Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight

£139.99

As the winter nights draw in and the evenings become ever darker, having a torch on hand is always useful. The Maglite ML50X LED Flashlight brings you a powerful light output perfect for keeping in your car for emergencies, nearby in case of a power cut, or even just for walking the dog on these dark nights.

Upon opening the box, I was surprised by its lightweight but sturdy design. The torch has a stealth matt finish and a textured handle for a secure grip while you’re holding it. On the side is the QuickClik™ electronic switch which allows you to flick between light modes. Straight out of the box, the torch requires 2 C Cell alkaline batteries which are not included. Once you’ve popped some batteries in, you are then ready to use the torch.

The torch comes with 4 modes which each have a range of settings to click between using the side switch. The torch arrived in the box in mode 1 which is great for general use. This mode allows you to flick between high beam, low beam and eco beam modes which would cover the majority of needs for the average user. However, other modes include the Outdoor mode which allows you to flick between high, low and strobe beams; the Law Enforcement mode which allows for momentary, high and eco beam modes; and finally the Tactical mode which allows you to flick between momentary, high and strobe modes. Whilst for me the General and Outdoor modes are the only ones I would reach to, the torch does include the other modes as it is designed for law enforcement and tactical uses – therefore, using the torch you know it is top quality and designed for even the most advanced of situations.

My main issue came when flicking between the various modes as they took a little more effort than expected; you must first unscrew the tail cap and then screw it on whilst holding down the side switch until it blinks. Then when the torch blinks the correct number in accordance with the different modes (e.g. Outdoor – 2 blinks) you release the side switch, and that mode is now active. It is not the most complicated thing, but it is a little more hassle than I was expecting. However, for the average user, the general mode, in which the torch comes in, is perfect for most people’s needs.

I tested out the torch whilst walking my dog on a dark evening and was thrilled by the beam. On high the 466 lumens torch has a beam range of 291m, which was more than enough while walking the dog. In the high beam mode, the beam lasts roughly 8 hours, 13 hours in the low beam and an impressive 109 hours in the eco mode.

Overall, the torch is a great choice; whether it is just to keep on hand or in a safe place ready for an emergency, or even for general use as the evenings become darker. The torch even has IPX4 waterproofing making it a great choice for all weather conditions. Therefore, if you are looking for a great and useful gift for the one person who seems to have everything, this makes such a nice gift choice that is both functional and unique.

Pros:

• Multiple light mode options
• Eco mode provides hours of use from one lot of batteries
• Lightweight but sturdy design

Cons:

• Changing between modes can be a little complicated
• Torch does not come with batteries