Part 2: Expensive PenLights! Are They Lumen Lying Even More than Budget Ones?

[@TorqueTestChannel]

Maybe the most surprising group of lights we've tested! You can find our top picks here with the rest of our winners: www.amazon.com/shop/torquetestchannel The 2010R isn't in stock anywhere yet. We've now made a bolt expectations poster! torque-test-channel.preview.teespring.com/listing/bolt-expectations-poster?product=623 Torque of TTC is working in product development for Astro Tools, who also make lights. Always consider multiple sources when considering a tool!

[@codylucente]

I have had allot of NEBO break on me at work. I don't trust them anymore. But I am very hard on them.

[@m2aic433]

Could add a battery charge retention test? Basically put it on a shelf for a week and see if it still has charge. I have a Nebo Inspector which is the same as the Covmax and after 3-4 days even with no use its dead. My streamlights have never done that. Basically they would get a yes or no check.

[@Dave-ei7kk]

@@m2aic433 None of these simple devices should have any phantom drain on their batteries. Either the Nero was defective or it’s battery was failing. So your experience was probably the result of a sample defect and not representative of that Nero model in general.

[@m2aic433]

Dave, I talked to someone else local to me that had the same thing with 2 He bought. So maybe they shipped a whole bad batch out? Something else I found is the tail cap rubber would tear easily if it was hooked on your pocket edge. Nebo replaced the switch under warranty but I've never had the issue with newer Streamlight

[@Dave-ei7kk]

@@m2aic433 That does sound more suspicious since you know of more than one instance of the batteries not holding a charge. I’ve never heard of NEBO and never seen their product up close. I just can’t think of anything in the design of a simple rechargeable flashlight that should draw any current when it’s off. Maybe it has a defective switch/current regulator that doesn’t turn completely off? Or perhaps there’s a defect in the overcharge protection circuit in the battery (if it has one) that is draining it? I suppose it’s also possible that the battery they use has an abnormally high self-discharge profile. But all of those things would be really weird and, you would think, easy to avoid.

[@AlGoYoSu]

Thank you to the TTC for shining a light on this subject.

[@AlGoYoSu]

It should also be a crime to use a micro USB charge port instead of USB C in 2022.

[@benpyke9298]

I hate you. Take your upvote.

[@TacticalBaconPatches]

Don't make light of their work with your pun.

[@markburkey6371]

Straight to jail! Lololol

[@markburkey6371]

FR though...I think they did a good job at illuminating the pros and cons...

[@Ice_Berg]

The mouth feel score is absolutely genius. The Milwaukee definitely seems like a winner to me with high CRI and the best output regulation. For a light like this I'd much rather have decent output for a long time than extra brightness at startup just to dim down right away. Unfortunately I think I would have a hard time spending $50 on a light with a built in battery and Micro-USB. Like, come on Milwaukee, it's 2022 already: try to keep up with USB-C.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

They bought into Micro USB on their Red USB products with their fancy braided cable, now they can't get out.

[@Dave-ei7kk]

@@TorqueTestChannel Ahh, I have several fancy red braided USB-C cables. I’m sure Milwaukee could source them as well if they wanted to put quality ahead of saving a few pennies. And I can’t give them any kudos for featuring compatibility with a bad choice they made on the other products you mention either. Move on Milwaukee. USB-C is the future because it’s just better!

[@connorjohnson4402]

@@TorqueTestChannel Just an aside to that micro USB cable I've found it to be actually a really nice cable when it comes down to the plethora of cables that one seems to accumulate. For what its worth on the little mini USB multimeter i have it will tend to be the best performing cable in terms of current delivery out the range of different cables I've used often actually hitting the 5v/2A output on the devices that will take it. It had a tendency to loose the red accents but otherwise a decent cable at least when it comes to charging things. But it would be nice if it was USB-C as always but at least its a decent cable compared to most included ubiquitous charging cables.

