Maglite finally going LED

[Slickone]

Text

I spoke with them a few times a year or two ago about why they didn't have LED, advantages, etc. They were very interested in what I had to say (not that I'm a pro, but just as a consumer with some knowledge), and said they were still thinking/planning. Glad to see they finally went LED.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Took them long enough, Maglites will still be horrible lights all around because the horrible light itself wasn't the only thing needing improvement. Hopefully they actually use a decent LED so there isn't a large blue or even yellow/gold tint like they have right now!

 

[waggy]

about time.

 

[Viper GTS]

What exactly was the argument you presented to Mag?

LED's are way behind in sheer output, though they do have their applications.

It takes a relatively extreme product (InReTech comes to mind) to get output comparable to a halfway decent incan light.

Viper GTS

 

[Enfer Singe]

this day will be forever remembered in the annals of time

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
What exactly was the argument you presented to Mag?

LED's are way behind in sheer output, though they do have their applications.

It takes a relatively extreme product (InReTech comes to mind) to get output comparable to a halfway decent incan light.

Viper GTS

And incandescent is better for actually seeing stuff, even with same brightness.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
LED's are way behind in sheer output, though they do have their applications.

QFT. I don't understand why some otherwise knowledgeable posters think that LED is the be-all and end-all of handheld lighting.

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
It takes a relatively extreme product (InReTech comes to mind) to get output comparable to a halfway decent incan light.

I think only the MagCharger qualifies as half-way decent, everything else in Mag's line is crap, IIRC. They only have to improve their own offerings to attract customers who would have bought a stock incan Mag. What InReTech product did you have in mind? A Mag C or D modded with a HotLips and LuxV or 3xLuxIII is pretty solid for that form factor, though I'm sure that WA bulbs go brighter easily.

 

[montag451]

The main thing going for LED is the battery life of the torch - fantastic compared to bulbs.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: montag451
The main thing going for LED is the battery life of the torch - fantastic compared to bulbs.

No.. LEDs are less efficient than incandescent lights. The better battery life comes from the dim LEDs most flashlight makers use.

 

[LtPage1]

Maglight sucks. Surefire FTW!

 

[AlienCraft]

I've had an aftermarket LED replacement insert in my Mini Mag for over 2 years. BFD.

 

[montag451]

What it turns out as, if you read the post, the main thing about LED torches are that the batteries last longer..... yes, they are dimmer......
You are right about the dim LEDs that are used - LUMENS:VOLTAGE, but that wasn't what i was talking about -

 

[NascarFool]

What rock have you been hiding under ? The Mini-mag LED kit has been available for over a year now. Unfortunately they sell for about $28.

 

[merlocka]

Originally posted by: NascarFool
What rock have you been hiding under ? The Mini-mag LED kit has been available for over a year now. Unfortunately they sell for about $28.

I got mine for $9. But it sucks compared to the Dorcy you can get at Target for $23.

 

[SandInMyShoes]

If these products have been a long time coming, it?s because the MAG-LED? Technology has taken a long time to develop to the point where it is feasible to make an LED flashlight that meets Mag Instrument's high standards of quality, durability, style and function.

Well, they're right about one thing: It's been a long time coming. Somehow I don't think they're still going to be far behind what the modding community has been using years. It's been nearly a year now that I've carried a MiniMag cut down to 1AA size, with a 3 watt Luxeon LED (premium white binning, of course). I get about 30-35 lumens with a cheap-as-dirt NiMH battery, or I can just drop in a 3.0v lithium cell (from camera battery packs) when I need a full 60 lumens. This light perfectly fills the bill for me, and I expect it to last for many, many years to come.

Then there's my 2D Maglite with a Welch Allyn incandescent, making somewhere around 900 lumens... At least Mags make great bodies for modding.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Please, someone explain why 3xAAA flashlights exist. 1xAA provides the same power.

