Streamlight Stinger 2020 Rechargeable Flashlight (2000-Lumen) with 120V AC/12V DC 1-Holder Charger, Blue
Product description
What it is and why people buy it
The Streamlight 78131 Stinger 2020 is a rechargeable, professional-style flashlight built around multiple light modes and a very straightforward way to switch between them. It’s the kind of everyday-carry tool you reach for when you want more than a single brightness level—think quick checks around the house, routine inspections, or getting visibility in areas that aren’t perfectly lit.
On paper, it hits a solid middle ground: strong high-mode output, a long-running low mode, and battery charging handled by a 1-holder charger that supports both 120V AC and 12V DC. That combination matters if you move between outlets (home/garage) and vehicle power.
The essentials: modes, runtime, and beam distance
This flashlight covers three main brightness modes plus strobe. The published numbers give you a clear idea of how it behaves across different situations:
- High: 2,000 lumens with a 315m beam and about 2 hours of runtime.
- Medium: 850 lumens with a 200m beam and about 4 hours of runtime.
- Low: 100 lumens with a 70m beam and about 24 hours of runtime.
- Strobe: runtime about 3.25 hours.
The practical takeaway is simple: you’re not locked into “maximum brightness only.” If you’re doing something that just needs visibility for a while, low is there for the long haul. If you need punch for a short burst, high is available. If you rely on strobe for attention or signaling, it’s included—but note the runtimes are not meant for extended continuous use.
What stands out in day-to-day use
The Stinger 2020’s switch layout is designed around faster mode selection. You get independently functioning head and tail switches, plus an intuitive control so you don’t have to cycle through settings to reach the mode you want.
That “set and forget it” style approach is a big deal if you’re the type who just wants the light to do one job at a time—turn it on, get to the brightness you need, and move on. You’ll still want to be mindful of strobe usage, though, it can be disorienting if you’re not expecting it.
Build, durability, and weather confidence
Where it feels more like a tool than a gadget is the build and sealing. The body is an aluminum alloy with an ergonomic anti-roll design and a textured grip for control. It’s described as corrosion-resistant and gasket-sealed, using a BOROFLOAT glass lens.
For real-world reliability, it’s rated IPX7 for waterproof operation up to 1 meter submersion. It’s also tested for 2-meter impact resistance.
Important nuance: it’s explicitly not a dive light and not intended for underwater use, even though it’s IPX7 rated. So if your use case involves long underwater sessions, this is not the right category.
Charger setup: 120V AC + 12V DC in a 1-holder system
Charging is handled by a 1-holder charger that supports 120V AC and 12V DC. That’s convenient if you want flexibility between standard outlets and a vehicle setup.
Still, one limitation to keep in mind: the description doesn’t spell out battery runtime on recharge or compatibility details beyond the included charging approach. If you depend on fast turnaround or specific charging behaviors, you’d want to confirm what you expect from your charging setup before committing.
Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)
It’s a good fit if you want a rechargeable flashlight with multiple output levels and a long low-mode runtime, plus durability features that are meant to survive everyday bumps and wet conditions.
It may not suit you if your main priority is compactness above all else, or if you only ever use one brightness level. In those cases, simpler lights can be easier and more straightforward.
Also, if your plan is heavy underwater use, remember it’s not positioned as a dive light.
Practical example: choosing the right mode on the fly
Picture a scenario like checking a basement corner: you don’t need max output for the entire time. You can start with a lower level for steady visibility while you look around, then jump up when you spot something far away that needs more reach. When the task is done, you’re not stuck cycling through brightness levels to get back to your preferred setting.
Final verdict
Is it worth it?
The Streamlight Stinger 2020 makes sense if you value rechargeable convenience, a clear multi-mode setup, and weather-ready construction (IPX7 plus impact testing). The mode runtimes are a big part of the appeal: low mode is built for long sessions, while high mode is there when you need distance and punch.
You may want to skip it if you only need a basic flashlight experience, if you want something primarily ultra-compact, or if your use case requires true underwater/diving use. In short: it’s built like a professional tool, and it performs best when you actually use more than one brightness level.
Quick FAQs
How many brightness modes does the Stinger 2020 have?
It includes high, medium, low, and a strobe mode.
Is it waterproof?
It’s IPX7-rated for waterproof operation up to 1 meter submersion, but it is not intended for underwater use.
What kind of charger does it use?
The package includes a 1-holder charger that supports 120V AC and 12V DC.
Is the strobe meant for long operation?
The strobe runtime is listed, but it’s not presented as the mode for extended continuous lighting compared with the low mode’s published runtime.