'Knight In Shining Armour'

I collect flashlights. That's my fetish (hey, don't tell anyone). I collect a lot of different kinds, and yet I only go for the ones that really live up to their claims, whether it's withstanding rain, floods, floating in the lake, long falls, dog bites, or lighting up a whole forest (or at least your backyard?).

The Maglite has been around for a long time, dating back to 1979. Through the years, Maglite has been well known to nearly everyone, especially the forces of Public Safety and Law. There are so many great benefits to having one of these lights. One of them is the great durability it holds. Also, it's lighting power has always been very powerful and formidable.

I work as a mobile security officer in Toronto, and a well made flashlight that's bright, durable, and has the ability of spot to flood lighting is essential to my job. There was no doubt in my mind that another Maglite was on my shopping list as soon as I was hired.

It's now improved 'White Star' bulbs make it even brighter than ever. With it's durable anodized aluminum shell, heavy duty cap spring, self cleaning switch, and it's diamond knurl grip, 'Mag' is the choice for me. Have you ever owned a flashlight that can reach so far in the dark at this price? (apr. 27.00 Canadian) I don't think so. There are many lights that are making a big step in the market today that are trying to push aside Maglite. Take 'Surefire' and 'Streamlight'. They make high quality lights with great candlepower. Maglite does have some qualities that step over these others:

1) 'Streamlight' and 'Surefire', carry almost entirely rechargeables, with a meager running time of approximately 1 hour. Maglite flashlights with rechargeable batteries placed in them can last twice as long.

2) Although other companies boast some of their lights to have a slight edge over Maglite in the candlepower department, a 3D-Cell Maglite can still punch a strong 22,000 candles out of it. For their price, that's a big 10-4!

3) If you ever lost or 'somehow' damaged/destroyed a 'Streamlight' or 'Surefire' light (don't ask me how), there goes a whoppin' $80 - $150 (give or take, depending on models)! If you lost or somehow damaged your Maglite that prevents it from working, at least you're only out $20 - $40!

4) Let's say that you are an avid rechargeable battery user, but under a certain circumstance, you really need the help of alkaline batteries. You always have that option with Maglite. Take out the rechargeables when they are used up, and put in new alkalines. Most of the other lights by 'Surefire' and 'Streamlight' don't offer that option. The majority of them are rechargeable flashlights with a 'sealed' battery.

5) Maglite has new updated 'White Star' bulbs to make them even brighter.

Now, every Maglite is made with machined aluminum. They are quite heavy duty. They are also not a light flashlight when loaded with batteries, especially the larger D-Cell models. They may be water resistant, but hardly waterproof, so remember that if you aren't sure. Shock resistance is good, but the bulb can pop easily on a fall. Other lights, like 'Dorcy' Industrial or 'Rayovac' Industrial Lights have better bulb protection designs. Still, a 'Mag' is great for camping, and any other occasion, including the house, yard, or even the car/truck. There have been a few times that my 3-D Mag has got me out of tough times, like emergencies in winter storms, a search for a neighbour's lost house key in the nearby woods, spotting hoods running from a crime scene and finding them (with cops present, of course), and few other times that were nearly, if not, pitch black.

Need an affordable light that can cut through the dark? Need heavy duty quality? Are you afraid of spending a lot of money on flashlights that have a locked-in rechargable battery, and you need the option to switch to alkaline if you're in a pinch? Time for a Maglite, lightsaber of lights.