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Best Little Flashlight for On and Off Duty
We can’t all afford to have the best gear, except when it comes to an everyday flashlight. After trying out several small flashlights for everyday carry, I have finally found one that has almost everything I could want.
The Streamlight Microstream USB reinforces its not the size, its how you use it. While your girlfriend may not believe it, this is one time where it is true.
Meanwhile, the Microstream USB’s small size, under four inches in length, and light weight may not be great for everyday patrol use, it serves as a great backup, plain clothes, or off duty light.
Carry a Flashlight
Most of us have been told “two is one, one is none” and “always have a light”. But we often find ourselves off duty not following those guidelines.
Now I have found myself carrying this light all day every day. It is the first thing I put in my pocket and the last thing I take out. The small footprint and double-sided clip make it easy to justify one more thing in your pocket.
Function
First off, this little light still packs a punch, featuring 250 lumens and 1,150 candelas. The high mode, one of two modes, will illuminate most interior rooms and does a good job outside as well. Streamlight reports a 68m beam distance, which seems to be pretty accurate depending on conditions. Details and accurate colors are easy to identify. The battery life in high mode, reported by Streamlight, is 1.5 hours.
The low mode has a less harsh beam with its advertised 50 lumens and 250 candelas. The reported beam distance is 31m. The run time reported for low mode is 3.5 hours which has been fairly accurate. Low mode is great when you are looking for something you dropped and don’t want to blind yourself.
I have been using the Coyote colored light which uses the first press of the button as high mode and the second press as low mode. If you want the reverse Streamlight as other versions of this light. In my mind if I need light give me it all, I don’t want to be messing around clicking through modes if I am using my light in an offensive situation. The switching between modes is painful and not user friendly.
Before using the Microstream USB I have used several Olights, other Streamlights, my cell phone (don’t tell my academy instructors), and too many no name brands to list. The Streamlight Microstream USB is by far the best little light I have used.
Durability
Meanwhile for durability I would give this little torch a 7/10. Streamlight states the light is IPX4 water-resistant and has a 1 meter impact resistance. The housing is made from anodized machined aluminum. I have scratched the paint on things that share the same pocket and sliding it out of the Rogers Rail mount. However it has provided good water resistance in rainy situations and has handled my use and abuse with ease.
What I Like
- Price
- Size and Weight
- Rechargeable
- Durable
- Adequate Light Modes
What I Don’t Like
- Switching between high and low is awkward
- Paint is easily scratched
- Not fully submersible
- Not USB C
Long Story Short
Finally for $30 there is no reason not to buy and carry this light, and for the price buy two. You can even purchase a Rogers Rail Lite and easily use it as a simple weapon light.