Maglites love hate

[X1 Mike]

So, I just busted out a Maglight I've had for over 20 years. Shockingly the batteries are good in it with no leaks and I probably haven't used it in 5 years. Just got a new LED bulb from Amazon. Bulb claims to be 302 Lumen but the light doesn't seem to be any brighter than my Milwaukee M12 flashlight that is rated 160 Lumen or some such thing. I just don't understand why no one makes a decent bulb to put in these to equal current flashlights. I just bought a headlamp as suggested in another thread that gives great light.

Amazon.com

I see some Maglite replacement bulbs go over a hundred bucks and I truly wouldn't mind spending that if it really worked better than a flashlight that I can get for fifty bucks.

The love part is I just love how heavy duty these lights are and just plain heavy. The hate is I wish I could find a flamethrower bulb. I really want to bring this into the modern age because my Maglite is going to get the Cerakote custom treatment. Why? Because stock *****.

 

[designer485]

Malkoff Drop-in for Maglights. This should accomplish what you are looking for.

https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/maglite-drop-ins-and-accessories

What Cerakote colors were you planning?

 

[f121]

I always used AA/AAA maglites back in the day, still got a few kicking around, but the led conversions don't seem anywhere near as good as a modern led torch from fenix, streamlight, whoever

 

[Bubba Fett]

The new LED Mag-Lites are pretty good. Their lumen ratings are ANSI certified, unlike all the Chinese brands that claim to have 6000 lumens or whatever. Most of those companies outright lie about the performance. Even the 1xAAA Solitaire puts out 47 lumens, which blows the original version of the water. Plus Mag-Lites are made in USA, which is nice.

The Mag-Tac is a nice CR123 light, and the new 4-D LED model can run for 18 days on low power, I believe. The Mini-Mag Pro is quite good for a 2x AA light. I'm not a fan if twisty switches, so I have added tail-cap switches to most of the Mini-Mags I have.

If you want to replace the bulb with in an older model with an LED, Terralux made some good ones (before they went out of business thanks to Covid), as well as HQRP, and LITT. But none of them are as good as the new factory LED models. The only one that's really impressive is Malkoff, but they are expensive, and often out of stock. Still, it's worth it just for the increased run time.

They are fun for mod projects. I have a 2D incandescent light that I modified to use Pelican search/rescue light bulbs. I had to replace the lens with glass, and the reflector with aluminum so it could handle the heat. It's powered by two 18650 Li-Ion cells in spacers. Fun project, and if properly focused, I can set paper on fire with it at point blank range.

Unfortunately, the new models (ML300, Mag-Tac, etc.) have gone way up in price in the last couple of years (thanks, Covid).

 

[Steve_P]

I haven't touched my maglites since I got a few streamlights; it's a night and day difference.

edit- incandescent AAA maglites

 

[X1 Mike]

Malkoff Drop-in for Maglights. This should accomplish what you are looking for.

https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/maglite-drop-ins-and-accessories

What Cerakote colors were you planning?

Thanks, I will check those out.

As far as Cerakote I'm not sure what I'm going with on that. I'm kicking around the idea of selling a bespoke EDC kit with a knife, Yeti cup, Zippo lighter and a flashlight. Make my whole kit in one theme. Obviously, most people wouldn't want a full-sized Maglite as an EDC but it would be an example to put up in an Etsy store. I was thinking possibly a Punisher theme. The one below was just a test but something along that line may be cool. I have a new vinyl cutter coming in tomorrow so I can do any camo or logo I want along with anything I can possibly think up.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Maglite really dropped the ball not keeping up with tech advances... they were top of the heap for so long.

 

[FMB4]

I have several Maglites (2 D and a 3 C IIRC) that go back to the early '90s. Wanted to covert to LED some yrs ago, but the very poor reviews and/or high prices drove me to retire them.

 

[American Locomotive]

It blows my mind how much Maglite dropped the ball with the LED revolution. They should have offered good LED retrofit modules and even lithium battery modules to slide in.

 

[CoogarXR]

I tried one LED bulb-swap back in the day, but it sucked. Never tried another. Let us know if you find a good one. I still have a dozen maglites laying around doing nothing, lol.

