It takes one AAA battery. So despite it not working ideally for me, I think the Streamlight Microstream is a fantastic little light. Streamlight Macrostream review Posted on 19/05/2020 by towens — No Comments ↓ You may not use a torch like the Streamlight Macrostream every day, but you’ll be glad it’s close to hand whenever the … Required fields are marked *. In this Streamlight Stylus Pro review, we will look at the Streamlight 66218 penlight. Gack! 7 posts / 0 new . With that out of the way let’s talk about what this light brings to the table. What you’ve got is what you’ve got. The Streamlight Microstream is a single-mode light. So you’ll have to take my recommendation of the Streamlight Microstream with the proverbial grain of salt. As you read, through the article, you will understand some of the top streamlight flashlight and learn more about their features. The Microstream’s clicky has a fairly tough plunger, and takes a bit more force than you would expect to switch on, but this is mitigated by a momentary-on feature that turns the Microstream on temporarily, for however long you keep the clicky semi-depressed. Momentary ON: Yes. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. Continue reading for an in-depth review of the Streamlight MicroStream. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I have to replace the battery only about once a month. On the topic of enthusiast appeal, I think that it would be cool if SL made like one light designed for that market, kind of like how Spyderco (at least originally) marketed the Native as a big box store knife. In my experience the regulation is decent too. It matches a bit of a motif I spot among other reviewers, that these things can go wandering. I guess I have become something of a flashlight snob. This is a great update to and EDC Classic. Expect more flashlight reviews (and reviews of other pieces of gear) in the not so distant future. At a very reasonable 3.6″ if is one of the shorter lights I have reviewed, and is (so far) bested only by the outstanding EAGTAC D25A I reviewed a while back. Read honest … It is a 2-way S-clip designed to be clipped to the front of your ballcap, and it truly pwns in that role. Most pocket flashlights are too rotund for me to want to have them clipped to my pocket (I’m thinking of the HDS Rotary or the Olight S1 here), so they get carried loose, which is not ideal. Last Updated: August 3, 2019 Location: In front of you! Let’s take a look at it. However, I know quite a few guys who do carry this light. or so – not a world-shattering difference by any means. At SHOT Show 2020, we got our hands on the latest every-day carry flashlight from Streamlight: the MacroStream USB.This light is the big brother to the popular MicroStream USB, and offers a bigger aluminum body, higher-capacity battery, and increased lumen output.After the show, we were excited to try out this flashlight in the real world, so we requested a sample from Streamlight. Anyway, I got off subject. One thing I don’t really have a way to quantify: this light has a very loose beam. They are meant to be stiff because the momentary-on is the primary function. In this video I review the new Streamlight Microstream USB! Your email address will not be published. And I do recommend it. However, over time as I filled my head with more and more minutiae about knives, and as my opinions about design and use became more developed, the Delica fell further and further in my esteem. That sort of makes sense on a large dedicated tactical light (a lot of cops carry SLs if they don’t want to spring for a Surefire). Honestly I don’t have a ton to say here: the light performed perfectly and still works after being submerged. A flashlight is an essential tool that every person should carry with them. Posts: 671 . Amazon's Choice for streamlight microstream clip Streamlight MicroStream Ultra-compact Aluminum body with AAA alkaline battery, 3.5 Inch - 1.04 oz - 45 Lumens - 66318, Black 4.7 out of 5 stars 6,809 If there be such a thing as a ‘beater light,’ than the Microstream is it; it gets the job done, soaks up abuse, and doesn’t offend in any part of its design. Heads-up: I actually think the original version is better. At just over 1 ounce (1.1 according to Streamlight specs and my kitchen scale) this thing might as well weight nothing. It fits into a watch pocket if you want to keep it somewhere away from coins and other riff-raff. The Streamlight Microstream is the simplest, most useful flashlight made. Color: Blue, Battery Quantity: 1, Weight: This is absolutely lightest light I’ve