By limiting power, heat is reduced and the battery life extended. Manufacturers like Maglite use circuitry to help regulate both the heat their LEDs generate, as well as the power they consume. Then as they get used to the available light and we can see better, the less light we need. So having a lot of light helps initially before our eyes acclimate. Whenever there’s a sudden change in light levels, our eyes take a little time to adjust. From a practical perspective, this actually compliments how our human eyes function. Because of this, LED flashlights are very bright initially but start to dim after about 30 seconds as they heat up. And, even though they can be up to 75 percent more efficient, any heat is wasted energy, so the more heat generated, the less energy is available for illumination. Like incandescent light bulbs, LEDs generate heat. LEDs (light emitting diodes) are typically brightest when they’re first turned on. The sphere captures all of the light emitted from a source, reflecting it evenly within, where it can be measured. The graph below illustrates how the Mag-Tac LED flashlights performed over 30 minutes in our integrated sphere. So, we splash water on the flashlights from multiple angles, dry them off, check functionality, and remove the end caps to identify any leaking. We also test this to the FL1 spec for each model, which for these is IPX4, meaning they’re resistant to intrusion of water splashed from any direction. For impact resistance, we drop the flashlight ten times from the height listed in its FL1 specs in the case of these Mag-Tac LED lights, that’s one meter. MAGLITE IDENTIFICATION FULLRun-time we gauge by clocking the time it takes the flashlight to go from a full battery to completely dark. We test run-time, impact resistance, and water resistance in the shop. We move a neutral grey human silhouette between the cones to determine the distance its shape is identifiable with each flashlight. To do this, we mark out set distances with reflective cones on a moonless night, in a location away from other light sources. While we log total lumens with the integrated sphere that traps and measures light output, we also determine exactly how far the flashlight helps you see things at night. So, the FL1 beam distance figures can be handy for comparing the potential distance of beams between flashlight models, but doesn’t necessarily tell you how far the lights will shine with outside, with real world variables. Yeah, it’s some math that can be difficult to put in perspective. 25, and then taking the square root of the result. For the standard, this distance is not measured, it’s calculated by measuring the peak beam intensity, dividing by. 25 lux-about the amount of light projected by the full moon. For example, FL1 defines beam distance as how far a flashlight projects. How We Testīoth Mag-Tac LED models list ANSI FL1 standards on their packaging, and while these serve as reference points for comparing flashlights, they don’t do a great job of communicating real-world performance. We used our integrated sphere in the Popular Mechanics shop to test total lumen output and spent a couple of moonless nights testing at a rural 10-acre property to see how test data translates to real-world situations. To really get a good idea for how these models perform, we tested run time, beam distance, and water and impact resistance. We’re impressed enough to partner with Maglite on a version with our name on it. As we’d expect, those are exemplified in the design and construction of the Mag-Tac LED Rechargeable and Mag-Tac LED CR123 tactical flashlights. And in the 40 years Maglite flashlights have been around, they’ve developed a reputation for durability and performance. Mag Instrument (the maker of Maglites) got its start machining precision parts for the military and aerospace industries. Made from durable anodized aluminum alloy components.Mag-Tac LED Rechargeable and Mag-Tac LED CR123 tactical flashlight features: We like these lights so much, we partnered with Maglite on these limited-edition, Popular Mechanics-approved and co-branded flashlights. But they’re powered by different batteries and LED elements, which offer their own advantages and performance. The Takeaway: Maglite’s Mag-Tac LED Rechargeable and Mag-Tac LED CR123 tactical flashlights share some features, including impact- and water-resistance, body diameter, and grip, as well as a ten-year warranty.
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