Blglover96
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2013
- Messages
- 103
Are stream lights reliable?
-thanks Bryce
-thanks Bryce
I love Streamlight's simple UI and cost. I've been pocket EDCing a Protac 1AA and a Microstream for well over 1 year, and they are my two favorite lights.
However they have some serious quality control issues.
Almost every Streamlight I have purchased has had issues:
Microstream (28 lumens model) - purchased 2013/02 - perfect no issues.
Nano - purchased 2013/02 - absolute rubbish. When on a keychain and a key touches the front of the head it makes a contact and turns on the light (many people have reported the same issue in the Amazon.com reviews. I purchased 2 more for gifts, don't know if they have the same issue or not.
Microstream (28 lumens model) - purchased 2013/03 - gifted, AFAIK no issues.
Protac 1AA (70 lumens model) - purchased 2013/05 - after a couple of months (may have been there from day 1) I noticed intermittent flicker, tried cleaning etc, happens on high and low for several seconds after being on. I've tested and it seems to be the head. Finally I've decided to send in under warranty.
Microstream (35 lumens model) - purchased 2014/04 - brand new but had a couple of small corroded areas inside the battery tube, Amazon.com replaced, only the replacement has some type of glue or something over most of the LED, and that does affect the beam pattern, so returning that too.
So 4 out of my 5 Streamlights have had issues which is really not acceptable. Admittedly I've had a brand new Quark QPA with head issues too, but none of my Fenix lights (E01 x 5, LD20, TK41) have ever had any issues and they have taken a beating.
Overall, I still believe they make great lights but they really need better QC, and I think they should bring back their manufacturing to the US. Note some of their bigger lights such as Stinger and Strion are still made in the US.
I see no reason to bring back manufacturing to the US&A unless I can buy them cheaper,it does not bother me in the least where or who makes them.
Keep in mind that many others have the very opposite opinion. I have no qualms about paying a bit more for products made in-country by workers who are actually paid a decent standard of living. Especially since those products will be made to a higher standard as well.
I keep in mind all sorts on public forums and welcome everyone's opinion and keep in mind i also have an opinion and i am not prepared to pay a few shekels extra but prefer to pay a little less which may well be opposite others.I totally disagree about the idea that the product will be made to a higher quality either but again that is just my opinion.
I shall keep in mind that you are keeping in mind that others keep different opinions in mind.
Are stream lights reliable?
Very reliable with lifetime warranty.
Keep in mind that many others have the very opposite opinion. I have no qualms about paying a bit more for products made in-country by workers who are actually paid a decent standard of living. Especially since those products will be made to a higher standard as well.