reviewed yet. Best Tactical Knives > dons Ray-Bans. What fun! It doesn’t matter if the light is for hunting, fishing, looking for lost items in the yard, using during a blackout, or needed for shooting, it really helps a lot.With different types of flashlights on the market, you should select a light that meets your needs. I wouldn’t say it’s a direct competitor to the Streamlight, but if you have friends or family that aren’t into the EDC things the Tube is a great gift because they can slap it on their keychain and forget about it until they need a light. Get your knife & watch coasters, stickers and apparel here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rybosworkbench lumens. I recommend buying the Streamight Microstream at Amazon. I wish Fenix, Surefire, Foursevens et al. But that’s just me, so here are a couple, more universally applicable reasons I prefer AAs. It is textured to permit some purchase, and the little rubber cap is actually replaceable (which is a curious feature in such a low-end light). Be sure to visit the Liberty First Foundation on Facebook!. It has a robust design, simple operation, and can handle pretty much any utility task you can throw at it. It’s also spawned a newer, USB version. The beam pattern isn’t all that it could be, though: a lot of artifacts and rings. I think it’s a nice change of pace, and Ben and I agreed that the Microstream is a good starting point for a library of flashlight reviews. Best Survival Knives Streamlight lists the weight with battery as 1.04 oz., although by my scale I was getting 1.3 oz. Flashlights have come an extremely long way in the past ten years. Streamlight's collection of go-anywhere, do-anything pocket lights, penlights, and keychain lights built for maximum versatility. At least to my eye. The Streamlight Microstream does have a clicky tail switch. [REVIEW] ClipSwitched Streamlight MicroStream USB. Log in or register to post comments . The smoother texture may make this light more appealing to those on the dressier side of life. I’m going to say something, and I’m going to risk sounding reductive when I say it, but: 28 lumens is plenty good enough for most EDC situations, isn’t it? Technical Features of the Streamlight Stylus Pro USB rechargeable penlight There are a lot of areas in which the Microstream could be improved. Best EDC Knives It’s a good example of how far technology has come. I know this is a hard sell for enthusiasts, but if you’re looking for something simple to tide you over between flashier (ha ha) purchases, the Microstream is worth a look. I would really appreciate some sort of protection for the tail switch, though I realize that’s difficult to execute well on such a small, AAA-powered light. I’ve always considered myself a passionate layman when it comes to flashlights. It is the flashlight equivalent of the Kershaw Crown: humble, yet dignified in the way it accomplishes its simple task well. Yes, but: The Streamlight Microstream takes a single battery. Keep that in mind as you read this review of the Streamlight MicroStream and the Rogers Rail Lite which, combined, form an acceptable system for a mounted light on your home defense handgun. Let’s proceed without wasting any more time. Worse, because in its normal use, I don’t find it secure enough on the hem of a jeans pocket, and since I usually carry lights clipped to a back pocket, that matters. The PT 2AAA is the only Protac that lacks that programmability. A Streamlight Microstream single AAA light (above) and the Macrostream USB (below) (Dan Z. for TTAG) You’ve probably seen their uber-popular Microstream, a one AAA light, that’s a favorite of everyday gear carriers. I don’t really have anything against AAAs if it’s your thing (they were my thing for a long, long time) but AAs are, in my opinion, better. A couple of my non-negotiables are varying modes and a AA battery which obviously this light lacks. Facebook. It’s like trying to hold a golf pencil really tightly – there just isn’t much there to grasp. I admit that I see the beauty of a single-mode light. While I prefer the ergonomics of a 2x AAA penlight, the Microstream is in almost every way superior. Runtime is equally underwhelming at 2.25 hours. They do better if clipped in the front or dropped in pocket. There’s now a 4th gen Microstream upgraded to a sizzling 45 lumens! The Streamlight stylus pro USB flashlight maximum brightness is 90 lumens, 41 meters beam distance, and waterproof too. Best High Value Knives. That being said, I find it remarkable that in a world in which things like the S1 Baton or the L10C (or, my personal favorite, the Peak Eiger) exist, there is still merit in a product like the Microstream. Whatever its other faults, the Microstream is just about the ideal size, for me, for EDC. It helps that I like the UI. See why? There is nothing to remember, no expecting one power setting and getting another, no fumbling to dim or brighten the light. Welcome to another TacCat review! It is compact, extremely durable and user-friendly for easy one-hand operation. Note to readers: Please click the share buttons above or below. Folks tend not to like friction-fit clips because they can get loose or knocked off during carry. Be the First to Review the Streamlight Microstream USB Battery. Ben Schwartz is a writer and gear geek. Learn how your comment data is processed. I like the pocket clip both worse and better than Ben did. Meaning with a light of similar capability you get almost twice the run time. Filed Under: Flashlight Reviews, Misc. Nothing egregious, just a scratch here and there, but quicker than my Peak Eiger began to show wear. Cool review, I’d been carrying around a little “no-name” generic flashlight for a while but it finally died on me, so I’m giving this bad boy a shot as it’s pretty much exactly what I’m looking for. To be clear it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if Streamlight wanted to add a couple modes to the Microstream but I think most people will be just fine with this light. I wasn’t familiar with the ProTac but, if you can’t skip the strobe mode that’s maddening. After reviewing the Streamlight MicroStream, I’m certain of a few things. I’m glad you were able to offer some opinions on the reverse clip aspect of the Microstream. Anodized aluminum body; Waterproof construction; Tailcap switch; Polycarbonate lens; An LED bulb with 30, 000hours lifetime; O-ring sealed; Micro optical system; 28 lumens maximum; Maximum beam distance of 52m; The runtime of 2 hrs 15 minutes; One AAA alkaline battery; Weighs 1.04 ounces; Limited lifetime warranty Read this Streamlight TLR 4 Review to know further. Which sucks, because it could be one of the best SL products. This is the way I use the Microstream most of the time, and I like it a lot. It also means you can step massively up in the power (lumens and candela). As our taste gets better, it gets more and more specific (non-enthusiasts call this phenomenon ‘snobbery’). After toting the Streamlight Polytac X USB a while and reviewing it last month, I made a serious effort to carry a smaller light. Exp. After being used to bigger lights the extremely narrow diameter can be kind of difficult to hold on to. The default setup on multimode SLs is high-> strobe -> low. I’m a little out of practice but I’m going to give it a shot on what I consider to be one of the classic AAA-powered lights, the Streamlight Microstream. Thanks for the comment! We may get paid an affiliate commission if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of the links on this web page. Read Time: 5 Min. ON: 45 lumens HIGH: N/A LOW: N/A FIREFLY: N/A NO/REMOVABLE STROBE: Yes, this light is a “win” in the strobe department: it doesn’t have one at all. This is my dog-walking flashlight, as well as what I use when something rolls under the bed or a chair, and in these roles I get all the light I need – and I’ll go so far as to say that, for being only 28 lumens, it is a very bright 28, and has a good bit of throw for as small of a light as this is. Streamlight Macrostream review Posted on 19/05/2020 by towens — No Comments ↓ You may not use a torch like the Streamlight Macrostream every day, but you’ll be … The biggest reason for replacement is not a durability issue but rather losing it. Sat, 06/06/2020 - 11:14 #1. samgalax. I can tell you that the clip on my Microstream is extremely snug – so snug, in fact, that for a long time I thought it was actually part of the body and just looked like a friction-fit clip. It always filled a gap that other companies just never seemed to have an eye on. It’s been my experience that the deeper my understanding of something goes, the less things of that something I like. Though I have read some complaints of loose clips, mine was great. Less conventional is the Microstream’s clip. If you’ve been in the same situation as me or you’re just looking for a reliable and quality flashlight for your handgun, then this is one of the best weapon lights to try out. The interface is natural--press for regular light, press harder for maximum light. I’ve never used this feature, but it is unobtrusive, and I like to think that extra fold of steel gives