This is an update regarding the new Strion cell, 74436, which is being released with the Strion 2020.
I initially found this cell listed on brightguy, with e-mail signup for notification of availability for order. I wish I had saved the info on that page, as it appears (to me) to currently be 180-out with what I recall reading there a few weeks ago.
Unless I'm very mistaken, the BG description previously stated that the new cell was compatible with previous Strion products. When I received the e-mail notification and clicked the link to order one, I found that the info there currently indicates that the cell is not 'backward compatible'.
"Streamlight 74436 Li-ion battery is compatible with Streamlight Strion 2020 flashlight only."
I have my idea(s) about why that might have been changed, however I currently have a question in to SL Support which will hopefully verify their official policy, even though that might differ from the actual reality of the matter due to policy decision. I'll post the essence of their response to my inquiry when I receive it.
I think there's a good chance that this may have been a "policy decision", as I previously stated (or implied) above; a business decision, rather than a technical one.
Don't shoot the messenger here......I'm just closing the loop and documenting SL's response to the question I submitted to them (as I indicated I would) regarding backward compatibility (with previous Strion models), or lack thereof, of the new cell (74436) being introduced for use with new the Strion 2020.
SL's official policy on this, as I expected, is in agreement with the statement in the
current Bright Guy listing for that cell, which I'll repeat was apparently revised at some point between their initial listing of the cell, and the announcement of 'in stock' and 'available for order' status. No surprise there, and BG's current listing / information (which complies with SL's policy on this), states:
"Streamlight 74436 rechargeable battery; compatible with Strion 2020 only."
I submitted a web-based contact to SL's Support (Case #C90342) after business hours on Wed, 03/13/24. I received a reply from them in my Inbox at 06:52 AM MST the following morning, 03/14/24. The text of the question I submitted was:
"I have a Strion DS-HL, and am considering buying a Strion 2020. My question is:
If I purchase a spare/extra battery (74436) for the Strion 2020, can I also use that same spare battery with my Strion DS-HL as needed/required?"
Removing the fluff, customary polite pleasantries, and extraneous info, the (EDIT:essence) of their short, simple response was:
"...the battery is not backward compatible."
Due to professional curiosity related to my background, I've spent a good bit of time (more than I'd like to admit) analyzing all the factors I can come up with which were likely involved in making that policy decision regarding backward compatibility of the new cell. I found it very interesting. A number of factors were likely considered, and there were both 'pros and cons' to consider with some of those. If my assumptions are correct, it was not a simple black and white decision as many might assume, and there were several factors on which reasonable people could (and likely did) disagree. I don't think it was a short discussion in that cross-functional product team meeting where this issue was decided, and having been in many such meetings myself, I have a good idea of how the discussion went. Personally, I don't '
like' the decision they made, but I do '
understand' it, and I can honestly say that after considering the big picture, I think they made the best decision on this. I would have likely voted in favor of the position they took. Most will probably find that very surprising, but it's true.
I won't waste the time / bandwidth of going through all the involved factors here, because one thing is for certain: It's a 'done deal', and it 'is what it is', so there's no point in beating a dead horse. Everyone can and will make their own decision on whether or not to use the new cell(s) in their previously existing Strion lights; just be aware that it is your personal decision, and if you decide to use them in that way, it will be outside of SL's officially supported policy, should that ever be an issue. You'll be 'on your own' if you do that, which is fine, just be aware of that fact.
All that said, I will clarify that I am still not personally aware of any
technical issue(s) which would result from using the new cell in previously existing Strion lights. What will 'work fine', and what is 'officially supported', are likely very different things in this case, but be aware that the distinction probably applies here. This may or may not matter to you personally.
EDIT: Spelling correction
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