I haven't seen my Macrostream ( https://www.streamlight.com/pr...tail/macrostream-usb) in a few weeks. I've looked everywhere and can't find it. I'd had it for a couple years and had just replaced the battery a few months ago, so losing it really pisses me off. I was working on a car yesterday and it was driving me nuts not having it, so I've decided it's time to buy a new one. At which point I'll probably find the Macrostream, but that's ok, spares are good.

I'm trying to decide if I should just buy another Macrostream, or if there's something better out there. I really liked the Macrostream...it was the perfect size to slip in a pocket or clip to a hat brim if I needed a headlamp. It had simple buttonology...click once for bright, twice for dim. No dealing with 15 different modes or unwanted strobe function. 500 lumens on high was plenty of light for anything I was using it for, and the low mode lasted long enough to get me through a multi-day backpacking trip or a day doing electrical or drywall. The only thing I didn't like about it was that the tailcap switch is not recessed so sometimes it would press against my leg when I sat down and turn itself on.

I see Streamlight is releasing the new "Megastream" ( https://www.streamlight.com/pr...etail/megastream-usb) soon. It's a lot brighter, has more runtime, and has three brightness modes. It's also more than twice the weight and presumably twice the size of the Macrostream. It also has the same stupid tailcap switch design. I like the improved capabilities, but I'm concerned it might be too big for comfortable EDC.

I've played with Surefire handhelds before and have never been impressed with what you get for the money. Most of those were duty lights, though, so maybe they offer something in the pocket genre that I'm not aware of. I've also had a couple of Fenix lights and had problems with the battery contacts and switches. The logic circuits are also really "busy" on Fenix lights...they try to incorporate too many modules, auto-step down brightness after a few seconds, stuff like that. I like to keep it as simple as possible, and if I want to use my light on high till the battery drains then it should darn well stay on high until it's dead.

With those criteria in mind, what does the forum recommend?

I have switched from Surefire to Cloud Defensive stuff.
Their Chicro XL is pretty much equivalent to the Macrostream USB. In power but it’s a longer skinnier unit.
I have the Chicro smaller one and still have a couple Micostream USBs I have not managed to lose. They all are still in the rotation somehow.
I used to carry a Macrostream that was gifted to me but I was tired of swapping batteries so much. Plus it was an engraved gift and did not want to loose it.
So I got some Microstream USBs and now a Chicro. I rotate them if needed but usually can just charge at night when needed.
For just regular old pocket EDC I like the smaller light and rarely need anything bigger.
If I do I grab a bigger light.

I wish they would/could make their Chicro line in the US but they are up from it is just no where near cost effective.
But all their other stuff is fully made and assembled in the US at their facility in Indiana.

But just know whatever you buy you will then find your lost Macrostream.

I am down a Kershaw Leek at the moment. Waiting to find one on sale to replace it because I know as soon as I buy a new one I will find the lost one.

If you ascribe to the theory that "A missing item will not appear until a replacement is bought" buy something inexpensive like this. They're cheap and work very well.

My EDC light I’d a Fenix E30R which I think has been discontinued and replaced by the E35R.
It is not a tactical light, it is a work light. It has a side switch instead of a tail cap so it doesn’t Turn on in your pocket. It always turns on at the lowest level and climbs through 5 levels to 1600 lumpen’s. Great for when you need to see the menu in a dark restaurant and don’t want a blinding flash of light.
I think it has a great balance of battery lifebon mid levels with the ability to light up the night when needed.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

Black, that Chicro looks really interesting. Pretty affordable at Midway right now, too. Size-wise how does it compare to the microstream and Macrostream? On paper it looks like its output is a bit higher than the microstream on high, but lower on the low setting, and about 1/3 lower than the Macrostream on high. But those are just numbers...how do they compare in real life?

I always liked the brighter output of the Macrostream because I felt like I could make it work as a tac-light in a pinch, whereas the microstream is too dim for anything but basic admin work.

I like my light to start on high. That way if I need to react to something immediately I can light stuff up with one click. If I need to go to a dimmer "admin" setting without blinding everybody, I just point the lens into my palm and click twice.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:
If you ascribe to the theory that "A missing item will not appear until a replacement is bought" buy something inexpensive like this. They're cheap and work very well.

That's not a horrible idea, either. Have you actually used one of these? Are they dependable?

I would probably just buy another Macrostream.

