Streamlight 14533 Sidewinder 47-Lumens Compact II Aviation Flashlight with NVG Mount in Box, Coyote

I purchased this light about three weeks ago to mount to my flight helmet. I am a flight paramedic, and need a hands-free light for night operations. Streamlight did not disappoint with this compact. The white light is bright and direct, but not so bright that it blinds my partner in the back of the aircraft. It does a great job illuminating the exterior of the aircraft for a pre-flight walk-around, and there is good illumination of objects about 7-10 feet away. I will say, this light is NOT a torch, search light, or super bright tactical light. If that's what you're looking for, this isn't it. It's much more of a personal task light. That being said, it is an amazing personal task light! This light also has a blue, red, and IR LED function. This is a great feature for those times when I need to preserve my night vision (red), identify blood on the side of some dark road with no light (blue), or illuminate objects in the cockpit when flying under night vision goggles (IR). So for me, it works exceptionally well. Just be mindful of what you are looking for this light to do, because again it's not a searchlight, torch, or super bright tac light. I did notice that the movement of the light is a little tight right out of the box, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time for it to get worn in a little bit. The power button is easy to find when mounted to my helmet, and it has a good 'feel' to it when you push it. It seems solid and well built, not like some other lights where I was afraid I'd break the power switch with a gentle touch. The lamp selector switch is a bit tricky, considering you have to pull the ring out and away from the light in order to change the function. This is just something that will take some getting used to, and some muscle memory to develop in how to pull the ring and turn the knob. Definitely not a deal breaker for me whatsoever. My only issue with this light was with the mounting system, but it is no fault of Streamlight. The circular mount is designed for a tactical helmet; my flight helmet is not this. So when I attempted to mount the clip to the edge of my helmet, I had to install an additional spacer between the clamp and my helmet to get a snug fit. Again, this is not fault of Streamlight, nor does it detract from the quality of the product, it's just something to keep in mind depending on the application you're using the light for. Overall, a great buy, great value. I'm looking forward to getting much more use out of this little light.

Not the brightest hands free / clip on light. If you need flood or need reach? This won't have enough horsepower. That said? Easy to use, durable, can take some punishment. Perfect for short range, for maintaining your natural eye vision at night in the dark. ALWAYS activates on low so you don't get blinded. Plenty of mounting options DEPENDING on which kit you buy. Flexible. Four levels of brightness and flashing (not a true strobe, it's actually a BEACON feature) and the IR will be useful to those few who have night vision. One of the best lights I've had in this niche.

High quality, value, and functional.

Ich besitze jetzt diese Stirnlampe einen Monat lang und bin extrem angetan von diesem Teil. Es ist nicht nur eine Kopflampe welche wie eine einfache Chinabüchse stupide Licht nach vorne bläst, nein es ist etwas mehr als das. Die Entwickler haben ihre Hausaufgaben gemacht! Ich hatte lange nach einer guten Stirnlampe gesucht, welche folgende Kriterien aufweisen mußte. 1. robust 2. verschiedene Lichtfarben und Helligkeitsstufen 3. Betrieb mit AA-Batterien im Notfall wenn keine Lithium Batterie zur Hand ist 4. leicht (sowohl in der Masse als auch in der Bedienung) - mein Resümee: all diese Punkte meistert Sie mit Bravour, auch die Helligkeit (immer 4 Stufen in allen Leuchtmodi) ist für den Fortbewegungsmodus, der Nahsicht als auch der Ausleuchtung auf mehre Meter sehr gut. Sie ist kein Schnäppchen, aber jeden Cent wert...

the switch stopped working!!! NO RESPONSE TO E-MAIL COMPLAINT!!!