Written by 1:41 pmFlashlights, Lighting, Outdoor Gear, Tactical Gear

Fenix vs Streamlight Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

This is an image of a black Nitecore EA81 Searchlight Flashlight with 8 Premium Eco-Sensa AA batteries

If you happen to be on the lookout for a better quality light, you might have considered some of the bigger brands available. But how do you decide between a Fenix light and a Streamlight one?

It can be difficult figuring out which brands produce a better quality light, so we want to help.

Selecting a good light can take some time. By looking at all the lights that both brands have to have to offer, we were able to come up with our favorite Streamlight and Fenix lights to make your decision a little bit easier.

Who is Fenix?

The Fenix brand is part of Fenixlight Limited, a company that was started in 2001 in China. The company design, manufacture, and sell its flashlights and lighting solution products worldwide, which are regularly used by first responders, the military, and other professional fields.

As well as flashlights, Fenix has cycling lights, lanterns, headlamps, and more as they continue to develop lights specifically for the outdoor sports market.

The high quality of Fenix’s LED flashlights has made sure that they have an impressive reputation with customers and stockists worldwide. They have even won awards from the New York Times, Outdoor Retailer Trade Show, and the American Gear Institute.

Rigorous testing in the field ensures all products are durable and perform to the highest standard before they hit the market.

There really are some great choices from Fenix, and we have been impressed by the versatility of the brand and the quality of design and production.

What flashlights does Fenix specialize in?

Fenix are noted for their versatility and have a great range of lights to choose from, including;

EDC

The compact and lightweight options available at Fenix are ideal for everyday carry use, and there is a wide selection to choose from.

Outdoor

Weatherproof, waterproof, shockproof, you name it, you can find it with Fenix. There are loads of great durable lights that make them ideal for outdoor use.

Search

Searchlights need to be able to produce a bright light that can flood the area being searched. Conditions might not always be great, so a durable light that can withstand the elements is essential. There are some very impressive Fenix options available.

Hunting

Fenix has some great hunting flashlights that accommodate white, red, and green LEDs while maintaining a bright beam over a considerable distance.

Tactical

Many Fenix lights are used by law enforcement, security, and the military, and their tactical flashlight designs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking.

What is the battery life like on Fenix flashlights?

How long batteries last on a flashlight is dependent on how you use the light. There are different battery options for Fenix lights, including rechargeable, non-rechargeable, and dual-powered lights.

Taking the time to check the run time for power modes on a new flashlight will help you determine whether the battery life on the light you are looking at will suit your needs.

Which Fenix Lights are recommended?

Here are some of our top picks for the best Fenix flashlight of 2021;

Fenix FX-PD35TAC

The Fenix FX-PD35TAC is one of our favorite compact tactical flashlights on the market at the moment.

The reason for that is its versatility offering a tactical or outdoor mode. The tactical mode gives you faster operation with simplified controls and 1000 lumens with a 60-lumen strobe. The Outdoor mode gives you the option of 1000 lumens, 500 lumens, or 200 lumens, as well as a 60-lumen economy mode and an 8-lumen strobe.

It is powered by either 2 CR123A batteries or 1 18650 battery. The body is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish making it extremely durable.

It is waterproof up to 6 1/2 feet for as long as 30 minutes and is IPX-8 standard making it the perfect accompaniment for use in any condition.

Dimensions – ‎6″ x 3″ x 1″ | Weight – 5.6oz | Highest Output – 1000 lumens

Fenix LR40

The Fenix LR40 is a powerful light that is perfect for search and rescue operations. The powerful 12,000-lumen output can reach 773 meters, and the spot and floodlight features can be used simultaneously.

This light is built for comfort and can easily be held in one hand as well coming with a lanyard and holster for when you need to keep your hands free.

The light provides long-lasting illumination thanks to its large capacity rechargeable battery pack. You can even make use of the fast charging adaptor to fully charge the light in just 2.2 hours.

The battery level can be checked with a single click to know how much power you have left in the light.

If you are in the market for a bigger light, this could be the ideal choice for you.

Dimensions – 6.06’’ x 3.15’’ x 2.01″| Weight – 17.6 oz | Highest Output -12000 lumens

Fenix HT18 Long-Range Hunting LED Flashlight

The Fenix HT18 blew us away with its beam length of 925 meters, and the included red and green filters are perfect for hunting.

