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Reviews > Lighting > Flashlights - LED > Streamlight Stylus Pro > Test Report by Chuck CarnesSTREAMLIGHT
STYLUS PRO  Pen Light Initial Report: October 11, 2007 Field Report: January 8, 2008 Long Term Report: February 19, 2008 BIOGRAPHICAL
INFORMATION
Name: Chuck Carnes Age: 37 Gender: Male Height: 6 ft. 0 in (1.83 m) Weight: 175 lb (79 kg) E-mail address: ctcarnes1(at)yahoo(dot)com City, State, Country: Greenville, South Carolina USA BACKPACKING
BACKGROUND
I love the outdoors – I’ve spent time camping in the outdoors since I was born, and have been actively hiking and backpacking since then. I consider myself a lightweight hiker, usually carrying 20 – 30 pounds (11-13 kg) for hikes up to a week in length. I hike at an easy pace, averaging 2 mph (3 kph). I am a one-man tent camper for now. I like to carry a single trekking pole when I hike to help relieve stress to my legs and knees. I like to get out on the trail as often as I can. PRODUCT
INFORMATION
 Manufacturer: Streamlight Model: Stylus Pro Pen Light Year of manufacture: 2007 Color: Black URL: http://www.streamlight.com Listed Weight: 1.64 oz (46.9 g) (with 1-AAA battery) Listed Dimensions: 5.3 in (134 mm) Long Actual Weight: 1.8 oz (51.0 g) (with 1-AAA battery) Actual Dimensions: 5.5 in (140 mm) Long MSRP: Not listed on web site PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION (taken from web site)
HIGH-POWERED LED PENLIGHT. Streamlight’s new high flux LED light with Proprietary Micro Optical Systems has “Battery-Booster” electronics to provide a super-bright beam. Features:
I N I T I A L R E P O
R T
The
Streamlight Stylus Pen Light arrived in a plastic, form fitting
package. It took a little while to cut away the stiff plastic package
to retrieve the light (here on out referred to as the 'light'). The
battery was already in the light because while it was in the package,
it could be tested to see that if functioned. My first thought was what
a great size this little light is. It's almost the exact size of
standard writing pen and fits in the hand very well. With the simple
press of the rubber tail cap with the thumb, the light clicks on and
off. The rubber tail cap can be pressed half way down simultaneously
for signaling with a flashing pattern or for a quick spot at an
object. The rubber tail cap also has a knurled texture to it so
the
fingers grip and not slip.October 11, 2007 The end with the rubber tail cap can be unscrewed to expose the battery compartment that holds the single 'AAA' battery. On the outside of the light there is a clip for securing it to a shirt or pants pocket or strap. The features section mentions a key ring and safety lanyard but I did not see one in the package. The light housing feels very sturdy and seems to be able to withstand a lot of knocking around. The light actually produces a very bright and wide beam; very impressive from a light this small. I am looking forward to using the Streamlight Stylus Pen Light on all of my backwoods trips along with using it around the house. I'll be able to use it around camp, in the tent while reading or sorting things, even while out taking a night stroll on the trail. With the clip on the side, this gives me an opportunity to clip it to the inside of my pants pocket for quick retrieval or clipping it to the sternum strap of my pack for a quick shot at an object or to check my trail map or GPS. It's small enough to fit just about anywhere but it seems to be powerful enough to use as a guiding light in the darkest of areas. F I E L D R E P O
R T
January 8, 2007 This is a sweet little
light. I have enjoyed it very much since I received it. It is
small enough to fit in a pants pocket with out noticing it and very
bright to illuminate any area. I have used this light many many times
from backpacking, riding my bike, walking the dog, and just general use
when I need a flashlight.
I used it a lot during a two night trip to Pisgah National Forest. The temperature there ranged from 30 F to 40 F (-1 C to 4 C) at night and 60 F to 75 F (15 C to 24 C) during the day. The elevation ranged from 3,500 ft to 4,200 ft (1,067 m to 1,280 m). The weather was very clear and cold at night with no precipitation. I used the Stylus Pro, along with another Streamlight light, every night of the trip. I used it from night walking to get fire wood and potty trips to cooking and reading my book in the tent. I like it mostly because of the size and how much light it puts out from the small size. Most of the time I used it in the 'spot' mode which to me, is having it in my fist and pointing it where I want and pressing the rubber tail cap half way down with my thumb. But other times I simply pressed the tail cap fully to click it on and either carried it in my hand pointing it where I needed to or I would clip it to the neck of my shirt so that it illuminated the ground at my feet. This came in handy when I needed to retrieve fire wood or needed both hands to cook with. The neck of my shirt was loose enough so that it swung down and stayed in a vertical position. I really like the area that the Stylus illuminates. It's big enough so that I don't have to move the light around very much unless I am needing to see something quickly to the opposite way I am pointing it. I used it some while I was in my tent at night but I didn't find a good position for it, without holding it, to shine at my book while I was laying down. I did clip it on a loop at the peak of my tent but that only illuminated the tent and did me no good unless I laid on my stomach to read; but having it clipped on the loop did prove to be useful while I was doing things inside the tent. I placed it in the side gear pocket of my tent for easy access if I needed it during the night. The durability of the Stylus seems to be very good. I have only dropped it a couple of times and no harm was done to the housing or the lens and it still works. The lettering on the housing is starting to show a little wear from being rubbed off but this does not affect the function of the light. I have not had it in the rain or submersed it in water yet so I cannot comment on the waterproofness of it. The batteries have done very well as I have not had to change them since I received it. It's hard to remember but the illumination does seem to be a little weaker than the first time I turned it on so I'm pretty sure I will need to change the batteries soon. The battery life has gone well past my expectations as much as I turn it on and off. As much as I have used the clip in the Stylus, it is still strong and stays secure to whatever I clip it to. I have mostly carried the light in my pants pocket when I do carry it because it is small enough not to be obtrusive and it makes for easier access then trying to reach up or back to a pack pocket. The Stylus is a lot of fun to use and I will continue to use it on all of my nightly outings while backpacking or anywhere that I need a flashlight. I am anxious to see how waterproof it is in the rain and if the water will have any effect on it. I am also looking forward to clipping it to other things to see how many different ways I can make use of the clip. L O N G T E R M
R E P O
R T
February 19, 2008 Unfortunately I have not
been on another overnight trip since my Field
Report. However I have used it on several occasions when I just needed
a small light for a quick look at something such as under the hood of
my car at night or in dark spaces that I need to look quickly. I keep
the Stylus very handy for such occasions. If I could change anything
on the light it would be the pocket clip. I like the way it is
positioned now but it would also be nice to be able to remove it and/or
flip it around to be able to clip to a hat bill or something similar.
As this instance does not pertain to backpacking but I used it when I had to usher for my sons play. They handed out flashlights to everyone and I spoke up and said "I have my own". It worked perfect as a light to illuminate the floor and to use as a pointing tool to show people to their seats. I have truly enjoyed using the Stylus on many occasions and will continue to use it on my future adventures and around the house. This concludes this test
series
Thank you Streamlight and
BackpackGearTest.org for this
opportunity.
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