[@Dave-ei7kk]

@@connorjohnson4402 The issue isn’t the cable. It’s the connector. The Micro USB connector has three deficiencies compared to USB-C. 1) It has to be oriented properly before insertion. Especially in poor lighting conditions it’s difficult to determine which way you need to rotate the plug on its axis to properly mate with the receptacle. 2) It is very easy to damage the receptacle by dislodging and folding or bending its tiny contacts. And for all practical purposes it isn’t repairable. So once you have damaged it the flashlight is no longer usable. 3) Compared to USB-C and Apple’s Lightning connector, Micro USB doesn’t, in my experience, retain the cable as well when it’s plugged in. You may think you plugged it in but just manipulating the cable or handling the flashlight while it is plugged in can cause the connector to partially dislodge or completely fall out. If you didn’t notice that happening, that charging session is terminated. If you look at industry trends it is clear that USB-C is the future. We shouldn’t be seeing the antique Micro USB connector on quality products anymore.

[@squirts1]

or You could just put your super bright light on a lower setting and use it for a longer time....

[@busboy262]

Great series. I think that I own at least 2 of all of the versions of penlight that Streamlight has ever offered. I have them in cars. I have 1 on my boat and another in the tackle box. I have 1 in my gun safe, tool box and tool bag. I even found my EDC light in my yard after a spring thaw one year. I've never had to replace one of these lights for an inop state. But all of my experience is anecdotal. I appreciate the work that you guys do by adding your objectivity. Thanks!

[@tedgunderson67]

My buddy found the aa microstream in a parking lot, beat to death, ran over, dragged across the asphalt, rained on, still no issues with it.

[@thomasa5619]

I glued led strip lights in my gun safes Lasted a couple years before it died, thanks for the reminder I’ll go fiddle with it

[@rusty4252]

this is a great series, and I really appreciate the moth feel score, which is not something you really see normally, but is definitely a welcomed metric as practically it will indeed most likely end up being held with your teeth at some point. Thanks for the testing as always guys!

[@geoffstrickler]

definitely an important measurement for many jobs. Auto tech, computer/electronics tech, HVAC, etc.

[@MyArmsAreHeavy]

I work in construction and even tho i have a head lamp, a good pin light seems much more useful for those tight spots. Keep the Mouth feel for the connoisseur.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Head light is the best option of you're expecting to work for extended periods, don't want to have to take the care necessary to keep it clean enough to take it in the mouth after it gets grease and dirt encrusted.

[@geoffstrickler]

@@wingerrrrrrrrr prude. 😁😁

[@adamgrimsley2900]

Moth?

[@Jeremiah90526]

You absolutely know that the lights that survived the spike test are going to get a massive uptick in sales. My little Quantum rechargeable penlight still does the job I ask of it though, and my brother (who works HVAC) says it works pretty well for him too. The spikeable ones will be getting a look from me though. I am hell on equipment generally, so survivability gets marks over luminosity in my books (as long as they meet the threshold of course).

[@Erteywie]

I'd buy the coast for usb C alone. I have a nebo Big Larry and it's been extremely useful, and I've bought a headlamp based on your video. Keep up the great work.

[@mattcat231]

I have the Nebo Larry Trio, and I have put it through abuse beyond what any item has a right to go through and still works like the day i bought it!

[@iCutWaffles]

Problem with coast is that is doesnt last long on a full charge and takes forever to charge. It also gets a LOT hotter than their previous micro usb version

[@brian6669666]

It would be amazing if you could do a lineup of intrinsically safe lights, mostly applies to us oil and gas and mining guys but would be super interesting how they stack up against there non certified competition. Most of us just rock pelican 1975's and accept that they gobble aaa's seeing some better options would be amazing

[@SSB2121]

Do yourself a favor and install the Fakespot extension to help weed out fake reviews on Amazon. Saved me from buying garbage a few times.

[@Tammacazi10]

Keep up the great flashlight videos! They are really outstanding and no one else on youtube does these kind of tests. Great work and thank you!

[@shorttermhobbyist]

pro tip: the streamlights have sloppy tail switches that are hard to press when your hands are wet or greasy. cut a little piece of plastic (credit card/milk carton) and put it inside the rubber button to get a better momentary presses and more reliable clicks.

[@djosbun]

Adding the mouth feel score is one of the best ideas you have come up with. A++

[@dangerrangerlstc]

As a heavy truck tech, I have the AAA battery version of that Streamlight. Love it. Stopped using my big Stinger light. Though mouth feel is irrelevant to me cause I'm not putting a light that I just dropped in antifreeze in my mouth

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

I’m more and more impressed with every video. Casual but excellent narration, funny/entertaining and still full of lots of info. Give this man’s video a like!

