Maglight-indestructable?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
I'm with carpe diem on this one. I currently have 5 Maglights.
a 2 d cell and a 3 d cell, the others are the AA minimag.
The big ones are frustrating. They will not focus to a point, they focus to a teardrop shape. Maybe nit pickey, but it's frustrating. Also, the switch..... I often have to click on/off a bunch of times to make good contact. Otherwise the bulb will be a little dim.
Now they are very sturdy, I'll give them that. Just a little frustrating at times. You could spend $20 on far worse an investment! They are good for what you pay.
The AA minimag are great. I like them much better than the large ones.
I am impressed with the LED flashlights. I have a AA. it is nice.
I doubt I'll buy another Maglight. Probably will buy Pelican or Streamlight, or some such.
a 2 d cell and a 3 d cell, the others are the AA minimag.
The big ones are frustrating. They will not focus to a point, they focus to a teardrop shape. Maybe nit pickey, but it's frustrating. Also, the switch..... I often have to click on/off a bunch of times to make good contact. Otherwise the bulb will be a little dim.
Now they are very sturdy, I'll give them that. Just a little frustrating at times. You could spend $20 on far worse an investment! They are good for what you pay.
The AA minimag are great. I like them much better than the large ones.
I am impressed with the LED flashlights. I have a AA. it is nice.
I doubt I'll buy another Maglight. Probably will buy Pelican or Streamlight, or some such.
Last edited by BrianA; Feb 8, 2004 at 09:00 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
From: S/C Texas
Yep, killed three myself. All 3 were the '4 D cell' style. One just sat in the closet for a while. A long while. Pulled it out and it wouldnt work, new batteries, new bulb, nothing.
Another got so much salt past its seals that it just corroded too many parts, I guess. Another was just abused and abused. Too many rainy nights combined with way to many drops on pavement and mud puddles.
All my little ones seem to hold up okay, well to the point of being lost.
Since my first light, I've been sold on the quality. There is no other flashlight in my house.
Another got so much salt past its seals that it just corroded too many parts, I guess. Another was just abused and abused. Too many rainy nights combined with way to many drops on pavement and mud puddles.
All my little ones seem to hold up okay, well to the point of being lost.
Since my first light, I've been sold on the quality. There is no other flashlight in my house.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
I like the mini-mag AA, can hold in yo teeth and work with both hands if reqd. (yea I know there are those headlamp things..just don't have one).
for a larger light I go with a Pelican..pretty much as tough a light as they come takes 2 D, focus'es well, ...still use my good ole $ 5.00 trouble light as well..!!
stk
for a larger light I go with a Pelican..pretty much as tough a light as they come takes 2 D, focus'es well, ...still use my good ole $ 5.00 trouble light as well..!!
stk
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Originally posted by carpe_diem
Streamlight? Is that some kind of rechargeable unit?
Streamlight? Is that some kind of rechargeable unit?
http://www.streamlight-flashlights.com/
Note: this is a retailer, not the Mfgrs. web site. A link at the top will take you there.
I'm considering the Twin-Task 2D cell. It appears to have the best of all worlds.
Last edited by BrianA; Feb 8, 2004 at 10:00 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: in the springs
i have used and abused about every maglight sold except a 6 cell the worst i have done is set an engine down on top of it(out of an m113 about six thousand pounds it still works great i wont buy anything else
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 1
From: inver grove heights MN
when i worked at the truck shop, ( 18 wheelers ) the large maglights got ran over ALL the time by sterlings, mack trucks, freightliners, you name it. mine got it one time, just scratched the outside. you would hear it happen all the time too
truck backing out ( PING! ) and the sound of a flashlight flying across the shop floor lol
truck backing out ( PING! ) and the sound of a flashlight flying across the shop floor lol
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
Last summer, I dropped my 3-D cell Maglight from one of those pallet Fork-lifts (the ones in the isle that rise over 5 stories in the air) Well, I dropped my Maglight from the very top after testing the forklift with my dad. I thought it broke because I heard a loud crash 10 seconds after I saw it drop, and what sounded like it smashing into 100 peices. We dropped back down and I ran down the Isle and I couldnt find it anywhere. I got on my hands & knees and looked under the large 5 story racks. Sure enough...It was turned on, shining as bright as it ever could. It left one hell of a mark on the Concrete floor though (about a 1" deep x 2" long gouge) Only minor scratches on the Maglight though.
