My work demands that I evaluate and choose the best tools for a wide range of applications.
With that being said, flashlights are an essential part of my everyday carry (EDC).
When the Streamlight Wedge was introduced, I was eager to find out if this new offering could meet my needs.
In my search for the perfect flashlight, I’ve considered multiple factors, such as brightness, durability, and ease of use.
Not to mention, I’m a gear nerd and always like trying new things.
In June of last year I decided to give the Streamlight Wedge a try to see firsthand how it performs.
This slim, compact flashlight boasts incredible brightness with its 1000-lumen output (on the top-end) and a rotating thumb switch for operation.
The overall design and build quality were impressive, yet doubts remained about whether it could outperform other flashlights in comparable situations.
After almost a year of testing and putting it through the rigors of my daily tasks, I have gathered a few insights into what it’s all about.
Bottom Line
Is the Streamlight Wedge worth the hype for an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight?
After nearly a year of rigorous testing, the answer is a solid yes—with a few caveats.
This flashlight impresses with its slim design, 1000-lumen peak output, and dual-mode functionality.
It’s also rechargeable via USB-C and boasts durable build quality.
However, the activation switch is not ideal for ‘tactical’ scenarios, and it’s not the most glove-friendly.
Despite these minor issues, the Streamlight Wedge serves as a reliable, high-performing flashlight suitable for a variety of EDC needs.
Overview of Streamlight Wedge
Over my professional career in law enforcement, training, and physical security consulting, I have used a variety of flashlights…not including what I use on a personal basis.
The Streamlight Wedge caught my attention because of its innovative design and user-friendly features.
I decided to give it a try and here are my thoughts…
One of the key aspects of the Streamlight Wedge is its slim and compact design.
It easily fits in my pocket like a pocket knife and doesn’t create any uncomfortable bulge.
The wedge’s design also allows for quick and easy deployment whenever I need to use it in my line of work.
The flashlight offers two output modes: a 300-lumen constant-on mode and a 1000-lumen “THRO” mode.
The 300-lumen mode is perfect for most tasks and provides plenty of light to see clearly in dark environments without being overpowering.
The THRO mode, on the other hand, offers an intense burst of light that can be useful for momentarily disorienting someone or getting a better view of a large area.
I appreciate the USB-C rechargeable battery.
This not only saves me money on disposable batteries but also allows me to charge the flashlight using my phone charger or a power bank while I’m on the go.
Additionally, the battery life is quite impressive – I can easily go through several weeks running out of power.
In terms of durability, the Streamlight Wedge is built with high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The anodized aluminum body ensures it can survive drops, and its IPX7 water-resistance rating means it can function properly even when exposed to water or heavy rain.
You can see wear on mine, but not much at all and I’ve carried it every single day for 10 months.
Personal and Professional Experience
My recent experience with the Streamlight Wedge has given me the opportunity to analyze its performance and features that stand out in a sea of flashlights.
As mentioned above, what initially attracted me to the Streamlight Wedge was its sleek, compact design.
Its slim profile allows me to carry it conveniently in my pocket and keep a low profile (no bulge), which I prefer.
I appreciate the minimalist appearance, which helps it blend seamlessly with my gear.
Now that I think about it, it can sometimes resemble a Microtech knife at times in my pocket.
During my work, I often find myself in low-light conditions where a powerful and versatile flashlight is essential.
The Streamlight Wedge’s 1000-lumen output and 300-meter beam distance have proven to be more than sufficient in these situations.
The constant-on mode provides consistent illumination, whereas the momentary THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode delivers the maximum output for brief bursts of light, essential during situations where a little more ‘oomph’ is needed.
One minor drawback I have discovered is that the activation switch’s design is not what I would want in a tactical light…think, tailcap switch.
While this hasn’t impacted my performance, it is a point to consider for those concerned with using this in more tactical or defensive applications.
Design and Features
Here’s my experience regarding the design and features of the Streamlight Wedge, including its size and weight, light output and modes, as well as battery life and charging.
Size and Weight
For someone who carries a lot of gear, the compact design of the Streamlight Wedge is quite appealing, like I mentioned.
It measures just 5.46 inches in length and weighs only 3.3 ounces, making it easy to throw into my pocket and forget about it.
The slim profile allows it to sit comfortably and discreetly in my hand, and its anodized aluminum construction gives it a durable feel.
Light Output and Modes
When it comes to light output, the Streamlight Wedge provides impressive performance for its size. The flashlight has two main modes:
- Constant-on mode: With a maximum output of 300 lumens, this mode is suitable for most of my everyday tasks. The bright, even beam helps me see and navigate in low-light scenarios.
- THRO mode: Activated by rotating with dial forward, this mode emits a powerful 1000-lumen beam for a short burst of light, useful when I need to quickly illuminate a target or a distant area.
The Streamlight Wedge also includes a safety feature that prevents accidental activation by requiring a deliberate press and hold of the tail switch to turn it on.
Battery Life and Charging
The built-in rechargeable battery of the Streamlight Wedge lasts about 3 hours in constant-on mode at 300 lumens.
A built-in LED indicator will display the battery status by glowing red when charging or green when charged.
The flashlight charges via a USB-C port, and it takes about 3 hours for a full charge.
I appreciate this modern charging method, as I can conveniently charge it with the same charger I use for my other devices.
