A flashlight is used for many purposes; it is a very useful tool as it helps us in various ways. They are available in almost all homes, offices and factories. People use it during blackouts, emergencies, for safety and security, and even while playing some games; basically any time you need to see in a dark space, you’ll grab your handy flashlight.
The Maglite XL50 and Maglite XL100 are two powerful flashlights manufactured by Mag Instrument Inc., under the brand of Maglite. This company first introduced their flashlight to the market in 1979. Earlier, people didn’t really regard flashlights as a reliable item as they used to last for just a short span of time, and the average use time didn’t justify the cost of the batteries. After few days of usage, people dumped it because those days, flashlights were of very inferior quality and didn’t usually last very long. After several spending years on research to provide better flashlights to the public, Mag Instruments Inc. started perfecting the design of the flashlight by applying unique technology.
Maglite XL50 LED Flashlight
The Maglite XL50 LED flashlight is a very user friendly flashlight; it performs really well as compared to many other flashlights that are available in the market today. This heavy-duty quality flashlight has a deceptively sleek and compact design, so it can easily fit into your pockets. The Maglite XL50 also has a convenient holster, in case you want to put it away safely without the worry of damaging the flashlight.
The Maglite XL50 has an LED beam that can be adjusted from spot to flood mode, meaning the beam can be manually changed ranging from a pinpoint sharp beam of light to a widely dispersed, softer beam. These flashlights are made using the MAG-LED technology, which is very advanced, so you can be assured of having nothing excellent, durable quality in not only the shaft of your flashlight, but the bulb itself as well. One interesting feature is that it has Intelligent Energy Source Management (IESM,) which means that this flashlight monitors the brightness and power usage of the device continuously; it monitors the balance between them to make sure that the balance is optimum. They are: (i) High Power, (ii) energy savings to up to 25% power and, (iii) Emergency Safety Strobe.
The Maglite XL50 has a rugged, machined aluminum case which acts as its protector. The body of the flashlight has been anodized to protect from corrosion and so that it is durable. You have 3 modes to choose from by clicking it quickly. The Maglite XL50 is powered by three alkaline batteries, which help it to perform its functions properly and for a longer period of time. The length of this particular flashlight is 4.8 inches (121.92 mm), the barrel diameter is 1 inch (25.4 mm) and the head diameter is 1 inch (25.4 mm) too. Along with batteries, it weighs around 3.68 ounces (104 grams.)
Maglite XL50 vs. Maglite XL100 – Which Flashlight is Better?
You might have been wondering which of these two models of Maglite is better than the other. Both the Maglite XL50 and Maglite XL100 were introduced to the flashlight market in 2010; with the XL100 being released in the beginning half of the year and the XL50 in the latter. Most people are under the impression that the most recent version is always a better, more updated one, but that is not necessarily the case here. Customer reviews on the Maglite XL50 seem to lean toward the belief that although it is better than the XL100 in some aspects, it does not have as many handy features as the Maglite XL100 and it costs less, too. One customer review states that the battery life of the XL50 is not nearly as long as expected from such a high quality brand, while another customer firmly believes that the simplicity of the XL50 is much preferable to the complex nature of the older XL100. Here are a few comparative points from each Maglite:
Lumens – XL50 puts out 104 lumens as opposed to the 83 of the XL100.
Settings – The Maglite XL50 has 3 light settings: high power, 25% power and strobe, whereas the XL100 offers 7: normal, strobe, nightlight, signal, 25% power, lockout and variable power.
Maximum Distance – The max effective distance the beam of the XL50 is approximately 145 meters as compared to the 134 meters of the XL100.
Size – The Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL100 are the same size and weight (4.8” long with a diameter of 1”.)
Batteries – Both the flashlights use 3 AAA batteries.
Running Time – When used at its highest setting, the XL50 has a battery life of about 8 hours and 45 minutes; at low power it can last as long as 35 hours. The XL100, on the other hand, when used at its highest setting has a battery life of about 5 hours and 15 minutes; at its lower setting that number climbs to 20 hours.
Maglite XL100
While the Maglite XL50 seems to offer a simpler, more efficient light source, in no way is that to be interpreted as the Maglite XL100 is an inferior flashlight. Both Maglite models are high quality, high efficiency flashlights that offer their users the means to light up the dark, no matter the circumstances. In truth, the difference between the two lights merely means that it is up to the needs of the consumer to choose the model Maglite that best suits their needs. For instance, in addition to the multiple settings the XL100 offers, it also has an accelerometer. The Maglite XL100 LED flashlight is optimal for those looking for a little more out of their flashlight than just a steady beam, whatever those needs may be.
So it really is dependent upon the needs of the consumer which Maglite model is right for them; both the XL50 and the XL100 have the same sturdy, high-quality, dent and scratch resistance shafts and superior LED bulbs that make them the leaders in the flashlight industry. You just really can’t go the wrong way when choosing between the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL100.