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5/13/2014 6:32:31 AM EDT
Trying to decide between the 2-D, 2-D Pro and 3-D LED. Going to be used around the property, or in the truck and during storms if the power goes out. Looking for a good all around maglite.

What do you guys think?
5/13/2014 6:41:02 AM EDT
[#1]
You'd be better off with smaller, lighter, more powerful lights?
5/13/2014 6:42:01 AM EDT
[#2]
I guess the 3 cell led if you are determined to get a mag light.

A lot of brighter lights in a lot smaller packages.
5/13/2014 7:08:52 AM EDT
[#3]
The 3-D version isn't much brighter than it's 2-D counterpart, but has MUCH longer run-time.

The lack of more than one brightness level is a major disadvantage. There are many times when long battery life is more important than blinding brightness - which is why most competing brands now offer at least 2 brightness settings.

The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkalines. The lights that use CR123 or AA cells are better in this regard, since lithium cells are much less prone to leaking after sitting in a vehicle for a few months.
5/13/2014 7:13:25 AM EDT
[#4]
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Quoted:
I guess the 3 cell led if you are determined to get a mag light.

A lot of brighter lights in a lot smaller packages.
View Quote


Im sure there are. Just not trying to spend $100+ on a flash light
5/13/2014 7:24:58 AM EDT
[#5]
The 3D Maglite is a handy impact device to keep in a vehicle.  It also works as a flashlight.
5/13/2014 7:27:37 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:


Im sure there are. Just not trying to spend $100+ on a flash light
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I guess the 3 cell led if you are determined to get a mag light.

A lot of brighter lights in a lot smaller packages.


Im sure there are. Just not trying to spend $100+ on a flash light


I run two 6D ML that I just couldn't throw away, so I added the TerraLux MiniStar 5 LED modules to them and while they're about the same brightness as they were before, they're both a lot more efficient and batteries last longer.

Personally, you don't have to spend $100 bucks on a killer light that will blow the MLs out of the water, even the newer ML LED versions.

If you're set on MLs, just go to Home Depot, or Lowes and buy one there.  I'd probably pick up a 2D, since it will be lighter.  You don't gain capacity (runtime) when stacking batteries in series, only voltage (output?) and at that point, you're really not caring too much about output, it would seem, so just get the smaller, lighter one.

Chris
5/13/2014 7:30:50 AM EDT
[#7]
Smaller is not always better.  



I find that a medium size flashlight is easier for me to use when I work on cars.  I can wedge it some where or prop it up easier if I need to.  They are easier to find in the car as well.  



With that said, I have an older LED Streamlight Strion that I am going to hard hard wire the charger into my Jeep somewhere.  

5/13/2014 7:39:22 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Trying to decide between the 2-D, 2-D Pro and 3-D LED. Going to be used around the property, or in the truck and during storms if the power goes out. Looking for a good all around maglite.

What do you guys think?
View Quote



seriously dude what the fuck. you know its 2014 right? the only reason to buy a maglite is to make a suppressor out of it.
5/13/2014 7:48:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Smaller is not always better.  
View Quote


In the case of batteries and modern flashlights, it is.

Now, if the OP wanted to light up a tree line 500 yards away, you're going to have to go bigger.

Chris
5/13/2014 7:48:15 AM EDT
[#10]
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Quoted:

http://i.qkme.me/3p1x4c.jpg

seriously dude what the fuck. you know its 2014 right? the only reason to buy a maglite is to make a suppressor out of it.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Trying to decide between the 2-D, 2-D Pro and 3-D LED. Going to be used around the property, or in the truck and during storms if the power goes out. Looking for a good all around maglite.

What do you guys think?

http://i.qkme.me/3p1x4c.jpg

seriously dude what the fuck. you know its 2014 right? the only reason to buy a maglite is to make a suppressor out of it.


For less then $30 you can buy a made in USA Maglite that will fit any need.  There is nothin wrong with their output and nothing that can match them that isnt made in our enemies factories.

Some people don't want your cheap made in China crap.
5/13/2014 7:51:44 AM EDT
[#11]
If you want a well made flash light for a good price that does not heat up enough to cook on and has reasonable battery life, Maglite is a good choice.  Get a D-cell one if you want it to double as a club, otherwise the smaller LED AA ones are the way to go.
5/13/2014 7:53:34 AM EDT
[#12]

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Quoted:
In the case of batteries and modern flashlights, it is.



Now, if the OP wanted to light up a tree line 500 yards away, you're going to have to go bigger.



