Streamlight Microstream USB vs AAA LED model comparison

11B CIB

11B CIB

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To start off, I LOVE my USB Microstream AAA. I’ve had one for about 4 years. I lost the first one I had (came unclipped during a hayride one Halloween and fell out of my pocket). I’ve had the replacement ever since. It’s small/compact, lightweight and has a great battery life with a common inexpensive replacement.

I thought I’d lost my current one about three weeks ago and my wife got me the USB model in brown (there’s a slight difference between the black version, will describe down below) as a last minute stocking stuffer but I found my AAA version a couple days before Christmas woo Hoo.

Size comparison with 55gr 223 Rem:

k3A0uHC.jpg



AAA Specs:
C4 White LED bulb
45 Lumens/2.25hr runtime
3.6”
1.1oz

Light test outside:
lrurfRG.jpg


USB Specs:
50 Lumen/3.5hr run time
250 Lumen/1.5hr run time
3.87”/1.2oz
4hrs to recharge, battery lasts 300 full recharges (red indicator by charge slot turns green when charge is complete) and then only has 60% charge capacity. New battery is $8.50 on Amazon.

Light test:
Low:
Ofmvk21.jpg


High:
URkHrpu.jpg


USB color compared to AAA LED setting:
EKsGn36.jpg



The Coyote brown version I have goes High beam to Low beam, which requires a double click I haven’t mastered the rhythm of yet. I do a Michael J Fox Morse code until I get it right. The Black version goes Low to High, which I think would be more my preference AND have less run time on the battery. I didn’t know there was a difference until I started using it and my wife sure as hell didn’t when she bought it.

The Microstream AAA is still an awesome light but the USB version blows it away even with a small Lumen difference (on Low), the color warmth makes a massive difference to the eye when using it. I’ll probably get a Black version since I use the low setting more and use the Coyote version as a backup in my GHB or something
 
Love my AAA. May have to get a USB one, been thinking about it anyway.
My switch is starting to fail, it may need to return soon. Guess I'll need something to carry while it's gone.
Only gripe, I know the clip allows you to stick it on hat brim or whatever, but I think it's dumb, snags a lot of things, I've reformed mine probably a dozen times.
 
Streamlight took their sweet time putting the high intensity lights on the market. I'm glad they're finally catching up.
 
bigfelipe said:
What's the price difference?
Click to expand...

About $15-18 for the AAA LED and about $30 for the USB depending on where you get them. They both come with a strap type thing to hang it on stuff and a spare rubber clicky cap.

@Beef15 i thought the design of that clip was dumb also until I got stuck camping in a rainstorm. I clipped that thing on my hat instead of holding it my teeth and was able to break down camp (old tent failed) and see in the process. Have only done it one other time since (I think for nighttime visibility walking near a road or something), but the concept grew on me some
 
Love my usb model and the reversible clip for use on my hat. I’ve had it several months now and use it daily to the point I have to recharge it every other day. Picked up the wife one shortly after and it’s the only thing she carries consistently besides her g42. Both are the tan models but the black would probably be better for both of us with the low to high setting image.jpg
 
11B CIB said:
@Beef15 i thought the design of that clip was dumb also until I got stuck camping in a rainstorm. I clipped that thing on my hat instead of holding it my teeth and was able to break down camp (old tent failed) and see in the process. Have only done it one other time since (I think for nighttime visibility walking near a road or something), but the concept grew on me some
Click to expand...
Yeah the rare usefulness is why I've reformed it instead of cutting it off.
 
I've had the USB model in black for over a year now, I think. It's always in my pocket. Best EDC light I've ever had.
 
I killed my USB model.

I have a habit of leaving my Microstream clipped to my pants when I take them off. It's a bad habit and is 100% my fault. But my AAA versions have survived many trips through the washer. Trip 2 killed the USB version.

In comparing the two I'd say the AAA versions win for durability. I backed over one with my truck once and it still functions....
 
05094E1E-48E4-433F-8FCA-6682946C8E00.jpeg

AAA version

Best EDC light I have. It gets used daily and has been through the washer/dryer a couple times. The original pocket clip gave up the ghost, so I cannibalized one off another AAA light I have.
 
rantingredneck said:
I killed my USB model.

