Everyone needs a good flashlight. It’s just one of those tools whose utility is universal. I’ve been running several Nightstick lights the last couple of months, including their USB-320 EDC light. The other lights are dedicated weapon lights, so they have particular roles, but I pick up the USB-320 at least once per day, and often more. It sits on my nightstand, kitchen table, or rides in my cargo shorts. In short, this light is rarely far out of my reach.
The Nightstick lights have impressed me, and this EDC light is no different. The beam is bright without being overpowering, and the construction is top-notch. The controls are easy to use, and it’s rechargeable, so no worrying about batteries.
Let’s look at the light’s specifications, then we’ll look at its features and performance in detail.
Nightstick USB-320 EDC Light Specifications
- High Lumens: 320
- High Beam Distance: 157 Meters
- High Candela: 6,168
- Light Source; LED
- High Run Time: 1.5 Hours
- Length: 4.5 Inches
- Weight: 3 Ounces
- Head Diameter: 1 Inch
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
- USB-C Charging Cord Included
- Case Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Type III Hard Anodized Finish
- Drop Rating: 2 Meters
- IP-X7 Waterproof to 1 Meter Immersion
Light Features
The Nightstick USB-320 is a compact, lightweight flashlight that’s easy to take along wherever you go, or just have around the house. The days of clunky old flashlights have been gone for a while, and quality options abound. But Nightstick combines quality, performance, and affordability like few others.
The construction is very nice, with a machined aluminum case that features two bands of raised stippling for a sure grip. A retractable sleeve protects the USB port, locking tight when the light is in use. The sleeve also preserves the watertight integrity needed to keep moisture from the USB port itself.
The light easily slips into a pocket or pouch, held in place by the aluminum clip. I usually carry mine clipped inside a pocket, though it might also go in a backpack. The clip is easily removeable if you don’t want to use it.
The battery does indeed last about an hour and a half. I know this because my six-year-old granddaughter loves flashlights and is good at talking me into playing with it. The recharge time for mine is about three hours, with a red and green status light so you know when the battery is topped up. The battery itself can be replaced if needed. And the light does hold up to the six-year-old, which may be among its greatest testaments. The finish doesn’t even have a scratch on it, which is near-miraculous.
The tail switch is positive and features constant and momentary-on functions. I wish it had a thumb button near the front, but the tail switch works well.
Nightstick USB-320 Performance
The Nightsticks’ salient feature, in my experience, is their focused beam. Yes, the construction is great, and they run reliably, though I have other lights that fit that same description. But my Nightsticks have a focused, concentrated central beam that my other lights lack. They also provide a good halo for peripheral illumination. The USB-320 is no different.
320 lumens doesn’t sound like a lot. But I’ve found it to be all I need, or even want, in an EDC situation. The concentrated central beam makes it seem brighter than the lumen count. It lights up my house during power outages and gives me plenty of light when I take my dog out after dark.
The high performance and lightweight compactness mean that the USB-320 will be my new hunting flashlight. The 320 lumens contribute to that decision too, since I use the light at short range to find my deer stand before daylight, and to make sure other hunters can see me, if necessary. I’m not looking to light up the whole forest. Like my Dad always told me, a deer hunting flashlight is not so much about seeing as it is being seen. This light is perfect for that application.
The USB-320 feels natural in my hand, and the stippling provides a solid grip. As I mentioned, I would like to have a thumb switch. The tail cap requires me to alter my grip to turn the light on or off. That’s really the design feature I wish was different with this light. The tail cap works well, with a tactile “click” for constant-on. Just a slight pressure and release operates the momentary-on function.
Final Thoughts
I like this light. It’s a quality EDC light that does what I need. The USB-320 doesn’t have some features others might want, though they aren’t a big deal for me with how I use it. There is no strobe function, for instance. That doesn’t bother me. The light also does not include adjustable brightness settings. Again, I regard that as unnecessary since the light’s basic output is 320 lumens. I only mention these since they may impact your decision to buy the USB-320 or not.
But I regard it as a very capable little light for the applications I’ve assigned it. Nightstick has other EDC lights with different capabilities. But the USB-320 is capable in its own right, and it’s quite affordable, especially for a top-quality light. Check it out.
