"Maglite" do it again, it’s a world known manufacturer for its torches that bring light when and where we need it! So much so that these are no standard with law enforcement and many other profession. This is the "MINI Maglite" which requires 2x AA batteries.
So let’s see what this California company has given us....(http://www.maglite.com/product.asp?psc=2AACELL&pt=R)
From the site.... Precision machined high-strength aluminium alloy case
Anodized inside and out for improved corrosion resistance and durability
Water and shock resistant
High-intensity adjustable spot-to-flood beam with a twist of the wrist
Design balanced optics and power for improved performance
Spare lamp safely secured inside the tail cap
Mini Maglite® flashlight converts quickly to a free standing candle mode But this is what i think of it....
PACKAGING: ========== This comes in the standard presentation box with room to hold the torch,
a battery and some newer models a little knife. The box alone is very sturdy and a nice addition to the whole package, often making it a nice gift to :-)
Also in this case comes with instructions, but you really don’t need them, it’s so simple to use. The comforting thing about this is there is MAGLITE branded across the front, you know where you hear this name you get nothing but the best, and that it will last!!! No more £1 market torches for you!
CONSTRUCTION: ===============
The torch takes the form and design which is come in all the Maglite ranges, often making them instantly recognisable! The dimensions are, l = 14.5 cm diameter = 2.5 cm widest and 1.7cm at tail. So it’s quite small, and can be held comfortably even in smaller hands. Like every Maglite, this is strong aluminium, and thus there is a bit of weight to it, and I can safely say this could probably be very painful being hit with it! SO DONT MUG PEOPLE WITH MAGLITES! Mine is the classic matt black but you can get silver, grey, blue, red and green too!
The main things you need to know about this is its basically a tube/barrel for the 2x AA batteries, with a bottom cap that screws in after the battery is inserted, and a top cap. The top cap is where you can twist it to turn on the torch. You can also change the focus of the torch by twisting the cap, going from a wide beam, to a rather impressive intense spot beam (which is very helpful as after I had finished my solitaire Maglite review the spare bulb in the fell out when taking pics, and I couldn’t find it for ages with out a torch!!! So that’s when this baby came in!).
The output isn’t going to be amazing considering there are better bigger models in the range, but considering its size I was very impressive and score miles above other torches i have used. Compared to the solitaire it also does much better, however it seems to eat batteries quite a lot, but again this depends on usage.
If you unscrew the top twisting cap completely you can use it in what is referred to as " candle mode " where the bulb is completely exposed ( I don’t like this though unless you are careful with it, as the bulb is tiny you feel it could easily get broken ) So it emits light like a candle in an omni direction mode. To stop it falling over the now discarded cap can become a convenient base in which the bottom of the torch can safely stand.
But with the front cap off you can also change the bulb but I, very much expect you wont need to for ages! But if you do, it’s quite difficult as the size of the bulb is very small, so some might have trouble changing it.
This thing is really built extremely well, water resistant, and very rugged, just what you want from a torch that’s going to be used a lot or something you have to depend on. I've had mine for years and NEVER had any defect, or problem with it. MAGLITE ARE TORCH GODS!
EXTRAS: ========
In the base cap, if you carefully remove the protruding spring, it reveals a spare bulb in the base, so no need to get a replacement till a later date if needed. How cool is that? I haven’t seen any other torches with this feature, although the bulbs might be pretty hard to replace as they are pretty "unstandard" compared to other generic torch bulbs that are used.
The free batteries in the case are a nice touch so you can use it instantly, i hate presents that need batteries and you have none !!!
You can also get clips to place on the top of these to act like a biro lid and so you can clip it where you do desire. Also obtainable is a belt pouch for it, in many colours, and materials such as nylon black, to a camouflage design. You can also get key chain attachment but I think its a little big for your keys ! But you could clip it to a hiking bag.
PRICE: =======
Retail in camping shops, army navel shops, gadget shops, hardware shops etc, for anything £14-16 so shop around to save a few quid. The smaller model down the SOLITATRE, is a little cheaper roughly £10 or a little more, and takes a AAA battery
This is a great torch, and i love it, reliable and after many years being sat in the confines of my sock draw i have come to expect it to always works. And yours should operate in the same manner.... unless its introduced to stupid usage, like seeing if it is water"proof" in the bath, and how hard you can throw it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it survived a nuclear blast along with cockroaches. ( and boss effects pedals... guitarist joke there. )
These torches are just perfect for general use and every driver should have one in the glove compartment, they are just too small and would be a one time investment you'd be crazy not to have one! There is also the general use, such as camping and locating lost object in the dark places of your room office etc etc
CONCLUSION: =============
Read above... the simple reputation of these torches should precede them. Excellent torches, with cost there's quality, and here there is no exception. Pay the little extra and be rewarded with years of love light :-)
ps. the bulbs are = T1 bipin vacuum bulbs or so i have found out.
Pictures of Maglite Mini AA flashlight
The Torch
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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The utility clip allows it to be fastened to a belt or storage hook. An adjustable hand strap provides a more secure grip. "Sharkskin" neoprene sleeve for warmt...
Postage & Packaging: £2.99 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Exceptionally bright beam, easily adjustable beam from flood to spot,very high quality construction,very durable, comprehensive instructions, negligible running costs. Disadvantages: No indication of battery life at all (see review), high initial outlay, VERY difficult to locate in a shop as are the accessories (see review)
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (5%):
