Customer Reviews

MAGLITE SP22117 Presentation Box 2-AA Cell Mini-Maglite LED Flashlight, Blue

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This package (MAGLITE SP22017) contains the second-generation MagLite mini LED 2-AA flashlight. It looks exactly like the original MagLite mini LED flashlight, but added some important improvements:

- Multi-mode electronic switch:

By turning the power switch off and then on rapidly, you can cycle the flashlight through four different modes:

1. 100% power (similar to the original version)

2. 25% power (which gives 4x longer battery life)

3. blinking mode

4. S.O.S. (... --- ...) mode

The last two modes are not that useful (except maybe in case of emergency). But the 25% power mode is a welcome addition. It is especially suitable for indoor use, where you don't need a blindingly powerful light beam.

- Better energy management:

When the battery voltage drops too low (under 2.5V approximately), the new MagLite mini will gradually reduce its light output to conserve battery energy. In contrast, the original MagLite mini will attempt to maintain the same light output, until it finally drops dead without warnings.

The light source used is a Philips Luxeon Rebel LED. It is called a '3-Watt LED', but that is referring to its PEAK power. For steady-state operation, the power consumption of this flashlight is only around 1.6W when powered by two fresh alkaline cells (3.0V). See the chart of "Input Power vs. Battery Voltage" I uploaded to Customer Images section. Due to improvements in LED efficiency during the past few years, this 2nd-gen flashlight is brighter than the first-gen operating at the same power.

I'm impressed by the quality and functionality of this MagLite mini LED flashlight. The plastic box it comes in, however, is rather flimsy and cheap-looking. But overall this is still a very good value.

The Mini Maglite SP22017 LED is a great addition to their LED line. I was afraid I was going to receive the type with the end cap variable power control like some reviewers did, but mine ended up being the simple twisty type. This is perfect for me because sometimes I don't want a product that requires fumbling around. In a real emergency, simple means better most of the time. It's extremely bright and, considering its lower cost, it gives my Fenix LD10 a run for it's money, although the Fenix has some very nice power regulation.

It came exactly as pictured with no holster, but I've never found those holsters to be useful anyway. There's no bells or whistles like Type III anodization, but dings and scratches give Maglites great character for some reason. This is a solid product with rubber O ring seals and uses common batteries, just like the entire Maglite product line. Best of all, it's made in the USA.

I think the title of my review says it all. LED technology has certainly come a long way since the 4-AA Dorcy LED flashlight I purchased ~6-7 years ago. I am very very impressed with the light output (causes spots if you look directly at it, so don't :-P) in both flashlight mode and torch mode (with the head unscrewed and removed). I have yet to determine how long a burn time two ~2000 mAh AA NiMH rechargeable batteries will produce, and I'll probably add a small note when I get around to performing that test. Overall, this is an awesome Maglite!

EDIT: The light output was essentially stable for about the first 6 hours of use, and declined somewhat noticeably as hour 7 approached. I would estimate that the light output is in the range of approximately 50% of maximum at 7 hours. Note that this test was conducted at an ambient temperature of around 70-75F.

This light is 10x nicer than the halogen model that it replaced. I purchased two of these lights for my kids. I am so impressed that I am going to replace my old halogen model.

This is the sweet spot of flashlights, unless you go for the more compact Inova X1DM-HB Dual High/Low Mode LED Flashlight - 1 AA Battery.

PROs:

* Throws a bright, concentrated beam

* Uses AA batteries -- alkaline or rechargeable (see Note 1)

* Excellent specifications, fully disclosed (see Note 2)

* Good value if you wait for low tide (under 16 buckss)

* 4 Modes (bright, low, blink, SOS)

* 18 hours (or more) from a set of batteries

- Hole for tether or strap

CONs:

- Wish it had a glass (scratch resistant) lens

- Warranty does not cover LED burnout or LED module failure.

- The twist-on, twist-off, adjust-focus-every-time design is not ideal.

- - - Pricing - - -

Prices jump around, and vary by color. Low tide is around 15. There's an "Online Price Alert" that will email you whenever this or any amazon product dips below your target price. Google it. It's nicely done.

- - - Notes - - -

Note 1: Stick with AA batteries for all your devices. Best deal on rechargeables, and only one size to stock up on. Borrow from other devices in a pinch. I never go AAA...they're 2-1/2 times as expensive per amp-hour of output, and in flashlights they're also less space-efficient (per amp-hour of output).

Note 2: 69 Lumens (light output) - 2547 Candela (light intensity) - 18/31 hour battery life (high/low mode)

I love this flashlight. Very bright, high value, excellent battery life. Also love the energy saver mode.

Really really bright, could leave blind anyone for a minute if looks directly to the light! Excellent item, a "must have".

I am happy with my purchase! This is a good seller; Sold exact item in the great condiction. Thank you so much!

I have used traditional Mag lites forever and always loved the high quality construction and the smooth operation, but, as another reviewer remarked, it does turn itself on and off randomly if moved around too much. This is extremely irritating as you then have to cycle through the 4 modes before getting back to the one you started out with. I would not really recommend this flashlight, there are better ones out there with a more reliable on/off mechanism (I ended up buying a number of smaller LED light from other manufacturer).

Durable this is not.

It worked reliably for one day. After that, my experience has been like the woman in the horror movie walking down into the dark basement to find out what that noise was. The flashlight turns itself off just before the monsters appear. If you bang it on your leg, it might turn back on, so you can see your attacker right before you die. For comic relief, the flashlight sometimes only works in "intermittent flashing" mode.