Modern Maglite collections
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Guitar Guy
Enlightened
XX0, I think I mis-led you when I used the word "ramp". It's not actually what I meant. What I was thinking is momentary when you press it once, and for however long you hold it, like you said. It could be high mode or medium, it wouldn't matter to me, but momentary, any time you press it once. Then, from the off position, 2 quick clicks for eco, OR 3 clicks for low, 4 clicks for high, 5 clicks for strobe, similar to how it works now. I guess "progressing stages" may have been a better word than "ramp". Maybe even if the user wanted to reverse it so the stages progress from higher modes to lower would work, if they choose. In this manner, all modes would be available at all times, without having to give some up to have others, or having to switch between 4 different mode groups.
In actuality, my chinese lights are much less complicated and intuitive. Acebeam is a little tricky at first, but my Fenix lights are very un-complicated. Turn on with the tail switch, cycle through modes with the side switch, and it memorizes the last used mode when you turn it off with tail switch, and tail switch has momentary, of last used mode. Hold down side switch for strobe. If you mostly only use one particular mode, you almost never have to use the side switch, just the tail switch with momentary, or full click for on.
JT
OK, that makes sense. I misunderstood what you meant.
I still have difficulties with Chinese lights, two switches that do different things?, mode memory? now I have to think which mode I used it in last week or last month and remember which switch does what on which light...I usually end up stuck in some weird mode and I end up having to go back to the flow charts/instructions to get out of it – I guess it's a matter of what you are used to?
Guitar Guy
Enlightened
Yes, I guess it's what you're used to, but there is no "weird" mode to be stuck in, and no chart needed, it is one of five brightness levels. If you don't remember where you left it, you simply click the side switch as fast as you can say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and you easily see when you hit the brightest, and the next click is back to the lowest. I usually just go back to low when I shut it off for the day, unless I'm using level 2 or 3 for inspecting a house, where I'm turning it on and off several times for that job, and using momentary. And that's the other thing I don't like about the ML50 - momentary is always high, where sometimes I want it to be lower, or the level I'm currently using.
To me, the new Maglite system is more complicated. I have to carry the chart, or memorize the 3 modes contained in the 4 different groups. After a month goes by, I'll never remember which contains which. If I'm out in the field and don't have the chart, I'd have to program each different group, and test to see which modes each group contains, and then set it on the one I want. If I wanted strobe and was in a group that didn't contain strobe, I probably wouldn't go to that trouble. The moment would pass by. If I want a group with momentary, I have to give up one of the 3 brightness levels. If I want a group with momentary and strobe, I have to give up 2 brightness levels. I don't like it.
I like the old Mags for what they are, especially after I convert them to a good LED with glass lens and aluminum reflector. Other than the look, I'm less than impressed with the beam and the UI on the ML50XL. The ML25LT, yes I could see using it, but it's actually oversized and run time is not all that great. My Chinese Li-Ion lights are light years ahead, and leave them in the dust.
If you really like made in USA, and simplicity, my Malkoff Hound Dog is even better. On click tail switch. Rotate the head all the way tight for full 1000 lumens, loosen it just slightly for low, and that's it. Two modes and built like a tank in good ole USA. Leaves them all in the dust.
Good discussion, and thanks for the input.
JT
Three modern Solitaires, 37, 47 and 36 lumen warm.
There was reportedly a 40(?) lumen one that came in a 'value pack' at Wally World one year.
Beam shots.
The 37 is a thrower, the 47 puts out a nice broad throwey beam and so does the 36 lumen warm.
Available colors for the 47 lumen version.
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I have a Tana module in an E light with 18 different modes. I opted for L/M/H with memory. Without memory is also an option. But it's cumbersome to get to the mode you want.
I like the way Mag is set up where you unscrew the tailcap a bit, hold the power button, tighten the tailcap and count the (slow timed) flashes. Not that I want 18 options in a Maglite, but if they ever add to the menu it's not hard to achieve your goal.
Same with Streamlights ten tap option.
I like Pelicans "fuel remaining" mode too. Half press 4 times quckly and count flashes in 1/4 tank incriments. Two flashes means 50% remains. One means carry spare batteries. Now would that work in the case of one 21700 in an adapter versus 2 D cells? (shrugs shoulders) I dunno.
