When Streamlight released the Wedge light, it was one of the most compact lights at the time. I still carry a Wedge light to this day because I like the rotating power switch on the original version. I’ve used the same light for about three years now, and it still works just fine. It’s durable.
The new Wedge SL is even smaller and more compact than the Wedge.
Everyone has different wants, likes, and needs for just about any type of gear. I’ve always said, if you get a group of gun guys together, they will agree on just about… nothing. But that’s ok, this is why companies make so many different options for us to choose from. The new Wedge SL completes a trio of lights that provide plenty of options for EDC lights.
We will compare this new one to the other two shortly, but first, let’s look at the new Wedge SL.
Ultra-Thin EDC Inspection Light (Wedge SL)
Streamlight designed the Wedge SL to be an ultra-thin inspection and everyday carry light. It has a flat, unibody design that is just about the thinnest handheld flashlight I’ve seen yet.
The body of the light is made from Type II MIL-Spec anodized aluminum, so it’s light and durable. On my digital scales, I’m showing the Wedge SL weighs just about 1.1 ounces, which is extremely light.
It’s about 5.65 inches long, a half-inch wide, and a quarter-inch thick. This, of course, makes it easy to carry in your pocket, or you can even clip it to the collar of your shirt for easy access.
It has a stainless-steel clip on it, which I thought worked great. It’s tight enough to keep it snug in your pocket, but not so tight that it nearly pulls up your pants trying to get it out.
Of course, a compact light that is durable and lightweight still needs to be bright enough to make it worth carrying, right? So, let’s look at the lumens, runtime, and functions of the Wedge SL.
Lumens, run time, and function
If you are familiar with the original Wedge light, you will remember that it has two brightness modes. Flip the switch for a low-light mode and push further on the switch for a high-beam. The SL works about the same way. Instead of a rotating lever like the Wedge, it has a push-button on the back, like the Wedge XT.
The SL has two main constant-on modes, plus a momentary burst. The THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) Mode gives you a temporary burst of 500 lumens and 1,600 candela. With this mode, the light is effective to about 80 meters.
- High Mode: Provides 100 lumens and 300 candela for up to 1.75 hours.
- Low Mode: Offers 50 lumens and 150 candela with a long 3.5-hour run time.
It also has a high mode and a low mode. Like many of their other lights, this one uses the 10-tap programming to select between modes.
To change the mode, press the power button 10 times quickly and hold down on the 10th press. The light will change and then turn off. In either mode, you can press and hold the power button to use the temporary 500 lumens (THRO).
The Wedge SL has an integrated lithium polymer battery that recharges using a USB-C port. A four-level LED indicator shows the battery status and charge alerts.
Streamlight Wedge SL Specifications
- Max Lumens (THRO): 500 lumens
- Max Candela (THRO): 1,600 candela
- Max Run Time (Low Mode): 3.5 hours (50 lumens)
- Length: 5.65 inches
- Thickness: 0.28 inches
- Weight: 1.14 ounces
Where does it stack up to the original and XT Wedge lights?
For everyday EDC, I still prefer the original Wedge light. But I’ve found the new SL is perfect for those times when even the original Wedge is too bulky. This is probably why they have dubbed it an “inspection” light. When you’re doing something that requires constant retrieval of a light, especially in small, confined areas, this light works great.
For the most part, the Wedge XT has been my backup vehicle light. I keep it clipped to my visor, so it’s out of the way but easy to grab when needed. The XT is about the same size as the Original, just shorter. It has a button on the back instead of a rotating switch on the side.
It’s so slim, you can almost forget it’s in your pocket, but it also works great just clipped to your shirt. This is how I’ve ended up carrying the SL most of the time. It’s also small enough to fit in most pen holders in bags, binders, etc.
The original Wedge is thicker, and its THRO gives you a momentary output of 1,000 lumens, which is double that of the SL. This is expected since it’s a larger light, and of course, what you are using it for will determine the brightness needed. I’m not a believer that the brightest light is always the best. There are plenty of times when a bright light will do little more than blind the person using it.
There is a time and place for even the smallest of gear
I view EDC lights about how I view handguns. Carry the largest one you can easily conceal.
Of course, you don’t really have to conceal a flashlight, but you still want it to blend in with your attire. This light is perfect for an EDC light when you are wearing clothing that makes carrying larger items difficult.
During these times, I resort to a smaller handgun that can still be concealed. Those handguns often have no light attached to them, which makes carrying a handheld light even more important. So, like all my other gear, the Streamlight Wedge SL will be added to my constantly evolving list of EDC items.
For me, the Wedge SL doesn’t replace the original light. It’s a great addition to the series. It would also be extremely handy to those in professions that require constant light in small areas throughout the day.
