The light itself has an 8.5-inch aluminum body with a scratchproof polycarbonate lens weighing in at slightly more than 12 ounces. It is water- and impact resistant with a clean black anodized finish. There is a comfortable rubber sleeve over the body for grip and a single actuation button on the base of the bezel with both momentary and constant on capability.
For this Stinger, Streamlight had just upgraded the C4 LED from 180 lumens to a blazing 350 lumens and 24,000 candela on the brightest of three intensity settings. This provides a tight, focused beam with more than ample light for medium to close-range applications and excellent throw out to 300 meters. There is also a strobe function.
I found the Stinger LED, like those before it, to be the perfect size for patrol duty use. The light is small enough to be carried on a duty belt yet large enough to be tucked under an arm while filling out paperwork or conducting field sobriety tests. It is rechargeable so there are no expensive batteries to buy and the quality is top notch. Historically, my only complaint about my classic Stinger was the lack of brightness as compared to some of the smaller LED tactical lights. This is no longer the case with the newest Stinger LED, as it not only far exceeds many smaller lights in brightness but also projected distance.
At the end of the day, you just can't go wrong with the new Stinger LED. You not only get the latest LED technology in a rugged and reliable package, but also Streamlight's lifetime warranty. And speaking of investment, the Stinger LED can be found for a little over $100; much cheaper than some of its competitors. If you're in uniform and need a solid light to complete your duty belt, I highly recommend it.
A.J. George is a motor officer and firearms instructor for the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Police Department.
