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The Maglite Rechargeable System (MagCharger) is the
top of the line for the Maglite series of flashlights.
This handheld lighthouse has most of the standard features
of the Maglite series of flashlights, with a few nice
additions.
The body of the Magcharger is anodized aluminum and
is diamond checkered for grip around the body. The finish
is available in black only. The tailcap is flat and
has ridges for grip if there is a need to remove the
tailcap to access the rechargeable NiCad battery pack
or the spare bulb (yes, it comes with a spare bulb just
like all the other Maglites.)
The bezel and head of the light contain a tempered
glass lens (no plastic lens here!) and a halogen bi-pin
lamp. The lens has a rubber gasket fitted all the way
around it's edge to provide some shock resistance and
protection. A metal smooth reflector gathers light from
the bulb. The focus of the beam is adjustable by twisting
the head of the light, just like all other Maglites.
Removing the bezel ring reveals that the reflector/lens/focus
cam assembly is removed as one piece which allows for
quick and easy access to the BI-pin bulb. The instructions
do state that the bulb may need to be aligned by the
user to obtain proper focus.
Output is extremely bright! Very nice volume of light.
Unfortunately, as is typical for smooth reflector lights,
the spot is, more-or-less, an oblong image of the filament
and the flood beam has a huge hole in the middle. Using
a textured reflector or a diffusing lens would fix this,
but throw would be reduced.
The focusing system is a little different for the MagCharger
as compared to other Maglites. You can twist all you
want and the head of the light will not come off. It
goes from tight, to medium spread to tight to wide spread,
repeating.
Beam at one meter at target center, narrow and wide
focus
Runtime Plot: Well, the box says "33% More On-Time
Now 2 Hours*". Note the "*"... How about
1 hour 8 min to 50% output per my tests. Not bad for
a rechargeable with this kind of output, though.
More
information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is typical of Maglites. Rubber covered button
just below the head. Very good feel. Press gently for
momentary operation, press until it clicks for constant
on. It rests in a dimple so that it is flush with the
rest of the body tube.
O-ring seals are found at all points of possible water
access (except for the switch cover, which is rubber)
so water resistance is rather good.
Ergonomics: It's about the same size and weight as
a Maglite 3-D (but much brighter!). It fits the hand
well, but has significant heft. Not something you want
to take camping, but for taking the dog for a walk at
night it should be comfortable enough. The switch is
easy to find, just below the head.
Batteries: Ahhhhhhh... this is the cool part. It's
rechargeable, so you don't have to keep feeding it batteries.
The unit I tested came with 2 mounting brackets, one
connector/holder, one 110V adapter, and one 12V adapter.
By having two mounting brackets (one is shown on right
side of picture, other is attached to holder) you can
move the system between the house and vehicle by simply
pressing in on a little spring loaded pin and removing
the holder from its mount..
Unlike many other rechargeable systems the flashlight
will charge regardless of rotational orientation in
the charging holder. The holder has two contact pins.
The flashlight has a pair of contact rings (see switch
picture above) so no mater how you insert the light
into the charger, it will charge. No special alignment
needed!
The light holder/contact system itself
holds the light in place with two spring-loaded arms.
Snap the light in and it starts charging. To remove
the light just grab it near the tailcap and pull. The
holder includes a bezel/lens protector that works great
as a base for perfect alignment when charging the light
in a head-down configuration.
There is a little red LED on the charging
holder opposite the head. The LED lights when the MagCharger
is charging up. Charge time is 16 hours. Ouch! Use it
for an hour and wait 16 to get a full charge again.
Great for once-a-night use or brief periods of usage
throughout an evening, but a quickcharger would have
been nicer for more frequent use...
Optional accessories are available for this light.
Check the Maglite site for more information in this
area.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Fairly tough (don't use the head as an impact object
- glass lens!), OK battery life for a rechargeable,
Very Bright
What I Didn't Like: Beam is full
of "rings and holes" when unfocused. Quicker
charger system would have been better...
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
Conclusions: Very good rechargeable
light. Mag did just about everything right with this
light. If its runtime and recharging times suit your
needs, this is a great light. I only wish the beam was
a bit more smooth, but then it would lose throw (distance-lighting
ability).
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