Owners of Streamlight Stinger flashlights asked whether the 75175 and 75375 batteries are interchangeable. The simple answer is yes, 75175 and 75375 are interchangeable, but the 75375 is significantly more expensive than the 75175 it replaces.
This brief article looks at the Streamlight replacement 75375 NiMH battery and a third-party alternative for the 75175 NiCad battery, explaining the differences and the increased cost.
Streamlight NiMH 75375 vs. Streamlight Ni-Cd 75175: Comparison Table
 NiMH 75375 |  Ni-Cd 75175 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  |  |
| Price |  | |
| Voltage | 3.6V | 3.6V |
| Size | Size Sub-C | Size Sub-C |
| Capacity | 2200Ah | 1800Ah |
| Chemistry | NiMh | NiCd |
| Price | Cheaper | A bit expensive |
The 75175 and the 75375 models are battery sticks with multiple battery cells connected. This is a common practice allowing standard batteries to be produced cheaply and combined into packs as required.
The 75357 battery is the NiMH version of the 75175 NiCad battery, making them 100% compatible. However, there are some similarities and differences, which we’ll explain below.
Streamlight Battery 75175 vs. 75375: The Similarities
They have the same voltage of 3.6V
Both the 75175 and the 75375 provide 3.6 volts, which is, of course, the main requirement for them to be compatible. Stinger flashlights require a 3.6-volt battery to operate.
They are both sub-C size
The new and old battery types must be the same size to be a direct replacement. In this case, the 75175 and the 75375 batteries are both Sub-C size and either will fit Stinger flashlights.
Streamlight Battery 75175 vs. 75375: The Differences
There would be little point in replacing one battery with another unless there are some differences between the two Streamlight batteries.
Capacity
The capacity of a battery determines the amount of power it can produce from a single charge. The capacity can be used in different ways, such as providing higher burst power.
In general, higher capacity will also mean longer run times between charging. When you fit the higher capacity 75375 battery to your Stinger flashlight, it will last longer.
- 75175 – 1800mAh
- 75375 – 2200mAh
See Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick here:
Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick
Chemistry
The 75175 is a Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery, while the more powerful 75375 is a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. NiMH batteries have two distinct advantages over their NiCad counterparts:
- NiMH batteries are more powerful, give higher mAh ratings, and last longer than equivalent NiCad batteries.
- Cadmium, a constituent part of NiCad batteries, is a by-product of mining.
Its use in batteries is of concern for the environment, as old batteries are discarded, and the heavy metal finds its way into the soil and food chain.
See Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick, and Synergy Streamlight 75175 here:
Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick
Synergy Streamlight 75175
Price & Feedback from users
The only downside to NiMH batteries is that they cost more than their NiCad equivalents. The upside is that you get more power and longer charging for the extra money.
Regardless of the price difference, NiCad batteries are slowly disappearing and being replaced by NiMH alternatives. Suppose you prefer to buy the cheaper NiCad.
In that case, one alternative to the discontinued Streamlight 75175 is the Synergy FLB-NCD-1, which is around $6 more affordable than the Streamlight 75375.
If you prefer to spend a little more, use a more technologically advanced battery, and gain more power, opt for the Streamlight 75375.
Buy Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick here:
Streamlight 75375 Battery Stick
Below are reviews from forum users about their experience in using Streamlight batteries:
Supported Devices
The 75175 NiCad battery is designed for the following models of Stinger flashlight:
- Stinger DS LED HL
- Stinger LED HL
The newer 75375 NiMH battery is designed for use with the following models of Stinger flashlight:
- Stinger DS LED HL
- Stinger HPL LED
- Stinger LED HL
- Ultrastinger LED
- Stinger DS HPL
Are They Interchangeable?
As we have already mentioned, the 75175 and the 75375 are 100% interchangeable. The NiMH 75375 is Streamlight’s replacement for the NiCad 75175 battery, replacing outdated technology.
The 75175 was supplied with most Stinger Series flashlights, excluding the UltraStinger and PolyStinger HAZ-LO LED. The 75375 is the direct replacement.
Other than the internal chemistry, the only difference between the two battery types is the output power. The 75175 provides 1800 mAh, while the 75375 gives a power boost to 2200 mAh.
Recommendations
All rechargeable batteries have a finite life, so you will need to replace your Stinger flashlight battery at some point. Streamlight has discontinued its 75175 NiCad battery and replaced it with the 75375 NiMH alternative.
This leaves you with two real choices:
Streamlight 75375 battery stick
Buy the OEM Streamlight 75375 NiMH replacement battery. It is more expensive, but uses newer technology, provides more power, and longer life between charging. The downside to this battery is that it is more costly than it replaces.
Synergy Streamlight 75175
You can still buy 75175 standard batteries from third-party suppliers. Batteries from third parties are usually cheaper than OEM. The NiCad type batteries are less expensive than the NiMH type.
The downside is that they don’t last as long, and the quality may not match the OEM battery. When buying third-party batteries, try to buy from a recognized brand name.
FAQ
Can I use the same charger for 75375 as for the 75175 NiCd battery?
Yes, the 75375 NiMH battery is Streamlight’s direct replacement for the older 75175 NiCad battery. NiCad batteries are more robust when charging.
The NiMH version is more sensitive if the charger does not auto shut off when the battery is fully charged. As Streamlight has provided the 75375 as the replacement part, the original 75175 charger is suitable.
Are third-party batteries as good as OEM versions?
This does depend on the manufacturer. The best advice is to only buy from a brand you know and trust. While products made in China have got a bad name, this has changed significantly over the years, so even this isn’t a quality guide any longer.
