12v rechargable flashlight: Mag or Streamlight?

[VicR]

I would like to get a 12 volt rechargable flashlight for the truck. My intention is to hardwire it in horizontal on the storage box under the back seat. I am leaning towards the PolyStinger by Streamlight because 1) its non-conductive incase I have to do something under the hood at night and 2) the mount looks like it would be ok to sit sideways. The Mag light looks like it needs to hang vertical.



If you can believe the advertising, both Mag lights and Streamlights are used by every law enforcement person in America, which means they must each be carrying 2 flashlights...



Anyone have any experience with either vendor?



Thanks,



-Vic

 

[Bigsaint]

I've been using the Streamlight 20x for 16 years now as a cop. Not the same light mind you. It's a good light, but does have some issues. If you drop it once, you can count on having switch problems afterwards. For some reason this light has a horribly designed switch system that just doesn't last long. Streamlight is aware of the issue and actually warranties the switches, at least for the P. D. 's. Fortunately, the switch is very easy to replace when it goes. I don't have any experience with the poly stinger version. Perhaps it's a better design.



The only other problem is that it doesn't last very long while constantly on. I guess the maglite would have the same problem, if it's the same candlepower and using NiCad batteries.



There are alot of better lights out there now, compared to what we are issued. Personally, I'd try to find a light that has regargable batts. that are either NiMH or Lithum Ion, they last better, aren't as prone to the memory issue and do not discharge as quickly as the NiCad's do.



Scott W.

 

[rmonroe]

I would personally go with a Pelican Rechargable Stealthlite. This is a just 12V model of the same light that myself and all the other firefighters on my department and many of our neighboring dpeatments carry. They are guaranteed against everything. we have melted several and have had them replaced for free. In my opinion they are also a little bit brighter than the Stinger. pelican.com



-Ryan

 

[tntway]

the Mag does NOT need to hang... ..... it snaps into the charger.

i have always had MagLites and that's what i would go with if it were me.

 

[Todd G]

I've had the Maglite rechargeable the last 10 years. They are expensive and the batteries last about 4 years and cost $40 to replace, but man are they bright and durable. I've dropped mine countless times and it's never failed. I did have it roll across the battery in the truck once. That will wake you up when you see that spark. It left a divot in the case but still works great. Best $100 you can spend for reliable light.

 

[CUMINNTSTRKN]

i have been using the pelican m-11 for the last 3 years. it has a rubber coated body so when it's -30 you can actually grab a hold of it. the other nice thing is it has 40,000 candle power. and is 2" shorter.



http://www.pelican.com/main.htm



jim

 

[Murle]

Been using Streamlight now since 1981. Some one said if you drop it the switch will hang. BULL. They are the toughest light I have seen and they work if you pull a little maintance just like anything out there. We sell both the Streamlight and Maglite for over 20 years and we never have any trouble out of the Streamlight. Only trouble we have if the customers screws it up. Switches are warranty forever to everone not just cops.

 

[dshockley]

I have had two of the rechargable maglights

(over 15 yrs and still have both working lights). They are great lights. Plan on replacing the batt like others have said. You don't need to worry about the mount as it can be mounted in any position other than upside down.



My last truck did not have a good place to mount the maglight so I bought an all Aluminum Stinger. Also a great light. It is very bright for its size and is very handy, but does not last as long as the maglight and is not as bright.



They are both worth the money and you just need to decide if size is an issue for mounting and for use.



Just my experience

Dan

 

[stg2500]

I've been using the Streamlight Lightbox for several years now. It has provided me with great service. I definately recomend the Streamlight products.

 

[PHaller]

I have a good friend who owns a termite co. and he uses the super/ultra stingers by streamlight. He convinced me after buying one light for each of his employees. 21 of them!!

I have had 3 super stingers for 2 years now and they are by far the best flashlights I've ever used. I have dropped them from the roof and I have run over them OOPS! they are still going strong. I recently used one to look into a toilet with water to see a clog and the water got into the reflector and burned out the light. It was not the lights fault... I've used it so much that the lens had cracked. I inquired as to the cost to repair and streamlight just sent me no charge the ultra stinger repacement head and bulb. Wow, is that thing bright!!

