Mag-Lites and reliability / durability

[lightlover]

Ok, so they aren't a perfect beam, but I think they set a standard in some way.

But has anyone had reliability issues with the Mag range, AAA to 6D to Mag-charger ?

As far as I know, from my own experiences, the Mag's have amazing longevity and reliability/durability.

Lite-Lover

 

[kb0rrg]

Nope. Very tough lights. My lights have seen abuse that physically damages the batteries inside (3D ML). The worst damage to my one of my 3D mags of three is water/corrosion damage to the inside of the batt tube. I was wearing/using it to look for people in cars during a flood in waist to chest deep water. (much deeper than that and I start looking for a boat

). Most of my lights have scratches and nicks…. I kinda like that. There is something about a shiny new Maglite that is too domestic for my liking.

My mini-mag is tough too. Once in a while I will have to give it a tap to get it going, but that is very rare. One thing that I like about the mini-mag (not to get too off subject) is that the head can be unscrewed and used as a base. This makes the light into an "electric candle". This is a nice feature when you want to fill and area with even light. The extra bulb in the tail cap is reassuring too, when I remember to replace it.

 

[Velcro]

A couple of months ago, I accidently dropped my 2AA Mini Mag on concrete. There was no visible damage, other then some small scratches on the head where it landed on. However, something rattled inside the reflector. When I got home to check on it, I noticed that a piece of glass from the lamp had broken off and that the lamp had blackened.

That kind off surprised me since I thought that all Mag-Lites had reasonable shock isolation.

Greetings,
Velcro

 

[snakebite]

hard to hurt a 6d maglight.
mine survived a 140 mph+ drop from a motorcycle on i-70.the bunjee strap just wasnt up to holding that lead pipe that lights up on one end to the seat.
i still have it 15 years later complete with some new battle scars.been used as an attitude adjuster twice.still works.
now has an easy life under the seat of my car

 

[axolotls]

My 3D Mag sucks big-time. At least one of the batteries discharges in the off position. I really never inspected it further since I've found Surefires

 

[Quickbeam]

Great flashlights IMHO. Hard to hurt and cheap enough that you don't need to be afraid of really USING it (a.k.a. don't need to be afraid of using it in applications where it may be damaged/destroyed). The cost of batteries won't trash your bank account either! I keep one in each of our vehicles and one by the bedside. By far they see the most use of any of the flashlights I own. I think the relatively low initial cost + low cost for replacement batteries + high durability are a precedent setting combination.

axolotls: Mag-Lites have a lifetime warranty. You can probably get it repaired for free (minus shipping), or at least submit an e-mail to them to see if they can troubleshoot the problem (if you care to give it a shot). http://www.mag-lite.com

DP

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

axolotls; you have a most unusual problem, one that I have never encountered in the 50 or so Mag Lights that I have purchased. I would send it back to Mag and get it replaced.

My experience is that the C/D MagLights are extremely dependable. You can bang them around, drop them, leave them alone for a couple of years, and they will still work. The switch automatically rotates the contacts, so that the contacts keep clean. I can't think of a more rugged light.

The other sizes are a different story. The Solitaire is abhorrent. It will frequently not light up if it hasn't been used in a few weeks. If you work the switch a few times, it usually then works normally. Also, the switch tends to turn on by itself in your pocket, so that the thing is really dead next time you try it. Photons and ASP lights have rendered this light obsolete.

The AA and AAA lights are also plagued with switch problems, but not to such a large degree. They will usually work if you turn them on and off a time or two. This problem tends to crop up only when the light has been stored for several months. The real problem with these lights is the small amount of light you get for the size and weight. Sure Fires are much better choices.

Hope this helps, Walt

 

[Size15's]

Walt has put into words pretty much my experience of the smaller AA & AAA MagLights. My experience of the C and D sizes is only that almost every one I've seen has been using pathetically flat batteries. This is not the best way to show off a MagLight, and with their off-the-shelf beam quality/output being unimspiring, I didn't by any for myself.

Of course, I've been tempted by Walt's Carley Lamps, but I found Surefire, and that's another story.

There are many C or D lights I'd buy rather then a MagLight using similar cells.

Get some Carley lamps and fresh batteries is my advice for MagLight users.

For me, if a PhotonII can't handle it, then it's time for a 4AA or SureFire E2.
Rather then a workhorse MagLight 3D etc, I'd pick a Surefire 8NX. MagLights have their place, but not in my hand.

Walt's Carleys are the best hope for MagLights.

Al

 

[JoeyL]

I think they serve a purpose for a good solid light where there is no issue about the weight. For personal day to day carry, not very convenient.

Brock had a suggestion that I went for, using the Ledcorp single led replacement which allows focusing the beam into a really tight spot, allowing a usable beam for literally a hundred feet! I would not have believed it if I did not see and prove this to myself. And it literally will burn for days in a 3D cell light. If it weren't for the limited shelf life of alkalines, this really would be an ideal earthquake backup light. My thanks to Brock for a great idea!

