Streamlight 66318 MicroStream C4 LED Pen Flashlight
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Streamlight 66318 MicroStream C4 LED Pen Flashlight
Customer Review: Excellent Performance, Poor Cap/Clip Design
Summary: 4 Stars
I own many flashlights, and this is by far my favorite using a 1xAAA format. The brightness is exceptional for the size and weight. I believe the 20-lumen rating is accurate, by comparison with many other lights I own. I also own the larger 2xAAA version of this light (Streamlight Stylus Pro), and the microstream is almost identically bright. Of course, the 2xAAA version has longer battery life, by more than a factor of 2 because of circuit efficiency and battery-capacity variance with discharge rate.
The switch type is my favored "forward" clicky, which means you can push it slightly to get a momentary-on function. Some other lights use a "reverse" clicky, which doesn't turn on until you click and release.
The one thing I dislike about both of these lights is that the pocket clip rotates with the threaded end cap, badly scratching the finish when you remove the cap to replace the battery. You can avoid this by placing a piece of cloth between the clip and flashlight body before turning the cap, but you have to think of this before first disassembly or it's too late.
Also, the clip exerts enough sideways pressure on the light body that you must be very careful to avoid cross-threading when you reinstall the cap onto the body.
Customer Review: Excellent Pocket Flashlight
Summary: 5 Stars
Quick review: Great focused flashlight for tight quarters. Single AAA battery keeps it small but won't give you more than 2 hours of light. Perfect for electronics work, engine work, keeping in your glove box, taking out the trash, or any other area where you want a lot of light without a lot of fuss.
Long review: I love this flashlight over any other I've ever owned. The 20 lumens of output is intensely bright in a concentrated cone shaped beam (I can see the beam at night it's that bright!). At about 8 feet away the main brunt of the light is about a foot or so wide. Furthermore, this light gives out a large dim ring around the center (8 feet wide at 8 feet away). This secondary ring not only makes this light good as a general flood light around the house in the dark; but for close quarters work where 20 lumens is just too much, you can aim a bit to the side and enjoy a more mild 3-5 lumens. In terms of how far away you can use this light, it depends. The beam is very focused so it does carry some light for quite a distance, but because it's only a single small LED don't expect that much. I'd say that at night it remains good for up to about 20-30 feet and still useful with some squinting at about 50 feet.
The light color is 80% white with tinges of blue and yellow mixed in. The build quality is top notch with a sturdy clip and anodized finish. I have scuffed the finish up a bit but the flashlight almost "self heals" and keeps them hidden. I also get the feeling I could run this over a few times with a car and it would keep on going. For a gauge of how big it is, it's about the exact size and thickness of my middle finger (male). I have no problems carrying it in a shirt pocket or side pocket of my pants as though it were a pen, and it doesn't fall out at the drop of a hat.
The only obvious downside to a light like this is the size vs battery trade off. Streamlight says that the light will only last about an hour and a half on a single AAA battery. From my experience that's about accurate as well, although I usually change the battery out at the hour mark just to be safe. For me however, I prefer the smaller size over a longer battery life.
In summary, this light is easily worth the $20 price tag if you want to take a step up from lesser mini mag lites. It's very comfortable to use and grip, and it seems like it'll provide many years of service. As long as you don't mind using up a few AAA batteries, especially if you're a heavy user, you can't go wrong with this flashlight either for yourself or as a gift for others.
Customer Review: Excellent Value
Summary: 5 Stars
PROs:
- Uses standrd AAA battery -- no having to hunt down odd sized, expensive batteries
- Bright!
- Compact: fits comfortably in pocket -- wife swiped it for her purse, so am buying more
- Rugged aluminum barrel
CONs:
- Non-adjustable beam (not unusual for an LED light, though)
- Can be a little short for a shirt pocket; sometimes awkward to fish out
Overall, a very good all-purpose lightweight light that easily carries in a pocket. So good that I ordered three more.
Customer Review: Excellent light and highly recommended
Summary: 5 Stars
The Streamlight MicroStream is a small yet powerful LED flashlight which utilizes one triple AAA battery that is durable, sleek and provides great utility in a micro sized package. You will not be disappointed with this light especially for the price.
Following is my breakdown:
Light
The LED light is extremely bright for such a small unit. The beam is a solid very white and bright light that provides good coverage for a small area. It will work great in your home, vehicle or office. Outdoors it works great but is not designed for long ranges. It functions very good for short distance illumination.
Tail Switch
The tail switch has great functionality that can be used for momentary on or press all the way to click on for constant use. It is a little challenging to click on with your thumb but it is doable. It is easier to turn on with an index finger.
Clip
The clip is strong and appears to be very durable. The clip will rotate on the body when changing the battery which may cause the body to become slightly scratched. Not a big deal unless you want your flashlight to look pretty. It comes with a lanyard that can be worn around your neck. The light is extremely light and is hardly noticeable in regards to weight.
Body
The body is very strong and durable with a great black finish. Although very small this light will be able to take abuse and still function flawlessly.
Uses
First, be clear that this light is not designed to replace the sun and it is not a tactical light. It is what it is...a great, durable, small, bright illumination tool.
1. This is a great light to be utilized in a small area such as in an urban or camping environment. It will easily and comfortably fit in your pants or shirt pocket.
2. It can be utilized on a lanyard around your next.
3. It is a great backup light for an EDC kit (remember to carry spare batteries). If space is a consideration in your EDC bag then this light is perfect. You can utilize the clip to attach to Molle or PALS attachments which can be very handy.
4. It will also work well in a medical kit but do not use this light to check pupilary reaction as the light is too bright for this purpose.
5. While this light is not designed as a tactical light it will function in this capacity if it is your LAST resort. It will momentarily blind an assailant long enough for you to either employ other tactical measures or get out of the environment.
6. It will work, again as a LAST resort, as a shooting light but it will be challenging to engage the tail switch for some people. If it is all you have then make do...adapt, overcome and prevail.
Overall, I highly recommend this light.
Customer Review: Excellent light but.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a very bright light and the metal body is tough.But the only problem I see is the end cap.The switch under the button is too thin.It should be wider because sometimes when you push in it moves around under the cap causing the light not to go on or off.I know this is minor but for such a good light this must be addressed.The shirt clip is the best I have seen.And the use of regular batteries is great.Just fix the switch undre the cap and it will be perfect.Thanks BJ