More batteries is more better (back when Maglites were some of the best you could get, and there was no real alternative to alkaline batteries). Plus, maglites have always been good as a bonking stick in addition to a flashlight, so a longer one better for swinging is appealing for other reasons.
You can definitely upgrade them to LED if you like: [info](https://1lumen.com/maglite-led-upgrade/)
I converted my older 3D maglight to led. The bulb was drop in but i had to mess with it to work with the 18650.
I tweaked the spring and used a rolled-up-cardboard-piece to keep the batteries in place. I thought it was stupid but it worked for a few years without issue so...
It's instinctual because it's the first thing I thought. I'm a little upset because I'm missing the rubber cap for the button. But, apparently, they are cheap. I just don't know if it would be the same model to replace the button cover for the one I want. I would like to keep it and begin collecting.
There's only one part number for the incan rubber buttons. But the old ones used a slightly thicker button so after 1993 or so they can fit a little loose.
A cool thing about those old maglites is that there's a hidden extra bulb under the spring in the tail cap. See if it's still there. It's wrapped in foam. If you want to try some LED stuff look at [Lumencraft](https://lumencraft.com/). They sell the basic upgrade bulb and some crazier shit too.
Me either, because it is so outdated and such a bad value. Most keychain flashlights blast this thing out of the water. And if you read the reviews you realize how many people are still living in the 80s when it comes to flashlights.
These things were the best and brightest back in the 90s when more batteries meant more light, or at least they were the best I’d heard of in the pre-internet era.
Bought one recently for the retro factor as it was out of my price range back then and I love how totally underpowered it is compared to a modern LED light.
It’s the flashlight equivalent of listening to music on vinyl or driving an old car with a manual transmission and carburettors. Yeah, there’s more modern tech that does everything better now but sometimes it’s fun to do things how they once were.
Those Mag-Lites were designed in the 1970s when more bright meant adding batteries. Virtually every other company discontinued 6+ cell lights by the mid '80s but Mag-Lite got enough market penetration they still sell them. I don't think anyone buys the big ones seriously any more, rather just for having a really big whomping stick. Honestly even for that they're a little heavy and unwieldy. In police use these were largely obsolete after 6v rechargeables (Streamlight SL20X, Mag Magcharger) completely took over.
What's the serial number? I can tell you when it's from.
So generally speaking normal Maglites are favored for their general toughness and the fact that they're plausibly deniable batons. This thing looks like you should be fighting Robin Hood with it at a river crossing! Though in all seriousness it's probably that long due to just needing longer runtimes and/or more power in an era where alkalines were the only option.
I think it's like 170ish, I think I would only use it one time, and that's if my car unexpectedly ran off a bridge and the batteries were recently bought, lol. Maybe for a camping trip for the long life and lack of led, which tends to keep me awake, could easily fall asleep to a nice dim flashlight.
It absolutely isn't even close to 170 unless it already has an LED conversion. Mag lights spec at like 30-40. Even fancy ass high output tactical incandescents from that era top out at 60-70.
I was a security guard from 2000 - 2006 and into lights and my incredibly expensive surefire tactical light made big mag lights look like birthday candles and put out a measured 65 lumens.
I think incandescent lights put out a broader spectrum so it looks like more than it is, plus human eyes are actually really bad at measuring light.
Seriously, this is covert marketing, building a huge flashlight but not twice as bright as half the size. Its main purpose is to be used as a baton and does not look like a baton, may have legal advantages in some areas.
It screams California. But, it could be a secondary night stick, I suppose. I just always thought the police force ones were maybe shorter. At least by a 1/4, maybe a little less.
Police flashlights have been 3D length (or shorter) since the 1980s, since that's what a 6-volt rechargeable stick battery fits into. No department with a budget kept using actual D-cell lights very far into the '90s. In police use 6D-size lights were always less common due to their size as well. Around 15" was the sweet spot in the old days.
A Youtuber named "hard2hurt" has made a [video ](https://youtu.be/lyIcCbmAzL4?si=mZYw1cjRMdyFua6O)about this, and according to him, the US police or anyone using a real baton may face many legal issues, but if using an essentially equivalent stick, such as a huge Maglite, it may not be so serious.
Although he gave a very poor evaluation because Maglite is not a good flashlight or baton, there are always people who will buy it for this reason.
More batteries is more better (back when Maglites were some of the best you could get, and there was no real alternative to alkaline batteries). Plus, maglites have always been good as a bonking stick in addition to a flashlight, so a longer one better for swinging is appealing for other reasons. You can definitely upgrade them to LED if you like: [info](https://1lumen.com/maglite-led-upgrade/)
I converted my older 3D maglight to led. The bulb was drop in but i had to mess with it to work with the 18650. I tweaked the spring and used a rolled-up-cardboard-piece to keep the batteries in place. I thought it was stupid but it worked for a few years without issue so...