The maximum output of 1500 lumens is impressive, as is the 50,000 lifespan of the Cree XHP35 HI LED that produces it.

The light comes with a Fenix ARB-L21-5000U USB rechargeable 21700 Li-ion battery and a 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery that can be used with the ALF-18 battery holder. This is great for tracking when time gets away from you. The last thing you want is for your flashlight to cut out.

The clear and accurate battery status display will also help you avoid the light running out of power. It always amazes us that more lights don’t have such a clear way of checking.

Built to guarantee a strong connection, the double springs hold the battery in place. This will give you peace of mind if it is gun-mounted.

The handy tactical tail switch lets you turn the light on and off momentarily or constantly.

This light is tough, as you might expect for one expected to withstand outdoor use. It can withstand a drop of up to 1.5 meters and is IP68 rated to protect against dust, foreign objects, or submersion up to 2 meters for as long as 30 minutes.

If you like to go out in the peak of summer or icy depths of winter, this is the flashlight for you. It can withstand temperatures from -35°C to 45°C, making it ideal for most hunting trips.

Dimensions – 7.24″ x 2.68″ x 2.68″ | Weight – 7.76 oz | Highest Output -1500 lumens

Fenix E12 pocket-size flashlight

Sometimes you don’t need a huge light; if you are on the lookout for a small light for the home, car, or to give you enough light in the dark to safely walk down a path or find a dropped key, the Fenix E12 is perfect.

Powered by a sing AA battery, this flashlight can still produce 160 lumens and reach as far as 68 meters.

Three power modes allow you to prolong the light’s battery life; Full power lasts for one hour, can reach 68 meters, and emits 160 lumens.

Medium power lasts for as long as 13 hours, emits 30 lumens, and reaches 28 meters.

Low power will last for an incredible 70 hours and emits 5 lumens which will reach as far as 12 meters.

The Light is also incredibly durable with an impact resistance of up to 1 meter, and IP68 rated protection allowing for submersion in water for up to 30 minutes up to a depth of 2 meters.

The two-position body clip allows hands-free use making it the perfect light for family camping trips, blackouts, or dog walking in poorly lit areas.

Dimensions – 3.06″ x 0.75″ x 0.69″ | Weight – 0.96 oz | Highest Output – 160 lumens

Fenix E18R

 

When it comes to everyday carry flashlights, we like versatile ones. The compact E18R certainly is that.

It has an impressive maximum output of 750 lumens, has 4 output levels, and a strobe and the magnetic tail light make it handy for all kinds of jobs.

The magnetic charging option is one we have been a fan of for a while, and we are pleased to see that there is also a battery level indication.

Made using a premium type HAIII hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, it is resistant against scrapes and wear. The tough exterior also protects the inner components from damage should you drop it.

It is IP68 rated, submersible up to 2 meters, and even comes protected against accidentally activating it. This can be a huge problem and is one of the major ways to run down your battery accidentally.

It comes with a pocket clip, keyring, and lanyard; when you include the magnetic tail cap, you will find many ways to use this hands-free.

Dimensions – 2.36″ x 0.83″x 0.78″ | Weight – 0.74 oz | Highest Output – 750 lumens

Fenix Pros and Cons

Pros:

Great range

Durable

Bright options available

Battery charge indicators

The accessories included are useful

Cons:

Some reports of faulty lights that did not work as they should

Who is Streamlight?

Streamlight has a proud history of designing for NASA before being headhunted to start the company we know today.

Streamlight has grown considerably, and their headquarters in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, has expanded to over 240,000 square feet.

The Streamlight team’s dedication to creating the best flashlights possible sees them regularly venture into the field and undertake training to understand what the lights will have to endure.

Because of this, Streamlight flashlights are a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel.

To pay back to the community, Streamlight also has a range of charity flashlights that see money from the sale of these selected products go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Fallen Firefighters® (NFFF), or Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

What flashlights does Streamlight specialize in?

Streamlight has a great variety of flashlights for all kinds of uses, including;

EDC

Streamlight everyday carry flashlights are the ideal choice for general use. The lightweight, compact lights offer convenience and are durable to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.

Outdoor

They have a great range of weatherproof flashlights that are built for outdoor use. They are protected against bumps and scrapes, as well as being able to provide a high-quality beam when you need it most.

Search

Streamlight has some incredibly bright flashlights that are perfect for search operations. The high-quality build guarantees a strong, long-distance beam.

