Streamlight 14512 Sidewinder 47 Lumens Compact II Military Model Angle Head Flashlight, Headstrap and Helmet Mount Kit

3 reviews for Streamlight 14512 Sidewinder 47 Lumens Compact II Military Model Angle Head Flashlight, Headstrap and Helmet Mount Kit

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Christopher – April 11, 2016

   
   I purchased this light about three weeks ago to mount to my flight helmet. I am a flight paramedic, and need a hands-free light for night operations. Streamlight did not disappoint with this compact. The white light is bright and direct, but not so bright that it blinds my partner in the back of the aircraft. It does a great job illuminating the exterior of the aircraft for a pre-flight walk-around, and there is good illumination of objects about 7-10 feet away. I will say, this light is NOT a torch, search light, or super bright tactical light. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. It’s much more of a personal task light. That being said, it is an amazing personal task light!This light also has a blue, red, and IR LED function. This is a great feature for those times when I need to preserve my night vision (red), identify blood on the side of some dark road with no light (blue), or illuminate objects in the cockpit when flying under night vision goggles (IR). So for me, it works exceptionally well. Just be mindful of what you are looking for this light to do, because again it’s not a searchlight, torch, or super bright tac light. I did notice that the movement of the light is a little tight right out of the box, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time for it to get worn in a little bit.The power button is easy to find when mounted to my helmet, and it has a good ‘feel’ to it when you push it. It seems solid and well built, not like some other lights where I was afraid I’d break the power switch with a gentle touch. The lamp selector switch is a bit tricky, considering you have to pull the ring out and away from the light in order to change the function. This is just something that will take some getting used to, and some muscle memory to develop in how to pull the ring and turn the knob. Definitely not a deal breaker for me whatsoever.My only issue with this light was with the mounting system, but it is no fault of Streamlight. The circular mount is designed for a tactical helmet; my flight helmet is not this. So when I attempted to mount the clip to the edge of my helmet, I had to install an additional spacer between the clamp and my helmet to get a snug fit. Again, this is not fault of Streamlight, nor does it detract from the quality of the product, it’s just something to keep in mind depending on the application you’re using the light for.Overall, a great buy, great value. I’m looking forward to getting much more use out of this little light.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Peter K – September 24, 2012

   
   I’ve had this flashlight for little over 3 months now, and this has become my everyday carry flashlight.At first, I thought this would just be a nice utility flashlight, that would stay in my tool chest. But after a few days, I ended up putting it on my belt, and for over 3 months, it has been on my belt. All day, every day!If you are looking for a tactical flashlight (other than a helmet mounted one) I would not recommend this, as this is not gun mountable, awkward to hold wile carrying a gun, cannot be used as a self defense mode, starts out in the low light position, has no strobe, and depending on what your setting are, may start of in red, blue or even IR light. But all these “bad” sides makes this a perfect all around, everyday carry flashlight!When you turn this flashlight on, with every of the colors, it starts in the low position. This is great for in a low light, or just cramped area, where a high beam would just blend you. And it allows you to easily switch to higher intensities of light, just by holding down the buttons. This also has the great benefit that when the battery runs low, you are still able to get a decent amount of light, for a long period to go looking for the spare battery.Another great side, is the capabilities for it to use both AA batteries ( both alkaline version, and the lithium one ) and the CR123A. This means you got the best of two worlds. The double A is relay the most common battery, but the CR123A gives the best battery life for its size.The belt clip is a nice and strong one. And for 3 months, it has been clipped on, and pulled of my leather belt, and does not seem to have gotten looser. It is not locked into position, but allows you to turn the belt clip around. This also means, that the head strap that is included, will be adjustable!And, after three months of staying in my belt and just about everyday use, I have only manage to use up one CR123A battery. And it shows just about no signs of wear and tear. The head strap is not the best one I have ever felt, but it is far from being uncomfortable.I would by this again if I ever loos it!

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   NelonTHAMelon – June 23, 2016

   
   The best thing since sliced bread. I’ve been through a plethora of headlamps prior to this one and I’m disappointed that I wasted so much money on all of those. The fact that this can interface with my tactical helmet, a ball cap, or on the molle of my tactical gear or plate carrier is stupendous. The clip is super sturdy and stay right where you leave it both on terms of rotation angle and actual retention. The light itself has a ton of variability with 5 levels of brightness on each setting and 4 different output modes. Having to hold down the button to change intensity is a little bit annoying, but nothing life-or-death. Changing light modes (white, blue, red, IR) is easy and definite, there is no way it can slip out of one option into another.The fact that this unit can take AA or CR123A batteries is amazing. I have cases upon cases of AA batteries and am more than happy to feed the light with those rather than expensive CR123A. So far I am still on the original Kirkland AA battery I put into the light and have used it on 3 multi-day outings both in sun and pouring rain.Highly recommend. Have only had the item for about 2 months, but it’s going strong with a good deal of usage.