Maglite’s 3D LED flashlights are not extremely bright, nor do they have multiple output settings or special features. They’re actually somewhat unremarkable in comparison to others brands’ offerings. But they’re darned good flashlights that are very well built, durable, and reliable.
I have a few 3D LED flashlights with red, blue, and silver finishes. I might have a black-anodized one as well. These flashlights are available in a couple of other colors, include this one, model ST3DMR6, which has a universal camouflage patterned finish.
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Ordinarily, I would scoff at a camo-patterned flashlight. Unless it was on sale for a good price, such as the Rayovac Mossy Oak flashlights that Home Depot carried last winter. Those flashlights eventually dropped to $4 or so.
My default instinct is to say something like: what happens if you drop it in the woods? However, I find the matte nature of camo finishes to be somewhat appealing. As far as the camo pattern on this flashlight goes, it’s not as loud as Mossy Oak and Real Tree camo. The downside is that it has a slight tacticool tone.
As an aside, Maglite’s MagTac LED flashlights are quite good if you’re looking for something smaller and brighter.
Features and Specs
- 131 lumens
- 1,194′ max range
- Adjustable beam (spot to flood)
- Aluminum construction
- Runtime of 79 hours
- Momentary on-off feature
- Weather resistant
- Impact resistant (to 3′ feet/1 meter)
- Weighs 30 ounces with (3) D-cell batteries
Whether red, blue, or with a universal camo finish, Maglite’s 3D LED flashlights are rock-solid. They fit common D-sized alkaline batteries and have a rubber on/off button near the lamphead.
Rotating the large reflector lets you switch between spot and floodlight modes. The adjustable beam makes the Maglite 3D a good all-around performer, but keep in mind that its illumination pattern cannot be as tightly focused as with a spotlight, or uniformly spread as with a wide-beam floodlight.
If I didn’t already have a couple of Maglite 3D LED flashlights, or more flashlights than I know what to do with, I might be convinced to buy this camo patterned one over the other more basic-colored versions.
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Most (if not all) Maglite flashlights are made in the USA. Some components are globally sourced.
Jerry
No LED??????
I like Maglights, but wish these were LED lights. Imagine the runtime on 3 D cells, at a moderate output setting.
Phil
Uh, this flashlight is LED. Runtime is 79 hours. These particular lights don’t have a variable brightness feature, unfortunately. I’m sure the runtime can go on a lot longer if you are willing to out up with a dimmer light. Alkaline batteries continue to put out reasonable light when used with most LED lights when they are nearing exhaustion. They don’t die off suddenly like rechargeable chemistries.
Stuart
As Phil says, this is an LED flashlight, with runtime of more than 3 DAYS. What made you think it’s not an LED flashlight?
Jerry
I see that your article states it is an LED light, I can’t see where I missed that, but apparently I did. I just remember not long ago a local store had a sale on Maglites, and the 3-D cell ones there had conventional bulbs, and I guess I just assumed this one was like those. I guess another reason was the light output. I have a cheapo LED flashlight that puts out over 200 lumens with a single AA battery, and would assume an LED light of that size would be brighter, especially if it only had one setting. 300 lumens with a day and a half of runtime would seem more practical to me, but that’s just my preference.
Stuart
300 lumens is a LOT of light. More is not necessarily always better. 50 to 80 lumens is suitable for close and medium-range illumination, over 100 lumens with a relatively focused beam or hot center spot is great for distance.
Jerry
I realize it is a lot of light, but if I’m going to carry around something that big, it should put out a lot of light. I understand the defense baton use for police or security, but the average guy really doesn’t need to consider that. This light is out powered by Maglites own little light powered by 3 AAA batteries.
I have a 3 D cell Maglight with the standard bulb, and it is built like a tank, but I have always wished it was significantly brighter.
Phil
I don’t think you’ll have any problems losing this in the woods unless you live in an 8-bit universe. 🙂
Mag makes a solid light even in these days of a market flooded with so many choices. Are there better lights out there? Definitely. But Mag lights will always be a good value, high quality, and with a bonus of being (mostly) American made.
As for camo, I think it’s overdone. Hearing friends espouse the benefits of Realtree versus Mossy Oak, their various patterns and other prints make me think of redneck drag queens discussing brands and colors of evening dresses.
SteveR
The last few years I’ve bought anything other than a Maglight, as they’re just so big and heavy relative to their light output. I was initially attracted (early 1980s)because of their bullet-proof operation and precision aluminum construction. There are many smaller alternatives now with LEDs which throw out so much more light. Nonetheless, I still have all but one of the Maglights (the batteries took out a 3-D batteried unit), and all of those still work.
Cops liked them because they were a good persuader when applied to a hostile
suspect, and they provided more light when bulb technology advanced. They’re a weighty handful though, and tactical lights throw out more useful candlepower when needed. Headband styles free up both hands and are less tiring to work with.
Nonetheless, I still reach for them at home because they always work, and that’s what matters.
Stuart
What I like about 3D Maglites is that they’re easy to find. I cannot always find my favorite 1AA, 1AAA, 2AA, 3AAA, or 2 CR123 flashlights, but I can always find my larger Maglites. There is one on each TV stand, and one under a bedroom cabinet.
Jerry
Maglite makes a ‘clip’ that holds their D cell atteries, that screws onto a wall or door. I put one of those in the little crook behind the porch door where no one would see it but where I could always find it, even in a blackout.