Mag-Lite ST3D016 3-D Cell LED Flashlight, Black
by MAGLITE
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Mag-Lite ST3D016 3-D Cell LED Flashlight, Black
Customer Review: Maglite second-gen LED flashlight deserves a second chance
Summary: 5 Stars
This Mag-Lite ST3D016 3-D Cell LED Flashlight features the second-generation LED technology by Maglite. You may be alarmed that many of the older Amazon reviews are highly critical about this product. However, please note that the 2nd-gen LED Maglite was not even available before May 2009. That means earlier reviews were all based on the inferior first-gen Maglite LED flashlight.
The 2nd-gen Maglite LED flashlight offers many improvements over the first-generation version:
1. Brighter LED:
The new Maglite uses a Luxeon 'Rebel ES' 3-Watt LED as light source (check my Customer Image to see how it looks like). This LED is significantly brighter, whiter and more energy-efficient than the previous 'Lux III' LED used in 1st-gen Maglite.
2. Improved Heat Sink:
The overheating problem found in 1st-gen LED modules has been solved. That is, the light no longer dims down after just a few minutes of operation.
3. Better Power Management:
The new Maglite maintains constant power consumption of 2W as long as battery voltage is above 3.5V. That means it produces the same brightness whether powered by 3x NiMH cells (3.75V), or 3x alkaline cells (4.5V). When battery voltage drops below 3.5V, the light dims down gradually to conserve power, instead of abruptly drops dead like in 1st-gen. (See my Customer Image for chart of Input Power vs. Battery Voltage)
4. Sharper Focusing:
The 'Spot' mode is now very tight, with hardly any spill over. The 'Wide' mode is more even, without an ugly black hole in the middle. (See my Customer Image for beam shots)
Some other observations:
- Light output of this Maglite 3-D LED flashlight is rated at '104-lumen'. I have no reason to doubt this number, because it is significantly brighter than the Maglite 2-AA mini LED, which is rated at 69-lumen. This claim is also consistent with the spec sheet of Luxeon Rebel ES LED, with the input power at 2W.
- The battery life is rated at '72-hour'. This number seems a bit optimistic to me. Based on energy calculation, a set of three alkaline D-cells should be able to power the light at full power (2W) for about 20 hours. After that, the light will start to dim down gradually over the course of next 30-40 hours.
The only 'shortcoming' of this 3xD-cell Maglite is its size and weight. It is true that you can find other LED flashlights that also advertise '100-lumen', but powered by just 2xAA or even 3xAAA cells. However, the total energy stored in each D-size alkaline cell is about 7x greater than that in one AA cell. So by using three D-cells instead of two AA cells, this Maglite is able to burn at full brightness for 10 times longer. Most other LED flashlights only provide full brightness initially, when batteries are fresh. Physics don't lie. Marketing people do.
Bottom line:
Don't be discouraged by outdated negative reviews! This 2nd-gen Maglite LED flashlight is a very capable, rugged workhorse. Of course, if you need a more compact unit, then consider the MAGLITE 2-AA Cell Mini-Maglite LED Flashlight instead. It offers the 2nd-gen LED technology, too.
[Update on Feb 23, 2011]
I did a comparison between this 3-D Maglite and its 2-D cousin (ST2D016), and found them to be identical in terms of brightness and beam shape. The only difference is in runtime (about 20 hours for 3-D, 12 hours for 2-D). So just pick one depending on your perference in size. See my Amazon review for details ( http://www.amazon.com/review/R1D7NW7RSPLFAJ/ ).
Customer Review: Quality Product
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone whose life or safety, depends upon their ability to light up the night, will want a professional grade product. My "work-horse" is a Streamlight SL-20X, w/ a SL-35X lamp, throwing out 40,000 candle power. Exactly what I need to be able to see someone trying to run from me or hide in the shadows. For close quarters, I prefer the Streamlight Stinger w/ a Terralux LED upgrade package. To back them up, I keep a Surefire 9P modified to chamber 4 CR123 batteries and fire a 12V Xenon bulb. In my toolbox, for use when I'm crawling in sub-basements, attics, & under cars, I keep a Streamlight SL-20XP LED & Streamlight PolyStinger LED.