Chris

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Quoted:



Quoted:

Smaller is not always better.  




In the case of batteries and modern flashlights, it is.



Now, if the OP wanted to light up a tree line 500 yards away, you're going to have to go bigger.



Chris



See my above edit.  I will disagree that the smallest available flashlight is the best for a job.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the modern LED Maglites for general use.  



I don't go reaching for my E2E or Fenix when I am working on the car.  Generally I use a Streamlight Stinger (retired duty flashlight) that I keep in the garage or the whatever D cell flashlight I keep in the vehicle.  



When your hands are dirty, greasy, or cold, it is much easier to hang onto a larger light.  



 
5/13/2014 7:54:25 AM EDT
[#13]
I personally hate lights that take an odd number of batteries.  They don't sell 'em in three packs.
5/13/2014 7:55:18 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
The 3-D version isn't much brighter than it's 2-D counterpart, but has MUCH longer run-time.

The lack of more than one brightness level is a major disadvantage. There are many times when long battery life is more important than blinding brightness - which is why most competing brands now offer at least 2 brightness settings.

The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkalines. The lights that use CR123 or AA cells are better in this regard, since lithium cells are much less prone to leaking after sitting in a vehicle for a few months.
View Quote


I have the 3D cell in LED, it's not the brightest ever, but certainly plenty bright for any use.  He's not kidding about the battery life, it is absolutely, positively, ludicrous.
5/13/2014 7:56:40 AM EDT
[#15]
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Quoted:

The 3D Maglite is a handy impact device to keep in a vehicle.  It also works as a flashlight.
View Quote


Bingo.
5/13/2014 7:57:23 AM EDT
[#16]

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I personally hate lights that take an odd number of batteries.  They don't sell 'em in three packs.
View Quote


I know what you mean.  Unless you go through a lot of batteries you end up with odd vintage spares laying around.  



 
5/13/2014 7:59:00 AM EDT
[#17]

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Quoted:
I have the 3D cell in LED, it's not the brightest ever, but certainly plenty bright for any use.  He's not kidding about the battery life, it is absolutely, positively, ludicrous.
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Quoted:



Quoted:

The 3-D version isn't much brighter than it's 2-D counterpart, but has MUCH longer run-time.



The lack of more than one brightness level is a major disadvantage. There are many times when long battery life is more important than blinding brightness - which is why most competing brands now offer at least 2 brightness settings.



The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkalines. The lights that use CR123 or AA cells are better in this regard, since lithium cells are much less prone to leaking after sitting in a vehicle for a few months.




I have the 3D cell in LED, it's not the brightest ever, but certainly plenty bright for any use.  He's not kidding about the battery life, it is absolutely, positively, ludicrous.
I replaced the batteries in mine once a year whether it needed it or not.  That's with lots of use camping and night hunting snakes.



 
5/13/2014 7:59:19 AM EDT
[#18]

Quoted:


Trying to decide between the 2-D, 2-D Pro and 3-D LED. Going to be used around the property, or in the truck and during storms if the power goes out. Looking for a good all around maglite.



What do you guys think?

View Quote




 
Get both.  




Get a 3D LED Maglite, plus some of these $3 ChiCom flashlights.  The $3 flashlights are great for my kids.  

5/13/2014 8:00:35 AM EDT
[#19]
Get the LED version.  No question.

Yes, they're huge and heavy.  That's the point.


If you need to carry it and don't need a huge and heavy light (for things you need a huge and heavy light for, obviously), the best hard-use working light ever created is the Pelican Sabrelight 2000.
5/13/2014 8:06:37 AM EDT
[#20]
Mag lite has "jumped the shark" in my opinion.  I have owned several and I am now down to one. The one I have has the Terralux upgrade and a few other mods that turned a $20 light into a $150 light.

There are better, brighter, cheaper lights out there.

Costco sells a two pack of Duracell 500 lumens lights with adjustable beam and three setting including a strobe for 20 bucks......just saying

http://costcocouple.com/duracell-led-tactical-flashlight-2-pack/
5/13/2014 8:18:07 AM EDT
[#21]
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Quoted:
Mag lite has "jumped the shark" in my opinion.  I have own several and I am now down to one. The one I have, has the Terralux upgrade and a few other mods that turned a $20 light into a $150 light.

There are better, brighter, cheaper lights out there.

