Maglite Runtime Sorcery (ML300L 6D) and 4D Version

I think he means that moving the light around would allow for better cooling - the assumption would then be - that thermal regulation would affect the outcome.

I'll pull up some other runtime tests, and post them later.

I see. Thank you.

Nobody remembers the Volkswagen “scandal”? The car runs in “clean” mode when on a treadmill and not moving (ie, it knows it’s being tested), but in Real Life™ it just runs nicer.

It was a joke. Like the funny kind, only different.

Ammo expansion tests can be games too. Conditions have to be just right.

Oh, I’m sorry but english is not my first or second language :blush: . I do remember the Volkswagen incident, now I get it :smiley: . I thought the flashlight had some kind of integrated motion sensor like there was or there is a maglite. I have always thought that motion sensors should be integrated into the flashlights for several purposes:

- If you have an accident in the mountain (or other distant place) and the flashlight know that is not moving then it would change to a beacon mode and very low consumption.

- If you forget to turn off a flashlight, she alone would go into saving mode.

- If an elderly person falls, the flashlight could switch to an alert mode or call for help.

  • You can turn on or turn off a flashlight by shaking it, baby!

There are many applications that I can think off, and with tiny accelerometers is even more easy for manufacturers or even hobbyist to integrated it in the drivers. But somehow motion sensors are not a “thing” in the flashlight world.

Yep. I just remembered the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle history.

Per request, here is a dump of five other runtime graphs from five of my other Maglites. Note that these were done over the last two years, and the format is not always the same. Some of the graph's notes were meant for my own knowledge, and not necessarily for posting (keep that in mind). Some of the graph's lumens values are based on Maglite's spec, some are based on the Texas Ace Calibrated Lumens Tube. None-the-less, this is a great snapshot of how Maglite handles runtimes. One of Maglite's tricks that you'll see on some of their lights - is to have this initial spike at 40 sec (not 30 sec per ANSI) right after turn-on that only lasts a few seconds, which then becomes their basis for lumens output on high.

The first is my foliage green ML50LX, a 2C LED light (HIGH).

Here's the ML50LX on LOW:

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Next is my foliage green ML300LX - a 2D LED light (HIGH).

The ML300LX on LOW:

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Next is the ML150LR rechargeable (LiFeP04 battery).

ML150LR on LOW:

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Next is my Rose Gold 2X AAA Mini Mag (HIGH) (no graph for low):

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Last is my 2X AA SP+P01H (also known as the Maglite Min Pro+). Amazon LINK. Here is HIGH (no graph for low):

Yeah, I think there is a Mag that does that, an XL something? 500?

I could use that for mum. She leaves flashlights turned on overnight, etc., and claims she doesn’t. Crappy 3×AAA lights, but still. I burn down those “dead” cells in dumb lights that wring ’em dry, and I can’t even keep up, not even “wasting” them as nightlights.

Something that’d turn off the light after 5min of non-use would be ideal.

Thank you so much for this. So, they are cheating about the high mode, but no the low mode.
Still a lie, but at least they have the expected performance in low mode, sometimes is what you are looking for in a flashlight, low lumens but very long runtime.

What’s the purpose of the “spike” after initial turn-on, whether at 30sec or 40sec?

Just guessing - to make their output claims technically legitimate - even if a bit manipulative.

Yup, I have a mom too :smiley: . Totally agree with you. I mean how hard can be to have a flashlight turn off after x time?

Found a handful but look like they work backwards or an a different way.

Motion detection flashlights.

This, +1.

Someone is avoiding a legal mess :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

My Maglite SP+P01H has that feature. Point the light straight down (within a 5 deg angle) and it turns on to low.

Maglite ML300L 4D

This thread is primarily about the 6D version of this light. However, having just purchased the 4D version of this light, I'll post the runtime graphs here, rather than making a separate thread.

The 4D version of this light is fairly new. Maglite makes an interesting claim (here) on the 4D version, which would imply that you'll get 1000 lumens continuously. I have not seen this type of claim on their other lights. From Maglite add (snip):

The runtime graphs will tell us if the above is true . . . .

We'll start with 4 NiMH Powerex D cells. Note the common characteristic I've seen with other Maglites when first turned on. The output ramps up to peak brightness during the first minute, before throttling way down. Note also, I could not get the claimed 1000 lumens with the Texas Ace Calibrated Lumens Tube (although we're within 10%).

Here's the same graph zoomed in to the first 15 minutes:

The 2nd test is with 4 Duracell Quantum D cells. Note Maglite uses alkalines on their runtime tests. Note again, the initial ramp-up to peak value in the first minute.

Here's the same graph zoomed in on the first hour:

Conclusion: The above graphs seriously contradicts Maglite's statement . . .

" . . . but they only run for a short time before the brightness dims down. Well, not this one. Not the ML300L 4D LED Flashlight by Maglite"

hi,

I have to tell you thank you!

I have a ML300L 3D 625lumen LED which works perfectly.

I wanted a 1000 lumen, as I live near to a forest.

and I was 1 click distance from purchasing the ML300L 4D long lasting 1025 Lumen.

but I stopped after I saw your post.

have a nice day!

What about Energizer touch tech? Only lights when in your hand. https://www.ruralking.com/energizer-touch-tech-led-flashlight-50-lumens-includes-2-aa-batteries-enthh21e

Hmmm, looks interesting, but she’ll turn on a light and leave it lying on the countertop, etc., for “extra” light.

Yes, it’s a conundrum to be certain.