Favorite maglite size

[vicv]

I'm curious your favorite size maglite/kel-lite ect.
I like all of them but my favorite is 3C. I prefer the "C" cell lights, contrary to general popularity, as they're a much more comfortable hold. And not as important but I think they look better with the slimmer barrel compared to head.
3C is great because it can easily accommodate 2x 18650/21700 with an adapter. Sure a 2C can do 2x18500 but the larger cells are just better.
Also if leaving stock, I think 3 cells is where the light begins being practical in more situations. A 2 cell light just isn't that bright. Once it gets to 3 cells it's bright enough for most tasks.
And as cool as the really big lights are, they start to get a bit unwieldy once the cell count goes up

 

[UFO]

2C Incan.

 

[hsa]

3c ML 50L is my favorite size Maglite. It is also my favorite light all around although I like the 2c ML 25 a lot also. I have had the ML50 for 5 years and it is still my favorite. It is one of only two lights that I have that I can use on it's own for my nightly walks in the woods and fields. The other one is a Streamlight Hl 5x. There are many reasons but mostly I just really enjoy using the Mag.

 

[vicv]

I have the same light as that but mine is the grenade grip LX model. That is a sweet light.

 

[hsa]

Oops. It would still be a 3c. I like the size, the looks and the feel of the whole package.

 

[vicv]

Oops. It would still be a 3c. I like the size, the looks and the feel of the whole package.

Sorry I quickly edited my last post to change that because I didn't specify that and it really doesn't matter. I'm honestly curious about anyone's thoughts

 

[325addict]

2.5D cell, taking either 4 pieces 18650 (2S/2P) or two of those giant 32650s. This is a FiveMega special, you can't buy it in the shops... unfortunately!! I further modified it with a metal reflector and a glass lens, and a Tad Customs 7.2V / 1.2 Amps PR-bulb. A GREAT light!!
If it has to be a "standard" Maglite.... I'm hard pressed between the incan 2AA minimag, and the regular incan 3D... Can't decide!
Oh, I nearly forgot the ML25IT incan in 3C cell size... now THAT is a great light! If you like your incans and still can get it somewhere... BUY IT! You won't regret it...

 

[vicv]

Nah modified is great. I've seen those on his sale thread they look like a sweet light. I've never seen a 32 650 that I would trust to purchase as I have no idea what company made them which is why I never looked into getting those cells. That being said that sounds like a great light with an awesome runtime.
I don't have a three cell but I do have the two cell ML25IT and it is overall probably my favorite light. Would love to be able to get an aluminum reflector for it

 

[Olumin]

i only have the 2c ml25 and the two mini mags. I dont think maglite is as popular in europe as it is in the us. I dont think ive ever seen one sold in a store. maybe it was in the 80s and 90s idk. Id imagine the 3c would be better for the reasons you listed. Ill get one eventually. really like c cell ergos. Fits my hand just right.

 

[xxo]

The 3C incans are a great form factor, just the right grip diameter and they run great on a pair of protected 21700's or 18650's. The only thing I don't like is that the button switches are a bit small on the C cell Mags. This is of course not an issue on the twisty ML25's. I think a 3C ML25 would be perfect for a incan light running on a pair of 21700's and a 6 cell xenon bulb (with the reflector opened up so it doesn't melt).

For the LED Mags, I like the 192 lumen dual mode 2C ML25 and the 2C ML50LX both running on a single protected 21700 in an adapter, though the 3C ML25 and 3C ML50's are pretty sweet as well.

 

[fivemega]

3C is great because it can easily accommodate 2x 18650/21700 with an adapter. Sure a 2C can do 2x18500 but the larger cells are just better.

Using 2x18650 in 3C M*g is wasting space because 2x18650 will fit in 2C with deep tail cap but 2x21700 fits in 3C nicely.

My favorite incand flashlight will be:

A--- 2S/3P 21700 (7.4V, 15000mAh) in Elephant II size with regulated / soft start / multi brightness switch using Philips 5761 bulb and FM3X 3" head. Little bigger than 3D M*g.
Will work nicely for over 2.5 hours at high output.
Anybody has one for sale ???

B--- Custom made 2.5C M*g body to fit 2x21700 without stock type space wasting switch.
No front switch but soft start tail switch.
I have one for myself with tail switch but not for sale.

 

[vicv]

Ya it is wasting space but it works. I got over an hour long walk last night with 2x 1500mah 18650s with a 1.2A bulb so that's plenty of runtime.

A. Sounds cool but too bright, too big, and too expensive for my taste.
B. This sounds like an awesome light!

 

[bykfixer]

In stock Maglite incan platform, a black body 3cell ML25 using a Strion bulb and fueled by Rayovac's is top pick with a classic 4c running a 3 cell krypton, fueled by Rayovac's competing for the top spot.
A pure stock 2c classic is on the podium.

Favorite vintage California Cop light is a first gen Kel-Lite 2c with a pair of LifePo4 18500's powering a Maglite PR xenon bulb. A first gen 3D big head Kel-Lite is next. If for no other reason, the nostalgia of how that light changed the flashlight world. For sentimental value a first gen 4c Kel-Lite I won at auction besting the bid by none other than Don Keller himself.

 

[vicv]

That is very cool.

 

[scout24]

2C, either incan or Malkoff module. LOP reflector and a glass lens. 😁

 

[pumps]

I have 3, 2-D cells . Two that I've converted to LED. They're great around the house and 1 in the van. I can and have broken a window with one. . I've carried a 2-AA mini-mag incan and later LED on my belt for probably 30 years. They've had a lot of uses.

 

[yazkaz]

I have two Mag 3Ds converted into Mag85 spec thanks to FM's upgrade accessories (socket, reflector, battery cradle plus Boro lens from FLL). They punch out lots of power but also quite a lot of heat. I haven't use them for some years already...

My other favorite Maglite (size) would be the 2AA, which I have a few and all converted to custom LED configs (one of them used as an EDC).

 

[RamTuff]

When it comes to the Maglite, my heart is with the Magcharger (maybe a 4 cell size rechargeable stick?) and this is a romantic relationship... from when I was a State Forest Ranger. Before I retired, I carried the same Magcharger from around 1989 to 2007 and it saw serious abuse, the knurling almost worn slick and shiny and seems like I only had to replace the bulb once, maybe twice all that time, went through a number of rechargeable cells.

Aside from the Magcharger, I have to give honorable mention to my 6 cell Maglite that I always wanted just 'cause the damned thing is so atrocious looking, the wife gave me one for a birthday present several years ago. )

 

[vicv]

I've always wanted a mag charger. Even though I've basically built my own with lithium ion cells there's still a cool light. Same with a six cell those things are huge

 

[haymant]

Mag 3D, LED conversion running on Eneloops w/D-size adapters. Bright and lightweight but still good in the hand if anything needs a thumping. Have one under each side of the bed.