PLEASE NOTE:

The MagLED flashlight retail package that includes a C or D cell flashlight with the LED already installed is just a regular Mag body with the module put in place of a regular bulb, that's all.

There's nothing special about the MagLED flashlight package that makes it different. In fact, there should still be a spare incandescent bulb in the tailcap.

As a result, the information below applies to both the separate module retrofit and the MagLED D-cell lights.

3-D Maglite supplied by Action-Lights

Mag-LED module

The Mag-LED modules are drop-in replacement LED bulbs which serve as Maglite's entry into the LED market. They are available in 2, 3 or 4 cell (C or D) configurations. Maglites can be purchased with the LEDs already installed as well.

Body:

The module consists of an aluminum "can" which contains all of the parts: LED, circuit, and contacts. Now I will admit that I did not disassemble one of these, but some very knowledgeable folks have, and what they discovered was a circuitry design which is similar to that which has been in use for several years by other manufacturers. They also discovered poor heatsinking for the LED, which the circuitry then has to compensate for by quickly lowering output as the module heats up. This is typical of some LED replacement modules from other manufacturers and if this did not happen, the LED could be damaged by the heat produced by the module.

The outside of the module is pretty clean and well formed. The body diameter is very large, presumably to try to make better contact with the Maglite socket. This results in the possibility that the modules will not fit in other manufacturer's lights.

Bezel/Head:

When installed in a Maglite, the light retains its focusability. It is a direct drop-in replacement for the normal bulb. In fact, the Mag-LED flashlights that can be bought with the LED already installed actually still have the incandescent replacement bulb still in the tailcap.

Module installed in Maglite

Output:

The white light produced by the LED is a high color temperature and produces good color rendition.. A slight tint is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white source, but this tinting is not really noticeable during normal use. All three LED modules tested had a slightly different tint.

Since the LED module utilizes the standard Mag reflector, it still suffers from the "rings and holes" typical of the Maglite when the light is focused to anything but a tight beam.

Based on the output numbers, above, it looks like your biggest "bang for the buck" will be from the 3-D module. It produces the most light of the three. Overall light produced is very good, and all three modules produce more overall light on fresh cells than the original incandescent bulbs.

   
Beam at one meter at target center, narrow and wide focus.

Runtime Plot:

As you can see, the output drops like a rock in the first hour - similar to other LED drop-in modules. However, it maintains that output for a long time before dropping significantly to a lower output level which I'm sure it will maintain for days.

3 Cell bulb runtime:

Runtime completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

2 Cell bulb runtime. Bigger inital drop and slightly shorter runtime. Output overall is also lower than that of the 3 cell.

Runtime completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

4 Cell bulb runtime.

Runtime completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Here's the graph that really shows the performance difference between the stock Mag bulb and the Mag-LED. Now you can see why LEDs really are the "future of lighting".

Batteries:

You will need to get the module that matches the number of batteries your light uses: 2, 3, or 4 cells, C or D only. Alkaline batteries only, per the manufacturer. They are specific in stating that rechargeable cells should not be used.

What I Liked:

Won't blow like a normal bulb, Higher color temperature for more sunlight-like colors, Produce more overall light than the original incandescent bulbs by my readings.

What I Didn't Like:

Module heats up quickly and output drops quickly.

Picky Little Things:

None

Conclusions:

I know a LOT of people have been waiting for Maglite to enter into the LED market. They finally have and their offering is pretty good. You can get LED modules to run on 2, 3, or 4 cells. The lack of heatsinking causes your initial bright output to quickly drop, but despite this, throughout the entire runtime the light is ALWAYS brighter (overall output) than the incandescent bulb when using the Mag-LEDs. After the big plunge in the first 15 minutes, the temperature stabilizes and it runs for a very long time. If you like Maglites, you'll love this upgrade.

Quick Facts Table: