Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III: The Ultra-Compact, High-Performance Hands-Free Light

When you need a small but powerful light that gives you flexibility in how it’s mounted on your gear, helmet, belt, or held...the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III is a top-tier choice. Built for versatility, durability, and long runtime, it’s a go-to for tactical operators, first responders, and anyone who values a rugged, configurable hands-free flashlight.

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Key Features & Specs

Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Sidewinder Compact III special:

• Tilting Head (185°): The head pivots nearly edge to edge, so you can direct the beam exactly where you need it, whether you’re wearing it or clipping it somewhere. 

• Multi-Color LED Options: Available in configurations with white, red, green, blue, and IR LEDs. Users can select two of the three visible colors plus IR on the “user-configurable” model; the military model includes all four (white, red, blue, IR), and the aviation version has white, green, red, and IR. 

• C4 LED Technology: High output thanks to Streamlight’s C4 Photonic Crystal LED design, which balances brightness and efficiency. 

• Selectable Modes: A compound rotary mode selector lets you choose On/Off, dimming, strobe, and LED color. The selector has a pull-to-turn locking mechanism so you don’t accidentally change modes, helpful when wearing gloves. 

• Battery Flexibility: Runs on one AA (alkaline or lithium) or one CR123A (3V lithium).

• Runtime:

  • High mode (white): up to about 4 hours (on one AA) 

  • Low / survival mode: ~100+ hours (depending on LED and battery) 

• Beam Distance / Brightness: White LED delivers up to 275 lumens, beam distance ~113 m, and a max candela of ~3,200. 

• Durability:

  • Waterproof: Rated IPX7 (can survive 1 meter immersion for 30 minutes). 

  • Impact Resistant: Built to withstand drops from up to 3 meters. 

  • Lens: Unbreakable polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant coating. 

• Size & Weight: Only 3.1 inches long. Weighs ~3 oz (with AA) or ~2.7 oz (with CR123A). 

• Mounting Options: Comes with a durable belt/gear clip + integrated helmet-mount capability; also has a cord attachment point rated to support up to 25 lb. 

• Rugged Body: High-impact nylon construction for lightweight toughness. 

• Warranty: Streamlight offers a 1-year limited warranty. 

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Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely compact yet powerful, 275 lumens is impressive for this size.

• Versatile power options (AA or CR123A) for adaptability in different situations.

• Multiple LED colors allow for mission-specific lighting (IR, red, blue, green).

• Very durable, both water and impact resistant.

• Long runtime on low mode makes it a solid choice for prolonged tasks.

• Tilting head + gear/helmet mounting makes it very flexible in use.

Cons:

• Rotary selector can be a little fiddly; some users report it’s tough to operate quickly.

• Only one battery at a time, so runtime on high is limited compared to multi-cell headlamps.

• More expensive than very simple dedicated headlamps, especially in multi-LED versions.

• The 1-year warranty is fairly short compared to some premium lights.

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Real-World Use & User Feedback

From user reviews and early impressions:

• According to Shooting Illustrated, the selector knob design is intuitive and rugged, and the body is capable of taking a beating. 

• Some users note that the IR / color LED modes are especially valuable for tactical operations, map reading, or preserving night vision. 

• On the flip side, there are reports of selector-wheel issues:  The switch/selector seems to be faulty.

• However, others praise the Sidewinder’s durability, noting that even older Sidewinder models have lasted for years in demanding duty or work environments.

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Who Is This Light Best For?

The Sidewinder Compact III is ideal for:

• Tactical Professionals: Military, law enforcement, or security personnel who need hands-free, rugged illumination with color/IR options.

• First Responders & Rescue: When you need a compact, durable light that can be clipped to gear or helmets.

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, campers, or adventurers who want a small but versatile task light.

• Maintenance / Utility Workers: Useful for close-in, low-profile lighting in tight spaces or while wearing gloves.

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Pricing & Models

Here are some of the common variants:

(Note: Prices fluctuate with retailer, sales, and availability.)

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Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes… for the right user. The Sidewinder Compact III hits a sweet spot between compact size, flexible lighting options, and rugged performance. If you need a reliable hands-free light that can run off common batteries and survive tough environments, this model is very compelling.

If you're looking for ultra-long runtime or max-lumen headlamps, there might be better specialized options, but for a versatile general-use, multi-mode hands-free light, this is one of the best on the market.