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

[Terry_Oregon]

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):

You know what the problem is with flashlights these days? They all brag about high lumens and how bright they are, 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. It’s got 1002 lumens and our patented LED Heat-Sink Technology allows for longer performance. On HIGH setting, it can run for more than 5 hours.

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"

[robert1326]

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!

[DtroitPunk72]

@Lightbringer

@argi

I thought the flashlight had some kind of integrated motion sensor like there was or there is a maglite.

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

@argi

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

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.

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

[Lightbringer]

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

[DtroitPunk72]

@Lightbringer

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.

[Richwouldnt]

Great information as I have a ML300L 4D and a red S6D036 6D incandescent classic, both on the way. The 6D is going to be upgraded and use NIMH D batteries but shown run times here for the ML300L 4D are impressive with NIMH D batteries, almost 500 lumens for just under 8 hours. I have a 10 year old TerraLux 1000 claimed lumens 3 LED 31M-EX for the 6D and may go further with a Lumencraft 2200 or 4200 lumens upgrade. On the ML300L 6D, 538 lumens for 13 hours is not too shabby either but obviously ANSI lumens run times are all an exaggeration, particularly with alkaline batteries. 87 Lumens for almost 3 days is still usable but far below the initial 694 lumens. Very useful information. For laughs be interesting to see performance with the old carbon zinc batteries.

[Leif]

I can see that Maglite are nice if you need a weapon for self defence i.e. a club. The claims just prove how bad the ANSI system is. We couldn’t have created a system that is as useful for manufacturers and as misleading for consumers.

[Richwouldnt]

ANSI standards are reached via manufacturers and importers, and their engineers, inputs and consensus with no, so far as I know, user inputs. I worked in Quality Assurance and Reliability Engineering for 20 years or so and we tested to ANSI standards when available. Many ANSI standards such as thread dimensions and tolerances or the definition of horsepower and testing of it are necessary in manufacturing for interchangeability purposes but at the consumer level some standards could be improved. Also things like Lumens output standards are widely ignored as witness the Amazon and eBay flashlight listings for 1 million lumens or higher output flashlights. Pretty much why the more reputable flashlight makers all indicate that their rated performance listings are tested to ANSI standards. Far from perfect but better than nothing as long as you are aware of the standard’s limitations.

[QReciprocity42]

True–while the ANSI system has its issues, it is fundamentally difficult to describe an entire runtime graph with a single number. I am a huge fan of giving an actual runtime plot in addition to an ANSI summary, as some manufacturers such as Acebeam/Weltool do.