I have a habit of leaving my Microstream clipped to my pants when I take them off. It's a bad habit and is 100% my fault. But my AAA versions have survived many trips through the washer. Trip 2 killed the USB version.

In comparing the two I'd say the AAA versions win for durability. I backed over one with my truck once and it still functions....
Click to expand...

I have washed my AAA one several times also. The O Ring behind many threads kept it safe

The sliding end that covers the USB charging port fits over that O Ring snugly but it’s not threaded on; 45 minutes in a washer and I can easily see it getting water in there.

@wsfiredude I contacted Streamlight when I broke a clip and they sent me one for free. Worth a shot
 
I love my AAAs and there's one in my pocket every day, but I like the sound of the USB and will have to give that a try. Thanks for the write-up.
 
I tend to lose flash lights more than I wear them out so I stick with cheap throw aways. I might have to try one of the AAA versions next time I see one.
 
Pink_Vapor said:
I’ve had the USB for over a year, love it enough I just picked up the larger ProTac 2L-X
Click to expand...

I switched to the 2L-X a few months ago and love it. Great light. I don’t know if you got the one with the rechargeable 18650 or not but PrimaryArms puts a 2-3 pack of the batteries on sale pretty often. I picked some up and can just swap them out when it needs to charge.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
rantingredneck said:
I killed my USB model.

I have a habit of leaving my Microstream clipped to my pants when I take them off. It's a bad habit and is 100% my fault. But my AAA versions have survived many trips through the washer. Trip 2 killed the USB version.

In comparing the two I'd say the AAA versions win for durability. I backed over one with my truck once and it still functions....
Click to expand...
Was the head portion slid forward to access the charging port while ít was swimming? I've bathed mine a couple times and so far, so good.

I also purchased an extra battery for mine when I bought it. I haven't needed it but I think it was $11 shipped. You think a new battery would bring yours to life?
 
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I too enjoy the USB version and like the High to Low function over the low to high. But I have both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
rantingredneck said:
I killed my USB model.

I have a habit of leaving my Microstream clipped to my pants when I take them off. It's a bad habit and is 100% my fault. But my AAA versions have survived many trips through the washer. Trip 2 killed the USB version.

In comparing the two I'd say the AAA versions win for durability. I backed over one with my truck once and it still functions....
Click to expand...

C70CEE5F-838E-4249-9FA3-52CE5DD49CB7.jpeg
Glad you mentioned the washing issue as I was considering the usb but have the same habit of forgeting it in pants pockets and it going threw washer. Carried this one for 3 or 4 years daily and use it all the time and probably been threw washer and dryer 10 times. Had a spare for when this one dies but other than switch acting a little funny occasionaly still going strong and hanging on. Honestly thought I would have lost it before now.
 
BBD280 said:
Was the head portion slid forward to access the charging port while ít was swimming? I've bathed mine a couple times and so far, so good.

I also purchased an extra battery for mine when I bought it. I haven't needed it but I think it was $11 shipped. You think a new battery would bring yours to life?
Click to expand...

No it wasn't. And no a new battery didn't work. It is well and truly dead.
 
Jp8819 said:
View attachment 179318
Glad you mentioned the washing issue as I was considering the usb but have the same habit of forgeting it in pants pockets and it going threw washer. Carried this one for 3 or 4 years daily and use it all the time and probably been threw washer and dryer 10 times. Had a spare for when this one dies but other than switch acting a little funny occasionaly still going strong and hanging on. Honestly thought I would have lost it before now.
Click to expand...

Nice...

I love to see stuff that shows evidence of being used regularly.
 
wsfiredude said:
Nice...

I love to see stuff that shows evidence of being used regularly.
Click to expand...


I tried the cr123 /AA model as it is much brighter but just prefer the compact size of the aaa for carrying in pocket or using hands free on a hat
 
I actually just got one of the black version about a week ago and I like it a lot. Like @11B CIB mentioned, I’m also having a difficult time figuring out the rhythm for switching between high/low, but it’s not a huge deal. I currently keep mine attached to the strap on my backpack. I like it there because I can turn it on and it illuminates right in front of me.


