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Mini Maglite 2-Cell AA
PRODUCT HISTORY
The Mini Maglite was introduced in 1984, five years after Mr. Tony Maglica released the original Maglite flashlights. From the very beginning, Maglite flashlights were marketed to the public security sectors and outdoors recreation seekers, and word spread very quickly about the durability and usefulness of Maglica's new lights. Maglite has released more than 20 different models of torches in their 22 year history, and the classic Mini Maglite is one flashlight by which others are compared.
PURPOSE
The Mini Maglite is a take-anywhere, portable flashlight - perfectly sized to be placed into one's bug out bag, car survival kit or to be used as part of a person's EDC kit. It is extremely durable, dependable, and because it uses one of the least expensive and most common batteries, it is extremely versatile. It isn't the brightest flashlight on the market nowadays, but when released, it was the first and only flashlight of it's kind. Because it is inexpensive, one should not be concerned with thrashing on it pretty heavily or using it to it's fullest extent; in the unlikely event that the Mini Maglite breaks completely, replacing the whole unit is not a huge expenditure. Replacement bulbs are also inexpensive as well.
Mini Maglite in basic EDC setup
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Having years of experience with this model and similar models of Maglite flashlights, it would be unfair of me to not share my past experiences with this model flashlight. They are well-made and attractive units, and this particular model is sold virtually anywhere that has a "flashlights" section within it. The finish of it is very attractive but wears out over time. The lens is clear, as one would expect from any flashlight, and there are no blemishes on the unit at all.
Something that I always felt was very neat about Maglite flashlights is that many models carry a spare bulb in the battery compartment cover (aka "tail cap") in case the bulb is blown. In my experience, these bulbs last between 1-2 years if used frequently. If you plan on using these lights, buy a couple of spare bulbs, or consider performing an LED upgrade.
The Mini Maglite also includes a fairly cheap, but sufficient nylon carrying sheath. I'm not a huge fan of black nylon for survival purposes because few things in nature are black, but as shown in the picture to the right, if you want to camouflage the item, simply rub it in dirt and it will take on a matte light brown earthy color. To clean it off, simply knock the dust off of it outside and wash it by hand in your bathroom sink, then let it air dry.
As stated before, the flashlight is not particularly bright, but in certain circumstances this might be a good characteristic to have - if you're evading followers or trying to maintain a very low profile in your BOL, having the brightest honking flashlight available might not be conducive to those ends. You really just need a flashlight that will perform the tasks required of it and nothing more. The Mini Maglite fits that bill nicely.
TESTING
The testing performed with this flashlight was brief but very aggressive. Immediately after opening the package, I installed the two Duracell AA batteries that were included, ensured that both caps were threaded tightly and properly, and began smacking the flashlight on various objects inside of my home. I first began lightly striking my own hand, then striking it very hard. I used the bulb housing as a makeshift hammer, driving a large nail through the sheet rock wall in my bedroom. Seeking harder targets, I briskly smacked the torch against the porcelain sink edges several times before initiating the equivalent of "flashlight water boarding."
After smacking it around for a while, I turned the flashlight on and left it to sit underneath cold running water for a few minutes straight, afterward allowing the sink to fill up. After it had been sitting submerged for some time, I drained the water and ran it under very hot water. The flashlight might not be able to withstand oceanic water pressures, but I think that if it is screwed together tightly, it will manage just fine if it were rained on or accidentally dropped into a moving stream. It's waterproof enough for most peoples' daily use.
Speaking of dropping, after the flashlight had dried I picked up up over my head and dropped it several times out on the asphalt of my girlfriend's mother's driveway. This did not negatively affect fit, finish, or function of the light at all.
The light functions just fine after being lightly abused. I didn't smash up any steel pipes or anything, nor did I try to baton wood with it, but I think these are unrealistic tasks for a flashlight and would simply serve to destroy potentially your own source of light in a crappy situation. Another concern is busting one or both of your batteries inside of the light.
FINAL ANALYSIS & RATING
The flashlight continues to function after being fairly aggressively (but not abusively) tested. By no means was my testing of this particular flashlight what one could consider "long-term" but having owned various Maglites in the past, I feel quite qualified to attest to the durability of their design and manufacture; the reliability and durability of Maglite flashlights is simply unquestionable. This just goes to show you that dependable gear can be purchased at affordable prices.
One must note that this flashlight is not as bright as some other offerings available, but it is sufficient for just about any task where one would need a flashlight. Also, light discipline is very important in a potentially hostile area, and having a ridiculously bright flashlight might attract more attention to your position than you might want. In a pinch, I could see someone using their Mini Maglite as a makeshift bludgeoning device in a self-defense or field expedient repair situation. For $7-15 USD, one would be hard pressed to find an equally durable, equally sized flashlight.
