Maglite recently came out with LED versions of their small Solitaire 1AAA flashlights. It’s about time! Previously only the incandescent version was available, despite Maglite’s adoption of LED technology in most of their other lights, and it seemed like an LED version was never going to come.
Fenix’s E01, one of the best flashlights under $20, has been my go-to recommendation for keychain lights, but it can be a bit dim at times. The new Maglite Solitaire LED flashlights are several times brighter, with a maximum output of 37 lumens. That’s pretty good for a 1AAA light that costs less that $20.
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Runtime is said to be 1 hr 45 minutes. The weather resistant body is made from anodized aluminum.
Color options: black, silver, gunmetal grey, red, blue.
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More Info(via Maglite)
While I don’t *need* any more flashlights, I’ve been looking and waiting for an LED version of Maglite’s Solitaire lights for so long that I just ordered one. $17 is a bit more than the $6 or so the incandescent versions go for, but it looks to be worth it.
In case you’re wondering, Maglite also came out with LED versions of their 2AAA flashlights, but I don’t find that to be as exciting.
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Parke
Great news, I’ve been hoping they would come out with this as well. I have the Streamlight Nano on my keychain currently which seems to have great light output for its size. Have you received your new Mag-Tac?
JohnTMcD
Looks Great. I’ll be looking for them at the Big Box store in the flashlight sections to see what they sell for there. I’ll definitely be picking up a couple or three for the family. I wonder though, with the newer LED technology and circuitry involved, if using something like the Energizer Lithium’s that seem to run longer in electronic devices compared to standard Alkaline batteries.
Stuart
The Energizer Lithiums do provide substantially longer runtime, at least in some flashlights.
I tend to use rechargeable Eneloops in my higher performance lights.
With something like the Solitaire LED that’s on the way, it would take me a while before I get anywhere close to using it for over 90 minutes, at least naturally. I haven’t seen runtime tests yet, but I’m sure they’ll pop up on CPF forum eventually. I would probably reserve pricy Lithium cells for something like the Fenix LD01, which delivers up to ~80 lumens from a single AAA.
80 lumens might not seem like a lot these days, but just a few years ago that’s what Surefire’s G2 LED and 6P LED tactical lights output. Anyways, I digress…
JimmyZ
I’m definitely getting one, waiting for this for a very long time 😀
plastic lens and reflector is a bit drawback though
Stuart
There’s nothing wrong with plastic lenses, as long as they’re impact and scratch resistant. I believe most manufacturers go with polycarbonate.
Even Maglite’s pricier lights have painted plastic reflectors, and for the most part they’re pretty durable. I don’t think a metal reflector would perform differently, at least given the Solitaire’s design.
Michael
So here’s the thing…I *really* want to have a reason to buy maglites, mainly for the nostalga factor (my Dad always had one, I have a couple here and there). But, Mag just isn’t keeping up with the tech. For $17, I get 37 lumens? Heck, I can buy another Quark Mini 123 (my edc light) for twice that…$35 and I’d get a screaming 189 lumens (CR123 cells are cheap online). I could maybe see getting one of the led mags for a zipper pull light, or something to hang by the thermostat, but for that level of light output, I think $7 is a better price point.
Stuart
That’s not really a fair way of looking at it. Of course you’re going to get more features and greater light output if you’re willing to spend double the money.
While the Foursevens Mini is a better option for EDC, there are a lot of users who can benefit more from the Solitaire’s smaller size. My wife carried a Solitaire, and now a Fenix E01. She doesn’t use it all the time and probably wouldn’t carry something the size of a Mini on her keychain. Nor would I, that’s more of a pocket light.
That all said, the Mini 123 and AA with High CRI emitters are still at the top of my wishlist. A quick look shows they’re currently backordered, but I plan to get a few for myself and as gifts as soon as they’re back in stock.
Dave L
Worked great-til it stopped working. Have to send it in…
Dave L.
Update: I sent it in (had to pay a small handling fee), took a good while, came back OK. Fast forward a few weeks, same problem: will not stay on sometimes. I called C/S at Mag who told me to push in on the lens with my finger and replace the battery. It works better now (most of the time).