserts on each side, which make it very easy to keep a hold of, even in wet conditions.  The clip toward the tail of the light is great for attaching the light to just about anything.  Although, it would be nice if the clip was made of metal instead of plastic, but it seems to still be strong, and has alot of tension to the spring.  The light also has a lanyard hole located at the base of the bevel.  I would rather have this hole toward the tail of the light, so that when it hangs from your hand, it shines on the ground, instead of in your face.  I think they placed it here due to the clip being at the tail of the light already.  The light is available in yellow, black, and olive drab.  I purchased the olive drab.  3-N and 4-AA Battery models are also available. The lights are also available with xenon bulbs.

Operation:  For the most part, this light is very easy to use.  The version I received is the old one.  This means that the button at the tail is only used for momentary use. (blinking and flashing)  The new version's tail button is able to be clicked to "full on", or pressed for momentary use.  My version is turned to "full on" by twisting the head of the light tight to the body.  This also adjusts the tension on the tail button.  The closer the head is screwed down onto the body, the easier the button's operation is.  If the head of the light is unscrewed from the body far enough, the button will no longer function.  This is so that the light can be placed into a backpack without the button accidentally being pressed.  I am not sure if the new version has this tension feature for its "full on" clicking tail button.  Overall, I find the operation of the light fine, although, I would have rather had the "full on" version.  Most of the time, I find myself using the momentary function of the tail button, for quick and easy situations.

Construction:  The light seems very sturdy and able to take a beating.  Made almost completely of Propolymer, the body, and clip, should be able to holdup to most impacts from a 6 foot drop.  The head (bezel) of the light is covered in soft, black rubber.  The lens is recessed inside the light a good bit.  The weakest link in the construction is probably the plastic clip.  The batteries are a little loose inside the body.  They tend to rattle side to side.  I rapped electrical tape around each battery, and placed them back in the light.  This took care of about 90% of the rattling.  Be careful when changing batteries, the leds will fall right out of the bezel when it is unscrewed.  The light is water proof also.  I THINK its rated for 100 feet.

Light Output:  This light puts out a very nice, even, flooding light.  There is virtually no hotspot at all.  The light does however have a blue/gray tent to it. Not near as much as my Brinkmann LED light though.  Since there is no hotspot, the color of the light is very even also.  This is a Great light for anything within a 25-35 foot distance.  The light is bright, but not blinding when working close to the light.  For example:  working under the hood of a car, in a closet, hallway, tent, etc.  This is not the light to buy if you are looking for maximum "throw".  (projection light far distances)  Although, it projects a usable amount of light up to about 100+ feet.  At about 120 feet, I could tell if someone was standing beside the fence in my yard easily.  I plan on using the light for night hiking, camping, and caving.

Run Time:  I have not had the light long enough to provide a "real world" run time.  I will be using the light for short periods of time pretty much every day.  Check back for runtime updates.  I am Guessing... that the light should produce bright light for at least 6 hours before noticing a dimming of the light output. .... We will see.

Pros:  Great, even, smooth, bright light for short distance, flood lighting.  Versatile button, twist bezel, and belt clip.  Rugged construction.  Long run time.  Only $30.

Cons:  Doesn't "throw" light long distances.  Light color is slightly blue.  Clip is plastic, instead of metal.  Tail button sticks out a little, making the light unable to sit on tail.  Tail button for momentary use only. (old version only).

Conclusion:  I am very happy with this light.  I love the even smooth flood of light it puts out.  You don't have to keep pointing the light at the different objects your looking at.  The brightness is more than adequate for any short distance job.  The LED color is just a little more blue than I like, but not near as bad as my Brinkmann.  I think the light will hold up to all the challenges I give it.  I don't think you can beat this light, if you are looking for a cheap, well made, water proof, bright, flooding light.

 



Lamp:            Ten 100,000-hour lifetime, high-intensity Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Batteries:      3 C Alkalines

Material:        Shock resistant, engineering grade polymer case; Unbreakable polycarbonate lens.

Weight:          13.5 ounces

Dimensions:   2" (D) x 8.55" (L)

Run Time:      336 Hours

Features:        Class I, Division 1-Approved for use in hazardous locations; Waterproof; Non-conductive and corrosion-proof; Spring-loaded clip (Except special police model)

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