Based on the powering technology alone (I have not purchased this light yet - but see UPDATE, below)) this light will be more reliable than rechargeable spotlights.
I have had to recently dispose of a $58 Coleman rechargeable 12 volt LED spotlight because of battery failure. Replacing such battery is not cost effective (see below). The lead acid battery that powers most spot lights maintains a charge for only a few days and needs to be recharged from a car or household AC. Recharging takes from 8 to 12 hours, minimum. When a light is needed in an emergency, recharging a dead, useless device is not an option.
The design of this spot light, using commonly available, easily installed, cheap, and storable C cells, is a better design for emergency use.
And have you ever tried to find a replacement battery for a spotlight using what is usually a custom designed (proprietary) lead acid battery? There was one internet retailer that carried the battery for my dead Coleman at a price of $33 (including delivery). Given that the life of these batteries usually doesn't exceed 3 or 4 years, even with minimal use, this is neither a cost effective nor reliable option. And while the instructions for my Coleman (and others of similar design) say the battery is "user replaceable", you need to be moderately mechanically inclined to do so. My Coleman has 8 screws that need to be removed. Then when the two halves of the unit are separated, the spring loaded toggle switch pops out. I haven't tried putting it back together because I will not be spending $33 for a new battery. I installed a new CD burner in my desktop computer in less time than it would take to install a new battery in my Coleman.
I submitted this Coleman rant here to vent, and to inform others looking for a good spotlight for EMERGENCY use, that this Streamlight design is the better option.
So, for emergency use, I have placed my order for this Streamlight which uses readily available and easily installed C cells. This appears to be the best available spotlight that avoids expensive, less reliable rechargeable lead acid or alkaline battery packs.
Once I use this light for awhile, I will revisit this review to give my take relative to my high expectations.
UPDATE: Owned this light for several months and used it 3 or 4 times. It is the most useful of the 5 or 6 lights I own. Easy to aim when working, bright enough for the jobs, yet compact and easy to store in its included mounting bracket. Very well made; solid construction.
| Brand | Streamlight |
|---|---|
| Color | Yellow |
| Specific Uses For Product | Outside; Professional, Amateur, Professional, Inside, Outside |
| Special Feature | Waterproof |
| Auto Part Position | Rear |
| Lens Color | Clear |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 6.75 x 3.62 x 7.14 inches |
| Manufacturer | Streamlight |
| Part Number | 44900 |
| Item Weight | 14.1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.75 x 3.62 x 7.14 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 44900 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Box |
| Style | With 12V DC Power Cord and Mount/Holder |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Luminous Flux | 550 Lumen |
| Special Features | Waterproof |
| Included Components | Flashlight, Power Cord, Mount, Holder, User Guide |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Limited lifetime warranty |