 

[Uofime]

It blows my mind how much Maglite dropped the ball with the LED revolution. They should have offered good LED retrofit modules and even lithium battery modules to slide in.

I’m not sure if it’s true but an explanation I heard was they wanted to keep the made us USA tag but could not because the LEDs/ circuitry to drive them are all not available domestically.

 

[ddawg16]

I converted one of my Maglites to LED...but you have to make sure you match the bulb to the voltage.

My Problem, both the batteries in my 5-cell mag's are bad. I'm thinking about using my 3D printer to make a cell holder for some 21700 Li cells.

But then again, I have a single cell light that fits on my belt and is just as bright as the big mag's. Only downside....it's worthless as a head smasher.

 

[seber]

The big problem with Maglights is there is no built in heat sink. There really is no good way around that. They just weren't built to use LEDs.

 

[Ilikeike]

Like everyone else, I had a bunch of Maglite's from the 1980s, still have a few in a drawer, D, C and many AA's
I had the same experiance on the LED conversion. not worth it.

I have a 1 Pelican light, it's okay, Streamlight and at least 3 Surefires.

I think Sure Fire is still all USA.

Surefire

"SINCE OUR FOUNDING, SUREFIRE HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO BEING A U.S. MANUFACTURER."​

 

[X1 Mike]

Here is the bulb I have in it now. It says it's a Cree LED. I thought Cree was the brand but is that a style?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XV8CFJ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[B_Bimmer]

As has been said at least once, the newer led Maglites are really quite good.

 

[guitarbutt]

Maglite LEDs are a improvement over their old incandescent style (still not great though), but I'll always like them, even if they're outdated and inferior to cheaper flashlights. I'd love to get the 6D LED maglite for the simple fact that it's a baseball bat that doubles as a light, and that's just awesome

 

[GeoBruin]

Someone Mentioned Malkoff above. You really can't do much better by your old mag than a Malkoff upgrade. They're made in the USA and you won't find better, more honest people. They now make a lot of their own lights which have become standards in their own right but making upgrade modules for Mags and Surefires is really how they got their start.

 

[McFarmer]

Someone Mentioned Malkoff above. You really can't do much better by your old mag than a Malkoff upgrade. They're made in the USA and you won't find better, more honest people. They now make a lot of their own lights which have become standards in their own right but making upgrade modules for Mags and Surefires is really how they got their start.

Truth. I converted mine and am very happy.

 

[johninct]

I converted one. It was pretty good but not as good as a LED one that you can buy. Then the battery leaked and ruined it.

 

[toolenthusiast]

A maglite is just a billyclub that lights up. Nowadays they’re especially uncompetitive, lumen-wise.

 

[X1 Mike]

A maglite is just a billyclub that lights up. Nowadays they’re especially uncompetitive, lumen-wise.

Perhaps you missed the point of this thread.

 

[kabinenroller]

My Maglites are sitting in the closet unused, I have a number of modern LED units that are smaller and brighter. My EDC is a Microstream. (My favorite)

Powerful Miniature LED Flashlight | MicroStream® | Streamlight®

 

[X1 Mike]

My Maglites are sitting in the closet unused, I have a number of modern LED units that are smaller and brighter. My EDC is a Microstream. (My favorite)

Powerful Miniature LED Flashlight | MicroStream® | Streamlight®

See post #22 lol

GJ Poster: I really love the quality of a Maglite but I don't use it because modern lights are better. I would like a project of upgrading my current light so it's a big *** war club that is also functional.

Helpful GJ Responder: I don't use my Maglites because newer lights are better.............

 

[X1 Mike]

I went and shined a few of my go-to lights out the front door.

First off, we have the Maglite in question. I like the fact that it has a nice spot that throws out decent, but I want to upgrade further than the cheap drop in LED.



Next is probably my most used light my M12 Worklight.
I have two of these, my wife uses one out back to watch the dog at night.
If I could get this kind of light quality out of the Maglite I'd be a happy camper.



Next light is a M12 flood light I just picked up 2 weeks ago because of this place. Annnnd it's daylight.
Great for close up, just not a lot of throw.



