Flashlights are essential items, period. Some lights meet and exceed needs, and others fall flat. When there’s a situation when you need to use a light, you don’t want to be that jackass who’s wandering around using their cell phone “flashlight mode.” Will that work in a pinch? Sure. But in real emergencies, having a solid and trustworthy light on hand is paramount. The Streamlight LED Stylus Pro Penlight is my everyday carry light. It meets many of my needs and has been a trustworthy companion for years.
Compact design
The Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight is a flashlight that runs on two AAA batteries. The compact and sleek design of the light makes it easy to carry in a pants pocket, using the clip, or even someone wearing a suit coat could easily slip one of these bad boys into an internal pocket, without bulging.
Brightness and power
Is this the end all be all of flashlights? No. But it’s probably one of the most used of all the lights that I own based simply on its accessibility. The light will throw a 100 lumens out to about 62 meters. This is not the most blistering bright lamps on the planet, not by a longshot. But this light will get you out of the dark, help you find your way, aid in locating items dropped when there’s low visibility, and most importantly, its size makes it to where EDC or having it slipped into a purse is not inconvenient.
Because the light runs on two AAA batteries, the biggest challenge with it is making sure there’s enough life left in them. Since the light is a decent lumen LED for the power available, sucking down the battery life quickly is something that could occur. The light is advertised to run for 8 hours.
Tail switch activation
The tail switch, a popular mode of turning a light on and off, is rubberized and seals off the battery/circuit compartment fairly well. This is a single mode lamp, so by engaging the switch, a user goes from on to off, or off to on – that’s it. The simple design and use makes it a good candidate for a family member or friend who might be dismissive to keeping one of these things handy – there’s nothing overly technical about it. The tail switches on these lights do tend to fail over time and repeated abuse, however inexpensive replacement ones can be found online.
Body composition
Streamlight offers the Stylus Pro Penlight in multiple colors. While the color of the body of the light does not add to the utilitarian nature of the light, it’s nice to be able to have a personalized feel by having a color of one’s own choosing. The body of the light is anodized machined aircraft aluminum and the lens is made of polycarbonate. The finish on the light is susceptible to normal wear, especially if in a pocket next to other EDC items such as a knife or tactical pen. The finish on my blue light has worn in certain areas.
The light is advertised to be IPX4 water resistant. So, don’t have visions of diving into the depths of Davy Jones’ Locker, but it will live on to fight another day if it gets a little wet.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Compact and lightweight design. Constructed of robust anodized aluminum and has proved to be rugged. Reasonably priced, under $35.00, or better.
Minuses: Runtime not exceptionally long and uses disposable batteries. While advertised as “High lumens,” this is not a light that I’d consider “high lumen.” Tail switch is the weak point of failure on this light.
Would I buy The Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight? The best part about reviewing this light is the first one I received as a gift from a co-worker. I then went out and got another for myself and one for my wife. I ended up with another as a gift from the same guy again. Would I buy? I have and I will continue to. These lights make perfect stocking stuffers, “I’m thinking about you” gifts, or just great for an impulse buy. I recommend this product – just understand its capabilities. I look forward to checking out the rechargeable version in the future. Overall, this is a great option.
About the Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight:
Super Bright LED Penlight
Part Numbers ListThis penlight conveniently fits in your pocket. Ideal for anyone that needs a compact, durable light to carry on a daily basis.
- Click here for data sheet
- White LED delivers 100 lumens; 62 m beam; runs 8 hours
- Push button tail switch – momentary or constant on operation
- Includes two (2) “AAA” alkaline batteries and tear-resistant nylon holster
- Low battery indicator – flashlight strobes when fresh batteries are needed
- Type II MIL-SPEC abrasion and corrosion-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum construction with unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens
- IPX4 water-resistant; 1m impact resistance tested
- About the size of a marker, it conveniently fits in your pocket and a removable pocket clip ensures it stays in place
- 5.3 in (134mm); 1.64 oz (46.9 g)
- Available in Matte Black, Silver, Blue, Red, Orange and Lime Green
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- High Lumens100
- Run Time 8.00 hours
- Beam Distance 62 meters
- Max Candela 950
- Battery Type AAA Alkaline
- Battery Quantity 2
- Length 5.30 inches (13.46 centimeters)
- Weight 1.64 ounces (46.49 grams)
- Colors Lime Green, Orange, Silver, Red, Blue, Black