[@alex_thecarguy]

Yet another informative video, thanks guys. One thought I had while watching this: These flashlights (and others) should be building a steady amount of heat in use overtime, which might exponentially reduce the runtime capacity. Seeing as some of these lights are used primarily in short bursts, I wonder what kind of results would come from a "stepped" lumens test, where for example you run a light for 10 min, turn it off for 5, then run it again, trying to give it time to cool between runs. Might provide some interesting data.

[@jackster99999]

Good idea! I had this thought too!

[@MusicFillsTheQuiet]

Came here to comment this exactly

[@eliadbu]

Thank you for testing and trying viewers suggestion. Your conclusion was quite spot on either the milwaukee or streamlight will be the winner, my biggest gripe with the milwaukee is the non replaceable Li-ion battery - in few years all batteries die. Why through the entire product to a landfill while just replacing the battery can solve a dying battery issue. Especially when you see the durability of these flashlights.

[@michaelcrumlett187]

Mouth feel! Hallelujah! Your channel really knows how things are used. Well done!

[@Hellsatanx]

"mouth feel" I like that terminology. It's absolutely a relevant thing to score in this case.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Love the throwing at the ground!

[@SteveSRT]

I’m a huge fan of the streamlights and buy them for all my techs because of how well they work, their small size (fits in most coverall pen pockets) and their reliability. Another thing to note, in the rare occasion one got broke, be it from old age or the guy running it over with a Peterbilt (which a few have even survived) streamlight has always warrantied and replaced them with no hassle. What’s even better is our tool guys have usually sent them in for us. With all that said I think I’d like to try the Milwaukee because I like the color of the light and laser pointer feature. None of us swap batteries on the rechargeables. I’ve noticed on the streamlight when the battery gets somewhat low it won’t work on high but the low mode is still very usable and sometimes preferable in tight dark areas where high might reflect back too much.

[@avancunningham3768]

i’ve been carrying a nebo inspector daily and it’s a great light. the magnet feature is extremely useful for car work i have used it numerous amounts of times. the magnet does get filled up but easy to clean and over time the slide for the battery gets crusty and sounds like sandpaper but still works mint. been carrying for like 8 months

[@1STGeneral]

My nebo is practical and does everything I need. Fits in my old guy long sleeve shirt/jacket pocket and the clip is remarkable. I never have been fond of something being held in my mouth yep I'm one of those guys after all that's what the magnet is for and it is strong for its size. The nifty 360 degree flood light is why I bought it, perfect for working on something and will light up a room if the power goes out as it often does in the middle of nowhere Appalachian Mountains where I call home. Only improvement would be the charging port being a usb c instead of the micro usb

[@nasonguy]

But you didn't test (9 year old impossible to find china special repackaged as dead name-brand pen light that I only use 7 times a year)!!! How can I trust your objectivity?!?!

[@granitejeepc3651]

I have carried these types since 1980s. I have about 10 of these in different brands currently and the only one that I carry every day is my 5.11 PL2AAA. The reason is the pocket clip. Clip don't break and is securely attached, all others suck at that even being crazy lumens...don't care if the light falls off.

[@markstorjo3432]

Great review! In my experience the Coast lights corrode causing flickering and failure very quickly, when used with the mouth hold method and brake easily when dropped, Coast does warranty them but charges $5 plus the cost of sending them in for a repair/replace. I used to wait until I had 2 or 3 bad ones before sending for warranty to save on cost. The Streamlights are good but I like the Olights the best

[@Darkcruzer23]

that covmax was impressive! nice find. great test and choice of lights. impressed that they did claimed lumens

[@edwardwaldner6899]

It's pretty much an exact ripoff of nebos inspector 360 lumen

[@MrAPCProductions]

The ultimate in durability is the Streamlight AAAx2 non-rechargeable. no high or low, just on and off. Probably not the best on run time, probably not the lightest, or the best to hold in your mouth, but after having almost every light you guys have currently tested, I have 2 of those originals still in regular use.

[@4673962]

I have these in my cars. Love them. They do seem to last good long while. Excellent light color. Very durable. Back about 6 or 7 years ago when I got them they were not expensive at all. Streamlight is best all-round to me.

[@-tr0n]

Absolutely. Something to be said for simplicity, no USB port to get wet, less failure modes. Mine spent months in the bottom of a 10 foot sump and still worked after the vac truck found it!