One thing I'm not pleased with about their electronic switch with their ML150 lineup is the battery does not seem to have a low voltage cut off circuit. I left the tailcap screwed tight for about 6 months without charging it as a test and it murdered the battery. The battery would no longer take a charge. A $30 mistake on my part, but since Maglite assumes folks will keep it on a charger when not in use they don't seem mind. So keep that in mind all who own an ML150.
Thanks for the tip, that might really save me some money (getting Maglite batteries in Europe is expensive). I've set a monthly reminder to charge the ML150LR now (I do charge it when I've used it for a longer period, but this seems like some solid maintenance advise).
When you put it away just twist the tailcap loose about a full rotation. What I do is turn it on, twist the tailcap until the light turns off then another half turn or so.
But yeah charging it monthly is a good idea. I should do same.
Apparently this is bykfixer post # 15,000.
Wow!
But yeah charging it monthly is a good idea. I should do same.
Apparently this is bykfixer post # 15,000.
Wow!
Good idea, that works too, but this is one of my bump-in-the-night lights on my night stand, so I wouldn't want it to have the tailcap turned off. It's there with a Fenix PD36R to allow quick access to very decent lights.
My issue with maglite is their Canadian availability and warranty support which is non existent. There are so many of their lights I'd love to try but can't find or they are marked up beyond value. That being said, I'm still a big fan
I have 2 ml25it. One with a Tad's 7212 bulb and 2 18500s. The other stock with 2 eneloops in adapters
2 original type 3C. One with a 6 cell pr based xenon and 2x18650 and hand stippled reflector. The other is a Tad's 7218 pr bulb and a kaidomain OP aluminum reflector and glass lens
A 3D with 4C in an adaptor and a 3 cell white star. That's heavy
Onto the more modern side of things! An ML50lx 3C. With 3 eneloops in adapters
And a magtac with Panasonic cells. For led lights, these are both very nice. I know there is some controversy over the magtac, but I will put it up against any streamlight or sure fire in quality and beam and it's too bad it's not more popular
I don't know if I can call it a collection, but I have more maglites than any other brand and I've always liked what they've put out. I just don't use alkalines in them. Besides leaking, alkalines just aren't good batteries for lights
I have 2 ml25it. One with a Tad's 7212 bulb and 2 18500s. The other stock with 2 eneloops in adapters
2 original type 3C. One with a 6 cell pr based xenon and 2x18650 and hand stippled reflector. The other is a Tad's 7218 pr bulb and a kaidomain OP aluminum reflector and glass lens
A 3D with 4C in an adaptor and a 3 cell white star. That's heavy
Onto the more modern side of things! An ML50lx 3C. With 3 eneloops in adapters
And a magtac with Panasonic cells. For led lights, these are both very nice. I know there is some controversy over the magtac, but I will put it up against any streamlight or sure fire in quality and beam and it's too bad it's not more popular
I don't know if I can call it a collection, but I have more maglites than any other brand and I've always liked what they've put out. I just don't use alkalines in them. Besides leaking, alkalines just aren't good batteries for lights
Man that 3 cell ML50 sure is a lot brighter than the 2 cell version. And it's about the size of a Streamlight stinger.
It's too bad Maglite doesn't have much presence with our Canadian friends. Your post vicv almost convinced me to buy a MagTac.
If an ML150 happens to make it north of the border those are pretty sweet. The short one causes the user to say "holy smokes that thing is bright". The longer one "HOLY SMOKES THAT THING IS EVEN BRIGHTER" lol
But to me the ML25 is a really under rated flashlight. Old school meets new school. It throws like an old school Maglite. Appears much brighter than the numbers suggest.
It's too bad Maglite doesn't have much presence with our Canadian friends. Your post vicv almost convinced me to buy a MagTac.
If an ML150 happens to make it north of the border those are pretty sweet. The short one causes the user to say "holy smokes that thing is bright". The longer one "HOLY SMOKES THAT THING IS EVEN BRIGHTER" lol
But to me the ML25 is a really under rated flashlight. Old school meets new school. It throws like an old school Maglite. Appears much brighter than the numbers suggest.
