Maglites love hate

[Bubba Fett]

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.

What Wakefield is saying is that not all drop-in modules have the heat sinking required for high output for long periods. There is a reason the Mag-Lite redesigned the internals of their C and D lights. On the outside, they look the same, but the inside is very different.

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.

Alkaline batteries leak. They all do. I've seen Rayovac, Duracell and Energizers leak - still in the package on store shelves. That's why I use NiMH or Lithium cells instead.

 

[Rinspeed]

What Wakefield is that not all drop-in modules have the heat sinking required for high output for long periods. There is a reason the Mag-Lite redesigned the internals of their C and D lights. On the outside, they look the same, but the inside is very different.

The little AA light I've carried for the last ten years puts more lumens than anything Maglight has come up except the last couple of years. That should tell you how far they are behind the times.

 

[Wakefield]

I choose to call my LED light bulbs light bulbs. So as I do my fluorescent light bulbs and my incandescent light bulbs. Maybe even neon light bulbs. How about Mercury vapor light bulbs? Or Sodium vapor light bulbs?

Of course LEDs produce less heat than incandescents because they are much more efficient at producing light,but they cannot withstand nearly as much heat (can't withstand as high a temperature) as the incandescents so the heat must be removed so as to maintain a lower temperature than what the incandescents can withstand. I doubt that an LED light bulb can be made that will survive in an oven.

Now that I think about it,a "halogen" or "quartz iodine" bulb or lamp has an inner high temperature glass or quartz bulb enclosing the incandescent filament and that thing runs so hot that if you turn off the lamp/power and quickly look at it (don't look at it until just after turning it off because it will hurt your eyes) you will see a brief reddish glow coming from the inner "bulb" within the outer "bulb". I think some car headlights do that.
Also remember how hot projector bulbs "lamps" used to get but most projectors had fans to control the bulb temperature but I think that was mostly to keep the projector interior from getting so hot as to catch fire.
(maybe also to keep the film from literally melting or burning)

 

[mervyn]

Gave all my maglites away several years ago. They were fine back in tge 80’s. No self respecting speed freak would be caught dead without one lol -

All my lights except one are Streamlights.

 

[Wakefield]

What Wakefield is that not all drop-in modules have the heat sinking required for high output for long periods. There is a reason the Mag-Lite redesigned the internals of their C and D lights. On the outside, they look the same, but the inside is very different.


Alkaline batteries leak. They all do. I've seen Rayovac, Duracell and Energizers leak - still in the package on store shelves. That's why I use NiMH or Lithium cells instead.

I wish Maglite-is it Mag Instruments? would design some kind of corrosive chemical resisting inner coating inside their flashlights or bladder to contain the batteries so as to give at least a little bit of protection against the leaking batteries. Obviously such a bladder would have to have a place or conductive end area to allow the battery ends to pass current to the conductors inside the flashlight

I think my Mag Charger (a bit bigger than a 3 D cell mag and mine is LED) has NiMH cells in its battery stick
don't know if they still make that one,there is a smaller rechargable on their website that I think is Lithium Ion and maybe more lumens than my bigger one but I don't think the throw would be as good due to the smaller size which includes the head/reflector being smaller I think.
The brighter LEDs seem to have more surface area and I think that means that a bigger reflector is needed to keep the whole light producing surface near to the focal point if you want to get a beam that doesn't spread out too fast.

 

[Wakefield]

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.

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

Thank you. The newer tech Maglites do get the heat to reach the body I think,you can feel it warm a bit in your hand if you run it awhile. The trouble is that the old ones didn't conduct the heat from the bulb very well at all to the body without some kind of aftermarket modification such as Malkoff provided. The old bulbs apparently didn't mind being very hot, the new LED ones do.

 

[X1 Mike]

After reading the reports here and reviews on their website along with watching some YouTube videos I went with the Malkoff drop in. I signed up to get spammed with email for an extra 20% off. When I get it I'll shine it out my front door and compare. If I'm happy with it then I'll add a window breaker and strike bezel. Then it's off to the sandblaster and make it trick. Stay tuned and if you have any ideas on what would look good on a flashlight don't be afraid to share.

