The Streamlight SL-20 was one of two options when I was looking to buy a quality flashlight when I first entered police work some 14 years ago (the other being the MagCharger). For me, the Streamlight was a much better choice than the MagCharger, as I preferred the pre-focused beam, lighter weight and charging sleeve the SL-20 offered.
However, as technology advanced, the SL-20 didn’t seem to hold its own. For the past five years, I don’t even carry it in the car any more. Lighter weight, brighter flashlights, specifically the Streamlight Strion LED and the SECUTOR PEL-6, now ride full-time on my duty belt. I’ve longed for a brighter version of the SL-20, but have been disappointed…until now.
Streamlight officially introduced the SL-20L at the 2012 SHOT Show. The SL-20L is a new version of the classic light that utilizes the powerful C4 LED lights found in Streamlight’s other hi-power flashlights. Here’s how it breaks down:
In high-power mode, the SL-20L offers 350 lumens and 60,000 candela peak beam intensity for a usable beam of light good to about 490 meters. Nice.
Like the SL-20, the SL-20L uses a rechargeable battery. In high-power mode, Streamlight states you can expect about two hours of runtime. Lower output levels can extend run time to 50 hours. The SL-20L uses the same charging system as the original lights, so no need to upgrade to all new chargers. This can be a real cost savings.
The new SL-20L has an aluminum body, but can also be had with a polymer body in the SL-20LP.
I don’t have a new SL-20L yet, but I hope to get one soon and run it through its paces. The small lights are great, but I have always liked having a longer light that I can easily tuck under my arm during a traffic stop, or to use as an improvised impact weapon.
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The original SL-20, not the SL-20x shown above, was the best, even better when we replaced the bulb with a SL-35 bulb (20,000 candela and 35,000 candela). SL-20x was too fragile. The next best thing was the UltraStinger. As bright, or brighter, than the SL-20 and half the size and weight. The others might appear to be brighter but the candela (the measurement of the focused part of the beam) is weak.
The Stinger (11,000 candela) was designed for, or at least ONLY appropriate for, plainclothes or detectives. It was never designed for Patrol. Why everyone compromised size for usefulness is beyond me.
The problem I have found with LEDs is the effective range, about half the distance of a good halogen focused beam, the LED washes out and you can’t see detail. If this new incarnation of the SL-20 can do what the old one will do, I’ll get it. You’re comparing a flashlight with 230 lumens (35,000 candela Sl-20) with ones producing 160 and 120 (Strion, 10,000 candela, and PEL, it doesn’t even tell you what the candela is). That’s why you see some manufacturers only mention one or the other. They don’t want you comparing.
When it’s you’re life on the line, never compromise quality and effectiveness just so it looks good on your rig belt.
BTW, I bought my SL-20 in 1983 and used it until 2003 when I bought the UltraStinger. Check the specs, you’ll see why. The Stinger don’t compare.
Stay Safe, folks. Never Compromise Safety.
20+ LEO, 12+ Fleet and Purchasing manager. Fulltime patrol again and loving it.
BTW, you wrote a good article. I failed to mention that above.
You hit the nail on the head, disappointment reigned for many years, if the SL-20 really will hit 60,000 candela it will be the best flashlight on the market in a usable size. love the idea of using the same charger sleeves. I hope the switch is tougher than the last few versions.