First Look: Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III

A multi-fuel flashlight with 185-degree tilting head, different mounting options and a user-configurable LED.

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posted on September 15, 2025
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Streamlight

Streamlight Inc. is launching the Sidewinder Compact III, a new high-performance, multi-fuel flashlight with multiple LED sources. This light is engineered to meet a variety of hands-free, illumination-task requirements with various color LEDs that are operable at varying outputs and run times. With its 185-degree tilting head, durable build, gear and helmet mounting capabilities, the Sidewinder Compact III combines performance with a lightweight, highly versatile form.

The new Sidewinder Compact III features LED options that allows users to select two of three color LEDs (red, green or blue) in addition to standard white and infrared (IR) outputs. The military model includes white, red, blue and IR LEDs, while the aviation model contains white, green, red and IR LEDs. Each LED operates at multiple brightness levels and includes a strobe mode. The light uses either one AA alkaline or one 3-volt CR123A lithium battery for more-flexible power options and extended run time in extreme environments.

“We engineered this light with versatility at its core,” said Michael F. Dineen, President of Streamlight. “It offers a powerful combination of compact design, high performance, and rugged reliability. Whether it’s mounted on a helmet, clipped to a vest or used as a handheld, the Sidewinder Compact III is ready to perform.”

The light’s white LED provides up to 275 lumens and 3,200 candela on High with a beam distance of 113 meters. Run times range from over 70 hours on Low when using an AA battery, and more than 100 hours with a CR123A battery in the flashlight. The light’s color and IR LEDs also offer long run times and can be used for preserving night vision, signaling or task-specific visibility needs.

The Sidewinder Compact III was designed with a compound on-off mode selector switch that separates the on-off, dimming, strobe and LED-selection functions. The rotary selector knob features a tactile IR indicator and pull-to-turn locking design that provides easy operation even with gloves, while also preventing accidental mode changes. The light also features a high-strength polycarbonate lens with scratch-resistant coating.

The Sidewinder Compact III includes a durable belt/gear clip with integrated helmet-mount features, which fits existing Sidewinder helmet-mount adapters. A cord attachment hole on the clip supports up to 25 pounds of load. Constructed from high-impact nylon, the Sidewinder Compact III is built to withstand rugged use. It is IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and impact-tested to 3 meters.

Measuring 3.1 inches long, the light weighs 3 ounces with an AA battery and 2.7 ounces when using one CR123A lithium battery. The light has an MSRP of $137.47 (alkaline) and $198.22 (CR123A lithium). The Sidewinder Compact III is available in Coyote and comes with Streamlight’s one-year limited warranty. Visit streamlight.com or more information on this new task light or other products from Streamlight Inc.

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