Maglite or Pelican

[Erik Månsson]

I'm about to buy a "real" flashlite, but I can't choose between a D-3 Maglite and a Pelican ProLite 4C. According to the Pelican website the ProLite has 40,000 candlepowers and the D-3 has about 14,400 cps. So far ProLite seems better, since it is less expensive too. But I live in Sweden and I can't find the ProLite here, so I'll have to order it from Canada or USA and that'll make it more expensive, I think. And by the way I don't completely believe the ProLite nubers (40,000 cps, almost 3 times as bright as a Maglite D-3), maby they measure it in different ways.

Thanks for a great discussion forum

 

[David Williams]

I would recommend the Pelican. I haven't seen or used the ProLite but I do have a Super SabreLite. And Several MagLites. I think you should consider the SabreLite. It is a 3C Cell flashlight and is very compact for the amount of light it puts out. It has a twist-on switch but I consider that an advantage over the ProLite and MagLite. It is advertised at 12,000 Candle Power.

If you decide to get the Maglite find a source for www.carleylamps.com You won't regret it.

I don't doubt the 40K Candle Power claim but you must realize Pelicans have no focus feature. If you put a Carley Lamp bulb and fiddle with the focus you could probably get a 4C cell or 3D cell Maglite to match its brightness. How Candle Power is measured doesn't make for a very good comparison. The better measurement is Lumens but unfortunately neither manufacturer has used this measurement.

Try www.heinnie.com they carry both plus several other items. And they are located in the UK.

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"A knifeless man is a lifeless man"
-Nordic proverb

 

[allanm]

I believe that the browning lights are just re labeled pelicans, so you might look around for them.

The pelicans that I have seen don't use a standard bulb so if you have to special order the prolite you will also have special order replacement bulbs.

The pelicans that I have used give a very tight spot. This can be a pain when you need to illuminate an area, ie an engine compartment, or can't point the light directly at what you are working on, ie trying to prop the light on something.

The mag lights hold a spare bulb so if the bulb goes you have a replacement handy.

 

[B. Miller]

I prefer the Pelican flashlight myself. I have a VersaBrite II, adjustable angle head unit. I like this style because I can put it on my radio pouch or hat and use it with no hands required.
David Williams is right, candle-power is a measurment at the brightest point of a light. The only flashlight maker I know of who expresses light output in lumens is" Sure Fire".

 

[James Mattis]

Jim March has invited flashlight and other "nifty stuff that ain't sharp" threads over to the Community forum.

So be it.

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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001