Several months ago, another CPFer posted some very positive comments about Maglite's C cell form factor. Until that thread, I had only been intersted in Maglite's D cell lights. My job involves patroling darkened office floors at night. But, I was never issued a flashlight. Also, the guy who was in charge of wiring the building did a very poor job of it. (Nothing like turning on a light switch, only to remain standing in darkness while the lights come on several yards away from you).
After buying a black 2C Maglite, I realized it was a perfect fit in my medium-sized hands. But I wasn't very happy with the standard inca bulb. Shortly after getting the light, I bought a MagLED drop-in for 2 cell Maglites. (The LED cost more than the light. But is definitely worth it).
This light was used, as mentioned above, for the last several months; on a nightly basis. I immediately noticed that putting in the LED drop-in did nothing to get rid of the donut hole. To get rid of it, you still have to adjust the light for throw, rather than flood. But once adjusted, there's definitely more side-spill and a brighter hot spot than with the standard inca bulb. Output is bright white, with no hint of blue from the LED.
This light is a perfect example of how an LED can have very good throw. I work in the widest office building in Manhattan. Floors are as wide as a football field is long. No, the light doesn't throw that far. But I was surprised as to how far the light could reach with the LED in place.
Some would say that only a rechargeable light is ideal for one used on a regular basis. I can't agree. Despite being bright, the LED sips batteries. Over the past several months, I've replaced the cells only once. And when I did, the old cells were still going strong. I just felt more comfortable with fresh cells after so much time had passed by. The forward clickie works well. It's not as stiff as it was when I first got the light. Often, I just use the momentary feature to apply just a bit of pressure on the switch.
I've never dropped this light, can't say how well it'll take to being dropped. But there's no filament to break. The light doesn't fit easily into the back pocket of a pair of dress pants. But you can slip it down the small of your back, if two hands are needed. You can even walk, with only slight discomfort.
Disadvantages: Same as what you'll find on all of the full-size Maglites. No lanyard hole anywhere on the light. Changing batteries is always a pain, due to the very stiff spring underneath the tailcap. (It's why I don't recommend the full-size Mags for elderly folks). The plastic lens gets scratched far too easily. Not large scratches to the point of being obvious when you turn the light on, but noticeable when examining the light. The finish scratches easily too. (But not nearly as bad as the lens).
Overall: I'd definitely recommend this light to anyone needing a full-sized workhorse. It's not a rechargeable light, but you won't feel too guilty as far as the lumens go; considering that the MagLED sips batteries. It has been trouble-free from Day 1. And everytime I take it out of my work locker and place it on the Security front desk, my fellow guards have this uncontrollable need to touch it.
After buying a black 2C Maglite, I realized it was a perfect fit in my medium-sized hands. But I wasn't very happy with the standard inca bulb. Shortly after getting the light, I bought a MagLED drop-in for 2 cell Maglites. (The LED cost more than the light. But is definitely worth it).
This light was used, as mentioned above, for the last several months; on a nightly basis. I immediately noticed that putting in the LED drop-in did nothing to get rid of the donut hole. To get rid of it, you still have to adjust the light for throw, rather than flood. But once adjusted, there's definitely more side-spill and a brighter hot spot than with the standard inca bulb. Output is bright white, with no hint of blue from the LED.
This light is a perfect example of how an LED can have very good throw. I work in the widest office building in Manhattan. Floors are as wide as a football field is long. No, the light doesn't throw that far. But I was surprised as to how far the light could reach with the LED in place.
Some would say that only a rechargeable light is ideal for one used on a regular basis. I can't agree. Despite being bright, the LED sips batteries. Over the past several months, I've replaced the cells only once. And when I did, the old cells were still going strong. I just felt more comfortable with fresh cells after so much time had passed by. The forward clickie works well. It's not as stiff as it was when I first got the light. Often, I just use the momentary feature to apply just a bit of pressure on the switch.
I've never dropped this light, can't say how well it'll take to being dropped. But there's no filament to break. The light doesn't fit easily into the back pocket of a pair of dress pants. But you can slip it down the small of your back, if two hands are needed. You can even walk, with only slight discomfort.
Disadvantages: Same as what you'll find on all of the full-size Maglites. No lanyard hole anywhere on the light. Changing batteries is always a pain, due to the very stiff spring underneath the tailcap. (It's why I don't recommend the full-size Mags for elderly folks). The plastic lens gets scratched far too easily. Not large scratches to the point of being obvious when you turn the light on, but noticeable when examining the light. The finish scratches easily too. (But not nearly as bad as the lens).
Overall: I'd definitely recommend this light to anyone needing a full-sized workhorse. It's not a rechargeable light, but you won't feel too guilty as far as the lumens go; considering that the MagLED sips batteries. It has been trouble-free from Day 1. And everytime I take it out of my work locker and place it on the Security front desk, my fellow guards have this uncontrollable need to touch it.