[@Bkrites]

That light has been my EDC light at work for the past 10 years. Outside of regular battery changes I've been using it without fail in heavy industrial maintenance every day. It's been dropped out of boom lifts, spent a evening in a tote of dry ice dunked in hydraulic oil. I do have one complaint, after a decade living in my pocket with my pocket screwdriver and 6" scale, almost all of the blue anodizing is worn off lol

[@4673962]

@@Bkrites sounds like a winner you have there. My brother-in-law has a blue one that is about 9 years old he uses every day as a mechanic. It also has seen some abuse. Mine is doing great but has not seen as much use/abuse as yours. Love these lights.

[@orangejoe54]

I almost got one, ended up with an olight 2xAAA instead for a reason I don't remember, but either way standard AAAs are the only way to go with these kinda lights. And I have to admit, I was kinda annoyed at the hi/low feature at first but I do QC for a living and sometimes the high setting is too bright to see cracks in aluminum welds

[@YoSpiff]

I found the "mouth feel" category interesting. A former coworker collected high end flashlights and would often hold it in his mouth, which got us discussing if anyone made a flashlight actually designed to be held in the mouth. I did a web search and all I could come up with using appropriate keywords was the "fleshlight", which is a sex toy. I've been favoring NEBO lights for a few years now. My current favorites for work (repairing industrial printers) and play are the Slim+ and the Trio. Largely because of the strong magnetic bases. Waiting for the newest version of the Slim with the USB-C to go on a good sale.

[@MustangAficionado]

These guys buy 13 different penlights, 2 back to back episodes, test and destroy them. All the comments here: But what about myyyyy light? Theirs 11ty brands making lights, guys.

[@BigInjun05]

Lights are becoming bad ass and I love it.

[@kickboxs77]

I’d love to see some keychain flashlights tested. I like to always have one on my keys, but I’m usually disappointed in their quality.

[@jtee9548]

Well done. You show that a focusing beam, rather than center beam-outer spill, is great for general and repair use. Well thought out comparisons too. I wish someone would do this for lights you could clip on the bill of a cap in an emergency, like single AA or lithium 14500 lights. Nice job, thumbs up.

[@madmax222]

Yall are so awesome. We ask for something and yall deliver. Every. Single. Time.

[@chekelley6861]

Do a UV light for leak detection test!

[@foxwood67]

I own many streamlught stylus pro lights 100 lumen 2- AAA . Light weight compact snd very durable. Price is up to $20ish now but most i got much cheaper. That little micro streamlight from last round performed nice

[@4673962]

That's my exact story also. Great stuff.

[@Kfcfranchises]

I love my Covmax light. It lasts a good amount of time and has the option to put in two AAA batteries if the lithium dies on you. Super bright too

[@light-master]

Milwaukee... non-replacable battery and charges via Micro USB instead of USB-C... sure this wasn't designed a decade ago? Not even really available yet and already very dated feeling.

[@rydyndyrty]

Could you do a gunlight episode?? Stream light vs sure fire and others would be awesome

[@felixdzerjinsky5244]

I've carried the Streamlight Stylus as my EDC light for years........that would be years of misuse and abuse. This has been the best EDC light that I've ever carried. I actually liked it so much that a couple of years ago, I bought a replacement for when it goes bad (which is still sitting in my desk drawer).

[@ZE0XE0]

For the drop test I think it would be interesting to drop them through a clear pipe so they would land specifically on the lens or on the tail cap, then test again with water to see if the seals have failed or if the lenses have cracked.

[@AK-vu7vk]

I have the rechargeable Streamlight and it’s been solid as a diesel mechanic. The triple A version has worked great for my daughter. No complaints.

[@KemmerlingKomputers]

when you made the comment about throwing the lights on the ground and life leading to that, the lonely island song threw it on the ground starting playing in my head

[@Joethetoolguy]

Im here for the lights!

[@chrish2666]

I've been using a Wuben C3 for a few months. I deliver packages around Chicago and use it to find addresses on homes at night. $25 at Amazon, I've dropped it repeatedly, not charged it for a couple of days and it even fell out of my pocket one day and I thought I'd lost it. Went back to the same location the next day, it was still there and it worked (temps were < 20 f). I'd highly recommend.

