Brinkmann Maxfire spotted at Walmart

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Just picked up a Brinkmann Maxfire at Walmart today and I thought I'd let you guys know in case you've been looking for this light. Runs on 2 CR123 cells and is priced at $20 bucks. I haven't opened it yet so I don't know how it compares to the Surefire G2 (or Brinkmann LX for that matter). Will report on it later tonight.

 

[bwaites]

There are some pretty good threads on this already.

In addition, there are threads on how to put a P60/61 lamp in to get that Surefire beam in a cheaper body.

Bill

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Thanks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I think you'll be happy enough for spending 20 bucks Cosmic!

It doesn't have a Surefire "Wall of Light" quality beam, but no bad artifacts of any sort. It is along the lines of the LX in output.

I keep mine in the door pocket in my truck. It and my Stinger are the lights I pretty much KNOW will work...

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

I sure do like this flashlight. It does rate equal to the Brinkmann Legend LX as far as output but in a much lighter package. I always hated the oversized head on the Legend and I'm glad the Maxfire has it's proportions right.

 

[OddOne]

What I love about the Legend LX is the fact that a Fraen large optic fits it PERFECTLY without having to grind off the molding sprues. Wonder if/how well the Maxfire's head accomodates a Fraen LP or NX05... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

oO

 

[PocketBeam]

I searched and couldn't find anything about putting a P60/61 in the Brinkmann Maxfire. Can you link to it?

I am thinking about it since it sounds like it will give my the most throw bang for the buck in a pocket size light. Anything else better then this, even for double the price?

Thanks

 

[capnal]

I can understand the interest for putting the SF lamp in the Brinkmann, mostly for availability. BUT!!! I have had this Maxfire sice spring of this year (and also have the rechargeable version too) and I would have to say there is no noticeable difference!!

Seriously, I did my own little 2x123 lithium Xenon lights shoot out at my house with this one, Pelican M6, SL Scorpion, SF G2 and SF 6P (which of course are funtionally the same). With fresh batteries in all of them, the Brinkmann was every bit as bright as the Surefire P60 lamp in either the G2 or 6P.

Just 2 cents worth.

 

[PocketBeam]

Thanks capnal! I guess I just assumed it would be brighter.

 

[bwaites]

I don't see much difference in brightness, I just think the beam quality is better with the P60.

Someone emailed me the thread when I asked about it before, because I couldn't find it either. It was under some other topic if I remember right, but no idea what it was!!

Bill

 

[JohnK]

Does anyone have a pic of this light ?

On various web sites, they (Brinkman) call several lights Maxfire, can't find it.

 

[arioch]

No pictures, but it looks like a love child between a SF G2 (head and tailcap) and a Brinkmann Legend LX (body).

I just got one yesterday; beam is nice and bright, and hotspot is similar to my SF G2. The beam is not adjustable.

Very lightweight body. Composition seems similar to the SF G2.

Overall, a pretty good light for the money ($22.98 here on Maui, Hawaii @ Walmart), and an improvement over its predecessor (Legend LX). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[flownosaj]

The Maxfire is the black plastic/ruber one, right? Does it take the same bulb assembly as the LX?

 

[Lurker]

I think the reference to putting a Surefire P60 into a Brinkmann was referring to threads about modifying the Brinkmann Legend LX rather than the Brinkmann Maxfire. I remember seeing those threads, but don't see any about modifying the Maxfire.

In any event, wouldn't it make more sense to just buy the G2? It isn't that much more money and would certainly not cost more than a Maxfire plus a P60. And then you get the Surefire quality and no rubber.

 

[capnal]

This is $19.99 here in North Texas area. The recharge version is only $24.99. Both great bargains.

I think that Brinkmann is filling a good product position here in the flashlight market. They are able to produce and distribute in large volume flashlights that your common non-flashaholic would normally not be aware of. Effectively, they open the door to introduce people to higher end, higher performance items. For example, if you buy this Maxfire and are really impressed with it, chances are you are going to start poking around learing about the lithium 123 batteries. Very quickly that will lead you to learning about other lights that use the same battery, such as the Surefire G2. Then it is only a series of short steps to researching and buying other brands such as Surefire and Streamlight and others. Think about it! How many of us here started out with a 2AA MiniMag or 1xAAA Solitare simply because we didn't know any better?

At the same time, Brinkmann is NOT doing any hardcore advertising saying they are better than any one else or trying to advertise their products as "tactical". They are not trying to take over any niche in the market that is currently occupied by Surefire or Streamlight or Pelican or anybody else. And for this, I salute them. I don't mind owning any of the Brinkmann products because I know what they are, and what role they serve for me. I would feel happy to loan out my Brinkmann and start up a conversation with someone who is not in-the-know about flashlights.

These are good products to give as gifts or suggest to someone to buy as an entry level light. They are available at common stores and you don't have to tell somebody "Oh, you can only order that online." or "That is only sold through so-and-so tactical supply store." Ultimately, they are helping our cause for flashlight enthusiasists. They are spreading the word to the public and to other flashlight manufactures that the market will support a desire for lights other than those offered by Mag, Duracell, Rayovac, and others.

 

[detenebrator]

I got one. The light output is great - about the same or a bit more than a P60. The beam quality is just a bit worse then the P60. The biggest downside is the rubber grips - they "grab" at your clothes when you're trying to pull the light out of a pocket. It's also a bit bulkier than a G2, but it's a tremendous improvement over the LX. I'm going to stash mine in the glovebox - maybe even buy another one for the wife's car.

 

[TheBeam]

What is the big improvement over the LX?

 

[detenebrator]

The head is less bulky and closer to the same diameter as the body. In general it is, IMHO, just less ugly.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

It looks FAR more proportionally correct, weighs less, and makes just as bright and nice of a beam.

THAT'S what makes it an improvement.

 

[NikolaTesla]

Ya but the LX has adjustable focus. The ones (LX) that don't were modded by Brinkmann cuz of LAWYERS. They can be un-modded quite easily to focus.
Has anybody taken apart the Maxfire to see if it can be un-modded or is just made without threads on the head? I don't have one but have an LX and have un-modded many. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

The Brinkmann LX's truely are the poorman's SureFire. Just be sure to get a lot of extra 123's cuz the run time on mine is less than 1 hour be it bright as it is. I gave alot of them + a box of a dozen 123's away as presents ($40 for all) plus instructions where to get more 123's from. Everybody loved them. (They intern did the same). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

So is the brightness and runtime the same as the LX and Maxfire? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Brinkmann sells replacement bulbs too for a LOT less than SureFire. I got some just for WHEN (not IF) the old hot wire dies.....

I also betcha Kmart and Walmart took a bunch back cuz of people *****'n about how much 123's cost in their store ($6 each)! What a rip. 12 bucks to reload a $20 light! LOL /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NikolaTesla /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

An Arc lamp is the Spark that takes away the Dark--HID Forever!

My Lights