UltraStinger vs. SL-20X vs. TL vs. MagCharger

[S4MadMan]

I just did a search and found a lot of debate on the above referenced flashlights. I have an SL-20X. Is it prudent to upgrade to the SL-35X lamp? Any other caveats other than the run time dropping to 45 minutes?

Also how does the SL-20X with the 35X lamp compare to the US and MC? And I still don't understand the MC with the "new" bulb everyone's talking about. Is it an upgrade or just the newest MC? I had the first generation MC way back in 1990ish and it was bright but not as bright as the SL-20x.

So, what should I do?
1) Stick with my SL-20X as is?
2) SL-20X and with the SL-35X lamp mod?
3) Buy the US? TL? or MC?

Decisions, decisions, thanks! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Size15's]

If I were you, I would get a new battery and latest lamp for the MagCharger and get an SL35X lamp for your SL20X as I've read it improves the output a lot.

Then, if you are still not happy with the two flashlights you have, I suggest you take a look at other flashlights.

Al

 

[JAS]

I agree that the upgrade to the SL-35X lamp assembly is very worthwhile. Mine was only $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping from Texas Tactical Supply. I also have both an UltraStinger and a TigerLight, but I don't own the MagCharger. I guess the question is what are you looking for? What you could do is install the SL-35X LA and then keep looking if that doesn't do what you are looking for.

 

[S4MadMan]

Thanks...

...for the response JAS.

Which do you prefer in terms output flood and throw? I'm interested to see how the SL-20X with the 35X lamp compares to the TS and US. I would think the US at 75,000CP would be the brightest.

With respect to what I'm looking for, I'm just always looking for brighter. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Mine SL-20X works just fine but if it can be improved upon... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif

 

[arioch]

I had a Magcharger with the 'old' bulb. The light output was bright enough, but I was very dissatisfied with the beam pattern, which at tightest spot was a lousy oval shape with tire treads running through it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif Based on a posting in this forum, I bought a new bulb, and it was great! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Brightness was noticeably increased, and more importantly for me, the focusability of the beam was much improved; It was a small investment ($4-$5) that paid off well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

As to the Ultrastinger, I like it a lot; one of its main selling points is its weight, or rather its lack of weight relative to its light output. The US is brighter to my eyes than the Magcharger with the new bulb.

Don't have a TL or SL20X (yet! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif).

I would agree that optimizing your currently owned lights first is a good idea before plunking down some big bucks for new lights. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have fun! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jtivat]

I just upgraded my Mag Charger to the new bulb and PowerStream batteries. The Mag now out throws my UltraStinger and TigerLight and it doubles their runtime with two+ hours of good light. I was very skeptical of this before I tried it but now I am a believer. The TL is still a brighter light over all and both the US and TL are a whiter light but the Mag defiantly out throws them both. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[S4MadMan]

Oh no...

...JT, you're killin' me! Now I need...want...need...want...NEED to get a new Mag Charger. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Where do I purchase Power Stream batteries? I'm unfamiliar with them.

 

[tkl]

Re: Oh no...

this is easy. the cheap fix is upgrade the lamp in you sl-20. i did in mine and it is well worth the 45min runtime and $15(give or take) you'll spend.

the more exspensive route is buy the tl. is is brighter or as bright depending on who you talk to but defenitely smaller and lighter. it is the winner of the 3 mentioned.

i wouldn't get the magcharger, it's heavy and i'm not sure about supporting gag.

 

[S4MadMan]

Damn You...

...damn You ALL!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yellowlaugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yellowlaugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yellowlaugh.gif

OK, I'm going to buy a Tiger Light. I gotta see what all the "hype" is about. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks all! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tkl]

Re: Damn You...

Dr. Evil laugh .......muwahahaha....muwahahahah..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Sigman]

Re: Damn You...

tibim brought his TL FBOP over and I was very impressed with it's brightness as well as throw. I just have a hard time with a 10 hour (or so?) charge time for 1 hours worth of light...I've got zero experience with rechargeable torches, they aren't really my "bag"...so how that aspect of the TL compares to others...I'm ignorant.

 

[I_rv_too]

Re: Damn You...

Run, don't walk, to your nearest Maglite place, buy a new battery and one of the new high power lamps.

I bought mine directly from Maglite.

You'll be shocked at the improvement it makes!

As I've said before, I was speechless when I saw how my Magcharger (in my right hand) outthrew an Ultrastinger (in my left hand).

It wasn't even close!

The magcharger with new bulb and battery was absolutely amazing!

 

[PieThatCorner]

Re: Damn You...

I'd agree that definitely the way to go is to upgrade what you have. I constantly switch between using the SL20x with the 35x lamp and carrying the UltraStinger, depending primarily when weight and size are a factor. But hands down, it's definitely hard to beat the MagCharger with the upgrades.

I really have to stop visiting these boards... now I want to get a TigerLight... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Flashlightboy]

S4MadMan,

I've owned the 20X for years and it's a great light. Recently, I too upgraded to the 35 bulb and it was really, really bright.

The runtime was about 45 minutes but for that time it was like having some of the sun in your hand.

After that upgrade, I purchased one of the UCL lenses from flashlightlens and it really made a noticeable difference. What was very bright before became even brighter. It's well worth the money to have the improved lense.

With all these changes I still like the 20X but with some reservations that don't disturb me all that much. First, the runtime is only 45 minutes and it seems to be less than that but I haven't timed it. Second, once you've hit that limit, there is no quick recharge option for the light. So you can't really do much while you're waiting for that bit of the sun to reappear. Third, it is't a tiny light. I'm not an LEO and so the weight isn't an issue. But the light has heft and feels good in the hand,

People rave about the TL but it too doesn't have a rapid charge option. My suggestion would be to go with the SL Stinger series and buy the rapid Piggyback charger. This seems to be a sweet arrangement. Until SF figures out their batteries and comes up with a dual battery charger, I think SL is the winner, for now.