Maglite's ML300L 3D Cell LED Torch: 746 lumens, 403 metres and 298 hours from three D cells
This one is built around a battery format that almost nothing else still uses. Three D cells sit in a 298 millimetre aluminium tube, and what they buy is endurance counted in days rather than hours: up to 298 hours on the eco setting from a single set.
What D cells actually give you
A D cell holds several times the energy of an AA and far more than the compact lithium packs used in modern torches. It is also sold in every hardware shop, supermarket and petrol station, it stores for years without meaningful loss, and it is untouched by the charge cycling that eventually limits every rechargeable light. The cost is weight and bulk, and at 742 grams with batteries fitted this torch makes no attempt to hide that.
For a light that lives in a vehicle, a workshop, a farm office or an emergency box, it is usually the right trade. The torch works whenever it is picked up, with no charging routine for somebody to maintain and forget.
ML300L 3D Cell output and reach
Luminous flux is 746 lumens and the beam carries up to 403 metres. Focus is by twist action, a quarter turn of the head sweeping between a broad flood and a tight spot with no buttons involved. Five operating modes are provided, High, Low, Eco, Momentary and Strobe, arranged into four function sets so the switch can be configured to offer only the ones you use.
The length
At 298.5 millimetres this is a long torch, and that has always been part of the appeal rather than a side effect. It reaches into engine bays and under vehicles without your shoulder having to follow, the extra body gives somewhere to grip when hands are cold or gloved, and it balances well carried low against the leg.
The body
The case is precision machined from high strength aircraft aluminium alloy with an anodised finish, closed with weather resistant seals to IPX4 and rated for a 1 metre impact. Electrical contacts are plated to improve conductivity and resist oxidation, which is the usual failure point on torches that sit unused for long stretches. The switch is a side mounted push button, the barrel measures 39 millimetres and the head 57.
Features
- Multi-mode electronic switch
- 5 lighting modes
- 4 function sets
- Adjustable beam, flood to spot with ¼ turn of the head
- High strength aircraft aluminium alloy case
- Weather resistant seals
Specifications
- Type: Handheld LED torch
- Operating Modes: High / Low / Eco / Momentary / Strobe
- Luminous Flux: 746 lumens
- LED: LED Chip
- Focus: Twist action; spot to flood
- Beam Range: up to 403 m
- Batteries Required: 3 x D-Cell alkaline (not included)
- Run Time: Up to 298 hours (on eco setting)
- Length: 298.5 mm
- Barrel Diameter: 39 mm
- Head Diameter: 57 mm
- Weight: 742 grams (with batteries)
- Colours Available: Black
- Body Material: Precision machined high strength aircraft aluminium alloy case
- Body Finish: Anodised
- Electrical Contacts: Plated contacts to enhance conductivity and reduce oxidation
- Switch Type: Side mounted ‘push’ button
- Impact Resistance: 1 m
- Environmental: Water resistant to IPX4 standard