Maglite XL50

Didn’t see this in a thread, sorry if I’ve missed it in a search.

I have a couple of the ML XL50’s. Generally speaking I like them fine, though don’t carry them much. I have one in my main GHB (Get Home Bag) but for general EDC (Every Day Carry) I use a Sipik SK68 (or clone) with a 14500 primary and AA back up. They seem to be brighter than the XL50 overall and has better flood to focus ability.

However, I do like the ML XL50 and overall the quality seems to be very good.

I’d like to see others thoughts and views on this torch. Thank you. :slight_smile:

Kind of pricey for a standard cell torch. I’ve modded several each of solitaire, AAA, and AA Minimags but the price has kept me away from the XL50. OL has modded them though and a search of his posts should yield some hits.

https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/15610

I keep one in my car center console with AAA lithiums, one in the home junk drawer and gave my son one a couple of christmases ago for a “gateway” light. They are good for what they are and should be fairly reliable, which is why I bought Maglite for those uses. Maglite is not going to be cutting edge, for that get another light or mod the XL50 you have.

I admit I do rather fancy an XL200 with it’s funky UI. The XL50 sort of missed this for me yet still retained a high price.

That said, I suspect like all Mag products they are comfortably capable, durable and reliable for an off the shelf torch you can buy anywhere.

I seem to recall the battery holder is a little funky on these, so switching to an alternative power source is not going to be easy. This means you are stuck with the 3xAAA setup. Again not that this is a problem, but will limit some mod possibilities.

The biggest advantage of these is probably their stock throw. Output is ok’ish for when launched if you look at other 1xAA lights. Also the Mags ability to focus, this isn’t a flood to throw feature, but an actual focus. This means you can optimise the beam for short to mid distances (and not get a donut hole in it), but also focus is for max throw when needed.

Suspect an XP-E2 in one would work quite well.

I also find the XL100 and XL200 interesting because of the funky accelerometer-based UI… but I haven’t gotten one because it’s a bit expensive for a novelty item. Same reason I haven’t gotten a Nitecore SENS light.

I have a natural dislike of 3xAAA lights and perceive them as “cheap”. Also, in an emergency, I hate having to find 3 equally charged AAA when a battery change is necessary, versus a single AA. It does not have a low mode either (medium is about 26 lumens), making runtime less than spectacular. It is great for the everyday person but even they might have a hard time to justify paying 20x more than a standard 3xAAA light.

I would recommend getting a 1 or 2 AA light for a GHB. Lithium AA cost just as much as lithium AAA and have 3 times the capacity. AA lights are slim and easily fit into little gaps in your bag, unlike a chunky 3xAAA. For night walking, a 3-8 lumen low is great for saving battery life and avoiding obstacles, and a single AA can last 3 full nights in a modern LED flashlight on low, enough for 60 miles of walking in easy/moderate terrain. (2xAA are easier to hold, more efficient, brighter, and longer running, but require 2 simultaneous battery changes.) The Maglite XL50 is American made, reliable, and bright, but it is hampered by battery requirements and lack of a low mode.

I was able to find a new one on Ebay for $19 and free shipping so I purchased it for a secondary light for my EDC. I figure it provides me with some nice options and $19 was a pretty good price.

I don’t think 3xAAA is as bad as people make out. And it does offer 3.6v - 4.5v (NiMh/Lithium) vs 1.2v - 1.5v for a single AA. For instance even today there are plenty of 1xAA lights that struggle to top 172 lumens the XL series can muster, despite many of these using newer emitters too.

these look ok till i find you cant drop in an 18500 or 18650 with a cardboard spacer like most any other 3aaa light.
like most maglite improvements its too little too late and not worth it.

I’ve noticed the price on XL50’s has really gone up on places like Ebay and Amazon. I see one vendor selling one for $54. Don’t get that really since you can buy them at Lowes or WM for just under $30. But I used to see them from time to time in the teens. Not lately though.

just got the new 200 lumen XL50 loaded it with L92’s and am pretty impressed the beam is actually nice! Great house light