Review: Streamlight Bandit Headlamp

I got a chance to test the Streamlight Bandit, an ultra-compact, low profile, USB rechargeable headlamp. Even amongst lightweight headlamps, it’s the smallest and brightest I know.  At 1.3 oz, and 2.7 inches long, it is so tiny and light, I forget I am wearing it. In fact, I have a story for you.

The Streamlight Bandit uses COB (Chip on Board) LED technology, which is a flat strip of light emission, rather than an LED “bulb”.  Rather than throwing a beam, it delivers a floodlight area illumination that a good working beam without harsh shadows.

There are 3 output modes; high, low, and flash. The high beam is a 180-lumen 2 hour blast. When worn as a headlamp, it is bright enough to use as a work light. While I wouldn’t use it for tactical tasks, it definitely is appropriate for a search and rescue mission. To put this in perspective, 35-lumen low beam is a better choice to don when doing your detailed vehicle search. 180 lumens will reflect back at the user too much. 

The low beam will give the user 9.5 hours of soft working light. There is a flash mode, which flashes at the full 180 lumens. If the officer wants to be seen while directing traffic, this is the product. Since it comes with a hat clip attachment, it is a sure way to get a driver’s attention.

This light charges completely in 2 hours, using the supplied short USB cord. I tested the run time and charge time and found it worked exactly as specified. The switch on top lights up red when the product is charging and green when it is good to go.

The Bandit has a polycarbonate body and lens, a pushbutton switch on the top, and a USB charging port on the bottom. The charging port has a tethered rubber plug.  The LED is powered by a lightweight  450 mAh Lithium Polymer sealed battery. Streamlight warrants this battery for  2 years.

I used the elastic cord to wear it on my head. It stays in place without being annoying. In fact, the thing is so tiny, one forgets it is there.  It is easy to cycle through the different output modes, even with gloved hands.  It comes with a hat clip attachment, but I prefer the headband.

The Bandit throws a very wide light, which makes it a great light for running. Most other products bounce around. This one has a great working area: wherever I can put my hands is illuminated, and I can always see the trail in front of me when running, even with the low beam. It’s a great light for seeing and being seen.

I imagine this light will be popular for both LE and military service. I can’t think of a better device for changing a tire, working a DUI detail, firearms maintenance, or training. It’s perfect for runners and cyclists who get caught on the trail after dark. Since it is so tiny, I find myself carrying mine in my pocket all the time.

This past month, I put my Bandit on to prepare for a run. The even meant shuttling to the start about 330 AM in the middle of the woods. The vent had a equipment drop off after the first three miles. I figured I could bag my extra clothes (It was 37 degrees at the start) and light once I got going.

I needed the light. Unfortunately, I became pretty popular at the start since few people had one.

After the start, I pulled my Bandit down around my neck, and then forgot about it. There are photos at different mile markers of me wearing my Bandit. The Bandit is also sweat resistant.

The MSRP is $35.  That’s not a typo, it’s $35.