the clip some added durability. It’s good to know that SL, even if they’re not participating in the same market as the enthusiast brands, remains committed to upgrades and enhancements. The Streamlight Microstream does have a clicky tail switch. Size: For a guy who is used to carrying a light that is way bigger, the Microstream feels like nothing at all. Not totally stellar: the anodizing doesn’t afford quite as much traction as I would like, but it works. Really enjoyed the review. Simple and compact, the Streamlight MicroStream is one of the smallest LED flashlights using common batteries. Here are his barely-maintained Twitter and blog. The Microstream is totally obliterated by its competition in terms of output, but beyond that it also doesn’t have different modes like most lights today: it’s either on at 28 or it’s off. Delivers what was promised. You might take a look at the Nitecore Tube in this kind of category. Whereas with knives I’ve gone from “Does it cut?” to “Does it cut well?,” when I’m looking at flashlights I’m still just asking “Does it light up?”. I did my patented “five-minutes in water” test with the Streamlight Microstream. I admit that I see the beauty of a single-mode light. I have a soft spot for this little light. Thanks for watching!! Although it has been around for years with little real evolution, and although even a mediocre enthusiast flashlight smokes it in most categories, for what it is – and, to be fair, for what it costs – the Microstream is a perfectly adequate and charming little light. It held the light tightly in the pocket, but let it slip out easily when desired. Now with 250 lumens and USB rechargeable! Last post. One thing I like about SL is they always include an output graph and they tend to be dead honest. The switch itself is very stiff. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Microstream, with as small and slim as it is, carries just about perfectly clipped to my pocket. In and of itself that trick is worth throwing a Microstream in your glove box in case you need to change a tire at night. Most lights I have reviewed to this point are somewhat self-defense oriented and have a somewhat tight beam, permitting longer throw. Type II MIL-SPEC abrasion and corrosion-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum construction with unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens. Support the channel! A lot of that merit comes from its agreeable price: while there are a lot of awesome lights to be had at the $30 – 50 range, there isn’t any light that I know of that costs as little as the Microstream, and that is as good. I don’t know how you guys like to roll, but clipped to the front of my pocket, the Microstream is easily accessible, doesn’t mess with my pocket knife, and doesn’t impede my hand when I go into my pocket for something else. This wasn’t blowing wind up anybody’s skirt five years ago, and time has only increased the gap between the Microstream and its competition. And finally, AA batteries are the most common battery in the world. Shortly after giving a friend my Streamlight Stylus Pro, I realized that I was missing an important part of my EDC, a not-so-bright light that I can just pull out fast for inspection purposes. Streamlight MicroStream USB Pocket Flashlight Review Russ Chastain 02.26.19 I’ve grown accustomed to keeping a flashlight on me all the time, and that can be tough to do with a larger light. It is another great feature, even if it is a little amusing to find it on this tiny 35 lumen beam monster. BTW that stiff clicky is a rarity in modern EDC lights, a genuine tactical-style forward clicky. Streamlight Microstream Review – Final Thoughts There are a lot of areas in which the Microstream could be improved. You’re right: it is an elegant solution to a problem most other companies seem to address with head-straps and other goofy paraphernalia. Pocket Clip: Streamlight normally does a good job with pocket clips and this one is no exception. At 0.60″ in diameter, it is extremely narrow. For circa $15 you just cannot complain. Features & details Streamlight microstream review. Streamlight should be ashamed of themselves. It’s so small that it’s easy to carry all the time, everywhere. There is nothing to remember, no expecting one power setting and getting,. Wish the enthusiast companies could get that feature squared away so I wouldn ’ t a. Battery only about once a month permitting longer throw to High: this Streamlight flashlight streamlight microstream review learn about. 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