Maglite flashlights have been widely popular with everyone, from police officers to homeowners. But in recent years they seem to have fallen a bit behind in terms of high performance lights, with demanding users looking more towards other brands such as Streamlight and Surefire.
It’s been awhile since Maglite’s last compact LED flashlight release – the XL200 – but they’ve been busy. They now have a new line of Mag-Tac tactical LED flashlights on the market.
There are two Mag-Tac designs – one with a plain bezel, and one with a crenelated/scalloped/crowned bezel. In addition to the different bezel designs, the flashlights also have different output modes.
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Mag-Tac Plain Bezel
- 310 max lumens
- 8293 candela
- 2x CR123 batteries
- 182 meter range
- anodized aluminum housing
- weather resistant
- 1 meter impact rating
- 4 hour runtime on full power
- 17 runtime on “power save” mode
- quick click tail cap with momentary-on
- detachable pocket clip
- 5.2″ length, 1″ diameter, 4.8oz weight
The Mag-Tac is designed to be an advanced lighting tool that, in appearance, build quality, and performance, would rival tactical flashlights costing several times more.
While this is Maglite’s first LED flashlight to be powered by CR123 batteries, I’ve had enough good experiences with the brand that I trust them to have gotten it right.
At about $60-65, the plain bezel Mag-Tacs seem fairly priced.
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Color options: black, coyote tan, foliage green, urban gray, crimson red.
Mag-Tac with Crowned Bezel
- 320 max lumens
- 9267 candela
- 2x CR123 batteries
- 193 meter range
- anodized aluminum housing
- weather resistant
- 1 meter impact rating
- 4 hour runtime on full power
- quick click tail cap with momentary-on and strobe modes
- detachable pocket clip
- 5.275″ length, 1″ diameter, 4.8oz weight
The crenelated Mag-Tac is rated at 320 max lumens at full power, with there being no low or “power save” mode. Instead, these LED flashlights have a high energy 12 Hz strobe mode for signalling or to disorient suspects and opponents.
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Prices range from around $65 to $70.
Color options: black, coyote tan, foliage green, urban gray, crimson red.
First Impression
Maglite’s XL series of flashlights seem to have been selling really well, so it makes sense that they would develop a new higher performance tactical model.
It seems to me that the plain edge version is going to be marketed towards demanding users as well as consumers, with the crenelated version being more suitable for LEOs and other tactical users.
Both models have appealing technical specs, although I wish I knew the LED power output in the plain bezel version’s low/power save mode. They seem thoughtfully designed, but I wonder if and how these flashlights can offer the performance of pricier competing models.
One design point I find myself both intrigued and hesitant about is the detachable pocket clip. If you look closely, it appears to clamp onto the flashlight housing similar to premium shaft collars, or how a bicycle seat clamps onto a seatpost. This means it’s going to be a super strong and non-swivelling connection, but it also requires the included tool or maybe a hex key for removal. There’s also a loop for paracord, which I know I certainly appreciate.
The pricing seems fair, especially considering that the flashlight is manufactured in the USA. Based on communications I had with Maglite customer service in the past, the LED element is likely made offshore, with all other components made in the USA.
More Info: Plain Bezel, Crowned Bezel (via Maglite)
Dennis says
I love me some flashlights, and I have been a long time fan of Maglite. The main problem I see, is that if you remove the clip the body is round. Round flashlights always roll away from me when one hand is holding something really important and the other is fumbling for the light. I also know that CR123s are the norm in tactical lights, and I have my share of lights that use them. But for some reason in my heart of hearts I yearn for lights that work on the standard batteries (AA or AAA) that are rolling around multiple locations in my home, office, and truck. That being said if they could get the price $15-20 lower, I would buy one of each.
Stuart says
The Maglite XL200 works with standard batteries (3AAA), and while it isn’t as bright it does offer an adjustable output. It’s priced at about $30-40 these days.
I have a mix of AA, AAA, and CR123 flashlights, and still haven’t made up my mind as to which I prefer. CR123 offers greater power and longer shelf life, AA and AAA are more widely available in a pinch.
Some AA and AAA flashlights aren’t optimally suitable for alkaline batteries, though, and instead require NiMH rechargeables or lithium cells to provide the best performance.
Dennis says
Yeah, but the XL200 is not “tactical” and hence not as cool. Plus in that price range I can (and have) get a Streamlight Protac (available in a wide variety of battery flavors).
Although to be honest I love flashlights and sooner or later the Maglite will slip into the collection.
Phil says
I’m curious if these new lights can safely accept rechargeable CR123 (RCR123/16340) cells. I don’t find any mention in the literature. Rechargeable cells have a higher peak/average voltage level at 4.2/3.6 volts, compared to 3.0 volts for the lithium primary CR123 cells. I accidentally fried the driver circuit in a Kobalt tac light I have, I had to tear into it and replace the driver transistor after I was greeted by a wildly intense blue/white light and the flashlight wouldn’t shut off for a few moments until it finally popped. Apparently some SureFire lights (of which I have two) are incompatible as well, I am not about to test that for myself. Most of my more modern lights seem to have enough range in the driver circuitry to accommodate the added voltage.
I have to ask, though, what exactly is it about flashlights that can seem to lead to an addition to the things? I truly fell off the wagon when I ordered up a Nitecore TM26 a month ago. 3500 lumens max in the palm of your hand. HUAAGHLAGHLLAGHAGH
Stuart says
That’s a good question. I’m thinking that they’re strictly designed for non-rechargeable CR123s. I ordered one (plain bezel version) after publishing this post, and am expecting it to arrive tomorrow. I’ll see if there’s any indication whether it can be used with rechargeables or not.
It’s hard to say why flashlights are somewhat addicting. The same is true with pocket knives.
People collect all sorts of things, flashlights just happen to be highly functional.
James C says
I’m guessing it would support an 18650 rechargeable, or if the battery tube is too narrow (like many Surefires), a 17650.
TJMBEAR says
I BOUGHT TWO OF THE MAG TAC’S WITH CROWNED BEZEL 4 TO 6 MNOTHS AGO. THEY WORK REALLY WELL. IT IS CERTAINLY DESIGNED FOR TACTICAL/SELF DEFENSE USE. IF YOU ARE A LEO OR CARRY A FIREARM FOR SELF DEFENSE, THE MOMENTARY ON FEATURE IS GOOD. THE CROWNED BEZEL CAN BE USED FOR SELF DEFENSE. THE STROBE CAN MOMENTARILY DISORIENT AN ATTACKER, IT CAN MAKE YOU MORE VISIBLE TO A RESCUER AND CAN MAKE YOU MORE VISIBLE ON A ROAD IF YOU ARE FORCED TO LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE.
THE LOW BEAM THAT COMES WITH THE SMOOTH BEZEL LIGHT CAN BE MORE USEFUL TO SOME CONSUMERS.
Mike says
I love my mag light pro led it produces the perfect amount of light I need and runs off aa batteries and almost indestructible on my side everyday I have other flashlight including the surefire flashlights but mag light still my favorite