It's just there aren't any retailers carrying them. We can't order from the site. I got my ml50lx on Amazon from an American seller. But it was $85 for me
I would think the 2 cell ml50 would be closer to a stinger. Here is the 3 cell beside a poly stinger
The maglite is quite a bit longer. But ya it's bright. Just wish I could start it on eco. High is realistically too bright
I would think the 2 cell ml50 would be closer to a stinger. Here is the 3 cell beside a poly stinger
The maglite is quite a bit longer. But ya it's bright. Just wish I could start it on eco. High is realistically too bright
Yup, a eco/medium/high function set is something several of us have been lobbying for.
The 2 cell ML50 is almost as long as the 3 cell ML25, though the ML50's are a good bit shorter with smaller diameter heads than the old incan C cell Mags. Of course the 2C ML25 is the way to go if you want the most compact C cell Mag.
BTW had a chance to use a couple of 2C ML25's to access damage caused by falling trees (one took down the power lines) in a recent storm and after that we used them as lanterns during the power outage - these are really nice lights to have in an emergency.
The 2 cell ML50 is almost as long as the 3 cell ML25, though the ML50's are a good bit shorter with smaller diameter heads than the old incan C cell Mags. Of course the 2C ML25 is the way to go if you want the most compact C cell Mag.
BTW had a chance to use a couple of 2C ML25's to access damage caused by falling trees (one took down the power lines) in a recent storm and after that we used them as lanterns during the power outage - these are really nice lights to have in an emergency.
Good point about the 2 cell being closer in size to the Stinger.
Here's the ML150's compared to the Stinger
The short ML150 is like the 2 cell with the 'regular' ML150 being like a 3 cell.
How about a 6 cell ML25?
Eh, just kidding.
A 3 cell with a C cell body storage container. I haven't tried yet to see if it'll hold 3 spares or not.
The 3 cell versions have Stinger anti-roll collars added.
The 2 cell in the center with red bezel ring mimics an old Olen number that has an opaque red plastic ring on the end to serve as a traffic wand.
I forgot about these two. A solitaire and a mini mag in camo and a reverse clicks tailcap I think came with a nite ize drop in. That doesn't seem to work but I want the Incan anyway
ML's. Top to Bottom:
3c ML50LX
2c ML50LX
ML125- 3c or rechargeable battery
2c ML100.
As you can see they all throw a beam that lights up light colored objects easily to 300 feet. But as the lumen outout goes up the larger the area lit at 300 feet.
By the way the 300 feet mark is that portion of a house in the distance past the sheds that are about 150 feet away.
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knucklegary
Flashlight Enthusiast
Has anyone encountered this style switch cover "retaining lip" on other models ?
This cover is off a 2017 3C incan model. And, it took a bit of yanking to remove with pick assistance.
Once out I was surprised to see this odd shaped lip, which matches the groove inside body, same unusual elliptical shape ~
My guess, designed to keep the panther head logo in proper alignment.
Imo, it all seems a bit overkill ~ Then again the "panther head" appears somewhat alien to me as well !
👽
This cover is off a 2017 3C incan model. And, it took a bit of yanking to remove with pick assistance.
Once out I was surprised to see this odd shaped lip, which matches the groove inside body, same unusual elliptical shape ~
My guess, designed to keep the panther head logo in proper alignment.
Imo, it all seems a bit overkill ~ Then again the "panther head" appears somewhat alien to me as well !
The panther head button cover was used on C cell models. When it began I cannot say but my '98 3c Quality Care promo has a blank button cover. My 2014 4c has the panther logo.
I bought a repair kit that came with both blank and panther head covers.
Blank type
Panther logo type
I tried the panther head on a D cell light and it worked fine. I did not like how squishy it felt and went back to the blank cover it had from the factory.
Blank vs panther type.
I bought a repair kit that came with both blank and panther head covers.
Blank type
Panther logo type
I tried the panther head on a D cell light and it worked fine. I did not like how squishy it felt and went back to the blank cover it had from the factory.
Blank vs panther type.
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Just because:
MagTac2, 2cell ML50LX, 3 cell ML50LX
