MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes

I'd heard people speak highly of the MagLite AA mini LED, so when I saw it at Lowes for ~$10, I thought I'd pick it up and give it a try. Having messed with it, I thought I'd share my impressions.



Things that impressed me:

-- This thing is a surprising thrower when focused. It easily out throws my XP-E Quark and almost throws as well as my 4D MagLite with a Nite Ize 1/2w LED upgrade (also a surprising thrower).

-- It's got plenty of light. The 25% mode is about as bright as my old mini-mag with the 1w Nite Ize LED upgrade, so I'd assume that the 100% mode is 4 times as bright.

-- The ability to focus lets you have a decent flood beam, tight focused beam, or anything in the middle.



Things that disappointed me:

-- The beam, no matter what focus you choose, is full of rings and artifacts. This is surprising since my old mini-mag with Nite Ize 1w LED upgrade has a beautiful artifact free beam. I expected that with the extra effort MagLite put into the larger reflector, it would have a decently clean beam.

-- The tail threads are (partially) anodized so my collection of tailcap switches don't work unless I mess with them to get a connection through a gap in the anodizing.

-- Twisty action takes both hands. This wouldn't bother me if I could use one of my tail cap switches.:sigh:

-- Two of the four modes are useless blinky modes.:thumbsdow



My overall impression is that it's a great little light for $10. I'd be less impressed if I'd paid the regular price, although if you need a small pocket thrower, it might be a contender even at $20.



--flatline

catching up to date.

Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by Robin24k on 11-28-2010 10:01 AM GMT

I agree, for the price it is definately a great light. I got a couple of these to give away as gifts.


Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by sunfire on 11-28-2010 10:07 AM GMT

I have a single mode. The spot beam is smooth and free of
artifacts. At flood, there are some ring shaped artifacts but are very
minor.

With the original plastic crap lens and alkalines it is a so-so light.


So I changed to UCL lens and NIMHs... Now I'm satisfied with this flashlight.


Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by Robin24k on 11-28-2010 10:50 AM GMT

The single-mode version uses the Luxeon III, which is what the
reflector was designed for, so the beam is rather nice. The Luxeon Rebel
version uses the same reflector, and I suspect that the smaller size
isn't optimal.

Unfortunately, the tailcap of the original LED 2AA is not as reliable
because it uses two small contact plates, and the LED isn't as
efficient.


Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by jwcrim on 11-29-2010 08:31 PM GMT

I just bought the Luxeon Rebel version of the (2-AA) Mini Maglite
LED Flashlight. Running eneloops, so far I like it. I would like to find
and install an optimum lens and explore doing a few other things to it.

Some questions I am trying to explore:

1. What lens is best and where can we obtain it?

2. What is the best procedure for removing the original lens and installing a replacement w/o trashing up the holder?

3. I notice that the Luxeon Rebel LED's are available in various output ranges or bins (http://www.luxeonstar.com),
("h" being 60 lm max @350 ma and "s" being 200 lm max @ 350 ma. What's
involved in swapping the stock "h" for a higher output LED assy closer
to an "s"?

4. If you replace the end-cap with a click-switch cap, what is the expected reliability and control characteristics?

5. What is the best slip-on diffuser for it for very wide-angle
flooding? (The outside diameter of the lens/reflector end is 1 inch. The
diameter of the rest of the body with the lens/reflector section
removed is .707 inch.)


Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by Robin24k on 11-29-2010 09:11 PM GMT

1. Look for the OEM glass window, P/N 108-617. I got mine from Zbattery.com.

2. There's no holder, just unscrew the bezel and it'll come out. The
XL-series is the only one to use the reflector to hold it in.

4. If you get a standard click-switch (such as TerraLUX TCS-1), you can
leave the head unscrewed and use the tailcap to control on/off and
change modes.

5. SureFire F04.


Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by sunfire on 11-30-2010 07:28 AM GMT

You can buy a borofloat lens at lighthound. I think it is the best.
Changing is too easy. Just unscrew the front part of the head.

Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by fkrow on 11-30-2010 09:45 PM GMT

Thanks for the detailed info. I have been researching upgrades for the Maglite AA.

Regards,

FK

Re: MagLite AA mini LED with multiple modes
Written by sunfire on 12-02-2010 08:16 AM GMT

Does anybody know the output of the single-mode version (3Watt) ?
I have an Inova X1 (2Watt) (25 lumens) and I did some tests...
The beam of the minimag looks a little stronger and warmer.

I hope it's OK to ask this here:

Just got a 2AA Mini MagLite LED, wondering whether the batteries drain a little even when it's off?

Thanks,

Sheldon

sheldonisaac said:

I hope it's OK to ask this here:

Just got a 2AA Mini MagLite LED, wondering whether the batteries drain a little even when it's off?

Thanks,Sheldon

Click to expand...

I think not because of the way that the switch works. When you tighten the head , you totally break the circuit.