The Wedge from Streamlight has been one of my go-to EDC flashlight options since it debuted in 2021. There are a lot of things I like about it, including how it sits in my pocket. Some users felt that the Wedge was a bit large for pocket carry, though. With that feedback in mind, Streamlight created the Wedge XT.
Streamlight Wedge XT Specifications
The Wedge XT is 4.25 inches long, which knocks almost 1.25 inches from the original. At 2.62 ounces, it’s also about a half-ounce lighter than the Wedge. Both models are flat, rather than rounded. Coupled with the pocket clip, they carry much like a folding knife in the pocket. Personally, I never had an issue with the Wedge’s length, but I can see how it might be problematic for some folks who would prefer the shorter XT.
Streamlight may have made the XT smaller, but they also made it more powerful. On the High setting, the Wedge XT provides 500 lumens. The original Wedge had 300 lumens. But it also had a THRO® (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) setting that amped up to 1,000 lumens. On the Low setting, the XT puts out 50 lumens. As set at the factory, the light starts on High, then cycles to low with a double-click of the power button. This can be reversed through Streamlight’s Ten-Tap programming.
On the original Wedge, the on/off was a rotating thumb switch on the side of the light. On the XT, it’s a push button at the tail end of the light. This is the preferred design for many shooters, as it’s more instinctive when holding the light next to a handgun.
It has a USB-C rechargeable lithium polymer battery. It charges fully in about six hours. The charge port is on the side of the light, directly opposite the pocket clip. There’s a small light that shines red while it’s charging and turns green when it’s ready to go.
The Wedge XT has a deep-carry pocket clip. It comes with a short lanyard attached to it, but that’s easily removed if you’d rather ditch it.
Field Use
As I mentioned, the original Wedge has been a frequent carry of mine for quite a while. I switched over to the Wedge XT for several weeks. It took a little time to get used to deploying it, because while the hand feel was close to the original Wedge, the placement of the on/off was obviously different. Muscle memory kept looking for that thumb switch on the side. It didn’t take too long to adjust, though.
I found 500 lumens was more than enough for just about any routine use, including helping my son diagnose some engine trouble. While it might not be sufficient for exploring a pitch-black backyard at 2:00 AM, it’ll handle just about anything else. The lower setting was perfect for looking for dog toys under the couch without blinding myself.
I normally avoid putting lanyards on knives and such. However, I was curious, so I left the one in place on the Wedge XT. I found that having the lanyard dangle outside the pocket while the light is clipped in place makes pulling the light out very easy. It’s only a couple of inches long and isn’t likely to be noticed by many people.
Streamlight is one of my favorite flashlight brands, and the Wedge XT lived up to my expectations and then some. Check it out at their website.
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