Streamlight Sidewinder Military Flashlight Review

The Sidewinder military flashlight is not the only tactical light option out there but it is a very common one. The market for high-end, weapon-grade flashlights is vast and varied. A quick look at sites like Olight and Optics Planet will give you a good idea on exactly how many options are there. No matter the person, firearm, or purpose, there is a flashlight out there for you.

One of these flashlights is the Streamlight military sidewinders.

What is a Sidewinder Flashlight?

The Sidewinder flashlight is a hand-free flashlight that has functionality similar to a headlamp, only it is not specifically designed to wrap around your head. It has more mounting options than that. They come with various color LED bulbs that run at different output levels and have different runtimes.

What makes the Sidewinder particularly unique is that it has a 185-degree tilting head. It also has a belt/web clip so you can position it on you or around you. They come in two options:

Military Model – White/Red/IR-IFF/Blue LEDs
Aviation Model – White/Green/IR-IFF/Blue LEDs

Sidewinder Flashlight Specifications

Streamlight is known for producing high-end flashlights, and the Sidewinder is no exception. It has varied features that are uncommon in many tactical lights.

Market Applications: military, marine, aviation, law enforcement, automotive work, and general outdoor/consumer use.
Case Material: High-impact nylon case made for weather resistance. All openings are O-ring sealed.
Colors: Olive drab and coyote tan.
Dimensions: Length = 2.34″ Width = 1.08″ Depth = 4.65″
Weight: 5.02 ounces with alkaline batteries or 4.38 ounces with lithium batters.
Lens: Unbreakable polycarbonate lens with scratch resistant coating and sealed gasket.
Illum Ouput:

Runtime:

Sidewinder Review

In survival, versatility is a must and the Sidewinder has plenty to spare. With 4 different color LEDs each with 4 different intensities already the Sidewinder is rather impressive.

Not just any flashlight but the flashlight that I carry with me on all of my bug out trips. Many hours were spent looking over lumen outputs, battery life, type of battery, and features. Finally, a decision was made and I decided on the Streamlight Sidewinder 14032, the military version.

Then you add in a 185 degree tilting head and not only do you have lighting options but positioning options as well. Though its shape is a bit out of the ordinary you can rest assure your light wont roll away when you set it down.

Though the Sidewinder is very versatile it does lack in a few areas. The light operation is on the head and for most this might not be an issue but if you prefer more of a tail switch operation you will be out of luck. The flashlight only takes AA batteries and although that is arguably one of the more popular batteries it would be nice to be able to use other batteries like CR123s or AAAs. Also the mount accessories do not hold the light as stable as I would like.

Where to Buy the Sidewinder

That all being said at roughly 60 dollars, the Streamlight Sidewinder is not going to break the bank. Its rugged, versatile, packed with features, and its what I take out with me into the wilderness.

Following are your purchase options. Check each to make sure you get the best price.

Sidewinder Summary

Long gone are the days of the old plastic D-cell olive drab plastic lights soldiers carried in Vietnam. Today’s tactical flashlights, like the Streamlight Sidewinder, are smaller, more powerful, and more versatile.

What’s your experience with the Sidewinder – or similar lights?