[@clashwithkeen]

Wuben makes very decent lights.

[@bestpvp4195]

Lol that water pump joke 🤣🤣 the amount of people ive had to show that the MX13 in their DAF is chucking coolant out the seal by the water pump is crazy 💀

[@boosted2.4_sky]

My Coast is a beast... I use it in a chemical plant and I really like it...never had an issue with it..🏁

[@98integraGSR]

my EDC for the last year(ish) has been Olight's OPen2... Thing has surprisingly been a tank. it's been dropped dozens of times, fell off a pier into 33 feet of water (was still on when I went to get it, only reason I found it), and even took a day-long dunk in a diesel sump, including 4 hours of runtime at 160-175 degrees F, before I could get it back.

[@adhdieseltech236]

I’ve used my HP3R for 5 years. A couple hiccups but coast always honored their lifetime warranty. Recently they completely replaced it because I was having charging issues. I’ll never own anything but Coast because of how well they treated me and how good the light is

[@donhappel9566]

I went through 3 HP3's with charging issues. The USB port would get flakey and the light would come on when trying to charge unless you held the connector 'just so', eventually becoming unchargeable as it was using more power than it took in. They did always warranty them, but I eventually got tired of dealing with it and switched to the Streamlight. It's been bulletproof. I was hoping with the change to USB-C Coast would sort that issue out but it sounds like it may still be lurking.

[@adhdieseltech236]

@@donhappel9566 my new one has an updated design. The charging port is way better than the old one with a new sealing style as well. They made it so the port isn’t free to move, it’s very solid

[@donhappel9566]

@@adhdieseltech236 Good to hear; I liked it, just got frustrated. I still have my last one in a drawer somewhere.

[@PedroDaGr8]

Love your testing so far. Would love to see you incorporate CRI testing in your performance evaluations. A bright light is useless if it can't show the difference between forest green and regular green wires. I get for a smaller KZbinr it might not be cost effective but it would add that next level to your videos.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

CRI requires a lab, like $60k equipment

[@gmills5763]

@@TorqueTestChannel a Sekonic spectromaster will get you into the CRI and Color Temperature game. This is not only useful for flashlights, but also car headlights, including the incredibly annoying ultra-blue 6500K+ light bazookas. Doing quality testing on car headlight color temperature and CRI is potentially more traffic-attractive than impact wrenches, although why impact wrench testing isn't number one on KZbin is a mystery. 👍 ETA: the Sekonics are 1-2k. I'd contact them and see if they'd shoot you a loaner in exchange for product recognition. They're longtime legit in the photo world.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

@@gmills5763 color temp i get. But measuring CRI in a non controlled setting sounds hard to believe

[@gmills5763]

@@TorqueTestChannel the Sekonic C-800-U SPECTROMASTER Spectrometer and C-7000 measure it. Remember you're not expected to be a certified lab. Give Sekonic a call, tell them what you want and ask them for capabilities and limitations. I'm a huge fan of 80+ CRI lights with warm-neutral color temperatures (3000-4000K). Usually slightly less efficient by 5% or so, but so much easier on the eyes.

[@PedroDaGr8]

@@TorqueTestChannel It is actually quite common in the DIY Flashlight Space and nowhere near your US$60k figure! Entry level options run around US$400-1500 for the hardware and software. These entry-level options use color calibrators which contain spectrophotometric functions (e.g. ColurMunki Photo or more commonly the X-rite i1 Pro) combined with software like ArgyllPRO and OsramColorCalculator. These entry-level options all require a bit of work on the operators side to get the workflow setup but can give quite good results. For all-in-one devices, the Gossen Mavospec Base, Sekonic C-800, Sekonic C-7000, etc. are a bit more money (US$1400-2500 price range) but offer a much more plug-n-play experience. For more relevant info on the entry-level stuff, you can see this thread from BudgetLightForum: budgetlightforum.com/node/45051

[@Hellsatanx]

I use a Nitecore TINI2 as my "daily driver" and at work as a car mechanic. it definitely more of a key ring light but it performs was above its weight class. it would be interesting to see on the lumen test, it claims 500 lumen on the boost setting and id say it feels like its accurate when compared to other lights I have used in the past, Fenix, Suprabeam, LEDlenser.

[@clashwithkeen]

Nitecore is also a great brand.

