Streamlight14307 Sidewinder Stalk 76-Lumens Tactical Helmet Light with Flexible Stalk Includes Arc Rail Mount in Retail Box, Coyote

Very happy with this light and its multiple functions. Looks cool, which is half the fight but actually works great. It’s a little pricey, but good gear ain’t cheap and cheap gear ain’t good. Marine approved.

It is easy to operate, multi color lamp: white, red and blue (my favorite colors) in high and low brightness. The IR light is very low, I will need to buy another IR light, but it does the job I like it and it looks cool.

I bought this to replace my x2AA Sidewinder, but decided to keep both. The Stalk is better for use with night operations since it has a built in IR strobe identifier, but it lacks the spotlight throw distance of the original. The light on the Stalk is much more diffused, which I think is better for navigating or simply lighting up a room. It easily lit up a 2 car garage with almost no dark corners like a floodlight. Whereas the original has a confined beam, but with an additional brightness setting (4 vs the Stalk's 3). If you can only get one the Stalk would do you better being more versatile, but if you're looking for something more like a typical flashlight that shines over distance then go with the OG.

In summary, the helmet light offers exceptional versatility, serving as an all-encompassing solution. It provides three color options - white light, infrared (IR), and an IFF strobe, catering effectively to the needs of a prepared citizen. Notably, its dual fuel capability, accommodating both AA batteries and CR123's, enhances its practicality.The white light functionality impresses with its brightness on the highest setting. While I predominantly use the red color option, the availability of multiple colors ensures suitability for various scenarios based on unit SOPs.However, the IR light's limited throw capability is a drawback for me. It's only good for closer work.On a positive note, the small IR strobe effectively communicates presence without overwhelming brightness, distinguishing it from other strobe options like the Hel-star or Manta strobe.All in all I recommend the sidewinder for anyone looking for a helmet mounted task light.

I’ve used a bunch of similar products since the early 2000s (from Princeton Tech, Surefire, and others) but none have the feature set that this Streamlight packs. The flex arm is perfectly tensioned and allows full 90 degree bends, while the LEDs have extensive adjustment from dim to plenty bright, so both quite-usable white umbrella lighting or barely-visible red (or blue or green) map reading light is possible using the same product. Plus, there’s an infrared light and beacon, which eliminates the need for separate devices on one’s helmet. The IR setting on the twist dial has a raised hump to distinguish it from other modes, and the IR beacon is simple to actuate but includes a manual safety to prevent inadvertent activation.I decided to go with the velcro mounting solution, though I considered using the ARC rail and MOLLE connection method. I couldn’t find any faults with any of the methods.The ability to use either AA or CR123A batteries without any tools or adapters is just icing on the cake.This is the best-designed multi-use military / LE utility light and strobe that I’ve worked with. I bought two.

I didn’t think it put out enough light and was too weak for the price. I returned it. I can use something cheaper and replace another one if I have to. I mean this isn’t your main light - so no need to pay this much.

Mounted the Stalk on my Team Wendy Exfil bump helmet using the TW PrincetonTec adapter, currently just friction fit, but it is reasonably solid. I'll figure out a way to secure it better or tether it.Ambient light test conditions: 1.4% Waxing Crescent, new moon was yesterday, very little cloud cover.Definitely more of an admin type light, throw isn't that great but flood is solid, on the white or IR high power you can reasonably see about 20ft in front. So IMO this is perfect for what I wanted.Pros: excellent bang for buck, 2 types of batteries, aim-able head, controls are easy to remember, IR strobe beacon is a nice touch for someone that is rarely going to use it and doesn't want to bother spending money on one.Cons: not much throw, only one color available

I am a fan of Streamlight generally speaking, however I was underwhelmed by this helmet light, as well as their full-size sidewinder. There's just too much going on, leading to nothing being done well. The light looks cool but is bad and everything it does.The IFF is weak. Even a knockoff of a helstar you can get on here for 30 bucks crushes this.Alternatively, a surplus MS-2000 is better than both at under 100 bucks.The white light is weak. Unusable.The ditto the IR light. Go with a dedicated light on both. A Streamlight 88122 TL-2 is a great price friendly choice for the IR light.Lastly, the ARC rail mounting attachment is unacceptably loose/easily knocked off.If you want a stem/stalk light like those go with the Princeton Tech Charge Pro LED.