MAGLITE S4D016 Heavy-Duty 4-D Cell Flashlight, Black

But the Mag's indestructibility is its main selling point. Mag Instrument builds its flashlights with ultrastrong aluminum alloy cases that have been anodized both inside and out to resist rust. High-quality O-rings at both openings keep water away from the batteries. It's hard to imagine damaging one of these lights. Think of it this way: if, as one of our customers suggests, there were a kingdom of flashlights, Mag-Lite would be crowned king. --Jon Groebner

The primary job of a flashlight is, not surprisingly, to create light. Mag gets more light out of their flashlights than anybody. Maybe it's the bulb, or the reflector. But NO flashlight will come close to putting out as much light as a Mag.

Another quality we hope to find in any product is functionality -- does it work every time, or mainly when you don't need it? I can't recall more than a time or two that a Mag failed to come on. I've dropped them from heights that would have destroyed anything less and they still worked.

I have an old black AA-size Mini-Mag here that spent about a decade in the cockpits of airplanes -- the poorest lighted places this side of the Black Forest -- so it got a world of use. The place on the end cap for attaching a lanyard or hanging ring is worn completely through. But the little guy still works like a charm.

The switch on this D-cell model is under live rubber; it has a solid click on and off. The beam is adjustible to a sharp spot. You'll probably want to set it there and leave it alone.

I am certain that batteries last longer in a Mag-lite. The only explanation for this would seem to be that a tiny bit of battery drain occurs on some others. Before I became 100% converted to Mags I would too often pick up a flashlight that was full of dead batteries. I can go for years without changing the batteries in a Mag-lite.

All Mags are rugged. The barrels are sturdy aluminum extrusions -- not plastic or stamped metal. Both end caps have O rings to keep the case waterproof. And who else would be so thoughtful as to put an extra bulb in the bottom endcap?

A reviewer below had a legitimate gripe about tubular things not staying put on anything but a level surface. Of course, that has been a complaint for years about pens and all kinds of tubular devices. This can be cured for the Mag-Lite with a very small bungee cord. Tie several knots in it until it is shortened enough to fit tight around the barrel. The knots will keep the light from rolling around.

I like the new hot red Mag-Lites. Anybody with any sense at all would know a pretty red flashlight would throw more light than a black one. It just stands to reason.


This is the Flashlight you need   August 7, 2000
Bibliophile
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

I have three of these flashlights and they are fantastic. I keep one in the garage (see accessory section for mounting bracket), one on the fireplace mantle, and one in my car. They all work perfectly, project a bright, adjustable beam, and feel great in your hand. Not only does it work in normal conditions, but the gaskets and buttons do a great job keeping water out - I live in the Pacific Northwest and use it in the rain frequently with no problems.

This is the same model that many of our local law enforcement types use day-in / day-out. I'd image that may a miscreant has received a "bop" on the head with one of these babies and will think twice before resuming their layabout ways.

Get one of these with three fresh Duracell's and you're set. This flashlight will last you a lifetime!


Quality Flashlight   March 14, 2000
22 out of 24 found this review helpful

This flashlight is built to last a lifetime. If you're an engineer you'll like the design and quality of this product. I'm a little surprised that the price isn't higher. The aluminum is of a heavy enough gauge to resist dings, the switch has a good crisp feel to it, and the fit of the parts is very good. It has a good heavy feel to it (even without the batteries). Only negative: you have to be careful where you sit it because it will get away from you fast and it is too tall to stand on end. Would be perfect with a non-round head shape that would resist rolling.


Excellent flashlight - good price   August 17, 2000
Scott Pointon (Crest Hill, IL United States)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I keep one of these flashlights in both of my vehicles. They provide a lot of light from a fairly small package. Buying the "C" battery version allows you all of the benefits of a Maglight - brightness, durability, etc. but its light weight makes it less cumbersome to carry. You won't find a better flashlight that this.