<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MagLightFan:
what other light can do so much?
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the only other light that could possible compete with the useful ness of the mini mag light is the ARC-Ls with the 2AA battery pack.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You asked it and answered it all at once. But, the LS isn't a "possible competitor" it'll do everything the MM will do, and way, way more. And if you think the MM is durable, well, you've just got to try an Arc sometime. I can't count the number of bulbs I've broken in my MMs. My daughter can destroy the one in the bezel and the spare in the tailcap in about four seconds flat. And that's before she even ventures out onto the tile. The Arcs, however, are a different animal. I just can't imagine what it would take to break one.
I do like the design of the venerable MM, and it feels great in the hand and operates well. But even the finish is WAY less durable than the likes of SF and Arc.
Now if you want to talk value, that's a whole 'nuther can of worms. No question that in the world of $10 lights, the MM shines [intended]. But we were talking about the first light to grab. For me, the MM is not it. Ever, anymore. If you want a single light that does everything the MM does (except focus, which you must agree is pretty meaningless), yet does more, does it better, and is infinitely more durable, the Arc LS is your answer. It'll cost you way more though. No question there. Honestly, I now use a $20 Arc AAA for all the task I used to do with a MM. After you go through some bulbs and batteries, the AAA becomes cheaper, and is FAR easier to carry and again, is FAR more durable than the MM. Start carrying an Arc AAA, and see how much you use a MM.
Want a brighter $20 light? Like WAY brighter than the MM? You'd be hard-pressed to beat the UK 2L. But then you have the Li battery expense to consider.
Oh, we're quite a ways off topic here. I'd be thrilled to bore you with more of my opinions if you wanted to start a new thread.