Maglite - Torch or Light Sabre? (Maglite mini torch)

Member Name: buster_uk

Product:	Maglite mini torch
Date:	06/12/03 (1213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Quality | Longlasting battery's | strong beam

Disadvantages: not sure of any

*Intro
The Maglite Torch, an instrument used by both amateurs and professionals alike due to its robust design and various in-built quality features. A guy called Mr. Maglica, the founder of the Maglite Company in 1955, first built the Maglite in a small one-man shop in the U.S.

Since then the company has grown vastly, and with it so has the reputation of the Maglite, it almost has the same reputation that say, Victrinox has in the knife industry, one of lasting quality. The Maglite itself comes in many different sizes from the 1 AAA cell Solitaire to the 5 Cell Maglite, but in this op, I'm going to focus on the 2 AA cell version/.


*The Torch
Each torch comes with a set of instructions on maintenance and the various parts that make the Maglite, as well as information regarding warranty and returns. The manual also gives advice on how to use the torch effectively and various bits of tech info. Prices start from c£9.99 for the Solitaire and are about c£15.00 for the 2 AA cell MAglite.

Well, its made from a machined aluminium alloy, which in-itself is rust resistant, as well as this it is also anodised to prevent corrosion from the elements (i.e. frost, heat, salt water etc). The Mag is also built to be water and shock resistant, which is good if you use it for outdoor activities.

The latter is mainly due to the famous O-Rings, which prevents water and numerous foreign body?s from entering the main body of the torch, causing it not to operate fully. The O-Rings in general, as the guide states need to be maintained by greasing them with petroleum jelly every 6 months or so.

It is also good to remember that the Mag is not made in a sweatshop somewhere in Taiwan; it is made and assembled in the U.S., quality as standard. It comes with a limited lifetime guarantee too, so not a bad buy.

All of the Maglite torches have a changeable focus beam, from spot to flood to freestanding-candle light, in seconds
. A spare bulb is also kept in the tail cap, just in case it breaks at the worst moment, so you wont be left without light for long.


*My Experiences
Well, I myself own the Maglite Solitaire, 2 AAA Cell, 2 AA Cell and the 4 D Cell models. All of which in terms of battery time have lasted for hours with a strong beam and have taken various knocks and scrapes without causing fault.

The 2 AA cell Mag, this is the one I use most when for work and leisure purposes, usually with the red light filter attachment during night time. Overall, this torch and the whole set are durable and have long battery times. When using the 2 AA version i've found it to be the best beam in comparison to weight of other torches, its light and i dont have to carry a brick round at the same time.

I'd recommend them to anyone, as they last much longer than your 99p 'made in Taiwan' version's and can take more than a few blows should u drop them or need to use them during foul weather conditions.


Jimmy:)
© James D 2003

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