Hunting

When hunting, things can change at the drop of a hat, and you want your flashlight to be versatile enough to cope with whatever happens. Streamlight has put their years of experience to ensure they can provide lights that their customers can rely on.

Tactical

The fact that so many Streamlight flashlights are used by law enforcement, the military, and security teams worldwide speaks volumes for the performance of their tactical flashlights.

What is the battery life like on a Streamlight flashlight?

Streamlight flashlights are very efficient, and the battery life is usually of an excellent standard. This will, of course, differ depending on use.

Which Streamlight lights are recommended?

Here are some of the best Streamlight flashlights of 2021 that we have been impressed with:

Streamlight Pocket Mate

This new light from Streamlight is the ultimate in convenient lighting. Small enough to be attached to a zipper or keyring, you won’t even realize you are carrying it until you have to use it.

The flashlight has two modes and can emit a maximum of 325 lumens on the high setting, this will last for around 20 minutes, and the beam distance is up to 76 meters. The low mode emits 45 lumens, has a 28-meter reach, and can run for as long as an hour.

We found this to be a really handy little light; it doesn’t produce a concentrated beam but illuminates the area, which is ideal for the kind of thing you would use it for, such as lighting a path or finding something you have dropped in the dark.

The USB charging is convenient as well and what really surprised us was how robust this light is. It has been made to withstand a 1-meter impact and is IPX4 weather resistant.

It is available in blue, red, pink, and silver. It can even have a company logo printed on it, making it a really versatile light.

Dimensions – 2″ x 1.08″ x 0.5″ | Weight – 0.5oz | Highest Output – 325 lumens

Streamlight PolyTac X

The Streamlight PolyTac X is a quality light that is durable and easy to grip. The rechargeable 18650 USB battery is quick and easy to charge, or you can use 2 CR123A disposable batteries, making it a versatile option for people on the go.

There are 3 different modes and a strobe function that can adjust the light for your needs.

The super-bright mode emits 600 lumens with a throw of 205 meters. The run time for this is between 2.75 hours and 3.5 hours, depending on the power source.

The light is IPX7 waterproof for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter, and the light has been impacted tested to withstand a drop from 3 meters.

If you are on the lookout for cheap flashlights but still expect quality, Streamlight has great options like this one.

Dimensions – 5.46″ x 1″ x 1″ | Weight – 4.9oz| Highest Output – 600 lumens

Streamlight 85011 Scorpion X

Streamlight 85011 Scorpion X C4 LED Tactical Handheld Lithium Powered Strobing Flashlight, Black - 200 Lumens

The Streamlight Scorpion X is the perfect option for those looking for a compact, lightweight tactical flashlight. The enhanced rubber sleeve offers the user a secure grip regardless of the environment.

This great light comes with a strobe function and a high mode that emits a maximum of 200 lumens for up to 2.5 hours, and the low power mode that emits 10 lumens for a staggering 50 hours.

Streamlight tail buttons have been a bit hit or miss, but this push-button tactical switch works just as you would hope.

The light is designed with an anti-roll head and is IPX4 water-resistant and 3-meter impact tested.

It comes with the two 3V CR123A lithium batteries needed to power it, so you will be ready to use it as soon as it arrives.

Dimensions – 5.6 x 1.25 x 1.25 | Weight – 5oz | Highest Output – 200

Streamlight 75458 Stinger

The Streamlight 75458 Stinger is probably our favorite Streamlight flashlight due to its great performance.

The light has 3 power modes; the high power mode emits a maximum of 800 lumens for 1.5 hours and can reach 310 meters. The medium setting emits 400 lumens for 2.5 hours and can reach as far as 219 meters, while the low mode can run for 5 hours, emitting 200 lumens as far as 155 meters.

It comes with a rubberized comfort grip so it won’t slip and is IPX4 water-resistant, 1-meter impact tested, and has a scratch-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate lens.

This light is easy to use, and recharge has a great light quality and is very durable.

Dimensions – ‎8.85″ x 3″ x 3″ | Weight – 12.8oz | Highest Output – 800 lumens

Streamlight Pros and Cons

Pros:

Wide choice

US company

Impressive tactical flashlights

Reasonable prices

Cons:

Sometimes lets itself down on electronics

Conclusion

In terms of choice, Streamlight pips it for us, but that is not to say we were disappointed with what Fenix had to offer. Comparing flashlight brands will always be difficult because certain lights will outperform others.

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