Maglite Torches

[Poseidon]

Talk to me.

2/3/4 D-cell?

LED or classic?

Long story short, I have 45quid to buy myself a torch. Had a 2 D-cell classic maglite many years ago and loved it, although the power did leave me wanting more on occasion. Found the LED 3 D-cell one for 40quid plus a bit for shipping... seems like the one that will tick the boxes for what I need.

Comments, suggestions and links appreciated

I'm aware there are other torches available however I have first hand experience of Maglites and how robust and reliable they are. I bought the 2 cell one when I was 16 and it was still working when I lost it almost 20years later, despite being dropped dozens of times (once to the bottom of a friends koi pond). It'll mostly be used when walking the dog and camping, but will also live in the car in case of nighttime breakdowns etc. I already own headtorches etc
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1977 Honda CG125
2002 Ducati Monster S4 (currently restoring)

[ThunderGuts]

I'd choose LED over incandescent; it's more drop resistant, will last longer (not that hand torch bulbs need to be changed that frequently in casual use) and probably is brighter. Not sure if you can get the focussing still though?

Edit: number of cells, depends on use. I've got a 4 cell knock-off maglite in my car, but it's a beast of a torch - fine as it sits in the spare wheel, but for casual use it's a bit of a pain. 2D is almost pocket-friendly.
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TG.

[Riejufixing]

I would certainly get an LED one. I think they have variable power/brightness.

Note, if you have an old Maglite kicking about, an LED conversion kit will improve it no end.

[WD Forte]

Not sure I'd want C or D cells any more
not a fan of the multiple connections/potential bad contact areas
between cells
I 'd probably be looking at decent Li-ion rechargeables
LED for sure because of the efficiency
CREE preferably

The only downside is the discharge curve
Li-ion etc tend to drop off suddenly where more conventional batteries
might soldier on albeit dimly before failing
so a Li-ion torch with swappable power packs might be desireable
if it's a critical use type thing.

While Im rantin on
tube type torches are ok as a cudgel but can be an arseache as work lights when you're trying to say fix your bike car on a dark and stormy night.
You might want consider typical use before buying.

I also hate those multi function button switches where you have to cycle through the options just get it to give a steady light.
So it flashes SOS, who gives a fuck? how many people know ...---...
means SOS anyway?
What a load of old ... .... .. -
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bikers smell of wee

[Nobby the Bastard]

6 cell. The police confuse breaker bars for them.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Fisty]

I have a rechargeable incandescent mag light (same shape as the 4 D cell). It’s mounted in my van and is used 4 times a week minimum.


Best torch I have ever owned.

EDIT:-

Fuck I must have lucked out as I paid £30 new for it, I can only find a used one on ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Rechargeable-MagLite-Halogen-Torch-Mag-Charger-Flashlight-12v-Charger/313324478488?hash=item48f3982018:g:YPMAAOSwIHhfyLwI
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[stinkwheel]

You can carry just as much light in your pocket for a fraction of the weight these days.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Poseidon]

Not sure I'd want C or D cells any more
not a fan of the multiple connections/potential bad contact areas
between cells
I 'd probably be looking at decent Li-ion rechargeables
LED for sure because of the efficiency
CREE preferably

Never had a connection problem in almost 20years with a maglite and 30+ years in general with torches. I have had batteries die on me in the middle of nowhere (camping, fishing etc) and was able to buy fresh batteries at the nearest petrol station a short walk/drive away. Hence sticking with D cells.

While Im rantin on
tube type torches are ok as a cudgel but can be an arseache as work lights when you're trying to say fix your bike car on a dark and stormy night.
You might want consider typical use before buying.

I own flat LED style worklights with hooks/magnets for mounting. Need a torch for walkies with pooch, wandering to the kahzi on campsites, general hunting though darkness whilst fighting off zombies etc. I'm a clumsy oaf and have been known to drop torches from heights and even once into a koi pond. I know for certain maglites can take this sort of abuse.
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1977 Honda CG125
2002 Ducati Monster S4 (currently restoring)

[Poseidon]

[doggone]

[duhawkz]

If you get a 6 D cell maglight you can alway use it to twat somebody if the need ever arose.
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"The guy is a worthless cunt and I honestly believe I would be a slightly happier person if he died." - Chris-Red

[yen_powell]

[Polarbear]

[Weisse Schlange]

Wouldn't be a mag light either.

Nitecore at that money, Maybe Olight
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Hing Oan

[wr6133]

Going back many years but I doubt they've changed, never liked maglites when I was a squaddie, bulky, heavy and nowhere near as tough as they look. Petzl's were smaller, lighter, brighter and despite being plastic surprisingly hard to wreck.

Though I suppose if you want to club someone the big maglite is as close as you are going to get to a legal baton.

[ThunderGuts]

If, like mine, it's sat somewhere for emergencies rather than in frequent use, D cell alkalines I think are still best. They'll hold good power levels for years, not convinced any rechargeable would do this reliably.

For frequent use, rechargeable solutions are definitely good although battery tech is also good these days if an in-built battery is harder to find; my cycle light which gets 1.5 hours of use pretty much every day I use some (actually quite old) "infinium" rechargeable AAAs and they only need charging once a week.
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TG.

[Keithy]

Went to use my 3xD cell maglite yesterday to help whilst wiring in a light. 2 of 3 D cells were knacked with the tops swelling. My smaller torch is a write-off because the AAs in that leaked too. Hate batteries.

A big heavy maglite is reassuring if you are outside investigating odd noises but they are a pain.

[to v or not to v]

i just use a key chain torch for most things these days. runs off a aaa battery, has 3 different light modes, about the size of my little finger and is brighter than any torch i had last century.

i also have a nightcore pocket torch thats about 5 inches long and runs of a single li-on battery and is about as thick as my thumb. on its brightest setting it would light up a football field.

[Riejufixing]

[steve the grease]

The reason that the 6 D-cell torches were popularised for security use is that they were a weapon in disguise. Walk round with it on your shoulder and it was very handy for bopping miscreants over the head.
Incandescent bulbs compared with an LED are a no brainer, so realistically unless #1 is a factor you can get more light and battery life in a torch a fraction of the size, without paying Maglite prices.

Most of us have a phone and that needs recharging- I don't see a rechargable torch to be a problem personally.
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All the above is my personal opinion, you can see my lips move, but I'm talking out of my arse.
I've been riding, and fixing , bikes for 50 years, in that time the more I learn, the less I am absolutely sure of.....

[Skudd]

I have two 6 D cell, three 2 C cell about for two AA cell and two 1 AAA cell, Some are used as a means of self defense when needed, the small ones are because of brand name. They are ok, but like others say you can get far brighter for less cash and smaller size.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[MCN]

Maglite are not the torch that they wunst were.
1st thing they did to fcuk maglite was to remove the part they were famous for. The separate button section. If the switch failed then that could be removed the lamp section screwed directly to the battery tube.
They were more robust than the shite Woolworths sold too.

You will struggle to find a superb torch for 40 squid. That's not a lot of money BTW. 😉

Look for one that uses 18560 cells. (18mm by 65mm and a 0)
Li and they are not cheap but the more expensive ones last a while and can hold a useful amount of energy.
They mostly need a charger.
18650 can be replaced with two of the type that some compact cameras take too.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Ste]

Headtorches ftw.

Or possibly Big Larry the 2nd.

[ThunderGuts]

[Mountain_Man86]