When Streamlight released the Wedge flashlight a couple of years ago, I was an instant believer. I bought one and started carrying it around everywhere I went. Working in law enforcement, I have to say that the little light came in handy more times than I can count. But I didn’t just wear it at work; I took it with me every time I left the house.
Recently, though, Streamlight released an even more compact version called the Wedge XT. I’ve been carrying it around for a few weeks, and it’s my new favorite light.
I still have my original Wedge light, and I use it often. However, I’ve switched to carrying the Wedge XT more exclusively, and I love it more than the original Wedge model. Let’s discuss why.
The New Wedge XT
The frame of the light is basically the same size as the full-size Wedge, but shorter by about 1.5 inches. That doesn’t sound like a big difference, but it is when you’re carrying it in your pocket. The total length for the full-size model is 5.5 inches, whereas the XT comes in at 4 inches. This makes it a perfect size for carrying around in your front pocket. The pocket clip on the side is the same as most knives, so it feels natural to carry it around. A USB-C power cord comes with the light, so it can be recharged as needed.
Streamlight stands behind its products with a limited lifetime warranty, which covers everything for life except for bulbs and batteries. You get a pocket lanyard with the light, but I chose to take mine off as I didn’t see much need for it. When charging the XT, a small red/green light indicates the status of the battery charge.
Programming the Wedge XT
Like many Streamlight flashlights, the Wedge XT is programable with both 10-tap and 5-tap lockout. 10-tap programming allows you to tell the light which brightness setting is “primary” and which one is secondary. The primary light setting is what comes on when you click the power button on the back of the light. Two fast clicks cycle the light to the second power setting. When I opened my Wedge XT, it was set to 500 lumens with one click and 50 lumens with two fast clicks.
This is a great feature when you are putting the light in a backpack, or some other place where it could accidentally get turned on. If you are worried about it turning on when carrying it in your pocket, you can use this setting too. To unlock it, simply press the power button five times again and hold the button down on the fifth press. The bulb will flash once, and the green battery light will also blink to indicate the light is out of lock mode.
Ready to try the Wedge XT?
As I mentioned above, I have more flashlights than I can reasonably explain. When I see one, I don’t have I think “Oh, I need that light.” Out of all my lights, this is the most comfortable and practical light to carry every day. Because the light is so short, the power button on the back makes it easy and natural to find. You can easily carry a pocket knife in one pocket and the XT in the other. When I put mine on each morning, I forget about it unless I need a flashlight. It’s lightweight and just bright enough to see what you need in the dark.
The Streamlight Wedge XT retails for just under $100, so it’s not the cheapest light out there. But, it’s a great deal for the quality, size, and shape. Carry it daily and keep it recharged with the provided power cord. It fits perfectly in a front pocket, purse, backpack, fanny pack, or anywhere else you want to carry a light. And just for the record, I don’t wear a fanny pack! Give it a try or buy one as a gift. You won’t be disappointed.
