POLICE reviewed Streamlight’s Wedge XT back in 2024 after it launched, but when I more recently reviewed the Wedge SL, Streamlight also provided a Wedge XT for comparison and to help me better understand the Wedge family.

See, here’s where we stand.

That Wedge XT product test and review in 2024 was by David Griffith, longtime POLICE editor. He already loved his Wedge (original version). His review was in no way biased, but as someone who depends on a ProTac for everyday carry (EDC), can the Wedge family win me over with this one?

Did the Wedge XT make me jump ship and abandon my ProTac 2L-X that has lived in my pocket, on my nightstand, and always within reach 24/7 for the past five years?

Yes.

Wedge XT: Easy EDC Operation

I guess I never really showed much interest in the original Wedge, but for someone who prefers tail-cap activation, it just didn’t seem like a good fit for me.

But the Wedge XT features what I guess we should call tail-cap activation, with a momentary press or a click to stay on. Past that, it offers both high and low – all controlled from the tail cap. But the big bonus is the Five-Tap lockout feature.

Most of us are already familiar with Streamlight’s Ten-Tap, which allows you to cycle through program settings and choose the one you prefer, then lock it into place. Five-Tap is different.

With Five-Tap, you click the tail cap five times quickly. That will lock the light. There is no chance of unintended activation once that is done. If you try to turn it on when it is locked out, you get no visible light output. However, flashing red and green lights near the charge port indicate you have activated the lockout function.

A quick five taps again and the Wedge XT unlocks, returning your light to its normal operating mode.

Fit, Finish & Feel

The Wedge XT has a machined aluminum alloy case and Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish. Like other Streamlights, it feels durable; it feels like a solid tool you can count on. The anodized aluminum case has rounded edges and is just over 4 inches. It is very comfortable in the hand, and a thumb can easily find the activation controls on the back. One side has gimping for traction, but the flip side does not.

I’m not sure if the intended grip is with the pocket clip against your palm or facing outward. I would assume facing outward, with the gimping up top. But, even if you grab the light with the pocket clip against your palm, there are no sharp edges or anything to create a hot spot.

The flattened, non-cylindrical shape of the Wedge XT means it easily slips into a pocket. When I do that, I always use the pocket clip, which is very stout, making the light feel securely planted wherever I put it. It’s slim, just slightly thicker than my cell phone and thinner than my wallet. Slip it into a pocket next to either, and it disappears. Until you need it.

I never have been one to need a lanyard on any EDC gear, but the Wedge XT features one. It works well. If I clip the light in a pocket and leave the lanyard outside my pocket, it's easy to retrieve the light for use. Or you could simply tuck the lanyard in your pocket or even remove it.  

Runtime & Battery Charging

I already briefly mentioned Ten-Tap, and yes, the Wedge XT has it. On paper, runtime is two hours on high and 11 hours on low. I used Ten-Tap to set my Wedge XT to Low-High, just as I do with all my other Streamlights with this feature.

Typically, I the Wedge XT for small tasks throughout the day, then more heavily in the evening and outdoors. Most of the time, I am on low, maybe bumping up to high about a third of the time.

With that level of usage, by someone with ageing eyes who likes to put the light on everything to see more easily, I am maybe putting the Wedge XT on charge once every two weeks. But, even at that point, the light is not dead.

After several months with the light in a pocket, clipped to the collar of a t-shirt, or readily accessible on my desk or nightstand, I have never completely drained the battery.

Charging is via a USB-C port on one side of the light, with charging indicators just above the port. The port is open, and some might think it susceptible to dust or water, but I’ve had no issues at all. Streamlight always seems to excel at its IPX ratings and designs lights for any environment.

Throw, Brightness & Performance

The Wedge XT has a different beam pattern than the ProTac, Stinger, or lights that might be used as primary lights on patrol. The center spot is there, but it is not as crisply defined as in most Streamlights. It does have added brightness in the center, more of a soft-edged center spot.  Overall, it throws a wall of light.

It simply gets the job done. With that 87-meter beam distance on high, it offers more than enough illumination with its 1,900 candela. On low, at 50 lumens, the light produces 200 candela with a reported beam distance of 28 meters.

This would be a solid backup light for any officer, and one that could be carried easily even while off duty. In a pocket, a bag, or even clipped onto MOLLE, the Wedge XT is easy to carry in any job role.

Streamlight Wedge XT by the Numbers

Lighting Modes for the Wedge XT

The Wedge XT features two lighting modes:

• High: 500 lumens; 1,900 candela; 87m beam distance; runs 2 hours
• Low: 50 lumens; 200 candela; 28m beam distance; runs 11 hours

Wedge XT Measurements & Specs

Specs for the Wedge XT include:

• Lumens (High) — 500
• Lumens (Low) — 50
• Run Time (High) — 2.00 hours
• Run Time (Low) — 11.00 hours
• Beam Distance (High) — 87 meters
• Beam Distance (Low) — 28 meters
• Candela (High) — 1,900
• Candela (Low) — 200
• Battery Type — Lithium Polymer Cell
• Length — 4.25 inches (10.80 centimeters)
• Weight — 2.62 ounces (74.28 grams)
• Colors — Black, Coyote, Silver