Still no Led Maglights?

[Big_Ed]

I have and still use my MagLites. Both modded and yes, stock. They offer the best bang for the buck in my opinion. They are undoubtedly among the most durable lights around. Everone knows it's true, because I bet almost everyone here on CPF has at least one, or most likely, many. No one can realitically say anything bad about their build quality. Why else are they the most popular hosts for mods? Durable, cheap, reasonably bright, wide varitey of sizes/battery configuations, a very bright rechargable model, easy to find replacement bulbs and a lifetime warranty. Sure they aren't the brightest around, or don't have the smothest beam, but if you compare it to other options that are as widely available to the general public, they are winners, hands down. I'll always like them and use them, no matter how they are bashed by some CPF'ers.

 

[Minjin]

I recently had some repair done to my home furnace. I watched the guy work on it and during the 'surgery', he pulled out an old beat up Mag 3d. At least I thought it was old. Turns out that its not all that old at all. The knurling was all silver because it was completely worn down. There were nicks and scratches all over the light. The switch boot was missing and when he used the light, it put out a pitiful dim yellow light, but only after smacking it a few times. He said that this was his fourth one and that like an idiot, he keeps buying them. Here was a guy who hadn't been exposed to quality flashlights and yet still knew that Mags were junk. He just didn't know what else to get. I introduced him to my Electrolumens Blaster III, which I felt would be perfect for him. Far brighter. More reliable. FAR FAR better runtime. And more durable for those times when you need to use a flashlight as a hammer.

I used Mags for many years and I always liked them. I used to think that they were quite awesome and I loved showing off the throw of my Mag 3d with the Xenon bulb. Bah. In reality, they are about as pathetic as your average kitchen knife set, so dull that you CAN'T cut yourself no matter how hard you try. The average consumer is quite content with junk. Thats just the way it is.

Mark

 

[geepondy]

The best thing I can say about Mags is that yes, their durability and build quality (except for the solitaire IMO) is good for the price. But why couldn't they spend a little time to improve their reflector/lamp/beam quality? There is so much room for improvement there.

 

[geepondy]

Nearly exactly the same story with me, just last week with the furnace guy. He was fairly young, still in his 20s and his mini-mag would only work after smacking it around. I got my Chop-modified KL1 with Lux III on E2 body and he was mightily impressed. I should have grabbed a more "stock" light but that was the closest to me and the light I use the most. I gave him the brightguy address and gently suggested the Streamlight LED jr. as I figure it is a good light for the pricepoint that most people won't balk at. However when he asked how much my light cost and I said around a hundred dollars he was not shocked and said it would be worth it to him to pay that much as he uses it every day in his profession.

[ QUOTE ]
Minjin said:
I recently had some repair done to my home furnace. I watched the guy work on it and during the 'surgery', he pulled out an old beat up Mag 3d. At least I thought it was old. Turns out that its not all that old at all. The knurling was all silver because it was completely worn down. There were nicks and scratches all over the light. The switch boot was missing and when he used the light, it put out a pitiful dim yellow light, but only after smacking it a few times.


[/ QUOTE ]

 

[DaMeatMan]

People here on the forom will always bash Maglites, but honestly though think about what your saying. Your talking about a well built aluminum flashlight that takes a pretty good licking for about 15 bucks. 15 bucks people.... of course they are not the greatest flashlights in the world. Is the design dated? Of course it is, Maglite haven't changed their basic design in years and years. But remove the ancient light bulb tech from the Maglite and you've got yourself one killer light. Is it not true that a modded mag with a luxIII is one of the best throwing LED lights out there with a great amount of spill? Sure when stock they put out a crudy yellow beam, but for 15 bucks what more do you really want? Of course you can buy a Blaster III which is superior in it's own ways.. but how much does it cost, certainly not 15 bucks. Think of how many Mag's you can buy for the price of a blaster III, you could even mod it yourself for the same price or cheaper and it will still outperform most LED lights if you use the same LED tech. I own a bunch of Elektrolumens products and i love them. But the fact is that my go to light is still my modded 2D regulated luxIII mag. And right next to it is the Blaster Jr. The fact is that the Maglite is an incredible value, where else can you purchase such a durable aluminum flashlight for that price. Sure i don't agree with Maglites business practices.. and honestly i think that's most peoples beef with them, but don't knock the mag's quality becuase it's great for the price. And keep in mind that it was never intended to be the greatest flashlight around, it's intended to give u a good value for your buck and it does so quite well.

