By: Kristine Malnati

A Compact Powerhouse Delivering 1,200 Lumens of Professional-Grade Illumination

When it comes to professional lighting tools trusted by law enforcement, security personnel, industrial workers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Streamlight has long stood as one of the most respected names in the industry. With decades of experience engineering high-performance illumination solutions, the brand continues to refine and elevate its flagship products. The Streamlight Strion® 2020 Rechargeable Handheld Flashlight is a prime example of that evolution—delivering more power, smarter controls, and dependable durability in a compact, duty-ready form.

As the next generation in the iconic Strion® series, the Strion® 2020 boosts output to an impressive 1,200 lumens while maintaining the sleek profile and reliability professionals expect. Designed for long-range applications, tactical use, and everyday carry for demanding environments, this flashlight balances raw performance with intuitive operation.

First Impressions and Unboxing Experience

Opening the box, the Streamlight Strion® 2020 immediately feels like a premium, professional-grade tool. The flashlight arrives securely packaged, ensuring no movement or damage during transport. Inside the box, you’ll typically find:

• The Streamlight Strion® 2020 flashlight
• A compact snap-in charger
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (installed or included depending on configuration)
• Basic documentation and warranty information

Lifting the flashlight out of the packaging, the quality is immediately apparent. The machined aircraft-grade aluminum body has a reassuring weight without feeling bulky, and the anodized black finish gives it a clean, professional appearance. The compact size makes it ideal for duty belts, vehicle storage, or gear bags, while the knurled grip areas ensure a secure hold even with gloves or wet hands.

The switches—both at the head and tail—feel solid and responsive, offering tactile confidence that this tool is built for real-world use.

Design and Build Quality: Compact, Durable, and Purpose-Built

The Strion® 2020 stays true to Streamlight’s reputation for rugged design. Constructed from durable machined aircraft aluminum, the flashlight is built to withstand demanding environments, whether it’s patrol duty, industrial work, or outdoor operations.

It boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without issue. Additionally, it has been impact-tested to 2 meters, ensuring it can survive drops, bumps, and rough handling.

At just 6.33 inches in length and weighing 5.70 ounces, the Strion® 2020 strikes an excellent balance between portability and performance. It’s compact enough for everyday carry while still offering the power and beam reach typically found in larger flashlights.

Performance and Beam Output: Power Where It Matters

The true highlight of the Streamlight Strion® 2020 is its 1,200-lumen output paired with 28,000 candela, delivering a focused, long-reaching beam that excels in both indoor and outdoor scenarios.

Lighting Modes and Runtime

The flashlight features three intensity modes plus strobe, all accessible through an intuitive mode select switch:

• High Mode
  • 1,200 lumens
  • 28,000 candela
  • 335-meter beam distance
  • Runtime: 1.75 hours
• Medium Mode
  • 460 lumens
  • 10,000 candela
  • 200-meter beam distance
  • Runtime: 5.5 hours
• Low Mode
  • 120 lumens
  • 3,000 candela
  • 110-meter beam distance
  • Runtime: 12 hours
• Strobe Mode
  • Runtime: 3.5 hours

The beam pattern is well-balanced, offering a bright central hotspot for distance illumination with sufficient peripheral spill for situational awareness. On high, the flashlight easily lights up distant objects, making it ideal for search operations, perimeter checks, or outdoor navigation.

User Interface: “Set and Forget It” Simplicity

One of the standout features of the Strion® 2020 is its intuitive mode select switch. Unlike flashlights that require cycling through multiple modes to reach the desired output, this model allows users to select their preferred brightness level directly.

This “set and forget it” design is especially valuable in high-pressure or tactical situations where speed and consistency matter. The independently functioning head and tail switches further enhance usability, allowing flexible activation depending on grip or mounting style.

Battery and Charging: Efficient and Reliable Power

The Strion® 2020 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, delivering consistent performance and reducing the need for disposable batteries. The battery fully recharges in approximately 4.5 hours, and charging is handled through Streamlight’s compact snap-in charger.

Charging indicators are clear and easy to read:

• LED steady – Charging
• LED blinking – Fully charged

An optional PiggyBack® charger (sold separately) allows users to charge a spare battery simultaneously, significantly reducing downtime—an excellent feature for professionals who rely on their flashlight throughout long shifts.

The built-in battery status indicator on the flashlight itself adds another layer of convenience:

• Green – Full or sufficient battery
• Red – Low battery

Product Specifications

• High Lumens: 1,200
• Run Time (High): 1.75 hours
• Run Time (Low): 12 hours
• Beam Distance: 335 meters
• Max Candela: 28,000
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion
• Battery Quantity: 1
• Length: 6.33 inches (16.08 cm)
• Weight: 5.70 ounces (161.59 g)
• Color: Black
• Water Resistance: IPX7
• Impact Resistance: 2 meters

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 1,200-lumen output in a compact body
• Long beam distance ideal for tactical and outdoor use
• Intuitive “set and forget it” mode selection
• Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
• IPX7 waterproof and impact-resistant
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with clear status indicators
• Compatible with existing Strion® chargers
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Premium price compared to entry-level flashlights
• Spare battery and PiggyBack® charger sold separately
• High mode runtime may be short for extended continuous use

Final Verdict

The Streamlight Strion® 2020 Rechargeable Handheld Flashlight is a refined, professional-grade illumination tool that delivers exceptional brightness, intelligent controls, and dependable durability. It’s clearly designed for users who need performance they can trust—whether in law enforcement, security, industrial settings, or serious outdoor applications.

While it may not be the cheapest flashlight on the market, its build quality, beam performance, and thoughtful features justify the investment. If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful rechargeable flashlight that performs reliably when it matters most, the Strion® 2020 stands as one of the best options in its class.

For more information about Streamlight products and the Strion® 2020, visit:
https://www.streamlight.com/