Maglite Pro Plus VS Klarus P2A

Hi guys!

Imagine you need a 2xAA flashlight.

Imagine that you need to choose between the Klarus P2A and the Minimaglite pro plus.

Imagine that both can be purchased at the same price, perhaps the maglite 6 dollar less than the klarus.

Both have about the same "declared" output on high. Both have same amount of modes.

The minimag is slightly thinner and shorter than the klarus (a plus for me), but lacks clip.

Now...

The problem: I have read that the minimaglite pro plus has some kind of "thermal regulation", some kind of "timer", because the output decreases over the time to manage the heat...

so If I am not wrong, comparing both, the klarus will give 245 lumens constantly during about 2 hours... whereas the minimag pro+ will give the max output the first 8-10 minutes then drop to about 80 lumens over the rest of the time until 2+ hours....

What do you think?

You are correct somewhat on the MM Pro+. See review here for actual runtime test: http://www.led-resource.com/2012/02/mini-maglite-pro-and-proplus-led-flashlight-review/ It should drop to about 85~90 lumens after about 1:15. It can be reset to higher lumen by cycling it on and off however.

If you plan on running constantly on high for 2+ hours, it's probably not the light for you. Are you sure the Klarus will give constant brightness for 2 hours?

no no no, wait a moment. It depends on the capacity of the batteries, I have the JetBeam BA20 (which seems to have the same electronics) and it gives 270 lumens for about 1h45min.

I also have had the klarus and it gives about the same

Can you explain me about the "reset" to give more output?

I tested it with 2500mAh batteries

Maybe your eneloops are the 2000mAh version or they are old

I have measured 1h45min (more or less) of constant brightness until the big drop

ALSO applicable to the klarus P2A (I have had both)

Both the klarus p2a and the jetbeam ba20 have the same behavior (runtime) with the same batts

Yes, on cycling: From the review I posted the link to, Robin did a runtime test whereby he 'reset' the clock by turning it off and then back on every 15 minutes to override the timed ramp down:

This timed runout is deceiving. If you turn the MM Pro+ on high, it will ramp down and turn off around 2.5 hours later. Wait a few moments, turn it back on and it will repeat this cycle again and part of a third cycle. So even though rated for 2.5 hours runtime, actually it is closer to 6 hours. See the graph directly above this one in Robin's review.

@BetweenRides:

Interesting. Doing that is not bad for heat management?

@Kreisler:

That is the only reason I can imagine

I think this is typical Maglite. Very poor design IMO. It should be sold as an 80LM light with turbo. I have the Klarus and it is an exceptionally well made and well finished torch. Punches well above it's weight.

Marc.

+1 - I’d say build quality of P2A is amazing for the price, and so is functionality (really love twisty mode switching!) & UI (no annoying strobe, SOS, and other s**t like that)

Marc: IMO the opposite is true. Like them or not, Maglite designs their lights for their target consumer and they do it very well, some would say better than almost any Consumer Products company out there, regardless of what product they sell. Maglites are not designed for flashaholics. They are designed for the average Joe that turns on the light for a minute or two then puts it back in the drawer. Or maybe uses it to go down in the basement to check the fuse box for 3-4 minutes, check on the dog out back or take a 1/2 hour walk in the dark. In all these situations, the very gradual drop on output is not noticeable to the naked eye. The gradual rampdown is an effective way to extend battery life for the average user, because Joe keeps his Maglite in a drawer and by God when he needs a flashlight, he needs it to work. They are also designed to be durable, affordable and run on readily available primary alkalines.

Last thing, Maglites are available at retail in multiple outlets all over the place, at least in the U.S. If you could find your Klarus anywhere in the ConUS (Going Gear has it on their site, not sure about at their B&M store), it would cost more than the Maglite Pro does and it's probably not going to be on sale everywhere for 40-50% off over the holidays. Maglite Pro and Pro+ are not yet in retail, but I expect they will be once they can produce enough to meet demand. Again, the average target consumer in the U.S. is going to pick their Maglite up at retail, not go searching websites for it.

I have no problem with what you are saying. I have a minimag and 2 3D mags with XPG R5s in them. I quite like them, but they are still marketing a 245lm light that only produces 80lm real world. It is exactly because they are not marketed to flashaholics that they can do this, because the average joe will be thinking he has a 245lm torch when he doesn't. Also if I was out walking the dog and my light ramped down from 245 to 80lm, I would notice and I'm sure a non-flashaholic would to.

I remember all the complaining on the other forum about the Lenser P7 with it's exaggerated run time claims, (which for some reason was double in the US compared to Europe) at least it puts out what it says. This is taking it to a different level! If my Lenser started at 200lm and droped to 80lm it would have been sent back. Quick smart!

I just don't think they should sell it as a 245lm torch.

Marc.

Marc, you are absolutely correct. The 245 lumen claim is marketing BS, even though it's true for 3-4 minutes or so... Cool

... We don't ever see exaggerated lumens with other vendors do we? Tongue Out

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-uv-s5-xm-l-t6-3-mode-3000lm-3-led-white-flashlight-w-strap-yellow-4-x-18650-120679?item=11
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/trustfire-trj12-cree-xml-t6-5led-4500lumen-5mode-memory-flashlight-black-aluminum-alloy-finish-326650318650-p-8845
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/sky-ray-4000-lumen-3t6-818-led-modes-memory-flashlight-218650-p-7766
http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S020173
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1600-Lumens-26650-18650-CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-KEYGOS-M10a-/300682325820?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4602102f3c

If it were me, I'd buy the Klarus P2A hands down if given the option of the two lights in the OP. I just think comparing these two lights is like comparing apples to oranges.

Dave

Yeah there is some crackers I have to say, 4500lm my arse! But in all fairness the Klarus is ANSI rated and I have to say it really is super bright! Unbelievable really.

I have no problem with Maglites, they can by cheap as chips (in the USA that is) and very good value. I just don't understand why they have done this. 245lm stepping down to 150lm would be more like it. But 245 to 80 seems like such a big drop. The other thing is, is 80lm bright enough for outdoor use? I personally don't think so.

Marc.

Thanks for your comments, guys. All of you have written truths about the maglite marketing.

It is a bit difficult decision to me. I really like maglite body desing. But the "performance" of the klarus is "constant" during all the time...

Fran, get the Klarus! I can assure you you will be super impressed! I kind of forgot the point of your thread, sorry. There really is no contest. It is every bit 245lm.

Marc.

The true BLF answer is:

Buy both... :D

JK - go with the Klarus.

I have had the klarus in my hands (my brother has it) and I know how it performs.

But... maglite... is maglite... And I can get the maglite for 6$ less....

But.... I should ask to my pillow

I’m a maglite guy and even I would get the Klarus. :open_mouth:

kreisler... it is the same as the one my brother has!

Very good threads

Kreisler, how as the head changed?

Marc.

I can confirm that.

I have had two P2A in my hands, one from December last year, it didnt had square threads and the tailcap switch was the old one (exactly the same than the jetbeam BA20)

The other one, from February this year, has square threads and the new switch (the one you see in kreisler photo)

ALSO the positive contact in the head is different from the two I had. The old version is similar to Fenix flashlights. The new one is the one in Kreisler photo