Solarforce X2 V Streamlight Stylus Pro

The stylus pro and the X2 are comparable lights in a lot of ways, but for the EDC'er determining which one is better comes down to a few simple criteria.  By comparing price, ease of use, ease of carry, functionality and a touch of personal preference, choosing 1 pocket light can be an easy task.

Price: Retailing at less than 19 the Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro  is a cheaper option than the X2 right of the bat, which retails for about 24 dollars. Solarforce does make a similarly priced option in 1 AAA configuration called the X3, but the output is significantly less than either the stylus pro or the X2. So initially, the SP has a leg up of about 5 dollars. Considering battery availability between the 2x AAA SP and the 1xAA X2, I consider the cost of inputs for the lights to be a wash.

Ease of Use: No contest on this one. The SP's forward clicky tail cap is a far superior design to the X2's more traditional twist head.  One-handed operation is possible with both lights, but the ability to do quick temporary on as well as continuous on is better accomplished on the larger SP. The X2 has the benefit of two modes (easily switched between by turning the light on and off quickly) and has the ability to stand on its tail cap. However this added functionality does little in the means of practical application for most tasks.  Brightness between them gives a slight advantage (surprisingly) to the smaller X2.  Battery life however goes to the SP, even if the X2 is used in low mode.

Ease of Carry: This is a little subjective.The SP does have a pocket clip, but I find the clip on my example is easily jostled and comes undone easily - especially when on a pants pocket. The X2 comes with a lanyard which lends itself well to removing it from a pocket, and it is shorter (but fatter). Realistically, I do prefer the slightly smaller X2 for most outfits, unless you can clip the SP completely vertically like in a shirt pocket.

Functionality: Though the X2 is brighter, the functional difference between the lights for most day-to-day applications isn't really a huge deal.  I do feel as though the X2 is a slightly sturdier light, as my SP shows significant wear on the aluminum from being clipped near my pocket knife. The X2 seems to be much more durable, and comes equipped with a cute (but not very useful) GITD o-ring by the emitter. That being said, I do slightly prefer the X2, despite it being a little more difficult in the Ease of Use category.

Personal Preference: Frankly I like the X2.  I am pretty hard on my gear and the Stylus Pro has really taken a beating since I bought it. Both are solid durable lights that will serve you well, but for my dollar, the X2 does it just a little bit better.

	Streamlight Stylus Pro	Solarforce X2
Price	X
Ease of Use	X
Ease of Carry		X
Functionality		X
Personal Preference		X

All said and done, if you need an ultra affordable light that is super easy to use and is very capable, check out the stylus  pro. If you have a few more bucks to spend and don't mind a light that is less quick to deploy, but is more durable and slightly brighter, spend the extra few bucks and get the X2.  I'll probably be moving my SP to my first aid kit where it will reside with a fresh set of lithium cells, while the X2 takes up residence in my pocket for most chores.  Both lights are more than bright enough and have good enough battery life to do nearly everything I encounter regularly, including working outdoors in the evenings. Both have survived sand and drops on hard surfaces with gusto, and respond admirably to neglect and rough use.