The super stingers work for about 2 hours with a full charge and the ultra about an hour. If I lost one today... I would buy another streamlight replacement tomorrow. I have one mounted on the floor next to the seat in my diesel truck and another in my Fiver as well as one at home. 100$ seems like a lot until you've owned one. Then, it's the best 100$ you ever spent. I use it as much as my cordless drill.

-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Arcticat]

I have had both the Maglite rechargeable, which is equivalent in size to my 3d cell maglite, and just bought the Streamlite ultra stinger rechargeable. IMO the Streamlite blows the Mag out of the water. It is 75000 cp compared to 30000 for the mag. And it's shorter and a smaller diameter body. After getting used to it, when I pick up my Mag now it just seems unnecessarily bulky and heavy. I don't know if the streamlight has a shorter runtime or not, but if you have it in your truck in the hardwired charger like me it doesn't really matter. It was about 15 bucks more than my mag rechargeable, well worth it!

 

[Philip]

I have had a mag light rechargeable for about 15 years now. The only thing I have done to it is two sets of battery's and one bulb. Very good dependable light.



The only draw back I see to the light you were asking about is it has a plastic case. It won't stop a person as good as a mag light will.

 

[DJLink]

I've had my Mag charger for 15 years and the only thing I've found that makes it fail is using it as a hammer and then I only needed to replace the bulb. I've got a Streamlite stinger too. It's good to carry on your belt. If I was only to have one it would be the Mag. I have mine horizontal on the floor next to my drivers seat next to the drivers door.

 

[Dreher]

Every day I work, I have a flashlight either in my hand or on my person. For the last six months, I have been using a full-size poly Streamlight and have not had any problems. It's very light and has decent output. The neoprene handle and light weight makes it easy to hang on to. The only downside is when the bulb needs replacement, you buy a bulb/reflector module and it costs slightly more than replacing just the bulb as with a Maglight (where you carry a spare bulb in the tailcap). Also, the Streamlight is fixed focus (which some consider a good thing).



I also use an aluminum Stinger. It's small and handy but I find it a little slippery. It's also harder for me to find and use the switch on this light.



For about 10 years prior to that, I used a Maglight. I still have it, and it's nearly indestructable. I have dropped it, submerged it, even used it as a hammer, prybar, and a club. I bought two battery sticks and swapped them out when one went dead. So far, they both still work great. My Maglight is brighter than the poly Streamlight and the beam changes from spot to flood. The only problem is the rubber switch buttons come off easily. I replaced a couple, then just started using it without, as it doesn't seem to affect anything. It also weighs a lot.



I don't think you will go wrong with any of the lights mentioned. The poly Stinger is a good choice for a small, bright, dependable light.



Bob

 

[Bigsaint]

Hey Murle, you kidding us or what ? Every streamlight I have dropped, and I've dropped more than a few of them while making arrests, had switch problems after. Before you start second guessing me, we always check the bulbs, connections and batts. first. It's always turns out to be the switch. They are a POS design IMHO. Why the hell do they warranty them for life and just not fix the problem ? We keep a good supply of switches on hand, streamlight always wants the old ones back, maybe they are refurbishing .



Scott W.

 

[Bill Lins]

Saint- mebbe the cold weather has something to do with it. I bought my Streamlight SL-35 in 1978 and I'm still on the original switch after multiple drops, attitude adjustments, etc. It has even outlasted the dealer I bought it from!

 

[ndennis]

Mag or Stramlight

Hands down... ... . Streamlight all the way. No Maglight I have ever used can come close to the Streamlight. I have used them since 81 and replaced my share of switches and batteries. The light output of the streamlight outshines anything I have seen from maglight. Surprisingly I have only broken 2 bulbs in all the years I have used them. I currently have 3 that I use in my daily duties as an HVAC tech.

 

[JConley]

My streamlight is about 15 years old and is still on the origional switch. I have replaced the bulb and the batteries once since I have owned it. This light has had a rough life. I bought it when I was a cop, and it has been dropped, and used as a club more than once.

 

[Bigsaint]

I'm not sure JC, it seems to happen summer and winter. I'd say it's just my bad luck, but happens quite frequently to the other guys as well ??



Scott W.

 

[Scot]

Originally posted by Bigsaint

I'm not sure JC, it seems to happen summer and winter. I'd say it's just my bad luck, but happens quite frequently to the other guys as well ??



Scott W.

Are you using to old tall style switch or the flat rubber covered ones?