SAG0282
Member
Surefire Z2 on my person, D cell Maglite in the car.
The TM 301X looks like a nice enough unit too. Which do you prefer and why? Have you had any instances of either light getting turned on by accident?
DigMe said:If you're looking at cheaper LED lights you may also want to take a look at this:
http://www.axshop.com/details.aspx/sku-1262
It's not truly a 7watt LED, it's an overdriven 3watt lux but all accounts are that it's one damn bright light. There've been a few guys talking about them over at www.candlepowerforums.com
brad cook
Terrierman said:Wow, I had no idea I was living so far back in the dark ages. After reading a bit on that candlepower forum, I ordered three of those 7 watt hand sized flamethrowers, one for me, one for security tech son and one for a spare, along with 20 of the CR123A batteries. Sounds like an incredible light at a remarkable price according to the discussions. You switched me off the Nuwai I was going to order with that link. Thanks a lot, and I'll let folks here know how they work - though it is becoming painfully obvious to me and I assume others just how ignorant I really am when it comes to lights.
TheFrontRange said:I apologize for not having more specifics on the names of these models...seems that one is the "Legend" while the other is the "Legend LX." Both retail for around $20 at WalMart, Academy Sports and Outdoors, etc. I have two of each model right now, with the heavy ones used as "utility lights" around the house while the lighter ones stay near whatever handgun I have handy.
Flashlightreviews.com said:UPDATE Oct 2005: I bought another one recently for some testing at the request of a reader. The good news is that since the original review, Brinkmann got rid of the junk batteries and are now including much better GE/Sanyo cells. The bad news is that it flickered badly during the start of the runtime test. Then it went out. Upon investigation I found that the pins of the bulb were not attached to the contact plates on the bulb assembly in any way except for friction. The original bulb had the bulb pins tack-welded to the contact plates. This one did not. If you purchase one, CHECK THE BULB PINS IMMEDIATELY UPON OPENING. If you can push on them with your fingernail and they slide around on the contact plates, return the light as defective and try another. The defective light was returned and the next one I purchased was assembled correctly. Oh, and you can now get this light for 16.99 at Target dept. stores and it includes a vinyl belt sheath.
DigMe said:When you get them do a comparison on all three if you can and let us know if the beam is consistent among them. Someone just started a thread today at CPF who bought 3 in Hong Kong and they all three had different beams. Another guy bought two though and they both had the same identical awesome, white beams. Don't forget that they have adjustable beams/heads too.
brad cook
MarineTech said:I will not buy another Mag-lite until things improve, and I'll probably be replacing both lights within the next 2 months once I get my Christmas bills paid off.
MarineTech said:In my nightstand, I keep a Surefire G2 for defense, and a 4 D Cell Maglite for general lighting. I also, keep another 4 D Cell Maglite in my car.
I will say this though. I am not at all happy with the quality of the current production Maglites. In 1991, I bought my first Maglite while on Camp Guard as a Marine out at 29 Palms. They were sold in the MCX on base, and were the only authorized replacement for the standard issue flashlight (which was crap). All the MPs carried them because of the much greater lighting potential they provided. As I recall, price on the 4 D-Cell version back then was about $70. Not exactly cheap on a young PFC's salary, but worth every penny. That Maglite has sat in the glove compartment of every vehicle I've owned since then and was utterly reliable. About 4 months ago, that Maglite finally gave up the ghost and had been beat beyond the point of repair. Time for replacement had arrived. I went to the local Walmart to pick up a replacement. I was stunned to see that the price had dropped to just over $20 for the 4 D Cell. I picked up 2. One for the car, one for the house. I am less than happy. The quality of these 2 units is nowhere near what that original light was. During a recent power outage in November during an ice storm, the light I bought for the house continuously flickered and stuttered. The light in my car displayed similar performance. Battery and bulb replacement has done nothing to alleviate the situation with either unit. In mid-December, I sent a letter to Mag-Lite detailing my history with their products and my displeasure with their current quality. I also expressed to them that I would be happy to pay the much higher price of the original unit if I could get a light of similar quality. I have yet to get a response from them.
I will not buy another Mag-lite until things improve, and I'll probably be replacing both lights within the next 2 months once I get my Christmas bills paid off.