Maglight Rechargeable or Streamlight SL-20X?

Tactical Gear Tactical Lights, Lasers & Knives
1

Which does everyone prefer? If you have used/owned both, and you can give your input that would be best, but if you only have used one or the other, whats your opinion on whichever one you used?

Reason I ask is because Im asking for a new flashlight for my birthday. Ive wanted to pick up the SL-20X for awhile now, but never got around to it. There is an Army surplus store in my parents town in North Carolina, and they saw a Mag Charger for $95 brand new in there. It comes with AC and DC chargers, and my parents asked me how I felt about it. Ive never used the Mag Charger, but I have a 3 D cell maglight which ive used for a long time now, and I like the build of it. I know the Streamlight SL-20X is pretty popular among Law Enforcement.

Which does everyone prefer? What are the pros and cons of each? If I got the Streamlight, I would be getting it from Quartermaster for $129, and right now they have a special where you can get a smaller Streamlight pocketsize flashlight ($20 value) for free if you order any Streamlight over $70.

2

I have been issued both, at different times. Possibly because my initial familiarization was with the Magcharger, I prefer it, to the point I bought my own when I was issued the Streamlight. Both seemed topshelf to me.

One complaint I have with both are the mounting cradles: the streamlight slides into the charger, top to bottom, but the magcharger seems to have weaker “clamps” (structurally, I’ve broken a couple), although it does snap in from the front, which I prefer.

3

I’ve owned several Streamlights, and currently own an SL20 and an SL35. I’ve used the Mag Light.

I prefer the Streamlights because of their switch, and because they feel a little thinner in my hand. I could never find the switch on the Mag Light when I needed it quickly, but the Streamlight switch was easy to find. I also never cared for the adjustable head on the Mag… I liked the Streamlights pre-focused reflector.

YMMV.

4

I have used Kel-lites, Maglights and Streamlights. All will work in a pinch. If cost is a consideration, any Maglight will do the trick, even the multiple D-cell version.

For someone who needs a flashlight every day, rechargeables are convenient, but one must be committed to discharging the NiCad battery cell completely before recharging, to avoid taking a set. Both the Maglight and SL20 rechargeables use NiCad batteries. Lithium ion batteries do not take a set, but are not yet popular with these rechargeables.

For illumination purposes, the 20x is very light for its size, throws some 20,000 candles and the sleeve recharger works well. The Maglight recharger is less sturdy. The streamlight switch is easy to activate.

I prefer the aluminum version of the Streamlight as opposed to the 20X, even though it is heavier.

For police work, an aluminum flashlight can fulfill more than one purpose when necessary.

One trend these days is to carry the SL20 in the patrol car, and have another lithium powered LED flashlight on the belt as a back up. LED’s are shock resistent have a longer life.

One flashlight is never enough, as it is sure be dead when you need it. I have a Pentagon L2 LED as a back-up for duty, and the SL20 in my ready bag for every day use.

My issued patrol rifle has a Pentagon UM03 9-volt system for identifying and acquiring a target out to 100 yards. My personal home defense AR has a Surefire X300, and my 870 has a dedicated Surefire fore-end.

There are some new interesting light systems that include hand-mounted lights, as opposed to weapon-mounted lights, too.

If you really want to know flashlights, there are some tactical flashlight forums on the Internet – just don’t believe everything you read…

Good luck and be safe!