Anyone have both and think the sidewinder is a brick? I had the Tiapan TM19-384 and got rid of it for the TM25-384 Sidewinder but think I’m going to just get the 25 Tiapan, anyone have an opinion?

I’m guessing the TM25 sidewinder has a slightly better picture than the TM25 Tiapan and the controls are better (focus ring, etc) but I’m fine without that, the biggest plus would be the batteries

I really like the image quality of my Sidewinder.  I really like the build quality.  The menus are fantastic and the unit is really easy to use.

Having said that, I hate the form factor.  It's like holding onto a giant 2X4.  There's nothing about the unit that allows me to index it properly.  It's a cylinder and every time I extract it from my pouch to scan, I always have to orient it.  I'd rather use a non symmetrical design that I can intuitively index.

It's a shame because the Sidewinder punches way above its weight.

lol Yeah I hear ya, have you ever held the Tipan or compared? Sidewinder is quality, but I don’t think people realize how big it is

I haven't.

I would imagine that there's a pretty sizeable difference going off of what you're saying.

The Sidewinder really is...huge.

I was thinking about trying an Iray IRIS.

I absolutely hated the sidewinder when I had it, ended up selling it on GAFS. The output just seemed so low, it was barely useable as an admin light. I went to the opposite end of the spectrum, and now run an M640V on my helmet... which is a bit much, but it works.

Edit: should have scrolled, you are not talking about the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk...