Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II: A Comprehensive Review

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a versatile and durable hands-free light that is designed to meet the needs of military personnel, law enforcement officers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This compact light features four different color LEDs (white, blue, red, and IR) that can be easily switched between, making it ideal for a variety of tasks and situations. With a maximum output of 47 lumens, the Sidewinder Compact II provides plenty of light to help you see in low-light conditions.

Overview of Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a versatile hands-free military light that is designed to provide ultimate flexibility in the field. It is lightweight, multi-directional, and multi-functional, making it an ideal tool for various outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and hunting.

The Sidewinder Compact II is available in both a military model and a civilian model. The military model is designed to meet the specific needs of military personnel, while the civilian model is suitable for general outdoor use.

One of the key features of the Sidewinder Compact II is its multi-colored LED lighting options. It offers four different illumination outputs, including low, medium 1, medium 2, and high, providing flexibility in the field. The light also accepts multiple battery types, including CR123A lithium battery, AA alkaline battery, or AA lithium battery.

The Sidewinder Compact II is also designed to be durable and reliable. It comes with a pull-to-turn locking rotary knob that prevents accidental mode changes, ensuring that the light remains on when you need it most. The light also has a durable clip that attaches to your helmet, head strap, or MOLLE vest.

Overall, the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality hands-free military light or headlamp. Its versatility, durability, and reliability make it an ideal tool for various outdoor activities.

Key Features

Light Output and Mode Options

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II offers multiple lighting options, including C4 LED, IR, red, white, blue, and green LEDs. The C4 white LED provides high, medium, and low output modes, while the other LEDs offer a single output mode. The strobe function is also available for selected light sources. The 5mm IR LED provides an IR safe mode for use with night vision devices. The rubber dome actuator allows for easy operation even when wearing gloves.

Battery Types and Run Time

The Sidewinder Compact II accepts multiple battery types, including one CR123A lithium battery, one AA lithium battery, or one AA alkaline battery. The battery compartment cover has cord attachment holes capable of supporting up to 25 lbs of load. Tactile battery polarity indicators make battery replacement easy even in the dark. Built-in battery polarity protection guards against damage to the light.

The run time varies depending on the selected light source and output mode. The maximum run time is up to 24 hours for the C4 white LED on low output mode using a CR123A lithium battery.

Mounting Options

The Sidewinder Compact II provides multiple mounting options, making it versatile for various applications. The durable clip attaches to a helmet, head strap, or MOLLE vest. The light can also be held in hand or mounted on a weapon. The light head rotates 185 degrees, allowing for multi-directional lighting.

Safety Features

The Sidewinder Compact II offers various safety features to ensure reliable operation in the field. The light has a built-in battery polarity protection to guard against damage to the light. It also has a strobe function for selected light sources to attract attention or signal for help. The 5mm IR LED provides an IR safe mode for use with night vision devices.

Detailed Specifications

Physical Attributes

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a hands-free military light that is lightweight and multi-functional. It is constructed with a polycarbonate lens and a high-impact, super-tough nylon case that is designed to withstand harsh conditions. The light is also equipped with a cord attachment hole, making it easy to attach to a helmet or vest.

The light measures 3.25 inches in length and weighs only 2.4 ounces, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods of time. It comes with a nylon clip for attachment to MOLLE vests or other gear and a head strap for hands-free use.

Performance Metrics

The Sidewinder Compact II accepts multiple battery types, including one CR123A lithium battery, one AA lithium battery, or one AA alkaline battery. Lithium batteries allow operation in extreme temperature environments (-40F to 140F). The light has a pull-to-turn locking rotary knob that prevents accidental mode changes.

The light has a maximum output of 55 lumens and a beam distance of 69 meters. It has a run time of 6 hours on high and 70 hours on low with a CR123A lithium battery, 16 hours on high and 95 hours on low with an AA lithium battery, and 15 hours on high and 90 hours on low with an AA alkaline battery. The light also has multiple LED lighting options, including a 5mm blue LED, a 5mm red LED, and an IR (infrared) LED with a peak wavelength of 880 nm.

The light is also designed to meet MIL-STD-810F, Method 512.4 for impact resistance. It has a 630 nm peak wavelength for red light, a 470 nm peak wavelength for blue light, and a 880 nm peak wavelength for IR light.

Overall, the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a versatile and durable hands-free military light with a variety of battery and LED options to meet the needs of any situation.

Additional Resources

If you want to learn more about the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II, there are many resources available to you. Here are a few that we recommend:

  • Streamlight’s website: The manufacturer’s website is a great place to start. They have detailed information about the product, including specifications, features, and benefits. You can also find user manuals, warranty information, and other resources on their website.
  • Online reviews: There are many online reviews of the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the product’s performance, durability, and ease of use. Be sure to read reviews from multiple sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the product.
  • YouTube videos: YouTube is a great resource for product demonstrations and reviews. There are many videos available that show the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II in action, which can help you get a better sense of how it works and what it can do.
  • Military and law enforcement forums: The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a popular choice among military and law enforcement personnel. There are many forums and discussion boards where you can find information and opinions from people who have used the product in the field.
  • Retailers: If you’re interested in purchasing the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II, be sure to check with your local retailers. Many outdoor and tactical gear stores carry the product, and they can provide you with hands-on experience and advice.

Overall, the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a versatile and reliable hands-free light that is well-suited for a variety of applications. With the resources available to you, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mounting options available for the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II?

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II comes with a variety of mounting options, including a helmet mount, MOLLE mount, and a magnetic mount. This allows for versatile use in different situations.

How do I replace the battery in my Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II?

To replace the battery in your Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II, simply unscrew the battery compartment and remove the old batteries. Then, insert the new batteries, making sure to follow the correct polarity.

Is the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II waterproof?

Yes, the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is waterproof and can be submerged in water up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.

What is the difference between the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II and the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk?

The Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II is a hands-free military light that is compact and versatile, while the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk is a flashlight that is designed to be mounted on a weapon.

Does Streamlight offer a law enforcement discount?

Yes, Streamlight offers a discount program for law enforcement and military personnel. Contact Streamlight directly for more information.

Are Streamlight flashlights good for military use?

Yes, Streamlight flashlights are designed for military use and are built to withstand harsh conditions and extreme environments. They are known for their durability and reliability.

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