Starting to get the idea that I won't leave anything stock or OEM? Can't wait to hear about how I added "more power" mods to my car, my gun, my computer, my gold teeth.......even my jeans sag more than the next guy!
Now lets talk about the Maglite. Sort of like stepping down from a muscle car to a Honda, right? I've also got a set of Snap-On tools, but none-the-less still buy junk from Harbor Freight.
A couple of weeks ago, I found an old Maglite in my garage. Had it from when I was a kid. The batteries had exploded and leaking acid ruined the entire sleeve & switch assembly. Since I had a sense of humor, and an extra $4 in "forever" stamps, I wrapped this thing up in a Streamlight box and sent it back to the Maglite warranty center. Within a couple of weeks, a brand new Maglite came in the mail. Maglite stands behind their product. They are serious about that lifetime warranty. You can't beat that, period.
A flashlight that you can own forever (if you don't lose it) for all of $10!
I've seen mine dropped from ladders, down hiking trails, off the top of a 6 foot fence....you name it, all sorts of heights. Sure, the bulb might break. You may even crack the lens. But you won't break the metal casing or the switch. Even if you drop them in water, you can dry them out, change the batteries, and still use them again.
As Hanukkah approaches, I've already decided to give all the kids Maglites this year. Just like I had when I was a kid. Back then, you were on top of the world if you had a Swiss Army Knife & a Mini-Maglite. Even as an adult, I can't go anywhere without a Leatherman Tool & Surefire G2 Nitrolon.
Not very bright. Cost of batteries will add up real fast. Starts off brighter, then dims & fades. Poor beam pattern with dark spots from filaments out of balance.
But still the best value for an all purpose light. Great to keep around in the kitchen drawer. Excellent for kids. Can't be beat for camping & fishing. And in a pinch, will work with 6V batteries from Streamlight SL-20X & Mag-Charger.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2010
20880 candle power @ 104 lumens, this light is "tuned" very conservatively from the factory. Pretty good for reading comic books in a tent, and just about enough light to take the head off and use it as a LED candle for your campsite. The batteries do last longer than the Krypton bulb version.
The professional whose life depends on being able to see demands more. My Streamlight SL-20X is now modded with the TerraLUX TLE-110-S-MM Multi Mode 600 Lumen LED Upgrade for Streamlight SL20X Dimmable 110SMM. If you already own a traditional Maglite, don't go out and buy this LED model. Instead, invest your money into the TerraLUX TLE-6EXB MiniStar5 140 Lumens Extreme LED Replacement Bulb for 2-3 C&D Cell MagLites. Or get the TerraLUX TLE-300M-EX 700 Lumen upgrade, 6V 3500mah NiMh Battery & Charger from: [...]
Customer Review: Durable but Lacking Performance
Summary: 1 Stars
Maglite has been known for decades for a quality powerful light with a terrific warranty. Unfortunately their attempt at quality LED lighting is far from terrific. The LED lights if left on for more than 5 minutes sees a significant decrease in the brightness of the light. This is due to a failure to provide a proper heat sink for the LED light. The longer the light stays on the dimmer and dimmer it grows. To say the least this is really disappointing. Improper heat removal from the LED will significantly reduce the life of the bulb as well.
Second, the power derived from the 3D batteries is not properly circuited or managed to provide a powerful beam that you would expect from the power that it is given. The biggest disappointment to prove this came when I recently ordered a Fenix key chain light that ran on 1 AAA battery. To say the least the light was as bright as my Maglite. After 5 minutes of operation the AAA Fenix light was brighter than the 3D Maglite because of the missing heat sink to effectively dissipate heat. Really disappointing.
Third, the adjustable focus is worthless as the light only provides quality lighting when completely focused for the greatest throw of the light, which due to its poor power management does not give the 3D batteries justice. The light is completely unusable in the flood focus as a big black dark spot appears in the middle of the projection. The light to say the least needs a better focusing system. Not to mention that the reflector is made of plastic. Aluminum would be far better and could provide a nice heat sink.
