The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range Made a Bold First Impression
In the world of tactical gear, few items are as crucial as a reliable flashlight. The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range enters the arena promising durability, versatility, and a potent beam. This flashlight aims to be the go-to choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering multiple brightness levels and a robust design.
My search for a new duty light began after my previous model, a budget-friendly option, failed during a critical search and rescue operation. I needed something dependable, with a long-lasting battery and a beam that could cut through darkness and adverse weather. The Streamlight PolyStinger seemed to tick all the boxes on paper.
Unboxing the Streamlight revealed a solid, albeit lightweight, polymer body. The textured grip felt secure in my hand, and the overall construction exuded quality. This wasn’t a flimsy gadget; it felt like a tool built to withstand serious use.
Compared to my old Maglite and a smaller, more modern Fenix PD36R, the PolyStinger strikes a balance between traditional design and modern technology. I chose it over the Maglite for its rechargeable battery and brighter LED, and over the Fenix for its more robust, duty-oriented design and familiar form factor. Initial excitement was high; the PolyStinger felt like a serious upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test occurred during a night navigation exercise in a dense, wooded area. I needed a light to illuminate trails, identify landmarks, and signal team members. The PolyStinger’s multiple brightness modes proved invaluable, allowing me to conserve battery when possible and crank up the intensity when necessary.
The Streamlight performed admirably in slightly drizzly conditions. The rubberized grip maintained a solid hold even with wet hands, and the water-resistant design held up perfectly. Navigating with it was intuitive, and the beam throw was impressive, reaching distances beyond what I expected. There were no operational issues during the first use, which left me impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use in various scenarios, the Streamlight PolyStinger has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve used it during search and rescue training, security patrols, and even simple tasks around the house. The durable polymer body shows minimal signs of wear despite being dropped on concrete and exposed to mud and rain.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Battery life remains consistent, and the charging cradle is convenient for keeping the light ready for action. Compared to my previous lights, the PolyStinger has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability, battery life, and beam quality. The experience has been exceptional.
Breaking Down the Features of Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range
Specifications
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The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED features a high output of 485 lumens, a medium output of 240 lumens, and a low output of 120 lumens. This versatility allows for adapting to various lighting needs.
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The peak beam intensity is rated at 24,000 candela on high, providing a beam range of 335 meters. This throws the light exceptionally far.
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Runtime is specified as up to 2 hours on high, 3.75 hours on medium, and 7.5 hours on low, plus 5.5 hours on strobe. This allows for extended operation without frequent charging.
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It uses a 3-cell, 3.6-Volt sub-C NiCd battery that is rechargeable up to 1000 times. This provides substantial cost savings and reduces environmental impact compared to disposable batteries.
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The light is constructed from a super-tough, non-conductive nylon polymer with a non-slip rubberized comfort grip. This ensures a secure and comfortable hold, even in challenging conditions.
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It features a deep-dish parabolic reflector designed to produce a long-range targeting beam with optimized peripheral illumination. This provides a balanced beam profile suitable for various applications.
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It includes optimized electronics to provide regulated intensity. This ensures consistent light output throughout the battery’s discharge cycle.
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The lens is an unbreakable polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant coating. This provides exceptional durability and protects the LED from damage.
These specifications collectively define the PolyStinger as a powerful, durable, and versatile lighting tool. The robust construction and regulated intensity make it well-suited for professional use.
Performance & Functionality
The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger performs exceptionally well in a variety of roles. Its high lumen output and long beam throw make it ideal for illuminating large areas or targeting distant objects. The lower modes are perfect for close-up tasks or conserving battery life.
The light’s strengths lie in its reliability and ease of use. The push-button switch is responsive and simple to operate, even with gloved hands. One potential weakness is the NiCd battery, which, while durable, can suffer from memory effect if not fully discharged regularly. Overall, the PolyStinger meets and exceeds expectations for a professional-grade flashlight.
Design & Ergonomics
The PolyStinger’s design prioritizes durability and functionality. The polymer body is lightweight yet strong, and the rubberized grip provides excellent comfort and control. The balance is good, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The light is user-friendly with a simple interface, and there is no real learning curve. The charging cradle is convenient and ensures the light is always ready for use. The overall design is practical and well-suited for its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
The Streamlight PolyStinger is built to last. The high-impact polymer body and scratch-resistant lens can withstand significant abuse. The rechargeable battery offers long-term cost savings and reduces waste.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and proper battery management. With reasonable care, the PolyStinger should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger is compatible with existing Stinger snap-in chargers, making it easy to integrate into existing charging systems. Streamlight offers various accessories, including traffic wands and colored lenses, to enhance its functionality. Third-party accessories are limited due to the light’s specific design, but the available options provide sufficient customization.
Pros and Cons of Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range
Pros
- High lumen output and excellent beam throw. The C4 LED provides a powerful and focused beam for long-range illumination.
- Durable polymer construction. The rugged polymer body can withstand significant abuse.
- Rechargeable battery. The NiCd battery is rechargeable up to 1000 times, offering long-term cost savings.
- Comfortable and secure grip. The rubberized grip provides excellent comfort and control, even in wet conditions.
- Multiple brightness modes. The high, medium, and low modes provide versatility for various lighting needs.
Cons
- The NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect if not fully discharged regularly.
- Limited customization options compared to other flashlight models.
Who Should Buy Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range?
The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and emergency responders who require a reliable and durable duty light. It is also well-suited for search and rescue teams and anyone who needs a powerful and long-lasting flashlight for outdoor activities.
Those who prioritize lightweight designs or prefer modern lithium-ion batteries might want to skip this product. The most important accessories are additional charging cradles for vehicle or home use, and potentially a traffic wand for directing traffic.
Conclusion on Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range
The Streamlight 76112 PolyStinger Black Polymer White C4 LED 120/240/485 Lumens 335 Meters Range is a reliable and durable flashlight that delivers excellent performance. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some modern lights, it excels in its core function: providing bright, consistent light in a robust package.
The price is justified by its build quality, performance, and long-term cost savings from the rechargeable battery. I would definitely recommend the PolyStinger to anyone looking for a dependable duty light. If you need a flashlight that can withstand serious use and provide consistent performance, the Streamlight PolyStinger is an excellent choice. Get yours today and experience the difference!