The Streamlight Stinger 2020 is a rechargeable, work-ready flashlight designed for inspection, identification, and repair uses. Its aluminum alloy body with anti-roll design is ergonomically shaped for an ideal grip. It features dual power switches and an intuitive mode selector switch for ease of use. On high, the Stinger 2020 emits 2,000 lm, a 315m beam distance, and a two hour run-time; on medium, 850 lm, a 200m beam distance, and a four hour run-time. On low, it offers an extended run-time of 24 hours with 100 lm and a 70m beam distance. Additionally, the light features corrosion-resistant glass lens and a IPX7 waterproof rating.
The Review
Having accessible and reliable lighting when attempting to diagnose an issue with a vehicle is exceedingly important. If you can't see what you're working with, the job becomes that much more difficult to complete.
Tool reviewer Matt Fanslow, diagnostic technician at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota, was impressed at how the Streamlight Stinger 2020 was able to save time during repairs with its efficient charging station, lengthy battery life, and overall form factor.
"[This] tool saves you time for a few reasons. First, it has a charging station that can be easily mounted [that] the light locks into, so by having a dedicated place to [put it], you usually find it there," Fanslow says.
"Second, the battery life is tremendous. You’re not spending any time going back and forth swapping batteries. Third, the flashlight isn't round, so it doesn’t roll away. You set it somewhere on the vehicle, on the ground, wherever, and it stays; unlike most other lights that can (and do) roll away."
Fanslow uses the Streamlight Stinger in his shop mostly when executing repairs, though his service advisor typically uses it a lot as well. It's something he believes all individuals in a similar role should be equipped with, in fact.
"I would strongly suggest equipping the service advisors/writers with these flashlights," Fanslow adds.
Upon receiving the flashlight, Fanslow noted that it came with a charging cable as well as a manual. While the manual was easy to understand, he notes, the tool is "very intuitive" and as such, "the manual serves little purpose."
There are still ways the light could be improved, though. Fanslow noted that he'd love to see the tool augmented with a true UV lamp alternative instead of a filter over the bulb. He'd like to see a lens that focuses light frequency to see UV dye with the same "terrific Streamlight intensity" he's come to love. But when it comes to naming things he doesn’t like about the tool, however, he’s absolutely stumped.
"The battery doesn’t last forever, and it doesn’t just interpret what you’re looking at and speak to you," Fanslow jokes. "Seriously, there’s nothing not to like."
When it comes to reliable, easy-to-use lighting that's great for any diagnostic purpose, the Streamlight Stinger 2020 thrilled this diagnostic technician.
