I just picked up a couple of these Vari Beam flashlights that were made by mag instruments. I was told that they were going to be marketed under this name before they changed it to mag lite. They are actually trademark stamped vari beam on the bezels. They are blue with silver tailcaps and bezel ring... Are they rare or are they pretty run of the mill? Looks pretty much like a maglite with a different name...
Anyone remember the Vari Beam Flashlights???
- Thread starter fishnfst
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These were sold for use by auto mechanics in the '80s. I've seen a couple. Don't think they're ultra-rare, but they're not common. Do you want to sell one?
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tsg68
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have a 3D Vari Beam and yes these were actually the early Maglite's before they even applied the new brandname. Mine Was purchased in the late ' 70's or very early ' 80's and they were not inexpensive by any means back then. Mine still runs like a champ and doesn't look too shabby either. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif
Tad /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Tad /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I'd be interested if you find any more.
Nightstick
Newly Enlightened
I didn't know they existed when they existed, but I do now and they sure are cool.
Nightstick
Newly Enlightened
I saw it on the shelf at Goodwill and didn't think it was a Mag because it said Vari Beam so I didn't really care about it but I decided to grab it and now I have a fun collectable I would never have known about.🤠
IMA SOL MAN
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'm curiou
I'm curious, what did Goodwill have them priced at?
1980 to 1985 Vari-Beams
Summary: Vari-Beams were produced between 1980 and 1985 and were intended to capture more of the consumer sales instead of law enforcement. ...
maglitehistory.blogspot.com
Nightstick
Newly Enlightened
It was priced 5.99 and I get 20 percent off for senior citizen lol It works great and looks amazingly clean, somebody never used it.
IMA SOL MAN
Flashlight Enthusiast
I gotta get to Goodwill!
IMA SOL MAN
Flashlight Enthusiast
There is bound to be more old Maglites, Kel-Lites, B-lights, etc. coming to a Goodwill near you, as we of the Baby Boomer Generation die off, and the younger generation liquidate Grandpa's "schtuff". They will have no desire for an old, obsolete incandescent flashlight, that likely has a stuck alkaleak in it, or the residue of one in it. Goodwill will likely through out the ones with stuck batteries, or battery residue, which means only the most pristine ones will get put out on the shelves.
Guitar Guy
Enlightened
Here is my 3D Vari Beam. It has the straight cut grip.
I'd love to find a 2C or 3C Vari, as they are my favorite Maglite sizes ... and if I ever do, I'd prefer to find it at Goodwill for $5.99.
I'd love to find a 2C or 3C Vari, as they are my favorite Maglite sizes ... and if I ever do, I'd prefer to find it at Goodwill for $5.99.
Guitar Guy
Enlightened
Just wondering if anyone here snagged that 4C Vari Beam that sold on the big auction site last night for a little over $150. It was in real nice condition, and one of the earlier "paten pending" ones. I knew it would go for more than what I wanted to spend on one - plus, I'd more prefer a 2C or 3C. I figured Jay likely got it. I haven't really noticed him on here lately.
knucklegary
Flashlight Enthusiast
I watched it as well. Good price it was in nice condition. Possibly Jason snagged it. You don't see many C cells Vari-beam regardless of size
bigburly912
Flashlight Enthusiast
Why are all these 20 year old threads popping up on the recommended threads? I'm not talking this one specifically since guy actually had a legit reason to revive it but there are so many that show up.