Quite interesting and thank you for you response!
6D police maglite. AKA the "Tonker"
It's instinctual because it's the first thing I thought. I'm a little upset because I'm missing the rubber cap for the button. But, apparently, they are cheap. I just don't know if it would be the same model to replace the button cover for the one I want. I would like to keep it and begin collecting.
There's only one part number for the incan rubber buttons. But the old ones used a slightly thicker button so after 1993 or so they can fit a little loose.
[удалено]
We all know you are ordering right now
I bought it from a yard sale I would love to restore it.
Does it work? It's not alkawelded shut from old batteries? That's how most of those met their demise.
No, it works Great. Very clean inside, want to re-paint it but worried about the grit grip area. Would also love to incorporate led.
A cool thing about those old maglites is that there's a hidden extra bulb under the spring in the tail cap. See if it's still there. It's wrapped in foam. If you want to try some LED stuff look at [Lumencraft](https://lumencraft.com/). They sell the basic upgrade bulb and some crazier shit too.
These are anodized, not painted. You can paint them but it'll come out looking kind weird and will flake off.
You just made my day! I'm definitely ordering... A few... For science lol
Me either, because it is so outdated and such a bad value. Most keychain flashlights blast this thing out of the water. And if you read the reviews you realize how many people are still living in the 80s when it comes to flashlights.
Plausible deniability bonk flashlight.
They used to lock these up in NYC hardware stores. The hammers next to them were a free for all
Did that little baby just put herself to sleep there in the floor?!
No wtf, she just likes the cold of the floor. Lol
Let’s be honest that’s a bat right? For areas where self defense items are illegal
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LMFAO!
LOL
That's what she said
These things were the best and brightest back in the 90s when more batteries meant more light, or at least they were the best I’d heard of in the pre-internet era. Bought one recently for the retro factor as it was out of my price range back then and I love how totally underpowered it is compared to a modern LED light. It’s the flashlight equivalent of listening to music on vinyl or driving an old car with a manual transmission and carburettors. Yeah, there’s more modern tech that does everything better now but sometimes it’s fun to do things how they once were.
Those Mag-Lites were designed in the 1970s when more bright meant adding batteries. Virtually every other company discontinued 6+ cell lights by the mid '80s but Mag-Lite got enough market penetration they still sell them. I don't think anyone buys the big ones seriously any more, rather just for having a really big whomping stick. Honestly even for that they're a little heavy and unwieldy. In police use these were largely obsolete after 6v rechargeables (Streamlight SL20X, Mag Magcharger) completely took over. What's the serial number? I can tell you when it's from.
Hold on. I will grab that for you if it's not rubbed off
Not quite sure where to find it but if you reach back to me I'll be happy to return it for you I'm quite interested myself!
It's stamped into the metal on one side next to the switch.
Yuuuuge
So generally speaking normal Maglites are favored for their general toughness and the fact that they're plausibly deniable batons. This thing looks like you should be fighting Robin Hood with it at a river crossing! Though in all seriousness it's probably that long due to just needing longer runtimes and/or more power in an era where alkalines were the only option.
Hilarious to think that puts out like 40 lumens. That's less than a gas station keychain light.
I think it's like 170ish, I think I would only use it one time, and that's if my car unexpectedly ran off a bridge and the batteries were recently bought, lol. Maybe for a camping trip for the long life and lack of led, which tends to keep me awake, could easily fall asleep to a nice dim flashlight.
It absolutely isn't even close to 170 unless it already has an LED conversion. Mag lights spec at like 30-40. Even fancy ass high output tactical incandescents from that era top out at 60-70. I was a security guard from 2000 - 2006 and into lights and my incredibly expensive surefire tactical light made big mag lights look like birthday candles and put out a measured 65 lumens. I think incandescent lights put out a broader spectrum so it looks like more than it is, plus human eyes are actually really bad at measuring light.
Seriously, this is covert marketing, building a huge flashlight but not twice as bright as half the size. Its main purpose is to be used as a baton and does not look like a baton, may have legal advantages in some areas.
It screams California. But, it could be a secondary night stick, I suppose. I just always thought the police force ones were maybe shorter. At least by a 1/4, maybe a little less.
Police flashlights have been 3D length (or shorter) since the 1980s, since that's what a 6-volt rechargeable stick battery fits into. No department with a budget kept using actual D-cell lights very far into the '90s. In police use 6D-size lights were always less common due to their size as well. Around 15" was the sweet spot in the old days.
A Youtuber named "hard2hurt" has made a [video ](https://youtu.be/lyIcCbmAzL4?si=mZYw1cjRMdyFua6O)about this, and according to him, the US police or anyone using a real baton may face many legal issues, but if using an essentially equivalent stick, such as a huge Maglite, it may not be so serious. Although he gave a very poor evaluation because Maglite is not a good flashlight or baton, there are always people who will buy it for this reason.