Costco sells a two pack of Duracell 500 lumens lights with adjustable beam and three setting including a strobe for 20 bucks......just saying

http://costcocouple.com/duracell-led-tactical-flashlight-2-pack/
View Quote


Those Duracell lights are eye-meltingly bright.  My buddy bought one at a gun show.
5/13/2014 8:23:32 AM EDT
[#22]
So there is no real difference between the 2D LED and 3D LED except for battery life?
5/13/2014 8:26:10 AM EDT
[#23]
OP, have you ever tried a Surefire? I'm guessing not. You might want to consider looking into an entry level Surefire like a G2X or even a used G2 or 6P. There is a night and day difference between them an a Maglite, so I think you would be pleased.
5/13/2014 8:26:11 AM EDT
[#24]
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So there is no real difference between the 2D LED and 3D LED except for battery life?
View Quote


The 3D makes a longer, heavier club.
5/13/2014 8:32:32 AM EDT
[#25]
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The 3D makes a longer, heavier club.
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Quoted:
So there is no real difference between the 2D LED and 3D LED except for battery life?


The 3D makes a longer, heavier club.



Yes and if you want a flashlight/club get a Maglite.  Other than that, the newer led lights are much brighter and batteries last longer.  

5/13/2014 8:38:34 AM EDT
[#26]
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I personally hate lights that take an odd number of batteries.  They don't sell 'em in three packs.
View Quote


They sell 12 and 24 packs.  
5/13/2014 8:41:21 AM EDT
[#27]
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Quoted:
OP, have you ever tried a Surefire? I'm guessing not. You might want to consider looking into an entry level Surefire like a G2X or even a used G2 or 6P. There is a night and day difference between them an a Maglite, so I think you would be pleased.
View Quote


I have several TLR weapon lights and a streamlight polytac. All of which cost more than $30. I was looking for a cheaper and durable flash light so I figured maglite would be fine.
5/13/2014 8:43:24 AM EDT
[#28]
It seems alot of those posting have never USED a  D-cell LED Maglite.

Its a D-cell. Batteries are cheap and easily found.

Beam can go to Spot to flood.

On spot it actually has superior reach to illuminate far off objects .

And you can use it as a Club. Tonk!

I own various small 123cell lights  along with 2 and 3  D-cell LED maglites.

Get the 3 Cell.. Longer operating time


Quoted:

The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkalines. .
View Quote



Use quality batteries.

Duracell or eneregizer.

The ones that have leaked. They replaced the light for free


And OP if you want a little light  "AA" size.  <<<< these IMHO suck for light out put.

Get Surefire 6P
5/13/2014 8:47:50 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:
See my above edit.  I will disagree that the smallest available flashlight is the best for a job.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the modern LED Maglites for general use.  

I don't go reaching for my E2E or Fenix when I am working on the car.  Generally I use a Streamlight Stinger (retired duty flashlight) that I keep in the garage or the whatever D cell flashlight I keep in the vehicle.  

When your hands are dirty, greasy, or cold, it is much easier to hang onto a larger light.
View Quote


Yeah, I don't know if that's entirely true, as you have weight to deal with; however, that's what modern high powered head lamps are for--if you need hands free operation, or if your hands are super dirty, just use one of them.

You should check them out.

I never said anything about going with the smallest, just that short of clubbing somebody in the head with my 6Ds, there's never been an instance where I've walked out the door with either my 6Ds, 2xAA MMs, or 2xAAA lights.  They're just anemic by comparision and while the LEDs are better, they're still big and heavy and they still run on alkaleaks.

Also, try putting a 2D, 2C, 3D, or 3C in your pocket.

I'm a ML fan and they were awesome lights back in the 90s, but much like SureFire, time has passed them by and they're playing catch-up.

Chris
5/13/2014 8:49:30 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:


I have several TLR weapon lights and a streamlight polytac. All of which cost more than $30. I was looking for a cheaper and durable flash light so I figured maglite would be fine.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
OP, have you ever tried a Surefire? I'm guessing not. You might want to consider looking into an entry level Surefire like a G2X or even a used G2 or 6P. There is a night and day difference between them an a Maglite, so I think you would be pleased.


I have several TLR weapon lights and a streamlight polytac. All of which cost more than $30. I was looking for a cheaper and durable flash light so I figured maglite would be fine.

For $20 extra, you could get a G2X. That extra couple bucks is WELL worth it IMHO.

Surefire G2X for $49
5/13/2014 8:52:59 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:
It seems alot of those posting have never USED a  D-cell LED Maglite.