3-6D Cell Maglite Drop-In LED Upgrade Conversion (No Reflector) – Malkoff Devices

This is a Drop-In LED Upgrade Conversion for the incandescent Maglite® 3-6D Size Flashlight. This dropin produces a real 425 (measured out the front) lumens in a 3-6 D Size light with alkaline batteries. Reflector NOT Included In order to use this dropin, YOU MUST CUT off the rear end of YOUR...

malkoffdevices.com

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[corn chip]

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

. magtac led rechargable is a nice light imo. doesnt have adjustable beam but i find it a nice light otherwise

 

[Citation]

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.

Sometimes people use the colloquial term rather than the technical one. It's OK if the meaning comes across. The original Mag LED lights were LED drop ins that replaced the bulb. I think it would be reasonable to call those LED bulbs.

You are right that LEDs, per a given amount of light, produce way less heat than an incandescent but they are also far more heat sensitive. An incandescent lamp can shed a lot of heat out the front as radiated heat. The LED needs to keep the diode junction much cooler so thermal management is critical even if the overall power dissipated as heat is lower per lumen. Then again that 1000 lumen LED is probably consuming more power than a 40 lumen incandescent.

The problem with the original Maglites is the moving lamp holder was inherently poor at transferring heat from the light assembly to the flashlight body. Lights like the ML50 and ML300. Those lights no longer feature a moving LED/lamp assembly so the heat path is much better.

 

[Citation]

. magtac led rechargable is a nice light imo. doesnt have adjustable beam but i find it a nice light otherwise

The ML50 and ML300 do but they are also old school C-cell and D-cell sized lights.

 

[Qualitytools]

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 *****.

Another vote for Malkoff.

 

[Rinspeed]

Sometimes people use the colloquial term rather than the technical one. It's OK if the meaning comes across

As I said "words have real meanings" that doesn't mean you can make up your own version of what they mean.

 

[JRPAviator]

MAG-TAC LED Rechargeable Flashlight System Plain Bezel

An advanced lighting tool powered by a high capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) rechargeable battery engineered for long service life with a 2.5 hr. charge time. Along with superior build quality and performance, this plain-bezel version of the MAG-TAC LED rechargeable flashlight comes...

maglite.com

Maglite ML150LRX LED Rechargeable Flashlight System

Maglite ML150LRX LED rechargeable flashlight delivers over 1,000 lumens, quick 2.5h recharge, rugged aluminum build, and customizable modes for professionals.

maglite.com

ML300LX LED 3-Cell D Flashlight - Blister Pack

Whether you're a professional using a flashlight for work or security, an outdoor enthusiast who takes it camping, or an occasional user wanting it for emergencies at home or on the road, our New ML300LX D-cell LED is The Light For All Your Needs. With Eco mode, up to 117 Hours with the familiar...

maglite.com

Two fully rechargeable LED systems. All their lights are LED now. The old workhorse 3 cell D puts out 746 lumens and only $55 with custom colors. Mag lite is doing just fine. Made in the USA. Just as anything, if used and abused properly they last forever.

Dropped a 2C model in salt water marsh off a flat boat once duck hunting. It was only 2 feet deep. Could see it in the muck/dark as it was shining it’s *** off under water. My Dad just gave me the “life ***** sometimes look” as I went up to my shoulder and grabbed it. Had no water in it and I still have it today. Just rinsed it off and it did not corrode at all. I’ve stepped on it a bunch in muck as well… Hammered in God only knows how many tent stakes when camping with that light too. It doesn’t care one bit! They are excellent.

 

[f121]

Good post describing upgrading a solitaire to led https://budgetlightforum.com/node/22783

 

[Citation]

As I said "words have real meanings" that doesn't mean you can make up your own version of what they mean.

Everyone understood so what is the issue?

This reminds me of a story from a racing forum I used to frequent. A fresh out of college amateur wanted to ask some chassis setup questions. One of the senior forum members answered. The kid did sort of a forum sigh and proceeded to try to correct/explain what he thought were incorrect terms/phrases used by the old guy who clearly didn't understand the subject (may of the old men in racing don't). But the old guy wasn't just a hobbyist. He had a long history of his own time behind the wheel winning races and helping others win races in cars he built. The forum members understood this guy's resume. The newbie didn't and ended up looking like a *** for it.

Words do have meaning. When the words convey to the reader the needed information that meaning was sufficient. You clearly didn't confuse LED bulb and neither did others. And, in context of incandescent bulb drop ins like these

Amazon.com

the phrasing seems quite reasonable.

