Streamlight Sidewinder X: A Multi-Fuel, Military-Grade Performer for Your Kit

Streamlight Sidewinder X Review: Multi-Fuel Tactical Flashlight for Gear Enthusiasts

The Streamlight Sidewinder X Multi-Fuel Military Flashlight with Tilting Head is here, and it promises military-grade versatility and performance for everyone from tactical users to outdoor enthusiasts. This updated version of Streamlight's popular Sidewinder series steps up the capabilities, offering multi-fuel support and features often found exclusively in military flashlights. We got our hands on the Aviation model, featuring white, green, blue, and infrared (IR) LEDs, to put it through its paces.

Key Features & Specifications

The Sidewinder X boasts a range of features designed for demanding use. It offers up to 275 lumens of white light output, a significant increase from previous Sidewinder models. What sets it apart is its multi-fuel capability, powered by either two AA alkaline batteries (included), one CR123A lithium battery, or Streamlight's rechargeable SL-B9 battery pack. The light features a 185-degree tilting head, allowing for precise beam placement.

Different models are available, including Military, Aviation, and a User Configurable option, each with varying color LED configurations in addition to white and IR. Our Aviation model includes white, green, blue, and IR LEDs. The body is constructed from super tough nylon, giving it durability and weather resistance. It holds an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Key specifications include:

• Output: Up to 275 lumens (White, High). Other outputs vary by color LED (e.g., 40 hours on IR, 50 hours on Red, Blue, and Green).
• Run Time: Varies significantly by battery type and mode, from 4.75 hours on High white with AA batteries to over 100 hours in Survival mode.
• Beam Distance: Up to 113 meters (White LED).
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.6" (Height) x 2.4" (Length) x 1.2" (Width).
• Weight: Around 4.4 oz with 2 AA batteries or 3.3 oz with one CR123A.
• Battery Type: 2x AA Alkaline (included), 1x CR123A, or 1x SL-B9 rechargeable.
• Waterproofing: IPX7 rated.
• Head Tilt: 185 degrees.
• Included: Light with clip and AA alkaline batteries. A MOLLE retainer is also included in some packages.

First Impressions & Setup

The Sidewinder X arrived in bright, detailed cardboard packaging that clearly shows the Aviation model on the front. Simple colored bubbles on the box indicate the included white, green, blue, and infrared capabilities. The box also includes charts showing how to unlock the functionality and lists the standard specifications. Without even opening the box, you know this is a multi-fuel flashlight with integrated helmet mount features, an easy push-button on/off with a rotary switch, 275 lumens in survival mode, is waterproof, and boasts over 100 hours of runtime.

Installation is pretty straightforward. The included batteries make the flashlight ready to use right out of the box. Unscrewing a small cap at the base allows the bottom to flip open. Indicators on either side show the correct polarity for the AA batteries. Once the batteries are inserted, you close the clip, ensure the rubber gasket is properly seated, and thread the cap down until it's tight. The light is then ready to operate.

Operating the Sidewinder X

Operating the Sidewinder X is intuitive thanks to its compound switch design. A pull-to-turn locking rotary knob selects the color mode (White, Green, Blue, or IR on our Aviation model), and the center push-button controls power and intensity within that color. The colors are conveniently labeled on the knob itself (W for White, G for Green, B for Blue, IR for Infrared).

• On/Off: A single click of the push-button turns the light on to the lowest intensity setting for the selected color. A quick push again turns it off.
• Intensity: With the light on, press and hold the push-button to cycle through the four intensity levels (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, and then back down). Release the button at the desired brightness.
• Blink Mode: A fast double-click from the off position initiates a blinking mode at 180 beats per minute.
• Beacon Mode: Starting with the flashlight off, double-tap the switch to enter blink mode. Once in blink mode, press and hold the power button for about one second to enter beacon mode. Beacon mode flashes at 50 beats per minute. The key difference observed in the field is that while blink mode is a regular on/off flash, beacon mode provides a quick, short, high-intensity burst about once per second, making it easier to spot from a distance, especially at night.
• Changing Color: Pull the rotary knob outwards to unlock it, twist it to the desired color (indicated by the labels), and spring loaded design locks the knob into the lock position.

The instructions for using the flash, intensity, and beacon features are nicely printed on the selector knob itself, eliminating the need to constantly reference the manual.

Performance & Field Use

The Sidewinder X Aviation model performed well in various scenarios. The adjustable tilting head was particularly functional, especially when using the light on solid, flat surfaces like a bedside table, allowing easy direction of the beam to illuminate a specific area. The light felt nicely balanced and easy to hold.

The different colored LEDs offer nuanced uses:

• Infrared (IR): As expected, the IR function worked well when paired with night vision equipment, providing invisible illumination. Without night vision, it serves no purpose in the visible light spectrum.
• Blue: The blue light was found to be exceptionally good at illuminating white and reflective elements in nature and man-made objects like paper, license plates, and reflectors, making them light up intensely. The blue LED also has a mellow tone that allows your eyes to adjust to the dark better compared to overpowering white light.
• Green: The green LED worked well around equipment and structures. It was noted that the green light doesn't illuminate foliage the same way blue light does (green leaves just look green under green light), which can be advantageous for reducing visual clutter. Similar to blue, the green light helps preserve night vision better than white light.
• White: The different intensity levels of the white light proved useful. The low setting is suitable for tasks like reading or navigating without wanting to be easily seen. It's great for preserving low light visibility. The high setting allows you to see a bit into the distance, potentially suitable up to around 100 feet. However, the beam was noted to fall off quickly beyond that range and isn't comparable to lights designed for long-distance illumination. The medium modes fit nicely in between, useful for transitioning from brightly lit areas (like leaving a mess hall) where the low mode might not be sufficient to navigate trails until your eyes fully adjust.

The beacon mode was found to be definitely bright enough to help a user stand out and was seen as a critical security feature when working with a team in the field.

Mounting Options

The Sidewinder X comes with a durable clip on the back that allows it to be attached to gear or MOLLE webbing. A standard MOLLE retainer is included, although I found that simply sliding the clip through MOLLE loops was sufficient for securing it in webbing. Streamlight also offers optional helmet mounts and adapters that are backward compatible with existing Sidewinder helmet mounts, providing additional hands-free options, though I was unable to test the specific helmet rail mount before writing the review. The design allows the tilting head to direct the beam when mounted.

Pros

• Multi-fuel capability offers versatility in power sources.
• Significantly improved performance and versatility compared to older Sidewinder "Boot" models.
• Military-inspired design and features.
• Intuitive controls with locking rotary switch and push-button.
• Useful different color LED options for specific tasks and preserving night vision.
• Beacon mode is effective for signaling/identification.
• Tilting head provides flexibility in beam direction.
• IPX7 waterproof rating.
• Clear labeling of functions on the light itself.
• Includes a MOLLE retainer and is compatible with existing Sidewinder mounts.
• Good balance and feel in the hand.

Cons

• The plastic injection molding showed minor cosmetic flaws (sprue and flash marks) that needed to be removed.
• While an improvement over the Boot, the body material might feel less premium compared to flashlights with aluminum bodies.

Final Thoughts

The Streamlight Sidewinder X, particularly the Aviation model reviewed, feels like the updated "boot light" many users have been waiting for. Paying homage to its military roots, the light performs as intended, proving to be a reliable personal companion whether you're operating in the field or just need a versatile light around the house. Its multi-fuel support, intuitive controls, and functional color LEDs make it a solid addition to any gear kit, offering robust performance in a compact, durable package.