Ease of Use and Ergonomics
I’ve found that the Streamlight Wedge is an incredibly user-friendly and ergonomic flashlight suited for various everyday carry (EDC) situations.
The bezel-down orientation allows for easy use without needing to fumble with it when I’m in a hurry.
I’ve come to appreciate the simple “wheel” interface on the front end of the light.
It’s intuitive, even for those without any prior experience with flashlights.
The rotary thumbwheel for selecting different brightness levels makes it convenient to transition from close-up tasks to illuminating longer distances, enhancing the versatility of the flashlight.
The textured pattern on the body of the Streamlight Wedge provides a secure grip during operation, which is essential when I’m navigating through dimly lit areas or providing training sessions.
However, I wish it had a bit more.
This would reduce the likelihood of accidentally dropping the flashlight, which would suck in certain situations.
Lastly, the deep-carry pocket clip not only ensures that the flashlight remains discreet and always within reach, but it also keeps the Wedge firmly in place.
Having a reliable and secure storage option for my flashlight is a must, as it serves as a backup to my primary flashlight and can be quickly accessed when needed.
Durability and Reliability
This flashlight has the ability to withstand drops and remain unharmed time and time again.
For me, this resistance to impacts is essential as accidents happen
The Streamlight Wedge possesses an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without suffering damage.
This feature comes in handy when working in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain.
Besides its physical durability, the Wedge also proves to be reliable in terms of performance.
Lastly, the ease of recharging the flashlight through its USB-C port is an additional factor contributing to its reliability.
This convenience eliminates the need for constantly replacing batteries and ensures my Streamlight Wedge is always ready for use.
Comparison to Other Flashlights
I have used a wide variety of flashlights, and I find the Streamlight Wedge to be an interesting option in the market.
One of the first things I noticed about the Wedge compared to other flashlights is its unique form factor.
Its slim design allows for easy pocket carry, which standouts among standard “tubular” design lights.
In terms of brightness, I appreciate that the Wedge offers two modes: a constant 300-lumen output and a 1000-lumen momentary “THRO” mode.
While there are some flashlights on the market with higher lumen outputs, the Wedge’s balanced combination of output levels and runtime is impressive.
Here’s a table comparing the Wedge to a couple of other popular EDC flashlights in terms of output and runtime:
| Flashlight | Max Output | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlight Wedge | 1000 lumens | 3 hours |
| Olight S2R Baton II | 1150 lumens | 2 hours |
| Fenix PD36R | 1600 lumens | 115 min |
One aspect where the Wedge might fall short compared to other flashlights is its lack of multiple beam patterns or focusable optics.
Some flashlights in the market offer the option to adjust the beam pattern, which can be useful in different situations.
However, the Wedge’s beam pattern is consistently wide and has a significant range, which works well for my needs.
hile it may not have the highest impact resistance or the deepest water submersion rating, it has proven to be sufficiently durable for my everyday tasks and the occasional accident.
Critique: The Activation Wheel
As I’ve mentioned, I have found the Streamlight Wedge to be a reliable and efficient tool in my daily routine.
However, there is a recurring issue with the activation switch that I would like to address.
This is not a critique as much as an observation, but as I mentioned above, the activation is not ideal for tactical or defensive situations.
I prefer a simple tailcap ‘push-button’ activation in those scenarios.
However, this is not marketed for those use cases.
Additionally, I discovered some difficulty with operating the switch using gloves.
As someone who often uses gloves, I find this to be an issue.
The small size and tactile nature of the switch make it challenging to manipulate while wearing gloves, sometimes requiring me to use two hands for activation.
To summarize the issues relating to the activation switch, here is a brief list:
- Not ideal for tactical or defensive situations
- Difficulty operating the switch with gloves on
Despite these concerns, I must acknowledge the overall utility and value of the Streamlight Wedge as a reliable flashlight for EDC uses.
The activation switch, though imperfect, does not negate the strong performance and effectiveness of this light in various scenarios.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
I have had the opportunity to use the Streamlight Wedge extensively in various situations since June ’22.
My personal experience with this flashlight has been quite positive.
The Streamlight Wedge is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal everyday carry (EDC) option.
The slim design fits comfortably in my pocket, and the reversible pocket clip ensures it stays secure during my daily activities.
The brightness levels offered by the Streamlight Wedge are impressive, with its 300-lumen constant-on mode and a 1000-lumen momentary THRO mode.
This combination is perfect for my line of work, as I often need a consistent light source for general tasks and a high-output burst in certain situations.
However, the battery life could be better, especially when using the highest output setting.
But, I have found that using the flashlight on the lower constant-on setting provides me with sufficient runtime for most of my daily tasks, but I understand that this may not be ideal for everyone.
Another point to consider is the proprietary USB-C charging cable.
I would recommend purchasing a spare cable to avoid this potential inconvenience.
In conclusion, I believe that the Streamlight Wedge is a valuable tool for folks who require a reliable and versatile flashlight for their everyday carry needs.
I would recommend considering the following when using the Streamlight Wedge:
- Use the flashlight on the lower constant-on setting for extended runtime.
- Purchase a spare USB-C charging cable to avoid potential difficulties recharging the flashlight.
By taking these recommendations into account, I am confident that the Streamlight Wedge will be a valuable addition to any professional’s EDC toolkit.