After about 6 months of light use my Maglite switch failed. This was after Hurricane Ike moved through my area and we were without power for 10 days. To say the least this was disappointing because of the quality that Maglite has been known for. I contacted Maglite via the internet as soon as my power was restored explaining my problem and they immediately sent out a replacement part, instructions, and tools necessary to change out the switch. I received the part within 10 days. It was an easy install and the correspondence was hassle free. In a time when corporations try to get out of warranties or force you to go through a long drawn out process it was refreshing to see Maglite honor their warranty with no hassle.
The durability of the light is not in question. It is made from quality components and should offer a long life of use.
Summary: The attempt at LED technology by Maglite is quite poor. The light is durable and Maglite does keep there word on their warranty. Still I do not recommend this light because inefficient power management, inadequate heat sinking, and poor focusing mechanism are all big problems with this light.
Customer Review: Great light,one problem?
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this Mag-Lite for my job where I am required to use it on a pretty regular basis. I own one of the orignal 3-D Cell Mags for a long time(it was my dads and I think the light is older than I am). The originals I have come to know and love as a dependable, long lasting flashlight, EXCEPT for the batteries. Mags are infamous for chewing through their batteries like a shark to chum. And when they get cold, it's "bye-bye" battery life. I went with the LED becuase I know that they are easier on batteries.
GOOD STUFF:
After first installing batteries..HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOLY!!! This light is BRIGHT! It puts out an immense "white" light that hurts the eyes to stare at(tested it on myself). I have been using the same set of D-Cell batteries for about 2 months now. I use the light 5 days a week, for about 30-45 minutes a shift. It still seems to maintain it's brightness! I have even left it in my car overnight during one of the coldest winters we've had in a long time; took it-to work, pulled it out of my work bag(it was SWEATING beacuse of the cold!), turned it on, and NO loss of brightness.
PROBLEM:
Really the ONLY bad thing I could say about this Mag, is that it likes to flicker a lot(the light beam). I have completely checked all of the contacts, leads, and batteries for any signs of a short and/or corrossion, but was unable to find any. The only way I was able to eliminate the flicker was to tighten down the beam adjuster all the way, which limits the amount of adjustment I can use on the beam without it flickering. I am not sure if this is a problem with other units or just mine. I am going to contact the company and update my post afterwards.
PROS:
- Solid, durable construction
- LONG battery life
- VERY bright light output
CONS:
- Flickering of the light beam
- Weight(Almost 3lbs when "loaded" with batteries)
- I chose the light SPECIFICALLY for the weight, as I might need to use as self-defense.
Customer Review: Nothing says versitility like a Maglite.
Summary: 4 Stars
Despite 36 reviews as of March 30, 2009 I feel obligated to post one more. I'm surprised that none of the reviewers adequately covered these topics. I'll follow the format that seems to have been established.
Pros:
Nice sturdy weight. Whether you're using the light to replace a blown fuse in the basement of an old house or crushing an intruder's skull, the heft of the MAGLITE lets you know it's there. Now it takes somewhere around 285 pounds to crush a human skull, so you'll have to generate some serious velocity while swinging the MAG, probably upwards of 80 - 90 miles an hour. Nothing says, "Get the H*ll out of my house!" like a fractured skull.
The optional "Bust A Cap" (as mentioned by Menace915 in Tx) is excellent for both getting into and out of vehicles, but it has other uses as well. It is particularly useful in dislodging locked, interior house doors. For instance, if your teenage daughter is taking forever in the family's only bathroom with the door locked, NOW you have a solution!
Cons:
While it can be used as a bludgeoning tool, it should be noted that repeated use in this fashion will likely diminish its brightness. Sure you can "drop" it all you want, but I think if MAGLITE wants to get serious they need to really design this thing to be used as a cudgel. Speaking from personal experience, you can only ward off, at a maximum, four "intruders" before the frame is too dented to fit batteries into. The next generation MAGLITE should consider fixing this oversight.
It may be tempting to use this device within the confines of a body cavity, let me recommend against it. The diameter is about 2.5 inches, but that's not the only concern - the patterned grip can cause some serious damage if you make it up that far. The adventurous should start with the smaller, MAGLITE SP2301H 3-AA Cell Mini LED Flashlight.
All in all it is a wonderful product, for all uses.