Since the beginning of World War 2, the US Military has issued an angle-headed flashlight in one form or another. In WW2, this was the TL-122-A brass-bodied flashlight powered by two D batteries.
While very well made and extremely durable, the light is very dim by today’s standards, and the use of glass lenses means it tends to shatter them under hard use.
Eventually, the unit was redesigned in Vietnam to be lighter, and more durable. At this point it was renamed the MX991, and still saw widespread use among all branches of the military.
Truly, the angle-headed lamp is an incredibly versatile tool, and one that could still be useful today if streamlined and modernized.
Thankfully, Streamlight has done just that with the introduction of their Sidewinder Boot. Full details below.
EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 25, 2020 - Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the Sidewinder Boot®, a compact, hands-free right angle military light that features a red slide-in-place filter. The versatile light, which offers up to 90 hours of run time, is engineered to be the new standard in lighting for boot camp and recruit/basic training lighting needs.
The new light features a 185º tilting head for precise positioning of the light source depending on the work area and an easy-to-use multi-function push-button switch. It includes a spring steel clip that fits to MOLLE or helmet mounts, and uses easily sourced AA alkaline or lithium batteries.
“Designed for military basic training, the Sidewinder Boot can tackle the rigors of boot camp, while also providing a durable right angle flashlight for military and other tactical users at an affordable price point,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “The tilting head is key for directing light at any angle for long periods of time, and the red slide-in-place filter eliminates the need for a filter accessory which is subject to being lost or broken.”
The Sidewinder Boot includes a white LED that offers 55 lumens of bright, white light, 1,000 candela, and a 63-meter beam distance. On the low setting, the light offers 7 lumens, 140 candela, and a 24-meter beam distance. Run time ranges from 8 hours on high with an additional 20 hours at 7 lumens, to 90 hours on low.
The light uses two (2) AA alkaline batteries, or two (2) lithium AA batteries for extended operation in extreme temperatures (-40o F to 150o F). Tactile battery polarity indicators are provided to facilitate battery replacement in the dark, and the hinged battery compartment prevents cap loss.
A rubber dome actuator ergonomically integrates the On-Off and intensity functions, eliminating the need to access separate switching locations, while providing easy access even with heavy gloves.
The Sidewinder Boot measures 1.86 inches long and weighs 3.52 ounces with the included alkaline batteries (2.88 ounces with lithium batteries). It features a high-impact case, which offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. With O-ring and gasket-sealed openings, the light is IPX7-rated and is waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The light is also multiple orientation impact resistance-tested to one meter.
Available in Coyote, the Sidewinder Boot has an MSRP of $45.00, and includes Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
In essence, the Sidewinder Boot is a tiny, ultra-long-lasting utility lamp designed for soldiers and professionals in need of limited, but crucial illumination.
And with a price tag of around $50, anyone can afford it. Especially impressive is the staggering 90 hours of run time on the low setting.
That feature alone would make the Sidewinder Boot the perfect survival lamp or camping lamp.
The Streamlight Sidewinder Boot should be available now. For more information, visit www.Streamlight.com .
