Maglite or alternative?

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
1,864
Well, I happen to loose my 3D maglite over the holidays at work and I'm looking into alternatives. I'm especially bummed because I had a nice coated glass lens with 98% optical correctness and some weird overwatted bulb with a magnifying tip that actually worked nicely. Wasn't notably 'brighter' but had better beam projection than your standard off the shelf mag... I'm looking for something to replace this.

Now, as for LED's, I'm hesitant. Did a 3 LED Nite-Ize conversion on one of my mini-mags and it really has no range at all. Maybe its the reflector, maybe its the nature of LEDs I don't know.

Basically I'm looking for a tough-as-nails medium-heavy duty light with similar capabilities to your mag-lite such as up-close flood and distance spot beam. Water proofness a plus, price a major concern.
 
I have two 4 D cell maglights and one surefire Z3. Get the surefire as it will outshine the maglight when both were brand new.

Dave
 
I have a streamlight and a 3D Mag - I use the Mag as my beater, but my streamlight (my duty light) is really bright, and rechargeable (not sure what model - I got it from Galls I think about 4 years ago). Worth a look. Surefire is big now too...
 
I've had the opportunity to test several of the new Maglite LEDs. I have used the 2AA version, the 2D cell version and I've converted my "standard" 2C cell with Maglites LED upgrade. Let me tell you, the Nite-Ize conversion (of which I've also tested) are garbage compared to the new LED products. Get a new LED Mag, you won't be disappointed :thumbup: Very bright, focusable beam, tough as nails, excellent battery life. Just like an old Mag, but better.Surefires are also very high quality, but what sort of runtime are you looking for? Most Surefires can eat batteries for lunch.
 
I'd like comparable run-time (the longer the better!) to my old 3D cell mag. How is the projection on the newer LED mags, as I use my light a lot for address finding and stuff like that as well as your typical side-of-the-road car repairs. Its my keep-in-the-car-just-in-case light, and does that very well.

The nite-ize is fairly shitty, but I do enjoy the brightness for close up work and the extended battery life. Does mag have any direct replacemtn LED conversions for the 2AA that fit the standard reflector?
 
Generally speaking, LED lights last much, much longer than bulbs... both the bulb and the charge.
 
Yes, I'm aware of that. But how is the projection? The Nite-Ize left a bad taste in my mouth as far as distance goes.


BTW, anybody know where I can find some high quality lenses for a D cell maglite? Its been a couple years since I bought the last ones.

Also, would I notice any increase is output from a 4 cell over a 3 cell?
 
When I was in the Army, a number of guys had LED lights (this is like a year ago) - I don't know any models in particular - they were great up close, but didn't project very far. Battery life was great. Nice if you don't need a "spot". The guys that I knew that had them really liked them. At a distance, its more like and "ambient" light, kind of a glow, but not spot.
 
I have the 3d LED maglite, and it's projection in impressive. you can light up a spot 50' away quite easily. I use it when hiking, and when walking my dog, and is almost as bright as my inova t3, and way brighter than my old maglite 4d, with at least as much throw
 
There simply isn' t any single flashlight that is going to do it all for you. For your close up personal work, you may want to look at a Maglight Solitaire that is widely available at pretty good discounts- WalMarts, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. They are small and light enough to be held with your teeth if need be. And certainly small enough for a keychain or to be worn around the neck attached to a simple lanyard. BUT the key is this- deep six that gloomy incandescent bulb that comes with it. And replace it with a drop in Super MJLED bulb. Very white beam without those dark circles and will last many times longer than the old incan bulb! The entire setup can cost you less than $20. If you already have a Solitaire lying around, then the MJLED will cost you about $13.

As for my 3C Maglite setup, I have a Diamond (Terra Lux rebranded) 3 watt regulated LED drop in unit with a UC (Ultra Clear) lens to replace the old plastic. Same lousy focus feature :D . But with a super bright beam that can light up a side of a building across the street with ease. To give an idea of its run time on standard Duracells- for Halloween I had a red traffic cone accessory attached to the front end of the light. I carried it around the neighborhood during "children watch" for a while and then later left it on the window sill. Total time running was at least 6 hours without any dimming that I could see! For any vehicle or times of emergency, this would be my primary light to have nearby. Surefires, Inovas, Streamlights, etc.- have them all. But they are a bit more purpose specific.

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
I'll echo what has been said here. My Mag LEDs all have excellent projection. I was able to compare the 2D cell to the 2C cell and I didn't really notice a difference. Looking at the specs, the LEDs are both 3 watt. I was VERY impressed with the Mag 2AA flashlight. It has great projection and is small enough for close-up work. It is much brighter and clearer than the nite-ize conversion and much, MUCH brighter than a older incandecent Mag. My advice is if you really like and trust maglites, get an LED to try. As an emergency light for the car/truck, I really can't think of anything better. As was said before, there is no one flashlight that will do everything but these are pretty close:)
 
If you want a AA LED Maglight---you'll have to buy the complete unit----not just the bulb like in the larger lights.

Definitely worth the $25 or so from Walmart----AA that is.
 
Nah I just use the mini's for up close stuff for the most part anyhow.

But I do believe I'll get a 3D LED mag eventually to replace my lost unit!
 
another cheap option that is way better than it should be is the brinkman maxfire which target and walmart have for under 20 bucks. It is just as good as the g2 surefire as far as i can see, just do not buy batteries anywhere but online. I pay about 75 cents a battery, wally word charges like 6 bucks for old ones.

The mag light LED models are pretty good, they do have an issue with heat, after a period of time they go way dim, like loosing 60% of their power, let them cool down, and presto right back up. there will be a fix for this fairly soon, just remember it.

There are some new c and aa cell Led lights that are truely amazing.
best place to research it is at http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/index.php?
more people here who breathe flashlights like you breath knives
 
I converted my 3D mag to Zenon bulb and with an excellent variable beam it still has an excellent battery life.
 
To be clear, the Brinkmann Maxfire incandescent model that sells for $17 at Targets uses 2 CR123 lithiums, which are included. Not 3 AAAs that the 1 and 3 watter LED models use. These LED models cost a bit more. But are worth it IF it performs accordingly. I have no experience with them. But one of the drawbacks (my personal opinion/ experience) is that they require an included "cartridge" holder to house the 3 AAA batteries. This in turn is then placed into the flashlight body. Too many pieces to fiddle with. If defective or damaged, are they available seperately? How long for replacement from company? Is the original required for return for evaluation? Postage costs? Etc., etc. For those who insist on or require a good incandescent in a compact package, the Brinkmann Maxfire is a bargain compared to the Surefire G2. About half the price. And FYI, if you don' t mind experimenting and swapping out for a super bright white 3 watt LED assembly, you can buy a G& P drop in LED/ reflector unit, the same one that is specified for the Surefire G2! :thumbup:

N.
 
Just get a new 3D Maglite, some NIMH rechargeable cells, and these two:
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/drop-...mag-lite/xm-l-drop-in-module-for-3-4d-maglite
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/drop-...tandard-reflector-to-fit-a-maglite-flashlight

700 OTF lumens should turn your stock maglite into a mini spotlight.

I personally think it's a myth that LEDs can't project as far, as I could easily light up the streets below from 23 floors up with a handheld LED light(about the length of a closed Large Sebenza), but that little jewel admittedly cost me roughly $300:D.
 
Please look at the date before you post. The thread you replied to is nearly 8 years old.
 
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