About Maglite

Maglite (also spelled Mag-Lite) was introduced in 1979. It is a brand of flashlight manufactured by Mag Instrument, Inc. located in Ontario, California, and founded by Anthony Maglica. It is constructed principally of anodized 6061 aluminum, sometimes referred to as aircraft aluminum. Maglites are known for their variable-focus beam, waterproof pushbutton switch and durability.

Accessories manufactured by Mag Instrument Co. for the Maglite include belt holsters, light clamps, colored and glass lenses, attachable fiber optics extensions, higher-powered incandescent bulbs, and LED conversion modules. They are available from Mag Instrument, Inc. and numerous third-party vendors.

Most Maglites are equipped with a spare light bulb encased in the tailcap. LED bulbs have a significantly longer lifetime, and thus generally do not need to be replaced. LED maglites do not include a spare LED, but include a spare conventional bulb.

Most Maglites are equipped with a spare light bulb encased in the tailcap. LED bulbs have a significantly longer lifetime, and thus generally do not need to be replaced. LED maglites do not include a spare LED, but include a spare conventional bulb.

Please note that the newer LED version of the 2 cell AA Mini Maglite and the 3 cell AA Mini Maglite have a tailcap which is a different size than the tailcap of the classic incandescent Mini Maglite, also the size of the spring in the LED models varies from the spring size of those of the classic models and the LED Mini Maglite.

A list of the sizes of Mag Instrument flashlights, and the years they were released:

  • 1979: D and C Cell battery models are put on the market; targeted to the public safety and industrial sectors (the 7D, 5C, 6C & 7C models are out of production)
  • 1982: MagCharger: a larger more expensive model popular with public safety and emergency-services personnel. This light is much brighter than typical Maglites, and uses a rechargeable NiCad battery pack.
  • 1984: 2 AA cell batteries (Mini Maglite) Maglite's first personal size flashlight.
  • 1987: 2 AAA cell batteries (Mini Maglite) A smaller version of the Mini Maglite, to be used in industrial, scientific and medical applications.
  • 1988: 1 AAA cell battery (Maglite Solitaire) Mag Instrument's key chain flashlight, ideal for pockets and purses.
  • 2006: C and D cell batteries (Maglite LED)
  • 2006: 2 AA cell batteries (Mini Maglite LED)
  • 2006: 3 AA cell batteries (Mini Maglite LED)