SHOT Show 2014 Flashlight Recap

Every year, the NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) is where many major lighting manufacturers announce their new flashlight models for the year.  The 2014 SHOT show certainly did not disappoint.  There were new, exciting flashlights debuted from Streamlight, Princeton Tec, Fenix, LED Lenser, Nightstick, FoxFury, Nite Ize, and many more.  Let’s dive right in to an overview of all the new flashlight offerings by brand.

Streamlight

Streamlight Stylus Pro USB Rechargeable Flashlight
Streamlight Stylus Pro USB Rechargeable Flashlight

Streamlight Stylus Pro USB


One of the most exciting new offerings at the 2014 Shot Show is the Streamlight Stylus Pro USB Flashlight.  This is the rechargeable version of their ever-popular Streamlight Stylus Pro flashlight that runs on two AAA batteries.  The output is also greatly improved – 70 lumens vs. 48 lumens for the non-rechargeable version.  Expected to be available in May, we can’t wait to get our hands on this pocket flashlight!  Available May 2014, MSRP: $90.00.

Streamlight ClipMate USB Flashlight
Streamlight ClipMate USB Flashlight

Streamlight ClipMate USB

Going with the theme of USB rechargeable flashlights, Streamlight also introduced the ClipMate USB.  The Streamlight ClipMate USB is a small, 70 lumen flashlight with a integrated pocket clip.  It has both a white and a red LED, and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be recharged up to 300 times.  Available May 2014, MSRP: $65.00.

Streamlight Portable Scene Light
Streamlight Portable Scene Light

Streamlight Portable Scene Light

Streamlight is finally getting into the scene light market with the announcement of the Streamlight Portable Scene Light.  This incredibly powerful flashlight produces 3600 lumens – the same kind of outputs as the Streamlight E-Flood Litebox HL but with longer run times.  The body style is similar to the Litebox, but it will be longer and have an extendable arm.  The pole can extend up to 6 feet, allowing you to light up a large area.  The Portable Scene Light also comes with a 12V DC cord that you can use to run the flashlight indefinitely.  At 25 lbs, the scene light is not the most portable unit, but it definitely lives up to Streamlight’s strict quality standards.  Available May 2014, MSRP: $999.00

Streamlight ProTac HL 3 Flashlight
Streamlight ProTac HL 3 Flashlight

Streamlight ProTac HL 3

The announcement of the Streamlight ProTac HL 3 had everyone buzzing at the 2014 NSSF Shot Show.  This new 1,100 lumen flashlight is sure to turn some heads.  In the style of the popular Streamlight ProTac HL flashlight, the ProTac HL 3 will have two brightness levels and a strobe function.  The main difference is that the ProTac HL 3 is powered by three CR123 lithium batteries (instead of 2 batteries like the original ProTac HL).  One of the best features of the Streamlight ProTac Series is the TEN-TAP programmable tactical switch.  This lets you reprogram the flashlight to come on in high only, low/high, or the default of high/strobe/low.  Available May 2014, MSRP: $155.00

Streamlight Scorpion HL Flashlight
Streamlight Scorpion HL Flashlight

Streamlight Scorpion HL

Streamlight also announced an upgraded Scorpion flashlight – the Streamlight Scorpion HL.  This flashlight features a very large lumen increase – from 200 lumens on the Scorpion X to 600 lumens for the new Scorpion HL.  This model also has a newly redesigned rubber sleeve with textured grip.  The Streamlight Scorpion HL is powered by two CR123 lithium batteries and has a beam range of up to 830 feet.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $120.00.

Princeton Tec

Princeton Tec Sector 5 Spotlight
Princeton Tec Sector 5 Spotlight

Princeton Tec Sector 5 Spotlight

Mostly known for their headlamps and dive lights, flashlight manufacturer Princeton Tec is venturing into the world of spot lights this year with the new Princeton Tec Sector 5 Spotlight.  This spotlight will produce 550 lumens on four C-cell batteries.  It will have a 3 hour regulated run time with up to 24 hours total run time.  The most impressive thing about this spot light is the beam distance – 200 meters (656 feet)!  Personally, we really liked the trigger switch design – simple and oh so easy to use.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $109.99

Princeton Tec Sync Headlamp
Princeton Tec Sync Headlamp

Princeton Tec Sync Headlamp

Another new product for 2014 is the Princeton Tec Sync headlamp.  The Sync will feature three LEDs – a white spot beam LED, a white flood beam LED, and a red LED.  It will have an output of 90 lumens with a run time of up to 100 hours in high.  What’s truly unique about the Sync is the simple interface.  Princeton Tec has gotten rid of the pushbutton switch and opted for a rotary dial instead.  This makes it easy to access all three of the LEDs without having to scroll through the different modes.  The Princeton Tec Sync headlamp falls in line with their compact, three AAA battery design.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $29.99.

