FOG HORN
2017 Twobirds Flying Publication
STREAMLIGHT Strion® DS A Compact Dual-Switch Handheld Flashlight
Copyright 2017, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight Strion® DS - A Compact Dual-Switch Handheld Flashlight
2017
STREAMLIGHT Strion® DS - A Compact Dual-Switch Handheld Flashlight By: Sal Palma
Streamlight customers were asking for a head mounted switch and the company responded by introducing the DS Strions. In the DS model, all operating modes are accessible from the push-button tail switch and the new head mounted switch. The Strion DS, subject of this review, is a 350 lumen compact rechargeable handheld flashlight, and like the rest of its family members the Strion DS features the TEN-TAP® programmable switch. There are three programs of operation to choose from:
The very popular Strion line of handheld flashlights has been serving our military and law enforcement community for years. In 2017 Streamlight added three new models, the STRION® DS, STRION® DS HL and STRION® DS HPL. The new entries feature a rechargeable lithium-ion power supply, TEN-TAP® programmable switch and the same quality construction as the older models. So, what’s new? Answering the question requires that I subject you to an old joke about three completely snockered guys sitting in a Busan South Korean Bar. One was drinking scotch and water, the other was drinking bourbon and water and the third whiskey and water. Since they were all snockered but drinking different liquors it must be the water since it’s the only common element. The DS is the common element with the new Strion and that DS stands for “dualswitch.”
1. high/medium/low with strobe (the factory default) 2. high only without strobe 3. high/medium/low without strobe The Strion DS is also energy efficient; on low you can look forward to a continuous run-time of 20 hrs. and on high a full two hours. The flashlight is powered by a lithium ion rechargeable battery that’s good for 1000 charging cycles.
Streamlight provides you with two charging options, a plug-in d.c. charger and a cigarette lighter for use in your vehicle.
Copyright 2017, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Streamlight Strion® DS - A Compact Dual-Switch Handheld Flashlight
Recharging the Strion is a simple matter of aligning the electrodes on the head with those on the clamp style holder / charger. The charger features a digital control circuit so you don’t need to worry about over-charging.
The clamp charger also ships with two selftapping screws so you can permanently wall mount or vehicle mount your Strion DS and its charger. Readers familiar with the Streamlight tactical lighting products already know how well collimated their light output is and the Strion DS keeps that tradition with an excellent flood out to 150+ yards. Are closer distances, illumination is excellent with an abundance of peripheral light. If you’re conducting a search in a structure the DS with its 350 lumens is just right and its compactness makes accessing and using the light very comfortable. In working on a review a couple of years ago, I discovered that some LE departments do not allow officers to carry weapon mounted lights. The reason given by the chiefs I spoke with was that it forces the officer to use his weapon as a search light increasing the risk of unintended shootings. The Strion DS head mounted switch comes in very handy; letting an officer use his or her handheld safely and with ease.
2017
As with all Strions, the DS is also IPX4 waterresistant and 2 meter impact resistant. Its 6000 series anodized machined aircraft aluminum construction is durable, tough and nicely serrated for an excellent purchase. A very nice feature is the anti-roll head, which prevents the light from rolling and getting away from you. The Strion DS is yet another example of Streamlight’s commitment to quality and value. I know of no other lighting manufacturer that packs as much value in their products, be they commercial or tactical application illumination tools. Streamlight does it right and the Strion DS at its $ hundredish price point delivers on both quality and tremendous value. Check it out! -SP Manufacturer Specifications
Lumens: 40.00 - 375.00 Candela: 1300 - 12000 Range of Light / Distance: 219 meters Runtime: 2.00 - 20.00 hours Battery Styles: Rechargeable Battery Types: Lithium Ion Length: 6.400inches (16.26 centimeters) Weight: 5.400 ounces (153.09 grams) Colors: Black Battery Quantity: 1
Copyright 2017, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved