Streamlight 74504 Strion HPL 615-Lumen Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight with 12V DC Charger - Compact, Bright LED Light for Police, Security, Camping & Emergency Use

This is my second Strion with the C4 LED. My first one was the model without the bell housing and I thought my kids lost it a year ago. Now recently we've found my old one so now I have 2. I'll compare this to my other one and also review the features common to both.This unit is incrementally brighter than the streamlined version. Both units put out an incredible amount of light compared to any previous technology. The C4 LED has proven itself to be very dependable and durable and doesn't produce a lot of heat which I also like. The beam pattern on these typically is comprised of a bright core surrounded by a dimmer circular ancillary area. Compared to the streamlined version this model's beam has a narrower core which is noticeably brighter than the streamlined model. The remainder of the beam pattern for both models is comparable.When holstered (which is an optional accessory) this unit feels much bulkier than the streamlined version. The bell of this unit will stick out quite a bit from your side which could be an issue. Note the bell is less than 2" in diameter so it's not like you have a full size Maglight on your hip. It's just twice the diameter of the streamlined version.The batteries used in these are lithium ion based and I love them. The one I lost still had a decent charge after being unused & uncharged for a year. So over time these batteries will not discharge near as much as older technologies. After a full discharge plan on around 2-3 hours to recharge completely. Even at the brightest settings these flashlights will run a long time.Operation is very simple. The unit has a button at the very back used to control all of it's functions. With a solid press the unit is ON. With a light press the unit is momentarily ON. Once ON you can hold the button and the flashlight will cycle through 3 brightness settings. You simply release the button when the desired brightness setting is active to keep it. Once ON you can rapidly press the button 2 times and strobe mode will be activated. Note that when turned off the unit will not remember the last setting and will default to it's brightest setting when turned on again.The lens is plastic, the body is aluminum, and the button is rubber. All parts are high quality. The fit & finish are on the money.