 

[batterystation]

You know, when Mag finally does come out with an LED light (and they have to), I sure hope there is a LINE of companies just waiting to sue their butt off for infringing on OTHER companies patents and technologies. It would be poetic justice. If of course they stick to incandescents, they will be the last ones using them. We could say MAG stood for Manufacturing Antique Garbage.

 

[Minjin]

[ QUOTE ]
DaMeatMan said:
People here on the forom will always bash Maglites, but honestly though think about what your saying. Your talking about a well built aluminum flashlight that takes a pretty good licking for about 15 bucks. 15 bucks people.... of course they are not the greatest flashlights in the world. Is the design dated? Of course it is, Maglite haven't changed their basic design in years and years. But remove the ancient light bulb tech from the Maglite and you've got yourself one killer light. Is it not true that a modded mag with a luxIII is one of the best throwing LED lights out there with a great amount of spill? Sure when stock they put out a crudy yellow beam, but for 15 bucks what more do you really want? Of course you can buy a Blaster III which is superior in it's own ways.. but how much does it cost, certainly not 15 bucks. Think of how many Mag's you can buy for the price of a blaster III, you could even mod it yourself for the same price or cheaper and it will still outperform most LED lights if you use the same LED tech. I own a bunch of Elektrolumens products and i love them. But the fact is that my go to light is still my modded 2D regulated luxIII mag. And right next to it is the Blaster Jr. The fact is that the Maglite is an incredible value, where else can you purchase such a durable aluminum flashlight for that price. Sure i don't agree with Maglites business practices.. and honestly i think that's most peoples beef with them, but don't knock the mag's quality becuase it's great for the price. And keep in mind that it was never intended to be the greatest flashlight around, it's intended to give u a good value for your buck and it does so quite well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Blaster III is $40 currently. Lets see you mod a Mag3D to equal it with less money. Oh, and don't forget the HA3 annodizing, too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mark

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I like my plastic rayovac roughneck light better than a 2D mag... it is cheaper, lighter, doesn't roll much, doesn't show scratches/nicks much, and doesn't feel like an icicle in the wintertime, when I drop it the sound doesn't make you shudder, oh and it has a hanging loop on the end also. I don't see any advantage in a maglite over this if I never plan to mod it with uber bulbs or high dollar LED dropins.

 

[CQB]

What the heck, I'll take a stab at beating on the dead horse s'more. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I agree with all of the above. Maglites are great at their intended applications. Affordable, durable, and "adequate" performance. Great hosts for LED drop-ins and the like.

The only other characterstic that I havent seen mentioned in this thread yet, is that of "presence". Everyone, particularly those in law enforcement, security, etc... will know what I mean when I refer to "presence". Depending on your presence, you can thwart/discourage an altercation even before it begins.

BGs (bad guys) victimize the weak. Rather... they victimize those who APPEAR weak to them. No one picks a fight with someone they think is strong - unless of course, the BG isnt able to think too clearly due to drugs and/or alcohol. Whatever. In any case, they are constantly assessing people. And if the GG (Good Guy) encounters a BG, either in your living room at 3am, or while changing the tire on the road side at night, etc... your presence - how you APPEAR to the BG as they continually evaluate you as a potential victim - can either help or hurt your chances of avoiding victimization.

And I've mentioned this before elsewhere, that IMHO & generally speaking, the BG is constantly thinking about their own self-preservation. If his intended victim appears armed, even if it's only with a large flashlight (and really, most people recognize a "Maglite(tm)" when they see one) albeit with mediocre output, that may be enough for them to look elsewhere!