[@MistrZIGZAG]

I like the direction this channel is going in

[@Connorb717]

I love the Amazon one. Definitely just buy two and use them both. It survived the washing machine but the battery did not lol

[@jonathansherwood5841]

My heart kept cutting out every time those nice penlights hit the ground. This kind of testing is not for the light-hearted. However, your TTC picks towards the end of the video are great, even enlightening. The approach (and adjustments) you do for testing keeps getting better with each video, giving this channel a bright future. Okay, I'll stop. I know the drop/slam testing is not to be made light of. 🔦🔦💥

[@SuperAWaC]

Lights that can't take both either standard NiMH and Li-ion batteries (Like being able to use a pair of AA NiMH or a pair of 14500 Li-ions or w/e) are an automatic minus ten out of ten, I am not even sure why anyone would even consider buying one outside of silly notions of brand loyalty. Batteries only ever run out when you need them right this second.

[@z50com]

Stacking lithium batteries is not a good idea. I know some lights do it (like thrunite) but it's not that common.

[@DavidLopez-pw7gp]

Thanks I was waiting on this one i was surprised by the coast but was not expecting the streamlight to match it for a bit cheaper

[@twisted2291]

I have both the Streamlitght Stylus Pro and The Coastal. Both are great, and works well. My day job is being an auto mechanic, and I use then all the time. Buying them through the tool trucks will cost you a bit more. But I have to say a replacement battery for the Coastal is cheap. I paid less then $10 buck from Snap On for a replacement.

[@patcb829]

A little heat shrink on the end of these lights will bump up the mouth feel.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Ever try silicone self adhering tape? Nice and resilient

[@bhaycraft]

I would love to see you take your test lighting rig and do the LED worklights that are now hitting the market. For example the Feit 2 pack set you can get at Costco or some of the ones you can buy from Amazon or Walmart.

[@gottagoMS123]

You should test some other models of pen light from olight, such as the slightly bigger model i5T EOS, around $30 or so. You've tested the i3T in the previous video, so this might be a good choice. It's quite bright, I had one but lost it.

[@TheBoshy]

The mouthfeel is unironically very helpful.

[@jacobstout9769]

I've used several coast inspection lights professionally. A lot of the time it was in my mouth. I appreciate the "mouth feel" rating. I need a new light so here I am.

[@lanwickum]

Was hoping for the surefire Titan plus. It is a pocket light. Single AAA, doesn't really long. Short, so easy on the lips. Yes this really matters. Very durable. Mine has most the nickel worn off from being in my pocket. Still works great. Does not focus. Has not been much an issue for me. Only con has been the oring has worn out for the cap you turn to turn it on. So it does at times turn on in my pocket and go dead. Just needs a new oring after a few years of regular use. It is pricey, $116 at the moment. I paid around $75 or less if that says how long I have had it.

[@steveholland1163]

I have several Nebos and I love them

[@the_duke1339]

Would love to see the OLIGHT i5T EOS (the AA version of the i3t that was tested last time)

[@phoenixrising4073]

I can attest to those being very tough lights. I've thrown mine on the ground many many times for friends to show them how tough it is. Use with a rechargeable AA and you're good to go! EDIT: Also the reversible clip is great for clipping it to your hat for an impromptu headlamp, which it excels at due to its small size and weight. Nice floody beam for close up use and just enough throw to get you around at night time.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Looks like the Amazon/Covmax is a really good deal for the money. Not bad in any metric. It's bright enough, lasts, is decently robust, and the charge time is alright considering the battery capacity. The Nebo for that very short, very intense moment of light, for hand use. The Milwaukee as a good light that wins the overall race.

[@joshuabuilds3051]

Regarding the charge rates of the Lenser and Milwaukee. Its safe to assume that with similar battery capacities, the slower charger battery will hold longer charges and for more cycles. This may have been done on a nicer light to improve longevity. While 'faster' charging could be a selling point for cheaper lights, its also a factor to shorter lifespans. Thank you, Mooch.

[@thepubliceye]

You said Nebo is not good for the Corn hole? I think you mean pie hole unless the Nebo is a tail light LOL

[@gmills5763]

Check your tailpipe... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIiWeIh6l5h4faM

[@zorkmid1083]

Thanks for doing these tests! I'm a little surprised that Streamlight is still around - they've been doing LEDs for ~16 years, after many other companies have dropped out, and they're still going!

