Let’s Dive into Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit promises to breathe new life into your existing Streamlight Stinger or Stinger XT flashlight. This kit, designed by Streamlight, is an affordable way to boost the candlepower of your trusty illumination tool from 15,000 to a reported 40,000. It’s a compelling upgrade, especially if you’re looking for more punch without investing in a completely new flashlight.
I’ve been a loyal Streamlight Stinger user for years, appreciating its ruggedness and reliable performance in various outdoor and tactical situations. However, I’ve often found myself wishing for a bit more throw distance in open fields during search and rescue training exercises. The promise of significantly increased candlepower drew me to this upgrade kit, hoping to extend my flashlight’s effective range.
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit arrives in a simple, no-frills package containing the replacement head and lamp. The parts felt solid and well-made upon initial inspection, consistent with the quality I’ve come to expect from Streamlight. The upgrade kit felt similar to my Stinger HP, which gave me hope for this project.
While several higher-lumen flashlights exist on the market, I specifically chose this upgrade kit to maintain compatibility with my existing Stinger charging system and holster. Options such as the Fenix PD36R or the Olight Warrior X Pro offered more lumens out of the box, but required new charging systems and holsters. This kit seemed like a more economical and convenient solution for increasing my existing flashlight’s performance.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic, but I was also a little skeptical about the claims of doubling the candlepower. I was eager to install the kit and see if it lived up to the hype, or if I had made a poor choice for solving my flashlight needs. Let’s see if the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit meets the requirements.
Real-World Testing: Putting Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit took place during a night navigation exercise in a heavily wooded area. The increased throw distance was immediately noticeable compared to my original Stinger. The light cut through the darkness and illuminated distant landmarks with greater clarity.
The weather was dry and cool, but I made a point of exposing the upgraded flashlight to some deliberately damp conditions by splashing it with water from a nearby stream. The kit appeared to be well-sealed, and I experienced no performance issues related to moisture. Installing the upgrade was straightforward, although, like another user mentioned, I had to trim a small amount of plastic from the bulb base to ensure a secure fit.
The beam was a little more focused than I anticipated, creating a noticeable hotspot in the center and less peripheral illumination. I was surprised, but the hotspot actually helped with long distance identification. There were no issues installing the kit to my Stinger, and I experienced no issues after the first night navigation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my gear. The durability is impressive; despite being bumped and jostled in my pack during numerous outdoor adventures, the upgrade kit shows no signs of wear and tear. The light has been used in several camping trips and has performed well each and every trip.
Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning of the lens with a soft cloth. The upgrade kit consistently delivers the promised performance boost. It noticeably improves my Stinger’s ability to illuminate distant objects in low-light conditions.
Compared to my previous experiences with the standard Stinger, the HP upgrade offers a significant advantage in terms of throw distance and overall brightness, making it a superior tool for search and rescue operations. The battery life is shorter, but well worth the added performance. I would absolutely recommend the upgrade for any Stinger owner.
Breaking Down the Features of Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit
Specifications
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is designed to convert standard Streamlight Stinger and Stinger XT flashlights into their High Performance (HP) counterparts. It includes a replacement head and lamp assembly that boosts the flashlight’s candlepower from 15,000 to 40,000. The upgraded head has a diameter of 2.25 inches, increasing the overall length of the flashlight to 8.25 inches.
The primary benefit of these specifications is the increased throw distance and brighter hotspot. This enhancement allows for better visibility at longer ranges, making it ideal for tasks such as search and rescue, security patrols, and general outdoor use. The kit retains compatibility with existing Stinger charging systems, ensuring convenient recharging.
Performance & Functionality
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit excels at increasing the overall brightness and throw distance of a standard Stinger. The brighter hotspot provides excellent visibility at longer ranges. This makes it easier to identify objects and navigate in low-light conditions.
One minor weakness is the reduced battery life. The higher-output lamp drains the battery faster compared to the original setup. Another potential downside is the narrower beam angle, which may sacrifice some peripheral vision in close-quarters situations. Despite these minor trade-offs, the kit delivers on its promise of increased performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is well-built with durable materials that match the quality of the original Stinger. The increased head diameter adds a bit of bulk to the flashlight. This does not significantly impact its ergonomics or handling.
The kit installs easily with minimal tools required. This allows users of all skill levels to upgrade their flashlights without significant technical knowledge. The bulb simply screws into the upgraded head, and then the new head replaces the old head with no issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit appears to be built to last. It’s constructed from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The lamp is protected within the head, and the kit is designed to resist water and dust.
Maintenance is simple, typically involving occasional cleaning of the lens and contacts. The kit is unlikely to require extensive repairs. The construction of the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is top tier.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is primarily an upgrade component. It does not include additional accessories beyond the replacement head and lamp. However, it maintains compatibility with existing Stinger accessories such as holsters, charging cradles, and colored lenses.
The kit itself does not offer extensive customization options. Users may be able to modify the beam pattern slightly by adjusting the lamp position, but this is not officially supported. Streamlight may also be able to provide additional replacement bulbs, but none are needed at this time.
Pros and Cons of Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit
Pros
- Significantly increased brightness and throw distance: The upgrade dramatically improves the flashlight’s ability to illuminate distant objects, enhancing its effectiveness in outdoor and tactical environments.
- Easy installation: The kit installs quickly and easily with minimal tools required, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Maintains compatibility with existing Stinger accessories: The upgrade retains compatibility with existing charging systems, holsters, and other accessories, minimizing the need for additional investment.
- Durable construction: The kit is built from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Cost-effective upgrade: It offers a significant performance boost at a fraction of the cost of buying a new high-performance flashlight.
Cons
- Reduced battery life: The higher-output lamp drains the battery faster compared to the original setup.
- Narrower beam angle: The more focused beam may sacrifice some peripheral vision in close-quarters situations.
Who Should Buy Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit?
The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, search and rescue teams, and outdoor enthusiasts who already own a Streamlight Stinger or Stinger XT flashlight. It provides a cost-effective way to significantly improve the flashlight’s performance without replacing the entire unit. Those who need long throw distances will definitely benefit from this upgrade.
This product might not be ideal for users who prioritize long battery life over brightness. It may also not be suitable for those who require a wide, diffused beam for close-quarters work. For those users, perhaps another flashlight may be the correct purchase.
A must-have accessory would be a spare Streamlight battery to compensate for the reduced runtime. The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is a great purchase for Stinger owners.
Conclusion on Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit
Overall, the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance the performance of their existing Streamlight Stinger or Stinger XT flashlight. The increased brightness and throw distance are significant improvements. These improvements enhance its usability in various outdoor and tactical applications.
The price of $49.99 is justified by the performance boost and the convenience of maintaining compatibility with existing accessories. It’s a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new high-performance flashlight. The Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit can enhance the performance of any Stinger.
I would highly recommend this upgrade kit to anyone seeking to breathe new life into their trusty Stinger. If you’re looking to extend the range and brightness of your Streamlight Stinger, look no further than the Streamlight Stinger HP Flashlight Upgrade Kit.