Mini Maglite AA/AAA (Maglite mini torch)

Member Name: Dave_UK

Product:	Maglite mini torch
Date:	29/01/04 (2838 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well built and reliable, Great performance and Versatility, Smart as a gift

Disadvantages: none

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I work in Millets (the camping and outdoor store) and I regularly sell these to customers, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to write an informative review... here goes...

>Overview<
--------------
Maglite are an extremely respected company when it comes to torches. They are based in the USA, but their products are used by security forces all over the world. This is due to their reliability, sturdiness, power output and versatility (I will cover all these factors later in the review).
Not only that, but Maglite have a very diverse product line, offering a wide variety of torches for different applications. Whether you are after a torch that is large and powerful (with D-cell batteries) or small and compact to go on your key-ring (with a single AA battery) Maglite have a product for you. Today, I am reviewing one of their smallest offerings, cunningly entitled the 'Mini Maglite'...

>First Impressions<
-----------------------
The Mini Maglite itself comes in two flavours - 2xAA batteries, or 2xAAA. The AAA version will be more compact, but will give correspondingly lower light output. As far as pricing goes, both units retail around the £15 mark. Although this may seem steep to you, bear in mind that this is not some cheap plastic energiser torch - it is a professional-grade piece of kit.
First impressions of this torch, as with any Mag-lite product, are very good. The unit itself is fashioned from quality aluminum alloy, making it light yet strong. There are a variety of gloss finishes, silver/black/red/blue/navy/purple/lime to name but a few, and this gives a nice selection when considering the Mag-lite as a gift. Incidentally, the product is available in a clear plastic blister pack, or a pretective plastic presentation box. These, however, are the SAME PRICE, so always try and go for the boxed version :) Both versions come wit
h the same a
ccessories (e.g. a key
ring and poc
ket clip).
In addition, these make a reliable item for the glove compartment etc. and come with a limited liftetime warranty to substantiate this.

>Features<
--------------
Here is a brief list of features from the Maglite site and my own experience with these torches :

Made in the USA
Chosen by professionals worldwide
Protected by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
(Ten Year Outside Western Hemisphere)
Corrosion, water AND shock resistant
Variable beam (spot or floodlight) by twisting the cap
Spare bulb located in the base of the unit at all times

Another interesting feature is that this torch can be converted into a standing battery-powered 'candle'. By unscrewing the top and standing the torch inside it, you create yourself a Mini-Lantern :)

>Ease of use<
-----------------
Maglites are very simple to use. Usage of the torch is very intuitive. These units are extremely versatile, and you can vary the focus of the beam (between floodlight and spotlight) simply by twisting the cap. In addition, as mentioned above, you can also use the unit as a candle.
The bulbs are extremely easy to replace. Simply unscrew the cap, pull out the bulb (they have two pins rather than a screw thread) and slot in the new one. There is a spare bulb in the base of the unit, underneath the coiled battery contact.
Replacing the batteries is very simple as well. No cheap plastic screwthreads here, the unit is easy to dissassemble and get back together again.

>Performance<
------------------
Mag-lites have fine-tuned optics and high-quality bulbs, so their performance exceeds that of a 'normal' torch with the same battery configuration. Obviously, the Mini-Maglite does not perform to the same level of brightness as its C and
D cell-based siblings, but
it puts in a good show.
T
wisting the cap to switch the torch on reveals a bright, clear beam, that is easily visible to several feet in spotlight mode in bright ambient lighting. As aforementioned, the torch beam can be focussed to become a spotlight or widened for use as a floodlight depending upon the application to hand. The torch performs very well in both of these modes with good, crisp light output.
In addition, the candle mode is very handy as well. Although no-where near as powerful as a battery or gas-powered lantern, it is easily bright enough to see your way round a tent, or indoors in case of a blackout.

>Conclusion<
---------------
A MagLite is a great purchase for yourself or as a gift. It is sleek and stylish (for a torch), well-made, sturdy and reliable; and it performs well with great versatility. In addition, you can extend your purchase with the various accessories. These include a holder you can place on your head (a 'hands free' kit) and inserts for a coloured beam :)
The Mini Maglite in particular is ideal as a gift, for the glove compartment, or simply as a general torch to keep on your person or in the house. They are available, along with their accessories, from any Millets store.
Thoroughly recommended.
Dave :D

For more information, check out the Maglite website, or visit a Millets store for hands-on demonstration.

http://www.maglite.com/index.asp

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