This is a truly outstanding light, and at $16.00, it competes with other lights in the $30 - 60 range in terms of build quality, form factor, and beam quality. I'm very impressed.
First, this is the UPDATED version of the original MicroStream, so if you've read older, pre-2011 reviews (many are still circulating online), you may be surprised to learn that this version has resolved several known issues with the older model. The beam is brighter (28 lumens instead of 20), battery run time is longer (2.5 hours instead of 1.75 hours), the tail switch is much stiffer (nearly impossible to turn on by accident in your pocket), and, though I have no way to confirm it, the anodized coating seems to be more scratch resistant.
Second, this light is very small. It is barely larger in diameter than an AAA battery, and the length is about the same as the width of my medium-sized hand (i.e., if you clutch it in your fist, you should be able to palm the entire light). The two-way pocket clip is reasonably stiff and very functional. It can be clipped onto your pocket for a more secure ride or onto the brim of a hat (or backpack strap, etc.) to hold the light for hands-free illumination. I've also clipped it onto the edge of a stroller as a very effective headlight to illuminate the pathway when pushing a stroller at night. The weight is so light you will absolutely forget that you're carrying it. It's only negligibly heavier than the weight of the AAA battery itself. Basically, if you have room for a tube of chapstick in your pocket, you have room for this light.
Third, the beam is very clean. It creates a nice, round, evenly illuminated circle of light with no hot spots or shadows anywhere in the center of the beam. The beam has a very effective reach (throw range) of about 15 feet. When you shine it at your feet, it casts a brightly lit circle about 18" in diameter. There is some spill at the edges of the beam, but not enough to illuminate the surrounding area, so it's closer to a spotlight than a floodlight (as any light of this size should be). It's ideal for illuminating a pathway at night, reading in the dark (though perhaps too bright for extended reading), locating a keyhole in a door, or momentarily blinding a potential attacker to gain an edge in a self defense situation.
Fourth, the light is certainly weatherproof and, theoretically, waterproof. I haven't tested the latter claim, but there is an O-ring seal on the barrel threads where the light screws together so I suspect it would certainly survive a drop into a puddle or other casual contact with water. I wouldn't deliberately take it diving, of course, but it's not a dive light so it hardly matters.
In short, I'm very impressed with this excellent, lightweight, perfect-for-casual-lighting-needs light. I'll probably buy several more and stow them in various places (kitchen cupboard, boat hatch, glovebox, office drawer, etc.) because they're so affordable and useful, yet take up almost no room.
| Special Feature | Non-Rechargeable, Water Resistant |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
| White Brightness | 45 Lumens |
| Included Components | Clip, User Guide, AAA Battery, Flashlight |
| Product Dimensions | 3.5"D x 0.6"W x 0.6"H |
| Voltage | 1.5 Volts (DC) |
| Light Path Distance | 41 Meters |
| Battery Cell Composition | Alkaline |
| Item Weight | 1.04 Ounces |
| Number of Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Warranty Type | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Brand | Streamlight |
| Brightness | 420 Candela |
| Battery Description | Alkaline |
| Runtime | 2 hours |
| Style | Clear Retail Packaging |
| Finish Type | Black |
| Light Source Wattage | 0.15 Watts |
| Specification Met | IPX4, CE, ANSI |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Industrial, DIY, Home Defense, Safety & Security, Camping |
| Manufacturer | Streamlight |
| Part Number | 66318 |
| Item Weight | 1.04 ounces |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 66318 |
| Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 3.6 inches |
| Finish | Black |
| Shape | Round |
| Wattage | 18 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Cutting Diameter | 0.61 Inches |
| Special Features | Non-Rechargeable, Water Resistant |
| Usage | Outside; Professional, Inside; Amateur, Professional, Inside; Professional, Outside; Amateur |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Description Pile | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | Limited lifetime warranty. |
| Assembled Diameter | 0.61 Inches |
| National Stock Number | 6230-01-583-9046 |