Consider... who "appears" more able to put up a fight? The guy wielding the "skull-crusher" maglite, or the other guy holding what looks like the Power Of The Sun in the palm of his hand? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Of course, having a "brighter" FL CAN add to someone's "presence". But IMHO the BG will be more concerned with how you can use the large FL to inflict pain on him, rather than how the extra lumens can sear his retinas! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Of all my FLs in my humble collection, one of my more "tougher & brighter" ones would definitely be the SF C3. A very very well made FL. Great output, great throw, and durable. I feel very confident whenever I choose to use the C3 in times of need. But consider further, that if I have no other piece of equipment on my person - no sidearm (in Canada guns are a no-no /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif), no baton, no OC spray, etc - then the only remaining choices for "potential weapons" are the C3 itself, and my own body (which actually is fine with me, heheh).

Maglites are used by LEOs for a reason. The help with "presence". For the average citizen who doesnt "pack" like a LEO, using one of the larger Maglites makes more sense if one is concerned with having the presence that discourages victimization.

When I am on the go, I EDC a couple of my "smaller, brighter, better(tm)" FLs. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif And I keep my skull-crusher FLs in my vehicle in the driver's side door for quick access, and by my bed.

I intend to equip my 3C/D Maglites with Diamond LuxIII led bulb replacement each, fyi. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, IMHO, another FL that assists with presence in the same way I mentioned above is the StreamLight SL-20XP/LED & 3C-XP/LED. Similar long body - the kind that is good for denting BG's noggin's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif But I think these ones are polymers and not metal.

Maglites are good for their intended purposes. They're not meant to be high-tech, digitally regulated, multiple output, illumination devices... rather they're durable FLs that can be used like a hammer if need be. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

... so I guess i DID beat that ol' horse dead, eh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Be safe.
CQB

 

[junior]

Ok im in!

I have had nothing but good luck with my mags. I have had quite a few mini-mags and they were all great.

Once my friends and i went hiking and all 3 of us left our prize SF's at home. Well, it got dark on us and luckly i brought my trusty mini-mag with extra batt's. My friend had a no name light in his first aid kit, but the batts were dead. Luckly the light took 2 AA's, just like....you guesed it, the mini-mag. We got out easily and the mini-mag worked like a champ. No blown bulbs, no dead batts.

As a bouncer i had to body slam somebody once and i hit the guy by accident with my...you guessed it, Mag 3D on the nogin and no blown bulb, still works like a champ.

Now, i do love my SF and led's and do believe that leds and SF's have their place, but if you aint:) got much bucks, a mag will do untill you find CPF.

Also, mags make great affordable backups which most of my mags are doing currently.

Sorry to steal this thread....

 

[TrueBlue]

CQB...I think you hit the nail on the head...and beat the dead horse too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif You clarified why I like the Lambda ProMagnum as one of my favorite lights. The ProMagnum is a keeper to me. It looks like a serious 2D light, is instantly recognizable and has a very serious throw and spill beam. I noticed that ProMagnum lights are very rarely sold on the B/S/T section of CPF. OH, why couldn’t Mag make an LED light like the ProMagnum?

 

[Blackbeagle]

Where else are you going to get your:

non-traceable (compared to say, a SF M6 any Mag is a needle in a haystack), easily disposable (think of throwing away your M4), easily replacable (drop in to any store, they're in stock), cheap (compared to any SF, SL...), totally unemotionally involved (I love my SF's & SL's), blunt force trauma weapon?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[KevinL]

Market penetration.

Mags are found in virtually every store everywhere I go, even if they don't have the big ones, they have the small ones. The brand recognition is fantastic. Everywhere you go "It's a Mag".

I gave someone a Photon today and while they liked it a lot, they mentioned they'd never seen anything like it before. I'm glad to be able to introduce it to them (that's a flashaholic's calling), but that also shows that Mag has something the others: MINDSHARE amongst the general public. It will take years for anybody else to be able to plant that worldwide recognition of their brand name in the market. It's a household name.

 

[WilLux]

I don't think Maglites are atrocious, but their bulbs have caused me substantial duress in times of emergency. I've curesed the Maglite name many a time. Thier bulbs are irresponsibly short-lived, their switches are of a quality mismatched to their bodies.

I think a lot of posters here give Maglite credit for being a good bang for the buck. But IMO, simple technologies are the ones that benefit most from large economies of scale. I honestly think a $20 Maglite would cost $40 from any other make. And for "$40", it's a pretty bad light.

