Has anyone checked out the LED Maglites now that they're available? My old 2-D Maglite has vanished so I need a new flashlight for the truck. I found the LED 2-D at a local Target. It costs 34.99. The only thing different I see is that it has a LED bulb. It also comes with one of the old Krypton bulbs in case you want to switch out. Not sure why you would. But barring anyone with first hand experience with these, anyone have recommendations for a good light to keep around?

 

is it possible to just buy a led bulb?

 

Given the price disparity b/w the regular and LED, it's an option I'm definitely looking at. I was thinking one of the science types could tell me if there is any difference b/w regular and LED besides the bulb.

 

In a nutshell...........the LED is not "physically" a bulb. It is a diode that emits light. No heat, and much longer life. Also more tolerant of banging around and being dropped. (as if any of us would do such a thing).

I don't have one of the Mags yet, but I bought a smaller Brinkmann for the DW's Xterra that is an LED. MUCH brighter light, and much more of a white color. Regular bulbs burn with a slight yellow color. Not so with a true white LED.

Go for it. You'll be pleased.

 

Try this place:
http://candlepowerforums.com/

 

I don't care for mine really. I have a 6 LED, 4 cell. The light is kind of a blue tint, which I suppose I could live with but it tends to wash out lighter colors. What I really don't like is that the light doesn't seem to spread like a krypton bulb and it doesn't have the same throw, or distance. It's okay for fairly close up looking inspection but if you are trying to see at a distance, it isn't that great. Mine is a battery hog. I can go through 4, D cells 3/4 faster than I can with 1 krypton bulb and have what seems like more, brighter light. Maybe I just got a bad unit, or brand.

torque1st. Now there's a name I haven't seen in a while. Enjoying this fine KC summer?

 

I have an LED and agree with hang10 on this issue. It has a blue tint and dosent have as good of a distance. You can buy an LED conversion for Maglites, I was looking at them in Wally World a few weeks ago.

 

I think LEDs are more of a task light; close quarter lighting.

Those halogen and krypton bulbs do tend to eat up batteries.

 

Yeah but my LED's eat them faster. Of course, there is a 6 to 1 ratio but for less light and less efficient, from the LED unit, I think i'll just keep the old krypton mag-lite. Plus it's about $45.00 cheaper.

 

hang10, I always thought that the LEDs were more efficient.

Maybe they're just longer lasting in terms of burning out.

Oh well.

Here are some nice LED flashlights.

http://www.ccrane.com/lights/led-flashlights/index.aspx

 

I'm a SureFire person myself... My 6P has a led conversion kit...but I havn't bought it yet...

As along Mag-Light doesn't change anything they'll almost own the general public market from now until who knows when...

If Streamlight or Surefire came down in price, they would really give Mag a run for its money...

 

Not to derail but I bought one of those Faraday lights.....mainly for my son because you know how young boys and flashlights are. That's really all they are good for.

 

I've killed 2 LED flashlights so far by dropping (once each and they died). Both were drops that any maglite could have taken many times over. Poor distance, short spectrum, not as durable as claimed apparently, and yeah, mine went thru batteries. I've still got one (warranty), but rarely use it. It stays in the cubbyhole in my dash for quick reach as it fits nice and snug.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

edit, wrong link the first time

 

I have bought several different LED type lights. Not a led Maglite yet.

My experience is similar to the others guys. While the light looks white to your eyes, it doesn't seem to have the correct spectrum for us to see some things at night. They also are more of an area light and not a beam or long distance. THis is getting better but you still can't beat a good Maglight or one of those high performance tactical lights for distance and seeing.

An example of what I have experienced... I bought two different LED type head lamps for walking at night. Both work OK for nearby, say 20 feet or less, but lose it at greater ranges. Also my biggest problem with these lights is that they kind of get sucked up by asphalt. You lose depth perception and I often stumble or step into holes in the asphalt that you won't see with the LED color washing out.

The battery light is better with my LED lights than similar incandescent types. But when the batteries start to go, they drop the LED performance very quickly. I suppose this happens with incandescents too but it seems more noticable with LEDs.

My favorite LED type flash light is a Coleman hand light that has I think7 bulbs. The switch clicks between 1 lED, 3 LEDs, 7 LEDs and 1 yellow LED nightlight. It does have a pretty good throw. You can see things maybe 50 feet away. But the color washout is similar to other LEDs. It runs off 4 AAs if I recall and will last many hours before the light gets to week to do night hiking.

Just my experience.

Jim Henderson

 

The difference in light spectrum has already been mentioned.
That said, if you want a good LED flashlight, these folks build great ones:
Manufacturer's web site:
http://www.pelican.com/lights_catego...rsible=%&New=%

Another place to look:
http://www.pelicanproducts.us/Cataspx12.html

I have the 3 c-cell Reflex.
http://www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2010
It casts a focused beam, much like a Maglight does when focused to a tight beam rather than a fan beam.

It has proven to be VERY durable. Is waterproof, and runs a long time on a set of batteries.
Worth considering of you a serious about an good LED light.