I have gotten to where I carry a Microstream all the time, and if I’m going out when it’s dark for a routine outing, I might upgrade to something else, depending on where I’m going.

I haven’t found anything better than the Macro stream for that in between phase. I just prefer double and triple A flashlights for the ability to carry extra batteries. Same thing for the 18650s, when I need a real flashlight.

I also prefer the simple switch categories like you. On/off/high/low. Shouldn’t need a Computer programming degree to use a flashlight.

I have carried Fenix for many many years with great satisfaction. But those Streamlights simply work.

quote:

Originally posted by SpinZone:
My EDC light I’d a Fenix E30R which I think has been discontinued and replaced by the E35R.

That one is a bit chunkier than what I'm looking for, and the switchology is backwards from what I like. I've already got a few lights in that form factor or a little bigger...they're just a bit larger than what I like to carry around off-duty.

New owner of a Macrostream. I don't see anything else that would be an improvement. It hits a kind of "sweet spot" between ease of use, light output and portability.

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
I would probably just buy another Macrostream.

I have gotten to where I carry a Microstream all the time, and if I’m going out when it’s dark for a routine outing, I might upgrade to something else, depending on where I’m going.

I haven’t found anything better than the Macro stream for that in between phase. I just prefer double and triple A flashlights for the ability to carry extra batteries. Same thing for the 18650s, when I need a real flashlight.

I also prefer the simple switch categories like you. On/off/high/low. Shouldn’t need a Computer programming degree to use a flashlight.

I have carried Fenix for many many years with great satisfaction. But those Streamlights simply work.

It is definitely the best pocket light that I've personally had to-date. Like you I grab something bigger when I'm headed out to do something where I know I'm going to need a light, like walking the dog in the dark or something like that. But as something to have handy everywhere you go, it's about the perfect size.

My EDC for a year or two now has been the Streamlight Wedge XT. Very happy with it. The flat profile is a bit more comfortable if you have to crawl around on your side- it don't poke at you as much as a round light. Bright, decent battery life, USB C which is essentially a requirement to me now for any gadget in my life. Looks kind of like a knife so be prepared for some curious security folks at airports and other places. Never any problems, they've all found it cool so far.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

Black, that Chicro looks really interesting. Pretty affordable at Midway right now, too. Size-wise how does it compare to the microstream and Macrostream? On paper it looks like its output is a bit higher than the microstream on high, but lower on the low setting, and about 1/3 lower than the Macrostream on high. But those are just numbers...how do they compare in real life

The Microstream and Chicro are pretty much the same size.

The Chicro XL is pretty much the same size body in diameter just longer. So it’s skinnier but longer than the Macrostream.

Unfortunately Cloud does not have much of a middle ground their next options up are the MCH line which is like $185+, made in the US, and the output is wild!!!!

Bereli has the MCH 2.0 and MCH Duty on sale for $145

But I really think these are overkill for carrying everyday. I have never really been in a spot needing much more than a Microstream or Chicro.
If I know I need something I grab a bigger light.

The Chicro holds very well in one’s mouth just using your lips. The Macrostream was too big and need to use my teeth did not like that.

Whatever you choose I’d likely swap to USB rechargeable. So much better than swapping batteries.

I will also say that my Microstreams have gone through the wash and dryer more times than I can count with zero issues.
Not had a Chicro go through yet.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech: That's not a horrible idea, either. Have you actually used one of these? Are they dependable?

I bought one and liked it so much I bought another two over a year ago. One stays in my truck, one's on my tool bench, and one's in my tractor. I've never had one go dead on me, and I recharge them when I remember to do it (read "months between recharging"). The high/low option is nice, and the end-cap switch can be locked by turning it on and then holding it down for a few seconds. This turns the light off and locks the switch until it's held down again for a few seconds.

For $15 and free shipping, I think they're a really good value. They're all I really need for my low speed/high drag tactical ranching operations.

quote:

Whatever you choose I’d likely swap to USB rechargeable. So much better than swapping batteries.

I will also say that my Microstreams have gone through the wash and dryer more times than I can count with zero issues.

Yes. USB rechargeable is an absolute requirement. And I've done the same with my Streamlights and never had an issue...which is part of the reason I like to stick with them. They're rugged little buggers.

I liked my Surefire Stiletto enough to buy a second one after the first was stolen. Flat profile, very sturdy clip that makes for a good light on your ballcap.