4 stars rather than 5 because the device isn't gonna BLIND you...

Please tell me whether the SKU 65618 (3-AAAA, 1-LED) enables the
user to DISCONNECT the gooseneck extension, so as to use the lamp
withOUT the extra length. Reason that I ask RE its versatility is
that I'd rather have a plain (extensionless) torch SOMEtimes, and
I'd rather have a full-fledged do-it-all gooseneck thingamajig at
OTHER times, withOUT having to shell out extra bucks to have both

Stylus Reach®

Battery
Three (3) AAAA alkaline batteries

Bulb
100,000 hour lifetime, high-intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED), "solid-state bulb".
LED available in White and Blue.
Material
6000 series tempered aircraft aluminum case with anodized finish; non-slip knurled grip.
Copper-core cable is shielded and insulated with PVC.

Color
Black
Silver

Weight (with batteries) 1.7 Ounces
Dimensions .38" (Dia.)
Folded: 7" (L)
Extended: 14" (L)
Run Time Up to 60 hours
Power White 12,000 millicandelas
Blue 5,000 millicandelas

Special Features
Waterproof;
individually serialized;
momentary "blink" switch and constant "on";
pocket clip.

WHICH LED COLOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
White.
Most popular for all-around use.
Very close to natural light, which allows you to see "true color".
Blue.
Extremely bright yet easy on the eyes.
Ideal for various industrial and automotive applications.
Also commonly used in forensics.

If you've ever worked in confined spaces (under a car's dash, behind a sink, inside an appliance, etc.), you know that at times even small flashlights are too big. Sometimes you need a small light that can wrap around obstructions and light obscured areas.

Until now, in these situations I have used a "Bend-A-Light" that is similar to the Stylus Reach. The standard Bend-A-Light retails for about the same price as the Stylus Reach, so a comparison of the two is useful.

The Bend-A-Light is larger and slightly heavier. Its flexible neck is longer than that of the Stylus Reach (9.5" vs. 7.5" from bulb tip to flashlight body). However, the effective reach of the Stylus Reach is greater because its body is only slightly wider than its flexible neck (owing to its use of super-small "AAAA" batteries). The body of the Bend-A-Light houses "AA" batteries and is over twice as thick.

The Stylus Reach also features an aircraft aluminum casing (vs. the Bend-A-Light's plastic body), a MUCH more flexible neck that is shielded and insulated with PVC, up to 60 hours of run time on one set of three "AAAA" batteries (included), momentary "blink" or constant-on switching, and it's waterproof! Moreover, it has an unbreakable LED light that burns cool and is as bright or brighter than the Bend-A-Light's fragile, incandescent bulb.

[I should mention that there is a considerably longer (24"), brighter Bend-A-Light called the "Krypton Pro Bend-A-Light." However, I have no experience with it.]

I am exceptionally impressed with the brightness and quality of the Stylus Reach. It is one of those items that nobody knows they need until they have it. It would make a great gift for any do-it-yourselfer or tech geek.

If Streamlight would make a version of the Stylus Reach with a longer neck, I'd happily buy it, too.

Great light. Brighter than expected, and small head doesn't block view in small places. Very good in confined places under dashes and fits in shirt pocket so ready to use any time.