Next is another one I bought within the past 2 weeks because of this place. Princeton Tec headlamp.
I plan on using this mostly on my bicycle. Not sure if the throw will be good enough for riding.



Finally, my EZ Red neck light. This is probably my 2nd most used light.

 

[Citation]

I think Maglite is in a tough spot. In the old days the secret sauce was that Maglite used good lamps and were well made when most other lights were plastic or pressed metal. The LED thing did hurt Maglite since it was clear their fundamental light designs (almost all using a lamp holder that moved with respect to the body) were not suited for LED lamps that required head sinks. Additionally, I do think Maglite was trying hard to hold onto their made in USA tag. When they switched to LEDs too much of the total product cost was made outside of the US. So in the old days an imported lamp in an otherwise USA made light would still say, "made in USA". But when you change that low cost lamp to a higher cost LED and driver, too much of the cost (and I don't know the US limits) was "import" so they couldn't claim USA... even though the assembly etc was done in the same California plant as the older lights. Even worse, they got **** for "off shoring" their mfg even though they basically didn't.

As for the current lights, and I have a few, the Solitaire lights are great... if you don't have a phone with a light. They aren't super bright but have good reach for their modest output... output that we would have raved about in the 90s. The Magtacs are nice but would be *so* much better if it could accept an 18650 protected cell. The lower output of the Magtac (350lm I think) isn't actually that bad vs some of my Chinese 1000 lm lights (numbers the various forums say are accurate). The higher output lights typically have a wider vs brighter hot spot. Net result is they don't shine further but they are better if you are trying to light an area (say shining the light on the ceiling). The big negative with the Magtac is the batteries. CR123 cells are expensive while the rechargeable options for that light have low capacity. Too often my Magtac's batteries don't have enough run time while my 18650 lights typically do.

Mag's larger ML series of C and D cell lights are really great if you don't mind the size. They have good output (600+ lm) and great reach. Sure many lights claim (and likely deliver) higher lm numbers but the difference between 600 and 1000 isn't too noticeable. The difference between a focused beam and a flood type beam is very noticeable. If I still lived in the country that is something I would really care about. Sadly, I live in the city so long beam reach isn't as useful. Also, I'm just far more likely to grab a light that's 1"x5" vs something big like the 3C ML light when I need to go out at night.

Thus, as much as I have a soft spot for Maglites, I don't use them.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have a Mag-Charger that I bought on clearance. It was the last incandescent model before they switched to led. Back in the day, it was the Mag-Lite of Mag-Lites. Rechargeable, Type III hard anodized, glass lens, metal reflector. This one uses a NiMH battery, and has a programmable electronic switch. And it will put a spot on something a quarter-mile away. I may upgrade it, but I kind of like incandescent lights, as they have 100% color rendering, whereas a lot of LEDs have poor CRI, making things that are red or brown look grey.

That said, the ML150 is a brighter, smaller light. Over 1000 (real) lumens, and a Lithium battery. Those who say Mags are out dated haven't been keeping up with their products.

 

[Banjorear]

Maglite really dropped the ball not keeping up with tech advances... they were top of the heap for so long.

Agree 100%. I would continue to buy them if they are even close to a Streamlight, etc

 

[toolenthusiast]

Perhaps you missed the point of this thread.

Perhaps you missed the point of the comment. Again, Maglites are not competitive in the modern flashlight market. They’re boomer memorabilia.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Perhaps you missed the point of the comment. Again, Maglites are not competitive in the modern flashlight market. They’re boomer memorabilia.

Police Departments and the US military would disagree with you, as this is pretty popular with them.


Also, it is a well known fact that the original D-cell Mag-Lites were basically clubs with a light on one end. They were designed specifically to take - and give - a beating.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I love my mini Maglites mine are very bright. Not as much as the Streamlight but I thought the Maglite were led I know it’s much brighter than my knock off Harbor Freight Maglite copy lol. The only problem I have with Maglite is the lens have popped out of all of mine for some reason. But I love that they include a belt holster too which is hard to find with other brands.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Everyone should experience being in the dark with batteries dying in a Maglite...that lovely orange glow.

