Customer Reviews

Duracell Daylite LED Flashlight with AA Batteries

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Since Duracell recently bought out Dorcy they have released 3 versions of their Daylite flashlight. I purchased the 2 AA model because it was slimmer than the 3 AAA model. Both the AAA and the AA models are rated at 80 lumens and I believe that to be true. They advertise a 2 CR 123 model on their website that is supposed to produce twice as many lumens, but I have yet to find it for sale anywhere. Overall the flashlight produces a decent amount of light and seems to have a decent battery life. I would have given this light 5 stars if it wasn't for its plastic lens. I did not even get it out of the package before I put a scratch in the lens. The scratch does not seem to have any affect on the light output, but it is very annoying for a perfectionist like myself. Compared to the new Energizer 3 watt Tactical this flashlight is by far the best choice.

I'm a N.Y.S. building inspecter and live with a flashlight in my hand, so I'm always looking for that perfect one.... I saw the Duracell Daylite advertized in Popular Science Mag., and thought I'd give it a try...and I wasn't disapointed. I own several 3Watt high intenity LED lights and the Daylite holds it's own with all of them, and the price is right. The light is VERY bright, and knowing it's made by Duracell I know it's dependable. Some of my fellow inspectors carry the old fashion Maglite, "C" battery type.....then they feel stupid when my little Daylite out shines their 5lb. Maglite.... haha

Recently my neighborhood suffered a 4-day power outage - not fun. But at least it gave me an opportunity to fully utilize my collection of flashlights, including this Duracell Daylite LED Flashlight, and the Maglite Mini LED Flashlight. Here is my comparison between those two:

[Exterior]
Although both flashlights are powered by 2 AA cells, the Duracell is slightly longer and significantly fatter than the Maglite. This makes the Duracell less convenient to carry in my pants pocket. On the other hand, fatter body makes the Duracell easier to hold or to stand on the table.

[ON/OFF Switch]
The Duracell has a push-button switch at the end cap. It is very easy to engage with just one hand. The Maglite mini requires two hands to operate, because you have to twisting its reflector head to turn on/off.

[Adjustable Beam]
Both flashlights advertise adjustable beam from 'spot' to 'flood'. In reality, neither offer a very wide 'flood'. The main difference is that in 'spot' mode, Maglite has a tighter focus, giving it a brighter spot and longer throw. On the other hand, the beam from Duracell appears evenly diffused and less harsh.

(See the beam shot photo I uploaded to 'Customer Images' section for comparison)

[Power Consumption]
Both flashlights advertise '3W LED'. But actual power depends on the battery voltage:
- When using two fresh alkaline cells (3V), the Maglight consumes about 1.6W while the Duracell consumes 2.7W from batteries.
- When using two rechargeable NiMH cells (2.5V), their power consumptions drop to 1W and 1.5W, respectively.

See the "Input Power vs. Battery Voltage" chart I uploaded to 'Customer Images' section. It is worth noting that the Duracell can operate down to much lower battery voltage than the Maglite can.

[Extra Features]
This is where the Maglite really shines. It has different functions selectable by the twist-on/off switch. Namely:
- Full Power mode
- 25% power mode
- Blinking
- S.O.S mode

The last two modes are not that useful except in case of emergency. But the low-power mode is great for indoor use, especially during a blackout when you must extend the battery life.

The Maglite mini can even operate in 'candle mode' by removing its reflector head. Again, this is useful during a blackout for area illumination. The reflector of the Duracell cannot be removed.

[Conclusion]
Both the Duracell Daylite and Maglite mini LED flashlights are quality products. You can't go wrong with either one. But if I can only pick one, I have to choose the Maglite mini for its versatility.

In my job I use a flashlight all the time... this is almost as bright as my streamlight and costs 10th the price. A fantastic value...

Good flashlight, dropped it once so far and its starting to get a bit fishy. but still working better then my maglite led.

update
I like this. Way better then the maglite led flashlights. I have owned this for quite awhile now, maybe 6 months i think. At first use it doenst produce that flickering, but now it does. I think it has to do with the contacts inside the light, but it is fixed by shaking it. Not a big problem, but too lazy to investigate and fix. Overall duracell daylite> maglite led

This flashlight has exceded my expectations. I got it for myself as a Christmas present and the whole family was impressed by the light output. Some have even since bought it for themselves. If you want great light, in a well built package save some money and buy this. I have used $150.00 flashlights that aren't as well built or bright as this one. Enjoy yours.

This small LED flashlight is extremely bright and appears to be well made. I agree with several other reviewers that the wide-narrow focus ring amounts to very little difference, but nonetheless this is a great product for the money [I purchased a much more expensive commercial duty LED flashlight and both are equally bright].

Boy does it put out the light, in fact much more than I'm use to. Button is a little bit awkward on the bottom when one is use to button on the side.

This flashlight ranks right up there with a Maglite, or any Police tactical flashlight. It is useful as a weapon by just shining it in someones eyes-enough to distract a person, to get the upper hand.

It comes in 3 sizes, it fits in Maglite flashlight holders, and truly beams a circle of pure white bright light. It would also be good for joggers, campers, as it is lightweightand is 5" inches long, also easy to store in a glove compartment, for any car emergency also!!!!

Great LED flashlight but spotlight to floodlight is kinda lame, they say there is no "empty" spot but thats cause its barely noticeable between the two. Otherwise a great, rugged, super bright light.