 

[sniperruff]

the bulb burnt out on my AA maglite. just order 4 bulbs ala 2packs for $2.24 each shipped second day from amazon. the cheapest LED kit on amazon is $8.49. i don't see the point.

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Please, someone explain why 3xAAA flashlights exist. 1xAA provides the same power.

take electronics 1 yet?

 

[Slickone]

Originally posted by: AlienCraft
I've had an aftermarket LED replacement insert in my Mini Mag for over 2 years. BFD.

I happen to like Maglite. I've had good luck with them. I'm glad I'll be able to buy them with LED without having to buy a damn kit. Sorry you're not happy about that. No one asked you crap here.

Originally posted by: NascarFool
What rock have you been hiding under ? The Mini-mag LED kit has been available for over a year now. Unfortunately they sell for about $28.

Who are you talking to Mr Nascar? Yes I've known all about the kits. That has nothing to do with my post.

Christ, people. I know Christmas is over, but cheer up.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: NascarFool
What rock have you been hiding under ? The Mini-mag LED kit has been available for over a year now. Unfortunately they sell for about $28.

Perhaps you're referring to a different module, but the Opalec NewBeam (2xAA Mini-Mag, 3x5mm, boost regulation, red low-battery indicator) was first available 4-5 years ago, for roughly $28 plus shipping.

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Please, someone explain why 3xAAA flashlights exist. 1xAA provides the same power.

take electronics 1 yet?

I believe that the statement is correct in that they contain roughly the same chemical power total. A lot more volume is wasted in the 3xAAA for the casing. With a good boost convertor running around 80% efficiency (maybe lower, I don't remember exactly for those voltages), it doesn't make sense to carry a flashlight that's nearly 3x the size.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: Flatscan

Originally posted by: NascarFool
What rock have you been hiding under ? The Mini-mag LED kit has been available for over a year now. Unfortunately they sell for about $28.

Perhaps you're referring to a different module, but the Opalec NewBeam (2xAA Mini-Mag, 3x5mm, boost regulation, red low-battery indicator) was first available 4-5 years ago, for roughly $28 plus shipping.

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Please, someone explain why 3xAAA flashlights exist. 1xAA provides the same power.

take electronics 1 yet?

I believe that the statement is correct in that they contain roughly the same chemical power total. A lot more volume is wasted in the 3xAAA for the casing. With a good boost convertor running around 80% efficiency (maybe lower, I don't remember exactly for those voltages), it doesn't make sense to carry a flashlight that's nearly 3x the size.

My nimh AAs are 2500mah and my AAAs are 850mah. 3xAAA ends up being 2550mah at 1.2v.

 

[TekViper]

I love my Inova led lights. dont know the model numbers off hand but i have a spot light, flood light, and wide beam. put rechargeable batteries in them and use them everyday.

 

[Koing]

<- hugs my SureFire 6P

Koing

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Please, someone explain why 3xAAA flashlights exist. 1xAA provides the same power.

take electronics 1 yet?

I believe that the statement is correct in that they contain roughly the same chemical power total. A lot more volume is wasted in the 3xAAA for the casing. With a good boost convertor running around 80% efficiency (maybe lower, I don't remember exactly for those voltages), it doesn't make sense to carry a flashlight that's nearly 3x the size.

My nimh AAs are 2500mah and my AAAs are 850mah. 3xAAA ends up being 2550mah at 1.2v.[/quote]

Actually that's 2550 mAh @ 3.6 volts because the cells are in series

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Took them long enough, Maglites will still be horrible lights all around because the horrible light itself wasn't the only thing needing improvement. Hopefully they actually use a decent LED so there isn't a large blue or even yellow/gold tint like they have right now!

???? horrible lights?? Mine got lost and buried in a field for a few years ago and was churned around by plowing and all. Finally found it in a dirt clod, replaced the batteries and it works perfectly. And any slight light tint is due to the sheer fact that light bulbs don't glow a perfect white.

But yes, LED is a good way to go for them. Those white LEDs can be extremely bright