The Mini Maglite is a take-anywhere, portable flashlight - perfectly sized to be placed into one's bug out bag, car survival kit or to be used as part of a person's EDC kit. It is extremely durable, dependable, and because it uses one of the least expensive and most common batteries, it is extremely versatile. It isn't the brightest flashlight on the market nowadays, but when released, it was the first and only flashlight of it's kind. Because it is inexpensive, one should not be concerned with thrashing on it pretty heavily or using it to it's fullest extent; in the unlikely event that the Mini Maglite breaks completely, replacing the whole unit is not a huge expenditure. Replacement bulbs are also inexpensive as well.
Mini Maglite in basic EDC setup
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Having years of experience with this model and similar models of Maglite flashlights, it would be unfair of me to not share my past experiences with this model flashlight. They are well-made and attractive units, and this particular model is sold virtually anywhere that has a "flashlights" section within it. The finish of it is very attractive but wears out over time. The lens is clear, as one would expect from any flashlight, and there are no blemishes on the unit at all.
Something that I always felt was very neat about Maglite flashlights is that many models carry a spare bulb in the battery compartment cover (aka "tail cap") in case the bulb is blown. In my experience, these bulbs last between 1-2 years if used frequently. If you plan on using these lights, buy a couple of spare bulbs, or consider performing an LED upgrade.The Mini Maglite also includes a fairly cheap, but sufficient nylon carrying sheath. I'm not a huge fan of black nylon for survival purposes because few things in nature are black, but as shown in the picture to the right, if you want to camouflage the item, simply rub it in dirt and it will take on a matte light brown earthy color. To clean it off, simply knock the dust off of it outside and wash it by hand in your bathroom sink, then let it air dry.
As stated before, the flashlight is not particularly bright, but in certain circumstances this might be a good characteristic to have - if you're evading followers or trying to maintain a very low profile in your BOL, having the brightest honking flashlight available might not be conducive to those ends. You really just need a flashlight that will perform the tasks required of it and nothing more. The Mini Maglite fits that bill nicely.
At 20 feet, this light projects a beam about 3.5 feet in diameter.
TESTING
The testing performed with this flashlight was brief but very aggressive. Immediately after opening the package, I installed the two Duracell AA batteries that were included, ensured that both caps were threaded tightly and properly, and began smacking the flashlight on various objects inside of my home. I first began lightly striking my own hand, then striking it very hard. I used the bulb housing as a makeshift hammer, driving a large nail through the sheet rock wall in my bedroom. Seeking harder targets, I briskly smacked the torch against the porcelain sink edges several times before initiating the equivalent of "flashlight water boarding."
 |  |  |
After smacking it around for a while, I turned the flashlight on and left it to sit underneath cold running water for a few minutes straight, afterward allowing the sink to fill up. After it had been sitting submerged for some time, I drained the water and ran it under very hot water. The flashlight might not be able to withstand oceanic water pressures, but I think that if it is screwed together tightly, it will manage just fine if it were rained on or accidentally dropped into a moving stream. It's waterproof enough for most peoples' daily use.
Speaking of dropping, after the flashlight had dried I picked up up over my head and dropped it several times out on the asphalt of my girlfriend's mother's driveway. This did not negatively affect fit, finish, or function of the light at all.
The light functions just fine after being lightly abused. I didn't smash up any steel pipes or anything, nor did I try to baton wood with it, but I think these are unrealistic tasks for a flashlight and would simply serve to destroy potentially your own source of light in a crappy situation. Another concern is busting one or both of your batteries inside of the light.
My boy getting familiar with the Mini Maglite.
FINAL ANALYSIS & RATING
The flashlight continues to function after being fairly aggressively (but not abusively) tested. By no means was my testing of this particular flashlight what one could consider "long-term" but having owned various Maglites in the past, I feel quite qualified to attest to the durability of their design and manufacture; the reliability and durability of Maglite flashlights is simply unquestionable. This just goes to show you that dependable gear can be purchased at affordable prices.
One must note that this flashlight is not as bright as some other offerings available, but it is sufficient for just about any task where one would need a flashlight. Also, light discipline is very important in a potentially hostile area, and having a ridiculously bright flashlight might attract more attention to your position than you might want. In a pinch, I could see someone using their Mini Maglite as a makeshift bludgeoning device in a self-defense or field expedient repair situation. For $7-15 USD, one would be hard pressed to find an equally durable, equally sized flashlight.
LJ126 |
Latest page update: made by LJ126
, May 21 2012, 7:05 PM EDT
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunkCollector | AA Maglite thread | 13 | Dec 12 2011, 9:41 AM EST by Sharpie41 | ||
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Thread started: Dec 11 2011, 4:43 PM EST
Watch
This was a very well done page and review.
I have had several AA Maglite's over the years, today I have one in the glove box of both of my cars, one in my night stand, one in my tool box, and one that I carry every day on my belt along with my leatherman wave.
Do you find this valuable?
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