[@MasterCommandCEO]

I've been needing a pen flashlight for so long and just haven't been able to trust the advertised lumens I'm so glad you made this video I will for sure be purchasing one using your link!

[@BrianRRenfro]

The problem with that Milwaukee is the same problem with anything that has a non replaceable battery. If you use it every day and use it enough to have to charge it fully every day is you get 6 months of great battery life, 6 more of okay battery life you are going half a day and charging it on your lunch which means 18 months it gets crap battery life cause you just doubled your charging cycles. I refuse to buy anything without a replaceable battery except cell phones cause that's just kinda how it is. LEDs DO lose brightness over time but it the life one one battery is like 5 percent of that flashlight being used up. You are tossing out a perfectly good light simply because the manufacturer wanted you to have to buy another one. They CLAIM safety reasons usually. Naw. We are all used to Lithium ions by now. It's planned obsolescence.

[@2down4up]

Am I the only technician that doesn’t like rechargeable pen lights? I absolutely hate losing a light while it recharges which is why I use the piggy back charger for my Stinger Strion. I’ve had my Coast G20 since it first came out, gotta be 15 or more years now. It’s never failed once. It provides a very nice beam that works great for looking at things close up or in tight spaces. It may only be 50 ish lumens but if I need more I’ve got my Strion on my hip. Plus there’s no need to lose it for recharging. Awesome little light.

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

I used to carry the old Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro non-rechargeable for years. It was the best pen light that owned except for having to replace that horrible tailswitch every 12mo. 2yrs ago I bought the Stylus Pro USB model with it's much improved tail-switch and have had no problems with it.

[@HighOverlordSnarffieBeagle]

I got the older Streamlight Stylus Pro. It uses regular AAA batteries and isn't quite as bright as the new one but it's still pretty bright and is really thin and light weight. I like it and have used it quite a bit and it's held up really well. I recommend it if you come across one used at some point since they don't make it anymore.

[@VinnyK85]

My work bought the covmax lights for us about a year ago, the LED chips overheat and burn out pretty quickly. The longest I've had one last is about 3 months. Nice light when they work...

[@Dave-ei7kk]

I own both the Streamlight and the Coast lights that you tested. I’ve been a Streamlight fan since my first SL-20 back in the early 1980’s. (I still have that SL20 and it still works). I’ve purchased at least a dozen Streamlights since then. I loved the Streamlight Stylus Pro for the short period of time that it worked. But there’s no way I’d recommend that anyone else buy one. Like all the other brands in this test, except for the Coast, the Streamlight used the finicky and fragile micro USB connector for charging. Mine didn’t last very long before the contacts in the connector bent and folded up rendering the whole flashlight useless. This seems to be a trend with other micro USB devices I own. I wouldn’t award any of the flashlights that use bargain basement micro USB a durability rating of more than 3 or 4. What does it matter if a penlight can survive the toss into the trash bin when you can no longer charge it? The Coast penlight is my replacement for the Streamlight. With a modern, durable USB-C charge port I expect that I’ll be using it for many years to come. It’s already outlasted the Streamlight that it replaced.

[@plwadodveeefdv]

Been using a AAA version of the Coast that I picked up at an auto parts store probably 15 years ago now. Do a lot of high work up in ceilings and have dropped it more than once. The straight sided profile also slides nicely in and out of the tool pouch. If it ever dies I'll probably upgrade to another Coast with more lumens like the one tested here

[@Turbochargedtwelve]

I would not call USB C a durability improvement. The pitch of the pins is much tighter so it is generally more fragile and susceptible to contamination. Still I agree having the charger fail sucks and having to remove the battery to charge isn’t great either. Good info on the stream failing that way!

[@christianmeeks4430]

I really think the coast light would be great in my application as a machinist.

[@Dave-ei7kk]

Buy it. You’ll like it! I own it although I have owned many Streamlight and Milwaukee products in the past. The Coast is the only one in this test that can endure daily use in your shop because it’s the only light that uses the much more rugged USB-C charging port.

[@aaronpantell1038]

Mouth feel,now isn't that a true test everyone uses them that way great job.love the videos and awsome commentary. you tube gold for sure.

[@drackar]

The mouthfeel score is a legitimate and important metric for anything but a headlamp, tbf.