ECC572D2-78E3-4B8F-A150-0B0CBAC504C1.jpeg
 
Thanks for the information. I have been thinking about one for a while and these comments pushed me over the edge. It should arrive on Friday.
 
Ive carried a AAA version for a while now, fantastic light!
Looked at the USB versions, but just never pulled the trigger, this is convincing me that I should!
 
I have 2 of the USB ones. Got the first one and then my wife had to have one. I bought both off of Amazon but one is much brighter than the other.
 
I have been a Streamlight fan for a long time now. Back at the first of November I got a rechargeable Fenix at the gun show. While it is a nice light, I don't like it as well as the Streamlight. I did get some Olights at their Black Friday sale and I'm liking them pretty well.

Edit: I just listed the Fenix for sale.
 
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well, i tried to "like" the USBs i've had.
now, i'm all in on AAA or AA or CR123.

too many times, i've clicked a USB,
and got a glow, not a throw.
yes, i didn't charge it often enough.
but the others sat still for six months
and would work when i wanted.
 
Love my USB dearly.
Still like the AAA one I still have.

Also have a couple stylus as well. Awesome little lights!
 
turkeydance said:
well, i tried to "like" the USBs i've had.
now, i'm all in on AAA or AA or CR123.

too many times, i've clicked a USB,
and got a glow, not a throw.
yes, i didn't charge it often enough.
but the others sat still for six months
and would work when i wanted.
Click to expand...


I was watching a mrgunsngear video on YouTube and he mentioned that rechargeable batteries lose their charge as time goes on where cr123s do not. I’ve got a surefire m600 dual fuel that takes rechargeable batteries and a m300 that takes 1 cr123. I didn’t realize this until seeing that video but can tell a difference after the rechargeable has sat for a month or so with little use.

imo the usb is good for everyday use and the nonrechargeable is more for a b.o.b. type role.
 
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NKD said:
Also have a couple stylus as well. Awesome little lights!
Click to expand...
I’ve carried a Stylus Pro in my pocket for the 9 months or so and really like it. Also have an AAA Microstream on a lanyard that I use every once in awhile. It has the double clip which definitely comes in handy.

Recently added my first Olight to the carry rotation, and it also has a double clip. Guess there’s also something about a red light I like. :D

1AF3A785-CEBB-4376-BF0E-8900BADA03CE.jpeg
 
Just picked up a usb model on y’all’s recommendation. I’ll beat it up for a few weeks and check back. Initial input is its small, light and bright. But the click on the button seems hard, but that may be because it’s so tiny in my hand.
1F23A3AE-083E-4849-ADAF-C4CEE0A206DF.jpeg
 
I received mine this week also. I like it. It is smaller than I thought it would be, but that is ok. I did clip it on my cap and it really is a very workable option. Easy to adjust and just does what I would like for it to do. I hate wearing a head light with all the damn elastic straps...real pain for me. Small enough for me to lose it for sure, but I sure like it for my back pack. Good for me all around. Will probably get one of the AAA models for my IFAKS. I found that the operation of the high low thing was just fiddling with the damn thing till I got it. Thanks
 
I haven’t tried one that small. Afraid I’d lose it. I have 2 Protac HL-X lights that are dual fuel. CR123 batteries or 18650 batteries. The 18650 batteries last a good while. And the light is the brightest light I’ve ever carried. I keep one in my pocket and use it everyday. I have a spare in my work truck. And a ton of 18650 batteries as they last way longer that the CR123. @thrillhill turned me into a streamlight junkie.

@wsfiredude i emailed them a while back as one of the screws came outta one of my belt clips. They sent me a new belt clip and new screws.
 
Burt Gummer said:
@wsfiredude i emailed them a while back as one of the screws came outta one of my belt clips. They sent me a new belt clip and new screws.
Click to expand...

Received a new one from them.

I offered to pay for it and shipping, but they’d have none of it.
 
I got a USB Streamlight in Black from Amazon. I love it and carry it when I am not at work. I carry an Olight SR30 Baton III. I used to carry the Olight all the time but, thr streamlight works well and so it goes in the pocket a lot. I ended up giving Christmas gifts of the USB version of the streamlight this year.
 
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