Hello CPF'ers -
I'm 53 years old, and i am a Flashaholic.
Twenty-two years ago today, on 11/14/1984,
I received my very first Mini-Mag light.
Appeared in the new Eddie Bauer catalog (Christmas edition).
Had to mail-order it, of course. Since NOBODY would have it in STOCK !
Was already familiar with the fine line of Mag D-cell flashlights.
Had a collection of 3-cell, 4-cell, and 5-cell lights.
But the catalog listing sounded VERY interesting . . . .
Here was a 2-AA cell aluminum, heavy-duty pocket flashlight,
which (it was STRONGLY stated)
is as POWERFUL as a conventional 2-D cell flashlight !
I thought about how much i LOVED my big Mag-Lights . . . .
and decided that this new Mini-Mag light (if true),
would be IDEAL for an EveryDayCarry !
-- (sidenote)
For the prior 8 years, i had been carrying the Eveready 2AA chrome penlight (model 9215), in left side trouser pocket.
This unit certainly *was* quite useful, but had many shortcomings:
Exposed, protruding bulb (#222) vulnerable to damage
Rather inelegant stamped-steel construction
Pocket clip would loosen, and eventually pull-out
Switch mechanism would get dirty/dusty, and require cleaning
Ended up replacing light perhaps every year
-- (end_sidenote)
So i took a chance, and ordered this new Mini-Mag pocket light.
Don't remember the price, but was probably close to Twenty Bucks.
Ordered two twin-packs of spare bulbs, also. Always prepared.
Can't remember if the nylon holster came standard, or was extra.
Regardless, i got that too.
And it all arrived at my house exactly Twenty-Two years ago today !
Loaded the batteries, and turned it on . . . .
Couldn't BELIEVE how a "dinky little 2-AA light" could be so BRIGHT !
The claims in the Eddie Bauer catalog were true.
It was indeed as bright as a normal 2-D cell flashlight.
And the rest, my friends, is History . . . .
I carried that same Mini-Mag light (and later, its replacement)
virtually Every Single Day for the next 22 years ! ! !
Wore out several belt holsters.
Changed lots and lots of "blackened bulbs".
(they still worked, but didn't wanna' risk it)
And the Mini-Mag served me well.
Always very helpful, convenient, and comforting.
(i'm sure you all can relate to this !)
Now, earlier this year (2006), i finally decided to try one of those
*Fancy New LED Upgrade Modules*, which i saw on the Internet.
Decided on the TerraLux TLE-5 MiniStar2.
Well, Dang, if that didn't simply make my *good* light even *BETTER* ! <grin>
-- No more worries about changing Bulbs.
-- Gives even MORE light. Brighter and Whiter, too !
-- And the batteries last longer.
Woulda' probably continued using this new combo
happily fer' the rest of my life, except that i stumbled onto a Website
called CandlePowerForums.
Now, (late 2006), i've upgraded my beloved Mini-Mag to their new 2AA-LED model.
And I also carry a Fenix Civictor V-1
And a Nuwai X-3
And a Photon Freedom-Max Yellow (covert nose)
And a Fenix E-0
And a Fenix E-1
Used to feel *confident and well-prepared* by carrying my Mini-Mag flashlight.
Now, i feel practically NAKED if i only carry a *single* flashlight.
(gee, what's wrong with me, Doc ?)
Anyway, thank you to my Mini-Mags, for 22 years of very faithful service.
Always came through, and never failed me.
Just wanted to share this with my fellow Flashaholics.
I'm 53 years old, and i am a Flashaholic.
Twenty-two years ago today, on 11/14/1984,
I received my very first Mini-Mag light.
Appeared in the new Eddie Bauer catalog (Christmas edition).
Had to mail-order it, of course. Since NOBODY would have it in STOCK !
Was already familiar with the fine line of Mag D-cell flashlights.
Had a collection of 3-cell, 4-cell, and 5-cell lights.
But the catalog listing sounded VERY interesting . . . .
Here was a 2-AA cell aluminum, heavy-duty pocket flashlight,
which (it was STRONGLY stated)
is as POWERFUL as a conventional 2-D cell flashlight !
I thought about how much i LOVED my big Mag-Lights . . . .
and decided that this new Mini-Mag light (if true),
would be IDEAL for an EveryDayCarry !
-- (sidenote)
For the prior 8 years, i had been carrying the Eveready 2AA chrome penlight (model 9215), in left side trouser pocket.
This unit certainly *was* quite useful, but had many shortcomings:
Exposed, protruding bulb (#222) vulnerable to damage
Rather inelegant stamped-steel construction
Pocket clip would loosen, and eventually pull-out
Switch mechanism would get dirty/dusty, and require cleaning
Ended up replacing light perhaps every year
-- (end_sidenote)
So i took a chance, and ordered this new Mini-Mag pocket light.
Don't remember the price, but was probably close to Twenty Bucks.
Ordered two twin-packs of spare bulbs, also. Always prepared.
Can't remember if the nylon holster came standard, or was extra.
Regardless, i got that too.
And it all arrived at my house exactly Twenty-Two years ago today !
Loaded the batteries, and turned it on . . . .
Couldn't BELIEVE how a "dinky little 2-AA light" could be so BRIGHT !
The claims in the Eddie Bauer catalog were true.
It was indeed as bright as a normal 2-D cell flashlight.
And the rest, my friends, is History . . . .
I carried that same Mini-Mag light (and later, its replacement)
virtually Every Single Day for the next 22 years ! ! !
Wore out several belt holsters.
Changed lots and lots of "blackened bulbs".
(they still worked, but didn't wanna' risk it)
And the Mini-Mag served me well.
Always very helpful, convenient, and comforting.
(i'm sure you all can relate to this !)
Now, earlier this year (2006), i finally decided to try one of those
*Fancy New LED Upgrade Modules*, which i saw on the Internet.
Decided on the TerraLux TLE-5 MiniStar2.
Well, Dang, if that didn't simply make my *good* light even *BETTER* ! <grin>
-- No more worries about changing Bulbs.
-- Gives even MORE light. Brighter and Whiter, too !
-- And the batteries last longer.
Woulda' probably continued using this new combo
happily fer' the rest of my life, except that i stumbled onto a Website
called CandlePowerForums.
Now, (late 2006), i've upgraded my beloved Mini-Mag to their new 2AA-LED model.
And I also carry a Fenix Civictor V-1
And a Nuwai X-3
And a Photon Freedom-Max Yellow (covert nose)
And a Fenix E-0
And a Fenix E-1
Used to feel *confident and well-prepared* by carrying my Mini-Mag flashlight.
Now, i feel practically NAKED if i only carry a *single* flashlight.
(gee, what's wrong with me, Doc ?)
Anyway, thank you to my Mini-Mags, for 22 years of very faithful service.
Always came through, and never failed me.
Just wanted to share this with my fellow Flashaholics.