Which to Buy: Streamlight Wedge Slim VS XT Models

I've always been a fan of Streamlight products. Their TLR-7 WML series of lights is crushing it in the market right now and they have a history of making great handheld lights as well. I decided to take a closer look at the Streamlight Wedge series which currently consists of two options: the Wedge Slim and the Wedge XT.

Streamlight Wedge XT vs. Wedge Slim: A Practical Comparison

Streamlight's Wedge line of flashlights has generated a lot of buzz, particularly with the release of two distinct models: the Wedge XT and the Wedge Slim. While both lights share a similar overall profile, there is one that seems to outshine the other for me personally but you can judge for yourself. Let’s break down how these two models compare.

Design and Size

Both flashlights live up to the “wedge” name with slim, compact form factors. However, the Wedge Slim is thicker and longer, while the XT is slightly shorter and more compact. The Slim is sometimes just referred to as “the Wedge,” though both fall under the Wedge umbrella.

The Wedge XT is noticeably smaller in both length and thickness, making it more pocket-friendly and easier to conceal or carry without feeling bulky. If a lower profile is your goal, the XT wins here.

Controls and Ergonomics

One of the most significant differences between the two is the activation method:

• The Wedge XT uses a tail switch. This makes it more traditional in operation, especially for those used to tactical or rear-activated lights.
• The Wedge Slim, on the other hand, has no tail switch. Its activation is a weird knobby thingy located further up on the body, which I find less intuitive and, perhaps more importantly, less practical in potential tactical situations.

This is where this gets confusing for me. The dial thingy on the side of the Wedge Slim is just weird. Weird because it isn't, in my opinion, very tactical. There is no momentary on feature at all (more on that below) and the position of the activation dial is such that you can't operate the light along with a handgun in any of the existing techniques or methods commonly taught.

Yet, it would seem Streamlight intends it to be effective as a tactical light because as you will see below it runs at either 300 or 1000 lumens and that level of brightness isn't what you get in a non-tactical flashlight.

The takeaway for me is that if you were trained in or are intending to use this light in any potential tactical scenario, you probably will prefer tail activation for rapid and potential tactical use, and thus you should lean toward the XT.

Brightness and Output

First, the specs:

• Wedge XT:

  • High Mode: 500 lumens with a beam distance of 87 meters; runs for 2 hours.​

  • Low Mode: 50 lumens with a beam distance of 28 meters; runs for 11 hours.

• Wedge Slim:

  • Constant On: 300 lumens with a beam distance of 69 meters; runs for 3 hours.​

  • THRO® Mode: 1,000 lumens with a beam distance of 110 meters; provides a 35-second burst for intense illumination.

It is worth noting that the Slim has no true low-brightness option. It is NEVER less than 300 lumens. This would be fine if it were a tactical light, but it doesn't make sense in the application of an administrative light. 300 lumens is blinding and might actually be too bright in some contexts, possibly overwhelming in close quarters or administrative tasks.

If you're working indoors frequently or need a more nuanced low mode, this is something to consider. The XT's on the other hand, goes into 500 lumens mode right away but with a quick second tap of the switch, it drops down into low mode. You can reprogram the XT to start in low brightness mode and then double tap into the brighter mode.

In the above video the light on the wall appears to change after a second of being on but that is just the adjustment of the focus on the camera.

So for me, the Slim model has the brightness I might expect in a tactical light, but an activation dial thingy that makes it difficult to use in that context compared to the XT and its tail switch.

Rechargeability and Price

Both models recharge via USB-C, which is a win for convenience.

• The Wedge XT is the more affordable option, coming in around $84.99.
• The Wedge Slim (or “larger Wedge”) was priced closer to $99.99.

That price difference might not be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth considering when choosing between compactness and brightness/features, and for me, I find it convenient since, as you can tell, I prefer the XT model anyway.

Final Thoughts

If you want a compact, budget-friendly EDC flashlight with a familiar tail switch, the Streamlight Wedge XT is a solid option. It's more minimalist, easier to pocket, and comes in at a lower price point.

The Wedge Slim, meanwhile, seems to not really make sense to me. Too bright to be an administrative light yet not effective as a tactical light with no momentary on option and a weird side dial activation switch. Not sure what I'm supposed to do with this and given that the XT model does check all the boxes and costs less; I'm pulled away from the Slim.

In short:

• Wedge XT = compact, tail switch, low and high brightness options, and budget-friendly.
• Wedge Slim = longer, weird side dial activation, high and very high brightness options, higher cost.

Your ideal choice just depends on how you plan to use them.