Ultra Stinger Decision

[GaryM]

I've had an Ultra Stinger for about 4 years and it's now needing a new battery pack. Don't use it much anymore and usually use my Olight M20 or Luma Hunter when I walk the dog. Trying to decide if I want to put $45 or so into a new pack or just cut my losses. It sits on the charger 99% or the time. I did just buy a new pack for my regular Stinger on Saturday. I use it on occasion as it's a more convenient size compared to the Ultra. The Ultra does have a nice throw though. :thumbsup:

Any ideas? I don't think I want to create a new pack myself as it doesn't seem worth the effort.

 

[Flash_Gordon]

Still my #1 go to light for late night dog walks. Very bright and light for its size. I have added a NiteIze Grip 'N clip for easy carry.

You can buy a new battery from online dealers for under $30. IMO, it is well worth it. My current battery is about 3 years old and still seems have excellent capacity and runtime.

There are aftermarket NiMH batteries available, but you have to use a different charger and charge outside of the flashlight. Not worth the inconvenience for me.

Mark

 

[GaryM]

OK, I'd go $30 with no problems, but starting to balk a little at the $45 mark. I just placed an order at Light Hound, maybe I should have looked to see if he had any batteries for the Ultra.

 

[g36pilot]

How about 3000mah for $23?
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1419

I have two good years on the 3000mah stick.

Some other Ultrastinger modding links:
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=92838
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=94248
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=99745 (UCL Lens)

Cheers

 

[flashfan]

What about "upgrading" your Stinger to a Stinger HP? Buy an HP bulb ($6.75 at BrightGuy and rated at 40,000 CP vs. 15,000 CP for the Stinger), slip it into the Ultrastinger head, attach to the Stinger body, and voila--a Stinger HP. Brighter light, longer reach. (FYI, the Ultra bulb is rated at 75,000 CP.)

CAVEAT: I'm assuming that the heads of the Ultra and the HP are the same/"interchangeable" and that either bulb will fit, which would make this conversion possible, but if anyone if considering this option, please check it out first.

 

[Flash_Gordon]

What about "upgrading" your Stinger to a Stinger HP? Buy an HP bulb ($6.75 at BrightGuy and rated at 40,000 CP vs. 15,000 CP for the Stinger), slip it into the Ultrastinger head, attach to the Stinger body, and voila--a Stinger HP. Brighter light, longer reach. (FYI, the Ultra bulb is rated at 75,000 CP.)

CAVEAT: I'm assuming that the heads of the Ultra and the HP are the same/"interchangeable" and that either bulb will fit, which would make this conversion possible, but if anyone if considering this option, please check it out first.

The Ultrastinger and HP heads are not interchangeable. The US is already the brightest option so I am not sure what would be gained anyway.

Mark

 

[toolpig1]

I know where you can purchase a replacement battery stick, identical to the original, for $8.95 plus shipping. It is a very reputable vendor who requested this information not be published because they are a full-line authorized Streamlight dealer. They do not offer these by on-line orders, phone orders only for this item. If you're interested, PM me and I'll provide the company name, phone number, and part number.

 

[flashfan]

Took out my Ultra and HP, and the heads are interchangeable. (My lights are a number of years old, so current models might differ.)

I suggested the HP "upgrade" simply because the opening poster was considering cutting his losses, which to me meant he would not be replacing the Ultra battery due to high cost. Therefore, rather than leave the whole light in a drawer, for a relatively low cost his Stinger could be made a little brighter and with better reach...a middle ground between the Stinger and Ultra.

 

[GaryM]

I just today received the TerraLux conversion for the Stinger, for which I'd just bought a new battery.

The heads on the HP Stinger and Ultra Stinger may be interchangeable, but I don't believe they can be interchanged with the regular Stinger. But maybe I'm confusing the head with the reflector/bezel assembly?

I did order a new battery pack from Fox International and according to the tracking number I should have it tomorrow. Price was in the $30 range, which didn't hurt too much.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[flashfan]

Hmm, just checked the BrightGuy website, and they offer an upgrade kit that turns the Stinger into the Stinger HP (does not work with the PolyStinger). Not positive, but it sure looks like the kit includes just an Ultra/HP head, with the HP bulb. Streamlight "lego" for a little more versatility/options with their lights.

Personally, I really like the size, output and reach of the HP. For my small hands, the feel and fit of the light seems more balanced... YRMV