Its a D-cell. Batteries are cheap and easily found.

Beam can go to Spot to flood.

On spot it actually has superior reach to illuminate far off objects .

And you can use it as a Club. Tonk!

I own various small 123cell lights  along with 2 and 3  D-cell LED maglites.

Get the 3 Cell.. Longer operating time





Use quality batteries.

Duracell or eneregizer.

The ones that have leaked. They replaced the light for free


And OP if you want a little light  "AA" size.  <<<< these IMHO suck for light out put.

Get Surefire 6P
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
It seems alot of those posting have never USED a  D-cell LED Maglite.

Its a D-cell. Batteries are cheap and easily found.

Beam can go to Spot to flood.

On spot it actually has superior reach to illuminate far off objects .

And you can use it as a Club. Tonk!

I own various small 123cell lights  along with 2 and 3  D-cell LED maglites.

Get the 3 Cell.. Longer operating time


Quoted:

The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkalines. .



Use quality batteries.

Duracell or eneregizer.

The ones that have leaked. They replaced the light for free


And OP if you want a little light  "AA" size.  <<<< these IMHO suck for light out put.

Get Surefire 6P


Tell me more......

From Maglites own website....

I can’t get the batteries out of my flashlight. They're stuck inside. How do I change them? Is this covered by my warranty?
When this happens, it almost certainly means that the batteries have leaked and are stuck inside the barrel. Note: Batteries normally swell before leaking causing them to get stuck inside the barrel. Mag Instrument does not warrant against battery leakage. If the flashlight has been damaged by leakage of batteries, do not return the flashlight to Mag but determine what brand of battery caused the damage and follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions about how to make a damage claim. For warranty returns: Send the flashlight (postage or shipping prepaid) to Mag Instrument, 2001 South Hellman Avenue - 50600, Ontario, California, USA 91761-8019, Attention: Warranty/Repair Department, or to an authorized Mag Warranty Service Center. Include a check or money order for $5.00 (which includes the cost of packing and shipping the product back to you). Please also include a letter with your name, address, phone number and description of the problem. For the location of an authorized Mag Warranty Service Center in your area, consult the retailer where you purchased the flashlight or see the customer service section at www. maglite.com. For your protection and to expedite handling and/or postal claims, we recommend that all returns be insured and sent Certified and/or Return Receipt Requested. Do not send batteries with flashlights.
5/13/2014 8:54:53 AM EDT
[#32]
I have a few Maglite 2D LED flashlights I picked up for $15 each on Black Friday.

I also have two of the AA LED lights as well, they are good flashlights for the money.

5/13/2014 8:57:45 AM EDT
[#33]

Quote History
Quoted:
Yeah, I don't know if that's entirely true, as you have weight to deal with; however, that's what modern high powered head lamps are for--if you need hands free operation, or if your hands are super dirty, just use one of them.



You should check them out.



I never said anything about going with the smallest, just that short of clubbing somebody in the head with my 6Ds, there's never been an instance where I've walked out the door with either my 6Ds, 2xAA MMs, or 2xAAA lights.  They're just anemic by comparision and while the LEDs are better, they're still big and heavy and they still run on alkaleaks.



Also, try putting a 2D, 2C, 3D, or 3C in your pocket.



I'm a ML fan and they were awesome lights back in the 90s, but much like SureFire, time has passed them by and they're playing catch-up.



Chris

View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

See my above edit.  I will disagree that the smallest available flashlight is the best for a job.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the modern LED Maglites for general use.  



I don't go reaching for my E2E or Fenix when I am working on the car.  Generally I use a Streamlight Stinger (retired duty flashlight) that I keep in the garage or the whatever D cell flashlight I keep in the vehicle.  



When your hands are dirty, greasy, or cold, it is much easier to hang onto a larger light.




Yeah, I don't know if that's entirely true, as you have weight to deal with; however, that's what modern high powered head lamps are for--if you need hands free operation, or if your hands are super dirty, just use one of them.



You should check them out.



I never said anything about going with the smallest, just that short of clubbing somebody in the head with my 6Ds, there's never been an instance where I've walked out the door with either my 6Ds, 2xAA MMs, or 2xAAA lights.  They're just anemic by comparision and while the LEDs are better, they're still big and heavy and they still run on alkaleaks.



Also, try putting a 2D, 2C, 3D, or 3C in your pocket.



I'm a ML fan and they were awesome lights back in the 90s, but much like SureFire, time has passed them by and they're playing catch-up.



