Anyone Try The New Minimag 3 Watt LED?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
606
Am curious about just how much light this one puts - since wattage, while a good indication, is only a measure of power use, not light output. On the other hand, it seems like a lot of flashlight for the bucks: Just saw one the Big Orange Store for under $25.

Anybody used one yet?
 
It's not bad for the money. Decent output, mediocre regulation, focusable beam. But you can do much better for not much more money in a Fenix. An L2S is only a few bucks more, has better regulation, a tougher finish, and 2 output levels. Unless you're a fiend for the candle mode the Mag offers, I honestly can't see any reason to prefer the Mag over a Fenix.
 
I've got one and I like it. Then again I'm not a flashlight fiend, and I wanted an LED light that used AAs for those few moments I need a light. I got what I paid for, and I'm satisfied with that.
 
Well I haven't kept up with it but when they first came out, they had a real problem with heat sinking the LED. What would happen is that the circuit would get too hot and the output would drop rapidly. I think they fixed this problem though.
 
It was the MagLED drop-in modual for the C/D cell Mags that had the overheating problem.
 
http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/maglite_minimagled.htm

I bought 3 of the 2AA models right when they came out to compare tints and brightness and found that 2/3 were pure white and excellent brightness while 1/3 was slightly blue but also slightly brighter than the others. I used them for a little while when I was on my "scared of CR123A batteries blowing my crotch off" kick but eventually gave them away. One to my mechanic brother who loves it, on to my Mom to use checking the back yard before letting her dog out (loves it) and one to my sister for EDC purposes (loves it).

These lights may be a little underwhelming for the flashaholic but for the average person who does not buy CR123A batteries in bulk and cares little for tint, wattage, anodizing and so forth they are a big step up from previous maglites.
 
Not that I know of. But the lower output is still better than the stock incandescent bulb, so if all you want is a long lasting LED flashlight to keep in your car, it's just fine.
 
I' ve used the 3 battery AA model and have been quite happy with their quality. I have it in my rear pocket while at the shop for when I need some medium/ close up range work. Perfect for this application as I don' t need a billion lumens output that will light up a building roof top from across the street! :D While commuting in low light or night time conditions, I have it strapped to the handlebars of my bike for providing some decent light on the road just a few feet ahead of me. Additionally when one doesn' t want to carry a "tactical" appearing light for whatever the reason, a nice Mini Mag will make for a nice makeshift kubaton (impact/ restraining device ;), without calling too much attention. With an Energizer brand 15 minute quick charger, my long time running 2500 mAh capacity recgargeable batteries are ready to go.

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
I was really impressed with the one I bought when I compared it to my Surefire 6P w/ LED head which was about $110 total, BUT after it was dropped 3-4 times at work it quit working and I had to take it back to the big orange store for a replacement. In my opinion it is well worth the $19 I paid for it. Mine only took 2 AAs. It was just as bright as my Surefire and also has the focus head.
 
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