yakkowarner's Full Review: Solitaire Single Cell AAA Flashlights Solitaire AA...
Why I own this.
Normally I walk through Target, see this flashlight, and decide I need another one. Well that is how I bought my last two. I keep one in my backpack and another in my desk drawer. The first one I owned got lost somewhere between Riverside and Humboldt.
I keep buying these because this is the best flashlight I know of for the size. The bulb is bright enough for my comfort level and it is small.
Setup
The bulb is already inside the head. You need to unscrew the bottom and provide one AAA battery for the flashlight. Screw the bottom back in and you are ready to turn on the flashlight.
The key chain may need to be connected. If this is the case it is just a simple keychain ring that you put on the bottom. This will only take 30 seconds, at the most. The key chain rope is provided.
How it works.
To turn it on you need to twist the head of the flashlight. This turns on the light. If you wanted you can completely unscrew the head to reveal a light bulb that is still on.
How do you change batteries.
You change it like any other battery. You unscrew the bottom of the flashlight, take out the AAA battery, replace it with one AAA battery and screw it back in. Simple and will take about 20 seconds.
How do you change the light bulb.
You unscrew the top off and pinch the light bulb to take it out. Simply put the new bulb prongs into the two holes in the top and screw back on the top. Simple and will take about 20 seconds.
Is there a spare light bulb?
Like every other Maglite I own, this has a spare light bulb in the bottom of the flashlight. It is protected by sponge and is located under the spring.
The lamp feature
What is cool is you can unscrew the top completely exposing the lightbulb. This turns itself into a mini-lamp. I leave it in the net in my tent or hang it on something above my head. While it is not enough to read a book by, it is enough light so I can shuffle through stuff in my bags.
You can also set it down so the butt end is on the ground but I find this to be too unstable. It frequently falls and with an exposed bulb this is not a good thing.
The key chain
The keychain rope works. I do not really like it because I do not like big key chains. I am so anal that I put my house keys on a separate key chain from my truck keys.
How long will it last?
I just put in a new batter for a camping trip and I never have to replace it during the 1-2 week trip. But I also do not use it for extended periods of time during the trip (photophobic of course.)
I suspect the flashlight will last for 3-5 hours depending on the battery.
What I use it for.
This is the ideal flashlight to take backpacking. It is light, bright enough for my needs (I do not hike at night), and dependable. I do not need anything else. My wife would not take anything less than a 2AA battery model. My wife’s family would need a 100,000 candle power spotlight to make them comfortable on a camping trip.
How bright is it?
Sorry I don’t have any scientific equipment so the assessment will be strictly qualitative.
The flashlight is bright enough to read a map, book, or items near your eyes. It will help you see large objects on the ground, but not small ones. I feel comfortable going out in the woods to take care of business with this flashlight.
Size and weight.
Flashlight length: 3 3/16 inches
Flashlight width: ½ inch
Cord length: 4 ¼ inches
Weight of flashlight: 7/8 ounce
Weight of flashlight and cord: 1 ounce
Who is this for?
This is a great pocket size flashlight for any emergency or close quarters situation. This is ideal for pockets and key chains.
But if you are scared of the dark then get a brighter light.
About the Warranty and parts
Maglite have a limited lifetime warranty. If you have a problem they will replace it for you. The warranty does not cover battery exhaustion, battery leakage, lamp burnout, or damage caused by alteration, misuse, battery leakage or lack of maintenance. This is an awesome warranty, maybe I’ll get a clue and take advantage of it.
Maglite has all of the spare parts you need to repair any of their flashlights. I personally have not gone that route, but it is a good option. Most companies do not allow you to do this because they just want you to buy a new product. The website has a detailed pdf with all the information you need.
Summary:
This is a small portable flashlight that can fit on your key ring. The light is bright enough for small tasks or emergency situations. But if you want to see beyond a few feet you will need a better flashlight. The flashlight is well made and durable. An excellent addition to your very own flashlight collection.
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