 

[Bubba Fett]

. magtac led rechargable is a nice light imo. doesnt have adjustable beam but i find it a nice light otherwise

The ML150 has an adjustable beam. I have an ML100, which was an earlier 2C light. Cree XP-E emitter. Not super bright in terms of lumens, but throws like crazy. The ML150 is similar in shape but uses a lithium-iron-phosphate battery and is over 1000 lumens.

Sometimes people use the colloquial term rather than the technical one. It's OK if the meaning comes across. The original Mag LED lights were LED drop ins that replaced the bulb. I think it would be reasonable to call those LED bulbs.

You are right that LEDs, per a given amount of light, produce way less heat than an incandescent but they are also far more heat sensitive. An incandescent lamp can shed a lot of heat out the front as radiated heat. The LED needs to keep the diode junction much cooler so thermal management is critical even if the overall power dissipated as heat is lower per lumen. Then again that 1000 lumen LED is probably consuming more power than a 40 lumen incandescent.

The problem with the original Maglites is the moving lamp holder was inherently poor at transferring heat from the light assembly to the flashlight body. Lights like the ML50 and ML300. Those lights no longer feature a moving LED/lamp assembly so the heat path is much better.

To put it simply: Incandescent bulbs create light as a result of heat. LEDs create heat as a result of light.

 

[lardy1]

I spent the entirety Merchant Marine days with a AA sized MagLite on my belt. I used it multiple times daily in very rough service conditions and it never once failed. I didn't need a bright light. I needed one that was convenient to carry and was going to work when I needed it.

 

[Rinspeed]

Everyone understood so what is the issue?

I have no issue other than I haven't felt good for several days. If my posts were out of line I apologize.

 

[Citation]

I have no issue other than I haven't felt good for several days. If my posts were out of line I apologize.

I totally get that! I've been fighting a cold for the last week. Get better soon!

 

[Rinspeed]

I totally get that! I've been fighting a cold for the last week. Get better soon!

Thank you sir.

 

[Bubba Fett]

We've all been there. Get well soon.

 

[guitarbutt]

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

Using "boomer" as an insult is the most millennial ***** thing to call something.


Maglites are tough. That will always be an appeal. They're also USA made, which will always be an appeal.

 

[guitarbutt]

Run-on sentences and poor punctuation must not be one of your pet peeves.

As I said "words have real meanings" that doesn't mean you can make up your own version of what they mean

 

[Rinspeed]

Run-on sentences and poor punctuation must not be one of your pet peeves.

lol, I haven’t slept in three days. Is that the best you got.

 

[qwerty18]

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.

Same!

 

[setfocus]

I've had 2 mini Maglites, one incan from before the led revolution and an led mini Maglite. Leaky Batts killed both lights however the incan lasted much longer and even burnt out the first bulb. The led version only lasted a year or 2 before the batt acid killed it.

Maglites use to be some of the best lights for the price before led lights. I think they were too slow to react to the new led technology and lost alot of market share to companies like streamlight. Even Surefire was slow to convert to led and they were considered the best of the best

My primary work flashlight is a streamlight protac hl usb. Then I have 3 ultrafire (China surefire ripoff) 18650 lights, one at home, one as a backup at work and a UV version at work for spotting A/C dye

Some day I'll get a nice surefire light

 

[Rinspeed]

Some day I'll get a nice surefire light

Take a look at Zebralight, they are amazing lights and have very little competition in the smaller light category. I have several Surefires and most have a Malkoff module in them.

 

[wayne55]

Lately I have had trouble with the bulbs (non LED) only lasting a short time, even when seldom used.

 

[Citation]

I've honestly had really good luck with my Atactical/Wowtac lights. These are not expensive lights and work nicely for the money

Amazon.com

When on sale they are even better. Hard to beat a $15 light (on sale) that puts out 500-1000 lumens (A1 vs A1S) and includes a USB rechargeable battery.

