EV_007
Enlightened
After hearing of the Maglite coming out with LED versions of their lights, I had to see what it was all about.
The ringy beams and uneven sickly yellowish looks of the older incan versions didn't do much for me. I did like the overall streamlined looks of the casing though.
I picked up a 3D version at Wally World. It comes with the 3W LED installed and an Incan bulb in the tail cap. Not bad.
I opted for the largest one on the shelf. I picked the 3D version thinking more juice would power the LED brighter and the extended battery life seemed like a good emergency light to have around the house.
I was expecting an artifact-free beam in the wide flood mode and a tight clean spot in the "focused" mode. I was spoiled by my Surefires and other quality LED lights that are smooth and bright. For some reason, I thought they would have upgraded the reflector and focusing with the new LEDs.
No such luck with the Maglite. Still very ringy with a horrible hole in the wide spot setting. I figured that the LED version would show fewer artifacts.
I compared it to my favorite much smaller (And much more costly.) Surefire L2. What was I thinking.
The Mag 3D is much heavier compared to the higher end lights I own. Not a flashlight I would take camping.
The color of the LED seemed slightly blue/greenish. I really don't mind greens since they seem to render color and contrast a bit better than the blueish or purple color temps on some LEDs.
For $35 bucks I shouldn't complain too much. It is a pretty solid light with both Incan and LED option all housed in a durable "skull cracking" case.
I'll try it out for a couple of days and if I don't like it I may give it to a family member. Outdoor beamshots to test throw may come soon. Judging by the size of the reflector and focusability, it should be a throw monster. We shall see.
The ringy beams and uneven sickly yellowish looks of the older incan versions didn't do much for me. I did like the overall streamlined looks of the casing though.
I picked up a 3D version at Wally World. It comes with the 3W LED installed and an Incan bulb in the tail cap. Not bad.
I opted for the largest one on the shelf. I picked the 3D version thinking more juice would power the LED brighter and the extended battery life seemed like a good emergency light to have around the house.
I was expecting an artifact-free beam in the wide flood mode and a tight clean spot in the "focused" mode. I was spoiled by my Surefires and other quality LED lights that are smooth and bright. For some reason, I thought they would have upgraded the reflector and focusing with the new LEDs.
No such luck with the Maglite. Still very ringy with a horrible hole in the wide spot setting. I figured that the LED version would show fewer artifacts.
I compared it to my favorite much smaller (And much more costly.) Surefire L2. What was I thinking.
The Mag 3D is much heavier compared to the higher end lights I own. Not a flashlight I would take camping.
The color of the LED seemed slightly blue/greenish. I really don't mind greens since they seem to render color and contrast a bit better than the blueish or purple color temps on some LEDs.
For $35 bucks I shouldn't complain too much. It is a pretty solid light with both Incan and LED option all housed in a durable "skull cracking" case.
I'll try it out for a couple of days and if I don't like it I may give it to a family member. Outdoor beamshots to test throw may come soon. Judging by the size of the reflector and focusability, it should be a throw monster. We shall see.
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