When Streamlight announced the Strion Switchblade in late 2019, it was described as “five lights in one: a drop light, a hands-free light, a bright white light, a UV light, and a color-matching light.” It could also be considered the successor to the now discontinued Knucklehead, which we reviewed back in 2011, but with increased output, more flexible charging options, multiple light sources, and a more compact form factor. In our new Quick Test review format, we will be taking a look at the performance of the Strion Switchblade with a focus on technical details.
Key Specifications
- Output: 500 lumens Cool White (6000K), 400 lumens 90 CRI (4000K), 500mW UV (400nm)
- Runtime: 3h Cool White, 3h 90 CRI, 5h UV
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Length: 6″ folded, 10.75″ fully extended
- Diameter: 1.18″ head, 1″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 6.4 oz.
- Colors: Red
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $110-200
- Actual Pricing: ~$70-130
Packaging
Streamlight offers various packages for their rechargeable lights, with choices for input voltage and charging options. The Strion Switchblade can be ordered with just a Micro USB cable for charging, with a Strion family charger, or with a Strion family PiggyBack charger that also includes a second battery.
Batteries
The Strion Switchblade uses a 2,600mAh lithium-ion battery common to the Strion family and can be charged using any existing Strion chargers that you may already have. In addition, the Strion Switchblade also has a Micro USB port on the back of the light, though it is shrouded to work with Streamlight’s locking cables and protect the relatively fragile port. If you are planning to use your own Micro USB cable, make sure the connector fits inside the port and can be fully seated.
Charge time is 4 hours regardless of power source, unless limited by the USB power supply.
Modes
The Strion Switchblade has three output modes. It is not possible to operate both sides of the light bar together.
Cool White (6000K)
With one click, the cool white LEDs on the front of the light bar is activated for 500 lumens.
Warm White 90 CRI (4000K)
With two clicks, the warm white LEDs on the back of the light bar is activated for 400 lumens.
UV
With three clicks, the UV LED on the back of the light bar is activated for 500mW of 400nm ultraviolet light.
Performance
Using 10 white LEDs on each side of the light bar and a single UV LED on the top of the back side, the Strion Switchblade produces diffused light over a wide area. The rotating mechanism has multiple stops to maintain six positions ranging from 30 degrees to fully opened at 180 degrees.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Streamlight uses step-down regulation in the Strion Switchblade that also functions as a low battery warning. Output is mostly consistent for the first 2h 15min and 10% output is maintained for the rest of the runtime. This avoids a sudden cutoff while you are still working, giving you time to change lights or swap a fresh battery one from the PiggyBack charger. There is still plenty of runtime available at this 10% output level, especially when the warm white LEDs are used, providing up to three additional hours of usable light.
Conclusion
The Strion Switchblade is a versatile and compact work light. With the built-in Micro USB charging port, it can even be used on the go and recharged without having to bring along the charging cradle. After using the Strion Switchblade for some time, we’ve found the runtime to be a bit short and have become rather dependent on the PiggyBack charger for a spare battery. Because the light lacks any lower output modes, there isn’t any way to get longer runtime. More output isn’t always better, glare can be a problem when working in tight spaces, though using the warm white LEDs does help with both runtime and glare. Even with these minor issues, the Streamlight Strion Switchblade is a strong contender – our solution for getting more runtime was to just get another one.
Related Links
Streamlight Strion Switchblade Product Page
Streamlight Strion Switchblade Fact Sheet
