The Stanley Maxlife 369 Tripod gets its name directly from its function. It can run on 3, 6, or 9 AA alkaline cells, its entire body converts to a tripod configuration and when loaded with 9 cells it will run an advertised 200+ hours on its lowest setting. The number of LEDs illuminated is selectable; 1, 3, or 6. The head can be angled into position and it also has a low battery indicator.

Body: This light has one of the most interesting designs I have yet encountered. It has three aluminum tubes which run the length of the body. In between these are rubbery fins which serve as spacers and to provide some continuity between the tubes, giving the light a generally round cross section and providing good grip. At the front of the light is the adjustable angle head with two buttons - one is the LED selector switch, the other causes the legs to pop outward turning the entire contraption into a tripod. The legs are held in place by two disk magnets on a stalk. The opening button moves the magnets away from the contact points on the legs causing the magnets to loose their grip. At the bottom of its stroke the button also gives the legs a little push to pop them out. The legs are spring loaded, but do not open with excessive force. Oh, did I mention that the legs are also the battery tubes?

Bezel/Head: The head contains 6 LEDs in a triangular configuration which protrude slightly from a silvered reflector surface. In front of the LEDs are individual lenses which focus the light into individual overlapping spots. The head itself is sealed with a rubber gasket and screws. The head can pivot to 4 different positions, including slightly downward relative to horizontal when the unit is placed in the tripod configuration. Each position is held by slight detents that provide resistance to position changes. The head moves rather easily and does not appear to be able to be tightened.

Output: Output is in the form of a spot of bluish white light. You may choose 1, 3, or all 6 LEDs lit. The number of LEDs used is selected by clicking the switch in series. When the outermost 3 LEDs of the triangle of LEDs is lit, a ring artifact appears around the central spot. Since the single LED mode lights only one of these LEDs, the result is a 1/3 ring around one side of the central beam on the single LED setting. The 3 LED setting lights the three central LEDs, so the artifact disappears. The 6 LED setting lights the three central LEDs and the outer 3 LEDs, resulting in a full circle ring artifact on the high setting.

The white light produced by the LED is a high color temperature and produces good color rendition weighted toward the blue end of the spectrum. A bit of a bluish tint is detectable as is normal for most 5mm white LED lights.

   
Beam at one meter at target center and at < 1 foot to show spillbeam.

Runtime Plot: Just what I expected - no regulation, just a simple direct drive system. It'll keep going for a very long time, diminishing throughout.

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

Switch: The switch is on one side of the head, just above the tripod release. In front of the switch you will see a red LED which blinks when your battery life is low. Click the switch in series to go from 1 LED to 3 LEDs, to 6 LEDs and then off again.

Seals / Water Resistance: There are seals on the light, but I'm not sure how well they work. The seals on the feet/battery covers require the feet to be screwed in very tight to engage the rubber ring seals. I'd call it splashable, but I don't know if I would trust it to a dunking.

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: It is pretty large and feels awkward when used as a hand-held light. The rubbery fins do assist with grip, but if using the light in one place you are better off just setting it up with the tripod.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: 3, 6 or 9 AA alkaline cells power the light. Each leg holds 3 AA cells and the light will run with only 1 or 2 legs loaded batteries. Maximum battery life is achieved by filling all 3 legs with cells.

To change out the batteries: unscrew the tripod foot, drop out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity (- toward the foot cap). Reattach the tripod foot and you're ready to go.

Accessories: None

What I Liked: Multiple output levels, Runs on as little as 3 cells but can take up to 9, Long battery life, Stands up, Adjustable angle head.

What I Didn't Like: Water resistance questionable, A bit awkward to hold as a handheld flashlight.

Picky Little Things: Head pivots rather easily - wish it could be tightened.

Conclusions: Very clever design. When fully loaded with cells it has significant heft and since the batteries are in the legs it won't tip over easily in the tripod configuration. The pivoting head puts the light where you need it. Great utility light for around the house and fantastic for power outages. Plop in 9 cells and it'll run for days on only one LED. Aim it at the ceiling for an area light inside the house or point it at a specific area for directional illumination. The spot lenses give decent throw while there is still enough spillbeam to see your immediate surroundings.

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