[@AdMan-The-LabRat]

I Love Nebo, mostly. Thanks for your journalism.

[@user-lg7gp6fg3g]

I love these tests and the commentary is gold

[@TheMaroney]

I would like to see y'all test SOLAR CHARGED POWER BANKS the small handheld ones. (I have one that has a wireless charger built in as well) they have flashlights built in and have a wide range of mAH

[@anonimushbosh]

What's really hard to find are sensible on/off switches that can be used without moving your hand or having to scroll through settings. Perhaps two separate switches, one for changing settings and one that just toggles between the last setting and off. Or fck me how about just a simple on & off thumb switch on the barrel?!! Lights that light up are fairly easy to find. Ones built with a scintilla of thought... not so much.

[@gregblau8082]

Great series. I had the stylus and had to replace the button a bunch of times. Hp3 non rechargeable held up a lot better, but the batteries cost a fortune. The quantum in the last test isn't very bright but has lasted 3 or 4 years and was only $8 back then. I'm going to see how I like an 18650 for a little more brightness

[@Appalachianamerican67]

Being a flashlight junkie...my favorite is the nebo, the lantern is really handy. I like the milwaukee because of the laser.

[@chloehennessey6813]

I use SureFire and Streamlight. My penlight is a Streamlight. My gun lights etc are SureFire. I’m okay spending the extra having peace of mind knowing they’ll work when I need em to.

[@cnf6045]

Had the Nebo. Was good at first, but the button got really spongy after a couple months use. I think some metallic filings got inside the button mechanism and sorta ruined it. Still works, just a bit of a pain in the ass. Bought the Milwaukee 2 or 3 weeks ago, and it’s done me very well so far. Another thing that’s sort of convenient about the Milwaukee, when it runs out of battery, the light flashes 3 times, kind of lets you know it’s dead not broken or accidentally clicked off.

[@bdykes7316]

Idea for short use test: 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for 5 cycles. I am mostly interested to see if the lights return to a higher lumen level each time they are turned back on.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

They all do. But for increasingly short durations.

[@donniemccrorie19]

The coast light comes with a rubber bite cap. Should have a a higher mouth score???

[@Blalack77]

I like these little pen lights as well as head lights. I've got a little Coast G20 pen light (got it at Wal-Mart years ago) and it's held up pretty well. It uses AAA batteries though - I've just been using rechargeable batteries - but I think I'm about ready to just get a rechargeable light.

[@Dexter_Solid]

Dude seriously I ordered my Milwaukee pen light in July last year and now you guys have one. Good to know it'll work out for me.

[@taylorsutherland6973]

Streamlight pro, with NiMh rechargeable hasn't let me down in 5 years. Left it outside over the course of 6 moths of winter in Maine. Found it under water in the spring and has worked 4 more years.

[@pavelshiklomanov7499]

Wh.. what am I doing? I’m not in the market to buy any flashlights, but here I am watching your 2nd deep dive into mouth science and thoroughly enjoying these charts.. bravo.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

Hey thanks!

[@colemanbonner]

My coast HP3R came with a pair of replaceable rubber bite-down end sleeves

[@bohabdestructo7489]

Corn hole is the but. The term came out before tp was common. In the time when outhouses were everywhere. They would use the spent cob to wipe as it was convenient.

[@MrLambo0905]

You are doing an invaluable service! Thank you!

[@nathanwest2304]

I think LED Lenser is geared towards durability I still have my first flashlight from that brand, it's beat up but still works had to replace the LED at one point, but all in all it's doing just fine after well over a decade of occasional use

[@TedBackus]

a small flashlight, with a pivoting locking joint on the back end with a magnet would be so nice. you could stick it to the under side of your cars hood, and the pivoting locking joint would always ensure the flashlight would be pointing where you wanted it.

[@clashwithkeen]

there's a bunch out there that have those features

[@drfailbucket]

The Amazon Special is truly an copie of the Nebo Inspector RC... Why i know this? Bc i absolutely love the Nebo for working on cars. My Nebo felt a lot in the oil and coolant catch bucket and is still perfectly working after ~2 years now

[@deanm3464]

I quite enjoy my Nebo lights that I've got but I need a new inspection light so this was very useful and I think I'll be going a different brand

[@diemman70]

Picked up the Nebo. Thanks for the review!