 

[pedalinbob]

I would guess that if mag comes out with LED lights, they will probably be pretty good.
they have a lot of $$$ for R&D, marketing, etc.

just an off-topic FYI: i bought a Dorcy Gel-lite (i think) 2aa. placed a mag-num star xenon in it. beautiful and VERY bright beam.
impressive.

I think Dorcy might just be a thorn in Maglite's side, due to their many "pretty darn good" products.

Bob

 

[flashlite]

I've never understood the Mag bashing here on CPF. It almost seems hypocritical when manufacturers like Dorcy get such high praises.

 

[WilLux]

Why doesn't Maglite create a "Premium" line?

Maybe they've studied it and don't think people would spend $50 on a flashlight in WalMart, right next to a $2 Cheapo.

I for one WOULD! If anyone could market-blitz the public into why a better light is better, it would by Maglite.

 

[3rd_shift]

Ok, I'm in this now too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I for one had used a 4d magg with an Inretech 3x3 watt led dropin.
Trilight3.
This kit and the Walmart purchased magglite 4D host still work fine.
It looks much like new in fact after all the usage. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
I guess nobody wanted to get clobbered with this one. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/str.gif
This after 6 months of 1-3 hour usage per shift on nimh batteries shoving 2.5 - 3.1 amps through the kit and the allegedly fragile switch.

If you get one with a bad switch, just take it back to the store for another one with a good switch. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

BTW:
If you kill someone with a blow to the head when you could have run away and called the police instead,
Life as you know it could change for the next 20+ years with the wrong jury/attorneys.
Yes, prison. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mecry.gif
Even if it was just an "accident". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif
Use whatever you have to to defend yourself, but don't use a deadly weapon like these magglites unless you are countering a threat to your life.

I have worked security for almost 4 years.
None of my lights have ever been used as weapons as of yet.
I have run away to call police a couple times though.

 

[bjn70]

I have used mags for a long time. The average person puts a light or 2 somewhere in their house or car, then later when they want to use it it doesn't work or the output is too pathetic. Plenty of people will pay extra for a good product that they can depend on, so they buy mags for $20 instead of a plastic thing for $3. I've been there, and I have 4 mags now. However I've discovered that they have their problems, mainly that you pick up the one by your bed and it doesn't work, or the light output is really pathetic. So you shake it a little and maybe that helps. You put in new batteries and that may or may not help. With one of mine I discovered it didn't work even after I tried new batteries. I found that the bulb in the head AND the one in the tailcap were both bad. Many of us, me included, need a few lights that we can absolutely count on to work, and if we have to pay $40 or $60 or whatever we will do it.

I bought a camera that has an appetite for CR123's, somebody advised that I buy them from Surefire, and that has lead me to discover that there really are good and reliable lights out there.

I don't know how many lights mag sells compared to Surefire, or what their profits are like compared to Surefire, but I would think that they sure could sell a higher priced product if they produced it. They have the advantage of name recognition and placement. In my local hardware store I noticed that they have lots of lights from probably $2 on up, but only one Streamlight- a yellow 4AA LED Polymer. In a store a $40 yellow plastic light doesn't look very good to the average person compared to anodized mags. Most people really are clueless, you can tell this by the products they buy, cars they drive, etc. If mag made a line of good LED lights I'm sure they could sell them and I think it would improve their profits but there are lots of people that would still buy the $15 incandescent mags. I would buy a good LED mag, if I could rely on it, otherwise there are plenty of good lights from other manufacturers that I can order up from brightbuy or batterystation or whoever.

 

[Northernflame]

Hi.

As you can see with others on here that maglite will in all likelyhood never convert to led for it's line of flashlights.

It's the same principle for ex. Epson inkjet printers.

Lower prices , however the ink cartridges are a nightmare $$$. Why do you think epson put microchips on thier ink cartridges?.... Quite simple to prevent people from refilling them. But with public support MOD's came about and now we have chipresetters.

The same goes for maglite. Replacement bulbs are expensive and burn out in no time flat.

My recent flashlight aquisition was a maglite 3c and dropped in an everled.

Do you think i'd ever go back to either krypton, halogen or xenon bulb...

Heh Heh Heh... don't count on it.

--------

OOOOO a new LED flashlight.. So shiny It's mine!.. My Own!.. My Preeecccious ! ~~~ (rub rub rub).