Fenix

Fenix UC45 Rechargeable Flashlight
Fenix UC45 Rechargeable Flashlight

Fenix UC45 Rechargeable Flashlight

The Fenix UC45 Flashlight is the “big brother” of the Fenix UC40 flashlight that debuted in 2013.  The UC45 is designed with a larger head and brighter LED.  The beam is rated at 960 lumens in high with a beam distance of 951 feet (290 meters).  One of the main differences between the UC45 and the UC40 is a re-designed tail cap.  The UC45 will feature two tail switches – one for primary on/off and a secondary side switch to change the brightness level.  The placement of the mode switch near the primary on/off switch means that it’s more of a tactical-style system, with both switches being able to be controlled in the same hand position.  The Fenix UC45 flashlight will be powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can be recharged via a USB cord, which is a bonus.  Expected to be available April 2014.

 

Fenix TK32 Flashlight
Fenix TK32 Flashlight

Fenix TK32 Multi-color Flashlight

Another intriguing new offering from Fenix is the Fenix TK32 Flashlight.  The main feature of this flashlight is that it has white, red, blue, and green LEDs.  It will have dual tail switches – one to control the white LED, and one to control the red, green, and blue LEDs.  The white LED will produce 960 lumens in turbo mode with an incredible beam distance of 1,312 feet (400 meters).  That’s a lot of power coming from a flashlight that runs on two CR123 lithium batteries.  Expected to be available April 2014.

 

 

 

Nightstick

Nightstick TAC-560XL Tactical Flashlight
Nightstick TAC-560XL Tactical Flashlight

Nightstick TAC-560XL Rechargeable Flashlight

The 2014 SHOT Show was a good one for Nightstick flashlights.  They introduced 15+ new flashlights this year.  The one that really stands out to us as the most exciting is the Nightstick TAC-560XL Rechargeable flashlight.  This 800 lumen flashlight is a true powerhouse, but it can still fit in your pocket.  One of the best things about the TAC-560XL is that it is a dual fuel flashlight, meaning that it can run on a lithium-ion rechargeable battery or two CR123 non-rechargeable lithium batteries.  The kit includes a CR123 battery carrier that you can use if your rechargeable battery dies in a pinch.  Like the other Nightstick TAC-500 flashlights, the TAC-560XL is recharged using a small slide-in charging bracket and a AC or DC charge cord.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $79.95.

FoxFury

FoxFury SideSlide Picatinny Weapon Light
FoxFury SideSlide Picatinny Weapon Light

FoxFury SideSlide Picatinny Weapon Light

FoxFury is diving into the weapon lights market with the introduction of the FoxFury SideSlide Picatinny Weapon Light.  Based on their popular SideSlide flashlight for the fire and industrial markets, the SideSlide Picatinny flashlight comes with a flashlight and mount for your rifle.  The beauty of the SideSlide flashlight is that it can slide out of the mount very easily without any adjustments or tools needed.  The flashlight is rated at 200 lumens and is powered by two CR123 lithium batteries or one 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $139.99.

Nite Ize

Inova STS Headlamp
Inova STS Headlamp

Inova STS Headlamp

Lighting manufacturer Inova is getting into the headlamp market with the new Inova STS Headlamp.  STS stands for “swipe-to-shine,” a technology that debuted at last year’s SHOT show.  Instead of using pushbutton switches, the STS headlamp can be activated just by swiping your finger across the top of the headlamp.  We found it easier to use the STS technology on the headlamp than the Inova Microlight STS that came out last year.  The Inova STS headlamp produces 142 lumens in high with a run time of 4.66 hours.  It also has two red LEDs that you can use instead of the white to preserve your night vision.  The STS headlamp is powered by three AAA batteries, so it’s compact and doesn’t have a separate battery pack.  Available March 2014, MSRP: $34.99.