****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
As others have commented, the Waypoint is an exceptionally bright, compact source of light. Seems tight and well-put-together in all regards. I am sure it would be right at home in a law enforcement or rescue context. So far I am quite happy.I will place it immediately between the shifter and front seat of my pickup, where it will replace a Brinkmann Blue Max Marine Spotlight that has been there across two trucks, many replacement batteries, and 16 years. Because of its size, this light will fit the space BETTER.I doubt that I'll have any use for the "mounting bracket" that is made of black plastic and only provides minimal protection and support. (Wouldn't want to screw it down anywhere -- looks like the plastic would flex too much and maybe rip if you pushed the lamp in too firmly or pulled it out fast. However, the light can "wear" the mounting molding like a jacket -- at least this may keep the lens clean and un-scuffed.)There are two steel wire loops on top of the unit (I suppose for a shoulder strap -- unit is light enough that this will never be an option I purchase.) However, the wrist lanyard and the rubberized tube through which it is threaded are a nice touch. I will definitely use these, as well as the cord-lock that cinches the lanyard and keeps it from sliding over your hand.The Brinkmann was unbelievably bright and penetrating (although it got quite hot and had a short use time -- about 40 minutes -- on a full charge). I mention this because I have already used the Streamlight for about two hours on medium brightness and there has been no discernible reduction in its brightness. It also gets a bit warm, but NOTHING like the halogen bulb of its predecessor. This unit is much lighter, nearly as bright as the Brinkmann, water-proof, and offers a brightness-selector switch, also usable to control battery life. Most of these features are commonplace now, but were unavailable when the Blue Max was bought; I like all of them.Manufacturer's packaging is "minimalist," but sufficient to protect contents.110-V charger is small, unobtrusive, and functions well. Instructions said to expect a four-hour initial charge time; the green fully-charged indicator lit after about 1 hour.The flip-up top handle doubles as an adjustable base if you invert the unit. Adjustments on it are close together, giving you many angles from which to choose. The pivot for this base is TIGHT and seems as if it will not slip from one angle to another.I was surprised by the brevity of the owner's manual -- 1 sheet, glossy, folded into a "pamphlet" containing information in multiple languages.I wonder about the Li battery(ies). Nothing in the manual about replacement, and I tend to keep lights for decades (note beginning of review). A factory-replacement only part? I guess I'll find out after about 700 of the 800 promised recharges, LOL.On the whole, this has earned each of its 5 stars. Goodbye, "Old Blue Eye!"