 

[Velcro]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Walt Welch:
The AA and AAA lights are also plagued with switch problems, but not to such a large degree. They will usually work if you turn them on and off a time or two. This problem tends to crop up only when the light has been stored for several months. The real problem with these lights is the small amount of light you get for the size and weight. Sure Fires are much better choices.

Hope this helps, Walt<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Walt, how on earth can you compare AAA/AA Mag-Lite's with Sure-Fire's? That would be like comparing apples with oranges.

They are totally different category flashlights.

I really like my 2AA Mini Mag. The only thing I dislike about it a bit is that you have to twist the head to turn it on. I would rather have a push button tailcap like the new Brinkmann Legend 2AA lights have, or a push button switch near the head like the Dorcy Excell 2AA. That way you can turn it on using one hand and it would automatically be on a tight spot beam without having to fummble around. Other then that it is a nice, handy little light.


Greetings,
Velcro

 

[Size15's]

The way I see it, in the 2AA/2AAA size range of Flashlights, the 2AA MagLight (etc) is not worth carrying. If you want light output, go with the E2, if you want runtime, get yourself an LED light of similar size and/or some Photons...

Output and Runtime are related, and in my opinion, in the 2AA size (regardless of how good the flashlight is made etc) the 2AA doesn't do either the output or runtime very well.

Al

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Velcro; I am still miffed at Carley for never getting it right in making xenon star lamps for two AA and two AAA Mag Lights.

Thus the comparison with Sure-Fires. Which, if you exclude the consideration of price, is not an outrageous one. I stick my E2 SF in the front pocket of my jeans and never notice it. Used to do this with an AA ML, and the damn thing was always turning on.

Walt

 

[sflate]

What model Surefire wuold be a good replacement for AA Mag? I'm looking for a 2AA size replacement and want brightness over runtime. Also, I ordered the Brinkman Nextstar AA Xenon (I believe) bulb to try in my AA Mag. Hopefully it will help out my Mag until I get a Surefire. (Or anything else anyone can recommend)

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

If you're considering going with a SureFire to replace your 2AA Mag-lite, you could go with a E1 1 cell lithium battery light at 15 lumens and 60 minutes continuous runtime, or (and this would be my recommendation) go with the E2 2 cell Lithium battery light at 60 lumens (75 minute continuous run time) and a 23 lumen bulb with be available soon (don't know the run time yet).

 

[Size15's]

I would suggest the E2. Someone here makes an LED Module for it which may float your boat.

When pressed about Lamp Modules, PK is quoted as "no comment" and "don't ask" which I take to be better then being ignored.

Also, "soon" is a long time in 'Engineering-time' with making new lamps taking far longer then any of us want. It's not surprising when most SureFires have two or sometimes three lamp options... It must be a nightmare of bulb design. Getting it right takes time.

Al

 

[sflate]

Thanks for the suggestions. I use my AA Mag quite a bit though and I'm worried about the cost of the lithiums for the E1 or E2. Do they even make a AA model that anyone recommends?

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have had my 6D Maglite since 93 when I got my first job. I gave it the name "Betsy" and she's been through a lot. However, lately I have been unsatisfied with the hot spots and dark spots; a problem I never had before. So I am attempting to convert the business end of the maglite int white LED's. I'm going to use 5mm, 5600mcd, 20 degree beam focus LED's. I calculated that I can jam 56 of these into the business end of the maglite. Any questions or comments???

 

[Xenon]

Good luck on your project. Post here to let us know on your progress. Sorry I can't help on this area.

I have the Mag 6D too and when loaded up with batteries, I think it weighs as much as a M16 rifle...I wouldn't dare imagine if I accidently drop this on my head.

 

[Velcro]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Walt Welch:
Velcro; I am still miffed at Carley for never getting it right in making xenon star lamps for two AA and two AAA Mag Lights.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Have you tried the Brinkmann Nexstar lamp?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Thus the comparison with Sure-Fires. Which, if you exclude the consideration of price, is not an outrageous one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not outrageous, but IMO the price is the whole point. The Sure-Fires (E1 & E2) use expensive Lithium batteries whilst the Mini Mag 2AA uses common, inexpensive Alkalines. So running an E1/E2 is much more expensive then running the Mini Mag, which also has a much longer runtime then the Sure-Fire's.
If I where stuck in a toilet or a dark building, I would rather have my Mini Mag with me instead of an E2 (or better: both!

)

The Sure-Fires are small, highpower lights with relatively short runtime for emergency / short use. In my opinion, the Mini Mag 2AA is a good compromise of light output (especially with the Brinkmann lamp), runtime and compact size, making it an ideal general utility light without regretting that you actually use the batteries.

Greetings,
Velcro

 

[Quickbeam]

I agree. IMHO I consider Maglites to be an excellent "compromise" light. If you want super high intensity for a short time, and don't mind sacrificing lots of relatively expensive batteries, go with the speciality lights like the E1 or E2. If you want very long run time at the expense of brightness with common relatively cheap batteries, go with the LED. If you want the "best of both worlds" - meaning medium brightness with decent run time and cheap batteries (and a very durable light), go with the Maglites.

DP