Maglite recently updated their 2AA LED mini Maglites, and introduced two models as part of the newly launched XL LED flashlight product line – the XL50, and the XL100. Apparently the compact XL lights have been selling well, because Maglite came out with another one, the XL200, which is now the brightest of the bunch.
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The Maglite XL200 LED flashlight features 5 operation modes, quick-click mode selector, 172 lumen max output, spot to flood adjustable beam focus, 2hr 30min runtime on the max illumination setting, and 218hr runtime on the low setting. Best of all, it also runs off of 3 AAA batteries, which helps keep it nice and compact.
Quick-Click Modes
- High power
- Strobe mode
- Nite Lite mode
- Signal mode
- SOS mode
A lockout setting prevents accidental operation, and LED brightness is motion-controlled as with the XL100. The flashlights are anodized inside and out for improved corrosion resistance, and O-rings seal the flashlights against the elements.
The XL200 is available now for about $35, and comes in black, blue, red, or gray-anodized aluminum bodies.
Sprague
I have the XL100 and it seems very bright, 172 lumen max output that this has must be crazy bright. Of course at this brightness it’s 2hr 30min runtime is about half the XL100’s.
I find that the “spot to flood adjustable beam focus” is almost pointless on the light. The directional nature of LEDs really defeat this feature. Traditional incandescent bulbed Maglites work much better in this one area.
Target carried the XL100@$39.99 for a while, then restocked with the [email protected]. I lucked out and found the XL100 on clearanced for $9.99. I bought a few of them – they have worked really well for me!
Stuart
Although LED output is usually highly directional, I have seen some impressive focusing tech on recent flashlights, most notably on the Coast A25. But on these XL Maglites, it could be that the focusing is less than perfect due to size considerations. I haven’t tried any of the new XLs out yet, so I’m not familiar with how well or poorly it works.
$10 for an XL100 on clearance? I definitely would have bought a few at that price too!
Glad to hear that the XL100 is working out for you. I may have to pick up one of those or these for myself based on your feedback, thanks!
Stew
I am familiar with optics and how they treat light. These lights would be fine as a fixed beam. The flat window will not treat the flood setting right. The Nebo Redline has it right! Notice the severely convex lens. That is what is needed, with the bulb at exactly the right position relative to the curvature of the lens. If the LED is not positioned correctly you get that awful green center effect.
I think Maglite has a good little light, just needs some tweaking of the optics.
Joe Mamma
I never really understood the usefulness of strobe modes . . .
John
When you’re walking the dog in the dark… Helps cars to see you. That’s why I use it in any case.
James
@ Joe, strobe is for “tactical” situations. A bright strobe can be very disorienting. Aside from that, I don’t think it’s of much use.
Stuart, could you elaborate on “the LED brightness is motion controlled…” I’m in the market for a high-quality (at least for what about $50 will get me) flashlight. This one looks interesting.
Stuart
The XL100 brightness can be controlled by rotating the flashlight in-hand. I assume that the XL200 motion control works in the same way. Turn the light on, and rotate the light with your wrist.
I’m not really a fan of electronic controls of this type, but from what I have seen and heard, it works rasonably well.
Sprague
@James, check out this video. It’s for the xl100 but it should be the same for the xl200.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Tq-ZCeKMc
There are other videos on the use of it too. I think it is pretty neat, but in the beginning it takes a little while to remember how it works.
Stuart
Sprague,
Thanks for posting the video link! Now I remember why I didn’t purchase the XL100 for myself, or for family members who don’t need the all but the kitchen-sink list of features and settings. While some of the features look handy, those that only need a bare-bones type of flashlight are still paying extra for that added functionality. I may still pick one up, but it’s something I won’t consider for family members that use flashlights once a month or less.
marco alvarez
I have 2 of the xl 100 and they work great at night. I use them about 10-12 nights out of the month. Just bought 2 xl200 lights and like them better. Xl200 use batteries but they are worth it. It would be nice if maglight could make them more battery friendly.