 

[Wakefield]

Before the LED era the AA (not AAA) little maglites were quite popular with runners(as during the nighttime part of the 100 mile Old Dominion) as you could easily carry one in each hand and they could easily be put in a runner's waterbelt or even in a pocket,and they seemed to have been more breakage resistant than most of the bigger flashlights; not a whole lot of light though but maybe that helped keep you from getting blinded or "hypnotized" by the bright circle of light that some of the other flashlights produced---think you needed to proactively change the bipin bulb every time you changed batteries and if you mistakenly put in the AAA bulb instead of the AA bulb you would burn out in a matter of minutes

then there was the strategy of using a cheap throw away that you could afford to lose in the morning before dawn,but a better light for after the daylight ended,when you were apt to be more tired and prone to getting lost. The slower runners/walkers would be out on the course during most of the second night (event started at 4:00 AM, 4:00 AM the next day represented the coveted 24 hour (or under) finish,someone finishing in 26 hours would be reaching the finish line at Six in the morning.
Must admit that the big Mags are really too heavy to expect runners,especially those trying to be fast over the course,to carry. I think a certain venerable older runner who has a tremendous lifetime record of running performances swears by some kind of Fenix. As of now,of course, I don't think Fenix was around 30 years ago.

 

[X1 Mike]

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

Using "boomer" as an insult is the most millennial ***** thing to call something.


Maglites are tough. That will always be an appeal. They're also USA made, which will always be an appeal.

Totally agree, besides the fact that my parents were boomers not me. I'm a Gen X'er, ya know the last group of non-pussies.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Gen X'er, ya know the last group of non-pussies.

 

[slowtwitch73]

X1 Mike lmao

 

[CS454]

ITT: Gatekeeping

Buy/build/borrow an LED Maglite. They're fine. It does the thing. It won't be the best at anything, it won't be a lumen cannon, it isn't going to put out a bazillion CRI...but it will work.

FWIW, my daily light is a Prometheus Lights Alpha. Have owned Fenix, Streamlight, Olight, Armytek, and a few others. Still want a 6D LED Maglite because it's cool. Also pairs nicely with a Tramontina Machete.

 

[Al Borland]

I've got a 3 C battery LED Maglite. Use it damn near every day. Batteries last months, handles abuse and drops just fine. Had it about 4 years. It replaced a 4 D cell Maglite with a zenon? bulb I had for 20 years. New one gets nowhere near as hot, puts out better light in a lighter package. And I'm a year too young to be a boomer.

 

[M6erfan]

I have a MagLite ML300LX and that I bought over 6 years ago. No complaints, even has the same Duracell Procell D batteries that I put in it when new.

Yes alkaline batteries can leak. Nature of the beast. I do wish they would manufacture a Lithium (18650?) version.

 

[gjusername]

people on youtube really geek out over flashlights. You can find reviews for the different drop-ins on there if you want to see how they perform before you buy them.

personally I don't have the affinity for maglites that would make me want to do something like that. There some amazing and cheap and tiny LED lights available these days with lithium batteries which is simply better than upgrading and putting those things in an old maglite, just imo.

 

[908Jim]

Maglite management is either astonishingly arrogant or incredibly inept. They're busy putting together "bundles" of lights people don't want yet you can't even search their website for lights by battery type. I've emailed twice about this and they've done nothing.

They missed the boat by not offering lights that accept non-proprietary 18650's and they're obviously missing the boat with other emerging cells. They could have developed some adapter sleeves to allow people to run larger Lithium Ion cells in the ML300 and similar lights. Plenty of lost opportunity and effectively zero presence on forums frequented by their end users.

With that said, I think the XL50 is actually an excellent "super market" cell light with an impressive pretty impressive pattern/throw that I can run Alkaline (commonly available), Energizer Lithium (long shelf life, low-temp performance), or Eneloops (Cheap to run and decent for LED drivers) . I have yet to find an AA/AAA light that offersa similar mix of performance in the same size. I've got three, one of which has been in use for evening dog walks for 2+ years at this point. If it fits your needs, it's a solid option.

The small O-light and Thrunite AAA keychain lights put the older generation LED solitaire lights to shame. I wonder if they've improved them, but I fear I already know they answer.

 

[X1 Mike]

people on youtube really geek out over flashlights. You can find reviews for the different drop-ins on there if you want to see how they perform before you buy them.

personally I don't have the affinity for maglites that would make me want to do something like that. There some amazing and cheap and tiny LED lights available these days with lithium batteries which is simply better than upgrading and putting those things in an old maglite, just imo.

Sometimes you don't want cheap. Sometimes you want to take something that is high quality/low function and turn both the quality and the function up a few notches.

 

[X1 Mike]

What Cerakote colors were you planning?

I've sorta been thinking about something like this except the text going longways and the "We the people in substantially larger font.
I may make up a stencil and see how far it would wrap around. I was thinking originally of more of a parchment look but these colors are looking really good to me.