When it comes to my initial perception of the Streamlight Wedge SL, I was wrong, way wrong. Of course, that was before I put my hands on one.

My typical EDC light for years has been a Protac, usually the 2L-X or sometimes a 1L-1AA, so I wasn’t sure what to make of the Wedge SL when it launched late last year.

At first, I thought several things, including “Why does someone need that?” as a small administrative task or inspection light, and “the Wedge SL offers roughly the same capabilities as the Stylus Pro in terms of output (if you don’t count THRO mode), but with shorter run time.”

All of those assumptions were way off base, and the Wedge SL has blown way past my expectations.

The Wedge SL has turned out to be incredible; it holds a charge and has a longer runtime than I expected based on the numbers on paper, and the output at any level is impressive. Unlike most Protac lights, which have a well-defined center spot, the Wedge SL aligns more with the typical Wedge-family illumination and casts more of a wall of light.

But the Wedge SL gets the job done in a small and very lightweight package.

Wedge SL by the Numbers

First, let’s take a look at all the specs for the Wedge SL, which are:

• Lumens — 500 on THRO, 100 on high, 50 on low
• Candela — 1,600 on THRO, 300 on high, 150 on low
• Distance — 80 meters on THRO, 35 meters on high, 24 meters on low
• Run Time — N/A for THRO, 1.75 hours on high, 3.5 hours on low.
• Length — 5.65 inches
• Weight — 1.14 ounces
• Thickness — .41 inches
• Available in black, coyote, and silver

Output Settings

Like many other Streamlights, the Wedge SL has the TEN TAP programing. But one thing to understand is that while in operation, you cannot simply switch between the 50-lumen or 100-lumen options. When using the light, you only have the one option, either high or low, and then THRO if you hold the button down.

So, you have to choose in advance to either set your Wedge SL to come on low (50 lumens), for longer run time, or high (100 lumens) for more illumination. That choice is made with TEN TAP.

Regardless of which setting you prefer, you have a momentary switch or a full click-and-release to leave the light on.

Then, with it turned on, holding the switch in will activate THRO, which, like the original Wedge, will time out and return to the normal operating mode.

But, when I used the 500 lumens of THRO, I have never needed that level of brightness long enough for it to step back down.

Practical Use: High or Low?

I used the Wedge SL for days at a time, set to low, then likewise for several days on high.

With those options, I have settled into the low setting as my preference.

First, it gives me a longer runtime, but it also provides ample illumination for close-up tasks or to light up maybe 30 feet or more when outside at night. But here’s why I opt for the low setting — I always have the THRO option of 500 lumens with just a press-and-hold of the switch.

Wedge SL: Great Features

Streamlight’s Wedge SL features an unbreakable acrylic lens and a thin unibody design crafted from Type II MIL-Spec anodized aluminum. It is powered by an integrated lithium-polymer battery, recharges via USB-C, and includes a four-level LED battery status indicator with charge alerts. Additional features include a stainless-steel injection-molded pocket clip, a multi-function tactile switch, and durable IPX4 water resistance with 1-meter impact testing.

“We created the Wedge SL as an ultra-portable lighting tool that doesn’t compromise on performance,” Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight president, said when the Wedge SL launched. “It’s low profile, rugged, and packed with features that make it ideal for both professional and everyday carry applications, including auto work and outdoor use.”

Sturdy, Reliable Pocket Clip

I know I opened with comparing the Wedge SL to the old-school Stylus Pro most of us have had along the way. Well, typically, most of us have probably had several of the basic Stylus-pattern Streamlights along the way. I always found they were easy to lose.

Not the case with the Wedge SL.

If you remember one thing, let this stick with you. You probably will never lose a Wedge SL if you use the clip.

Don’t just place it into a shirt pocket without using the clip.

The clip, just wow.

It’s not like the more lightweight clips of other lights; this is a wide clip that attaches to the body of the light at two anchor points. Wide, flat, strong, and secure. It will stay attached to a pocket if you use the clip.

If you clip it securely, I just don’t see how you'd ever lose it easily.

Rubber Bite-Cap

As far as the tailcap, if it can be called that since it technically is not a cap, activation is great, and intuitive. The body of the light naturally fits in your hand and is somehow both lightweight and rugged. You’re thumb easily lands on the tailcap for either a hold for momentary or a click for on.

Streamlight includes a rubber bite-cap that will slide over the rear of the body and switch. That works great, so great that I wish they made something similar for my Wedge XT.

The Wede SL with the bite-cap could not be a better design. It works, and I have chosen to just leave it on my light. Actually, since I am a Protac-kinda-guy, I like the rubberized feel it adds to the switch. It makes it just feel familiar, feel “Streamlightish.”

Charging & Charge Level Indicators

Charging the Wedge SL is easy, even with the bite cap installed. A USB-C charging port is located on one side of the light just below where the bite cap ends. Adjacent to the charging port are lights that indicate battery level for several seconds, with the light first turned on.

Takeaways & Use Considerations

Streamlight describes the Wedge SL as “Ultra-thin. Ultra-modern. Slimmed to perfection. Designed for those who demand both function and finesse, the Wedge SL is a masterclass in minimalist engineering.”

And in looking at that description, there’s nothing I can say or point out that challenges a single word of that.

It is minimalist in its footprint, but not in its output, durability, dependability, or capability.

This would be a solid light to keep in a shirt pocket, clipped to a visor in a patrol vehicle, or in a bag. While the light is not something that you could run all night, it could be there when you need something small and handy. Typically, it is compared to the size of a wooden construction pencil, yet slightly smaller.

And if used for admin tasks such as filling out paperwork, illuminating someone’s driver's license on a traffic stop at night, or looking around the front seat of your patrol vehicle without wrecking your night vision, then the Streamlight Wedge SL might be for you.

In my EDC light world, I still lean toward pants pocket carry, yet I think the Wedge SL is more suited to shirt-pocket carry. As far as I know, there is no lockout feature on the Wedge SL like there is with the Wedge XT. Without that lockout, I feel like pants-pocket carry for me might result in unintended activation.

But, I will share, if you are in workout gear or shorts with no pockets, I commonly just click the Wedge SL onto the next of my t-shirt, and that works great – lightweight, secure, easy to access, and can even be used in that manner to illuminate where you are stepping.

Streamlight’s Perfect Pair

While the Wedge SL, in my opinion, is best suited for shirt pocket or on-vest carry, the Wedge XT is better suited for pants pocket carry as a main EDC light or as a backup to a patrol light. But the Wedge SL outshines (bad pun) the Wedge XT for close-up illumination.

So, why not opt for both?

They complement each other well and are rugged and outstanding in what they are intended to accomplish.