An observation about the Microstream-

In order to get a feel for actual runtime and not the manufacturer's stated runtime (which, in most cases, appears to be overly optimistic) I have been using the Microstream as a task light around the house.

Streamlight states a runtime of 2.25 hours using an alkaline battery. Using an Eveready Energizer Max alkaline battery and using the light intermittently, I got roughly 1.25 hours out of a battery. However, the light was still working when I replaced the battery.

Why? It appears Streamlight has designed this flashlight to maintain its specified 45 lumen output level with no taper. What began happening as the battery neared end of life was that after having the light on for minute or so, it would turn itself off. If I waited, say, a minute and clicked the switch twice (off then back on) the light would run again for another minute or so. This is not an issue of overheating. The flashlight will simply not taper its output. If it can't maintain full output, it turns itself off. As time went by, this interval before shutdown became shorter, to running for perhaps fifteen seconds before shutting itself off.

Installing a fresh battery corrected this behavior.

I suppose that when a flashlight is putting out a mere 45 lumens, a taper is of little use.

Just an observation for those of you who may be interested in getting a Microstream.

While more expensive I find the Energizer Lithium’s provide noticeably longer runtime in general, don’t run the risk of leaking and have a really low self discharge rate. Awesome for a “kit light”.

I agree that lithium AAAs would yield best runtime. The problem with lithium batteries these days is that the cost has gone through the roof in the last 18 months or so. They weren't cheap to begin with, but now the price has become obscene.

My choice for all of my first aid kits was to be a cheapskate. turns out it has been an affordable and reliable choice. these light are perfect for small kits. if you ruin one or lose it, just grab another. two versions, standard or led.https://medicalgearoutfitters.com/collections/equipment/products/penlights-pack-of-6

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I agree that lithium AAAs would yield best runtime. The problem with lithium batteries these days is that the cost has gone through the roof in the last 18 months or so. They weren't cheap to begin with, but now the price has become obscene.

True that!!! That said still might make sense for a load it and leave it light.

For more conventional alternatives I have found the following.
Duracell’s will leak by the time you get the “acel” out when saying the name. I avoid.

Energizers, especially the ones with the “no leak” wording or guarantee actually do seem to do fairly well in this regard. Probably the best of the akelines.

Eneloop and the Amazon branded Eneloops are the best rechargeable’s I’ve used over the years. They are my go too for high use items like remotes or heavily used AA/AAA lights etc. I’ve used them for at least a decade and only had like 1 or 2 cells give up the ghost on me.

Those have been my experience with common AA/AAA batteries. I have heard the IKEA branded rechargeable’s are quite good as well, but have no experience. They may be branded or made by “Lada”???? Or something to that effect.