I also lost my Mini Maglight on my fourwheeler trail behind my house one day. I found it 1 MONTH later in the tire track of the trail. I took it inside, replaced the batteries and it lit right up.
I also have one of those streamline flashlights mentioned above. We've only had it a couple months so the durability hasnt been put to the test yet.
I also lost my Mini Maglight on my fourwheeler trail behind my house one day. I found it 1 MONTH later in the tire track of the trail. I took it inside, replaced the batteries and it lit right up.
I also have one of those streamline flashlights mentioned above. We've only had it a couple months so the durability hasnt been put to the test yet.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Streamlights are nice, except the batteries don't hold a charge for very long. I know my maglight will burn brightly for 15 hours, but the streamlight won't go for more than about 3 hours, and its pretty important to have a bright flashlight for Seatrch and rescue work.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
BrianA mentioned the Streamlights.
I have a Streamlight LED Pen Flashlight and it's awesome.
It takes tons of abuse and keep on shining.
The light is small and they seem to grow legs and walk away pretty fast if you're not careful where you put them.
I had a bit of a problem finding the AAAA batteries for it but they seem to be getting a bit more popular.
You can get them with different color LEDs too. The blue one works well for finding oil leaks after putting dye in the engine.
I have a Streamlight LED Pen Flashlight and it's awesome.
It takes tons of abuse and keep on shining.
The light is small and they seem to grow legs and walk away pretty fast if you're not careful where you put them.
I had a bit of a problem finding the AAAA batteries for it but they seem to be getting a bit more popular.
You can get them with different color LEDs too. The blue one works well for finding oil leaks after putting dye in the engine.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
Once dropped a 2 AA Mag light in the lake while pulling my dock out, searched but couldn’t find it. Lake froze, summer came, put dock back in, found light 6 months later after water had receded, twisted the top and it came on. Other than that I just drop em’
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Dave,
I just today picked up another LED flashlight. A $5 Dorcy at Walmart. It is a sinlge AAA with one LED. Aluminum body. Obviously (for $5) it is not high end, but I tell you, it is a nifty light for $5.
I love these new LED flashlights! And the conventional style w/ Xenon bulbs.
Yes the Xenon bulbs do drain batteries quicker but tend to have a much whiter light beam. The LED flashlights are easy on batteries and tend to cast a more even, softer light.
All in all, the Maglight IS a good flashlight that fills a wide variety of niches.
I still think I'll spring for the Streamlight 2D cell with Xenon bulb and LEDs.
I had a nice 2C cell Pelican once. I gave it to a friend who took me deer hunting.
I just today picked up another LED flashlight. A $5 Dorcy at Walmart. It is a sinlge AAA with one LED. Aluminum body. Obviously (for $5) it is not high end, but I tell you, it is a nifty light for $5.
I love these new LED flashlights! And the conventional style w/ Xenon bulbs.
Yes the Xenon bulbs do drain batteries quicker but tend to have a much whiter light beam. The LED flashlights are easy on batteries and tend to cast a more even, softer light.
All in all, the Maglight IS a good flashlight that fills a wide variety of niches.
I still think I'll spring for the Streamlight 2D cell with Xenon bulb and LEDs.
I had a nice 2C cell Pelican once. I gave it to a friend who took me deer hunting.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 913
Likes: 2
From: Pensacola, FL
i know that some of the on/off and brightness problems can be solved by taking the switch apart and cleaning it....that is what we do at work when they get that way...then they work like a champ again
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 270
Likes: 2
I wanted to post so I wouldn't feel left out. I have a 3D cell MagLight that I got for Christmas along with one of the little ones. I have been tempted to do some testing with my old one at a highway rest area with some semis, but haven't had the chance yet.
You have to love the joy men get talking about their flashlights.
You have to love the joy men get talking about their flashlights.