Mini Maglite LED Flashlight 3-Cell AA

Whether speaking of a large multi-D Cell flashlight or a more smallish AA powered light, the name MAGLITE automatically comes to mind. Maglite is known for building quality flashlights, with its trademark focusable beam and all aluminum body, and has come to be the "standard" upon which other lights are rated. But short battery life and frequent bulb burnout have always been an issue with the smaller "MiniMag" series of flashlights. With more and more flashlights switching over to LED bulbs, I was beginning to wonder when Maglite was going to jump on the bandwagon. Well that time has arrived and I couldn't wait to get one for myself.

Although I have purchased more than one of the new Maglite LED flashlights, this review is for the new 3 AA cell MiniMag LED model. As the name suggests, this model uses 3 AA alkaline batteries as opposed to the normal 2 cells, resulting in greater output and a significantly longer body. And speaking of the body, the new MiniMag LED flashlight continues the tradition of an anodized aluminum body, with a knurled surface where a person's hand would typically grip the light. The tailcap is flat, allowing the light to stand on its end. What you will not find on this new light is the traditional hole for a lanyard attachment. Another notable change is the head design, which is a fair amount longer, due to the deeper plastic reflector inside. The bulb is a 3 Watt LED, which is rated for roughly 10,000 hours of life, so there is no spare bulb in the tailpiece, as with the traditional MiniMags. The light is switched on by turning the head/bezel assembly. Turning the head also focuses the beam from a wide flood to a narrow spot. The light output is great, and MUCH brighter than a standard AA powered MiniMag. The beam does not have the weak blotchy areas which I have always noticed with the traditional MiniMag flashlights. The light output is an extremely bright, white beam, with just a slight bluish tint. Looking at the bulb, when lit, is almost blinding. It is obvious that the new LED bulb and deeper reflector design produces much more illumination than its standard bulb siblings.

So enough of comparing the new LED MiniMag with the older, traditional models. Let's talk about the features of this particular model, and review the pros and cons that I have discovered:

* Overall Length = 8.596 in. (218.3 mm)
* Barrel Diameter = .709 in. (18 mm)
* Head Diameter = 1 in. (25.4 mm)
* Weight (w/ battery) = 5.44 oz.
* Bulb Type/Output = LED - 3 Watt
* Intelligent Energy Source Management - balancing high brightness with efficient power usage.
* Candle Mode - Unscrew flashlight head, place head down on stable flat surface and set flashlight barrel into head.
* High-intensity adjustable light beam - Spot to Flood
* Rugged, machined aluminum construction with knurled design.
* Anodized inside and out for improved corrosion resistance.
* Access points sealed with O-Rings, making the light water and shock resistant.
* Package includes black polypropylene belt holster & three AA-cell premium alkaline batteries.
* Limited lifetime warranty.

Pros
****
- Independent testing claims that light output is 8 times brighter than traditional AA powered Mini Maglites.
- The new LED MiniMag is much more shock resistant than the original.
- Light beam from the LED lacks the rings, holes and blotches found with the traditional bulb design.
- Light Throw (distance light is projected) is much better than the original Mini Maglite.
- Independent testing identifies a battery life of approximately 5:50, with light output reduced by 50% at approximately 3 hours of continuous use.
- Lightweight and comfortable design.

Cons
****
- Twice the price of original Mini Maglite models.
- Lack of reverse polarity protection; don't put the batteries in backwards!

Overall I am extremely pleased with the 3 AA cell Mini Maglite LED flashlight. It is lightweight, produces a great deal of light output and throws it quite a distance, and the new LED technology really saves the batteries and prevents the need to replace the bulb for the life of the flashlight. It is easy to use and is very water and shock resistant. The 3 AA cell model is a bit long and would not be a good choice for someone that is used to holding the original MiniMag in their mouth (to free up both hands for working). I am also horrified with the lack of reverse polarity protection. If you put the batteries into the light backwards, you will fry the LED bulb, thus voiding the warranty and throwing away the twenty-some bucks you likely plunked down for your new MiniMag LED flashlight. This is a tremendous oversight by the engineers at Maglite, and I truly hope that they correct this design flaw in their future LED products. If you can deal with these small imperfections, the 3 AA cell Mini Maglite LED flashlight is an impressive and highly useful tool, which I find easy to recommend to everyone. Just be careful when installing those batteries!