I recently bought a Magnum Star bulb for my 3D Maglite. As others have said on this forum, I noticed no real improvement in its performance over that of the standard White Star bulb. I wrote to Mag through the feedback section of their web site and received this reply:
"Sorry for your disappointment. Mag Star lamps will only make a difference
at short ranges due to the magnified lens. We plan to have a new improved
MS bulb this next year that will increase your candlepower by 25-30%."