Chris

Do you only own one flashlight?



I have dozens scattered about the house and in vehicles.  



Lots of different tools for different tasks.  



 
5/13/2014 9:00:28 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Quoted:

For $20 extra, you could get a G2X. That extra couple bucks is WELL worth it IMHO.

Surefire G2X for $49
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
OP, have you ever tried a Surefire? I'm guessing not. You might want to consider looking into an entry level Surefire like a G2X or even a used G2 or 6P. There is a night and day difference between them an a Maglite, so I think you would be pleased.


I have several TLR weapon lights and a streamlight polytac. All of which cost more than $30. I was looking for a cheaper and durable flash light so I figured maglite would be fine.

For $20 extra, you could get a G2X. That extra couple bucks is WELL worth it IMHO.

Surefire G2X for $49


How's the battery life? All the flash lights I've owned that take 2 CR123s seem to run through them in no time if you actually use the light at the designed lumen.
5/13/2014 9:02:44 AM EDT
[#35]
I've got a 3D that I use when I walk the dog at night mostly. Nice and bright and I literally can't remember the last time I had to put batteries in it. Good club too, if any other dog should happen to come after us.
5/13/2014 9:31:04 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:


How's the battery life? All the flash lights I've owned that take 2 CR123s seem to run through them in no time if you actually use the light at the designed lumen.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
OP, have you ever tried a Surefire? I'm guessing not. You might want to consider looking into an entry level Surefire like a G2X or even a used G2 or 6P. There is a night and day difference between them an a Maglite, so I think you would be pleased.


I have several TLR weapon lights and a streamlight polytac. All of which cost more than $30. I was looking for a cheaper and durable flash light so I figured maglite would be fine.

For $20 extra, you could get a G2X. That extra couple bucks is WELL worth it IMHO.

Surefire G2X for $49


How's the battery life? All the flash lights I've owned that take 2 CR123s seem to run through them in no time if you actually use the light at the designed lumen.

It depends on how often you use them. My P2X Fury is advertised at 1.5 hours, but it seems to last A LOT longer than that. My G2s and G2Xs feel like they last forever. I use mine around the house and outside for typical everyday tasks, and I end up replacing the batteries about every 6 months just to keep a fresh pair in there. I got a Mini Scout for this past Christmas, and I haven't replaced it yet, although it doesn't get as much use as the others. Also, be sure to use actual Surefire-brand batteries.
5/13/2014 9:48:55 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Quoted:
Do you only own one flashlight?

I have dozens scattered about the house and in vehicles.  

Lots of different tools for different tasks.
View Quote


The OP was asking about a flashlight for general purposes, for use in and around his truck, around his property and during power outages.

He's probably considering ML because a) that's all he really 'knows' about flashlights,  b) they're ubiquitous, c) they're not a lot of cash, d) they've had a stellar track record over the past 2-3 decades or e) they've added LED technology, so now they're no longer operating in 'Model T' territory.

Others suggested that over the past few years, flashlight technology has improved exponentially and MLs, while still being popular like McShit burgers, are archaic, big and heavy and one can surely do better.

If you need to beat somebody in the head, or hammer nails, then sure, they're a viable option.

If you want smaller, brighter, lighter multi-mode lights that are infinitely more flexible and accommodating, for not much more than a ML, then get something else.

Apart from the above, there aren't a lot of reasons to run a ML over something else, unless you just want a 'made in America' product that does a moderately decent job.

Anyhow, I guess we'll agree to disagree on MLs and just let the OP figure it out?

Chris
5/13/2014 10:02:10 AM EDT
[#38]
The only place I have the old school Maglites are in vehicles and I dont really intend to use them as lights. http://www.maglite.com/maglite_xl50_led.asp These are what I keep laying around for actual use, cheap, decent brightness for the cost, and they use AAA batteries.
5/13/2014 10:08:43 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Quoted:


Tell me more......

From Maglites own website....

I can’t get the batteries out of my flashlight. They're stuck inside.  .
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Quoted:

The other disadvantage is that using D cells pretty much limits you to leakage-prone alkaline. .



Use quality batteries.

Duracell or energizer.

The ones that have leaked. They replaced the light for free




 


Tell me more......

From Maglites own website....

I can’t get the batteries out of my flashlight. They're stuck inside.  .



Since you read to much into it.

The Battery manufacture will repair/replace the Light if the batteries are still
within the shelve life.

Look at the packaging

It was their product that caused the damage.