Maglite 6D vs 7D

[ebow86]

Does anyone own both these lights? How do they compare with both being stock, regular alkalines and krypton lamps? I was curious if the extra cell the 7D has made any difference over the 6D in throw or runtime.

 

[Conte]

This is something you may consider doing a search on, as I know it has been discussed before

If I remember correctly. the 7D was really just a novelty item. Likely made it limited quantities for promotional purposes.

A 7th cell may ultimately be redundant as there is no real consumer based PR bulb made to match that battery config. It would overdrive, and possibly :poof: a 6cell bulb, and it would dimly underdrive the next step up, a 12v bulb.

In my opinion, if it was that much a good idea, it would still be a commonly available item.

If you are a collector, and have a lead on one, grab it.
If you are looking for a user light, stick with the 6D.
If you want it to go to 11, time to HOTWIRE IT !

 

[Alex K.]

Hi ebow86,

Just as Conte said, the 7D is just a novelty item. Also, the 7D Mags were only as bright as the 5D's. I believe it has something to do with the fact that the 7D uses an argon bulb, while the 6D uses a krypton.

According to Mag, they would re-release the 7D cell if each of their distributers would purchase 10,000 or so. Also, the 7D's seem to be in the $100 range used.

If I were you, I would spend the $20 on the 6D and buy the Mag-Num Star xenon bulb. With fresh batteries, it yields 233.5 lumens and 57,000 candela.

 

[Howecollc]

Carley offers their model 717 Xenon Star PR-based bulb for 7 cell alkaline flashlights. It's rated at 7 watts.

 

[ebow86]

Hi ebow86,

Just as Conte said, the 7D is just a novelty item. Also, the 7D Mags were only as bright as the 5D's. I believe it has something to do with the fact that the 7D uses an argon bulb, while the 6D uses a krypton.

According to Mag, they would re-release the 7D cell if each of their distributers would purchase 10,000 or so. Also, the 7D's seem to be in the $100 range used.

If I were you, I would spend the $20 on the 6D and buy the Mag-Num Star xenon bulb. With fresh batteries, it yields 233.5 lumens and 57,000 candela.

I use a 6D cell with Xenon lamp and UCL on a daily basis, great light to use but weighs a freakin ton, which I guess can be an advantage in some situations. I can say that mags rating of 233.5 lumens is extremely optimistic, maybe at the lamp with the head removed on fresh cells, but no way OTF.

 

[Howecollc]

ebow86
If you're interested in getting more light out of your 6D, but without going to extremes that require more current than alkalines can provide, you may want to consider this overdriven 5 cell Xenon bulb. It is very forgiving of overdrive and lasts a lot longer than other 5 cell bulbs at 7.2 volts. The trade-off would be a 22% reduction in battery life.