Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Review

Streamlight’s latest variant of the Stinger LED is the High Lumen (HL) model, and the new Stinger DS LED HL provides maximum illumination with its output of 640 lumens. The higher-capacity NiMH battery now comes standard with the HL model in all markets, and reduced output levels of 340 lumens and 170 lumens provide comparable output and runtime as the standard Stinger DS LED. As always, existing Stinger family batteries and chargers can be used with the new HL series.

Key Specifications

• Output: 640 lumens high, 340 lumens medium, 170 lumens low
• Intensity: 22,000 candela
• Runtime: 1h 15min high, 2h medium, 4h low, 3h strobe
• Battery: NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Length: 8.85″
• Diameter: 1.6″ bezel, 1.2″ body
• Weight with Batteries: 12.2 oz.
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• MSRP: $252.20
• Actual Pricing: ~$140

Pricing & Contents

Depending on charger configuration, MSRP for the Stinger DS LED HL is around $240, and the light is only available in black. Most configurations can be found for around $140.

Streamlight offers various packages for their rechargeable lights, with choices for input voltage, charging options (AC and DC, AC only, DC only, or light only), and PiggyBack spare battery charging. Our package is 120V AC (item #75455), and included in the box are: Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL, NiMH battery, steady charge cradle, 120V AC adapter, anti-roll ring, and user manual.

Note: Single holder Fast Charge configurations are no longer offered, and Fast Charge is only available with AC/DC two-holder configurations (item #75457 for 120V AC).

Batteries

Proprietary rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (2,200 mAh) are standard with the Stinger DS LED HL, and the battery pack can be recharged up to 1,000 times. Nickel-cadmium batteries (1,800 mAh) from other Stinger models can also be used in the HL, but with about 20% less runtime.

To charge the light, insert the barrel of the light into the charger, and pull down until it locks. Charging can take up to 3.5 hours with the Fast Charger, or up to 12 hours with the Steady Charger.

The Light

The exterior of the Stinger DS LED HL, which is type-II anodized to protect against scratches and corrosion, remains nearly identical to the original Stinger LED and can be identified by the cooling fins and hot surface warning on the bezel.

Head
Behind the polycarbonate plastic window, which has a scratch-resistant silicon dioxide coating with a minimum pencil hardness of 3H, is a partially textured plastic reflector. The head switch is a momentary-capable electronic switch.

Body
Charging contacts are on the back of the light, on an elevated triangle that aligns the charging contacts with the cradle. The body of the light is covered with rubber to provide grip.

Tail Cap
On the tail cap is an optional electronic switch (available only with the DS model), covered with black rubber. The button is recessed to prevent accidental activation, and also allows the light to tail-stand.

Modes

All of the Stinger LED lights use the same four-mode user interface with high, medium, low, and strobe.

Single Click: High (640 Lumens)
A single click activates maximum output.

Click and Hold: High-Medium-Low (640, 340, 170 Lumens)
When the switch is pressed and held, the light will cycle through three brightness levels in the following order: high-medium-low-medium-high. Output level can be changed anytime, even if the light is already turned on, and when the switch is released, the output level will be set.

Two Fast Clicks: Strobe (640 Lumens)
With two fast clicks, the maximum output strobe is activated. Strobe can be activated anytime, even if the light is already turned on.

For all modes, a single click will turn the light off. Since the light uses electronic switches, there is a small standby current drain of 5 µA (0.005 mA).

Performance

Using a Cree XM-L LED, the Stinger DS LED HL has a maximum output of 640 lumens. Beam profile is smooth and focused, with a peak beam intensity of 22,000 candela.

Compared to the Stinger DS LED that uses a Cree XP-G2 LED, the HL model has a similar beam pattern with larger hotspot and brighter spill for improved peripheral lighting.

Runtime

If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.

The Stinger DS LED HL reduces output to 70% during the first 15 minutes of runtime, and then remains consistent until the end of the runtime. Tested runtime is slightly longer than Streamlight’s published specifications.

Accessories

An anti-roll ring is included with the light, and Streamlight offers a variety of charging options and add-ons, such as traffic wands and holsters.

 

The PiggyBack charger accessory includes a spare battery and charges both the light and a spare battery at the same time. It is available with a choice of standard or fast charging for the primary charger, but only steady charge for the spare battery.

Conclusion

Keeping the Streamlight Stinger competitive among ultra-high output LED flashlights, the new HL model has a respectable output of 640 lumens. Even though it doesn’t have the highest output or the longest runtime, the Stinger DS LED HL is one of the few lights in this category that offers both head and tail switches, as well as the ability to charge spare batteries (using the optional PiggyBack charger). The Stinger DS LED HL builds on the proven platform of the Stinger LED, combining dual-switch technology, ease-of-use, and increased performance into an affordable high-output rechargeable light.

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Pros	Cons
Maximum output of 640 lumens High, medium, low, and strobe modes Direct access to brightness levels and strobe Dual independent switches Scratch-resistant polycarbonate window Rubberized grip Lifetime warranty	Steady charger takes up to 12 hours

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Related Links

Streamlight Stinger Series Product Page

Streamlight Stinger LED HL and Stinger DS LED HL Fact Sheet

Streamlight Stinger LED HL Info Sheet

Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Info Sheet

Rechargeable Flashlight Comparison on LED-Resource