Folks are soft today.

 

[Wakefield]

It blows my mind how much Maglite dropped the ball with the LED revolution. They should have offered good LED retrofit modules and even lithium battery modules to slide in.

The problem with dropping in LED bulbs into unmodified old Maglites is that there isn't enough path for heat to escape from the LED so the power has to be kept very low or a thermal regulation used that drops the power severely as the bulb heats up. Would ruin the LED otherwise. They sold some Maglites that were like that,just low power LEDs placed in the old style Maglite and not much brighter than the old lightbulbs. For a while they were selling the LED bulbs to fit the old flashlights as a conversion but you didn't gain much except perhaps less apt to have a burnout in the middle of some outdoor activity.
Newer LED maglites are constructed differently and allow the LED bulb to heat the other parts of the flashlight thus getting rid of much of the heat.
I believe there are rebuild kits for old Maglites that change the mount area for the bulb allowing powerful LEDs to be part of the kits.

I would like to see them make a large full size Mag Charger with an extra large head/reflector for super throw and lithium ion battery with serious lumens comparable to the Chinese flashlights that do not have good throw due to too small reflector. Not the pared down size lithium ion rechargeable they have now.

They had (still have?) a 2 D cell LED model that is quite a bit brighter than the old heavyweight 4 cell plain lightbulb model (not the one that is just the old 2 cell model with the added LED) I think that somewhat newer 2 cell model is rated 300 lumens,it has good throw.

 

[slowtwitch73]

The new Maglites don't look that different in size and shape from the old. And they still say 'USA'.

I think they were too fat and happy to stay cutting edge.

They are making all kinds of **** now and doing Marvel special editions etc.

 

[Rinspeed]

The problem with dropping in LED bulbs into unmodified old Maglites is that there isn't enough path for heat to escape from the LED so the power has to be kept very low or a thermal regulation used that drops the power severely as the bulb heats up. Would ruin the LED otherwise.

You have no clue what you are talking about, first of all LEDs are not "bulbs" they are diodes. Second of all they create way less heat than an incan bulb. As long as the host is made of metal there is very little issue with heat. Malkoff modules are first rate and I have four or five in Surefire lights. Not cheap but worth every penny.

 

[Bubba Fett]

You have no clue what you are talking about, first of all LEDs are not "bulbs" they are diodes. Second of all they create way less heat than an incan bulb. As long as the host is made of metal there is very little issue with heat. Malkoff modules are first rate and I have four or five in Surefire lights. Not cheap but worth every penny.

I have LEDs lights that get very hot to touch. Heat sinking is extremely important. There has to be a way to get the heat to the body and away from the circuit. That's why Malkoff drop-ins have so much metal.

 

[American Locomotive]

The problem with dropping in LED bulbs into unmodified old Maglites is that there isn't enough path for heat to escape from the LED so the power has to be kept very low or a thermal regulation used that drops the power severely as the bulb heats up. Would ruin the LED otherwise.

Don't really buy that. The maglite bodies are huge and aluminum - they are excellent heatsinks. The drop-in Malkoff modules work just fine and heatsink to the body.

You have no clue what you are talking about, first of all LEDs are not "bulbs" they are diodes.

No need to be overly pedantic. I (and tons of other people) call LED modules "bulbs". It's a colloquial term.

 

[Rinspeed]

No need to be overly pedantic. I (and tons of other people) call LED modules "bulbs". It's a colloquial term.

As I often tell my wife words have real meanings. You just can't make them up on your own, as for being a colloquial term I would agree only if no one has properly corrected you.

 

[Rinspeed]

I have LEDs lights that get very hot to touch. Heat sinking is extremely important. There has to be a way to get the heat to the body and away from the circuit. That's why Malkoff drop-ins have so much metal.

That is very obvious but on the other hand those LEDs are putting out five or eight times the Lumens the old ican bulbs were putting out. There is no free lunch, it doesn't change the gist of my post one little bit.

 

[Vvmvbb]

All my mag lights died the same way. Corrosion makes it impossible to open them to replace the batteries. I don’t miss them. Dumb design.