I'm using the AA Minimag light for comparison purposes. Mostly because it and the AAA minimag were the only lights I've been using in my kits up to now. I didn't compare the AAA light because there really is no comparison. I'm including information from the Flashlight review. I'll start off with spec lists of the two lights and finish up with my own personal opinion, based on a few comparison tests that I performed with the 2 lights. [image]http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/RovingArcher/Gear/P1010855.jpg[/image] AA MINIMAG LIGHT: Case Material ........................... Anodized aluminum Case Features .......................... Focusable, "Candle Mode", Lanyard hole, textured for grip Case Access Type .................... Remove tailcap for batteries, remove bezel for bulb Switch Type ............................. Twist bezel Reflector Type ......................... Smooth silvered plastic Lens Type ................................ Clear plastic Bulb Type ................................. Krypton Bi-Pin Beam Type ............................... Spot to Flood focus Beam Characteristics ............... Ringy, blotchy, holes Battery / Power Type................ 2 x AA alkaline Battery Life (advertised) ........... None (Estimated 2-4 hours) actual obtained: 5 hr 31 min to failure Environmental Protection ......... O-ring Special Items of Note ............... Packaging includes belt sheath Warranty .................................. Limited Lifetime Retail Cost ................................ $8.00 - $12.00 US DORCY SUPER 1 WATT Case Material ........................... Anodized aluminum Case Features .......................... Ribbed for grip Case Access Type .................... Unscrew tailcap Switch Type ............................. Tailcap Clickie - reverse type Reflector Type ......................... Smooth, silvered Lens Type ................................ Clear plastic Bulb Type ................................. Luxeon I LED Beam Type ............................... Spot Beam Characteristics ............... Smooth, clean Battery / Power Type................ 1 x 123A cell Battery Life (advertised) ........... none Battery Life (test results) ........... ~2 hours 23 min to 50% starting output Environmental Protection ......... O-rings, rubber seals Weight (oz.) with batteries ....... 2.8 Special Items of Note ............... none Warranty .................................. 1 year Retail Cost ................................ 26.75 US$ Actual cost 19.99 US$ Looking at the specs of the two lights. It was evident that the Maglite was the better buy of the two lights and in fact, I've found the Minimag to be an excellent light and will continue to use it in our gear and around the house. I particulary liked and the wife really got a kick out of the two minimags in candle mode that I placed on the dinner table while we ate. However, With the advent of the high output LEDs, the minimag seems weak by comparison and the Dorcy gives me a reason to buy a maxpedition belt pouch.:lol The photo shows both lights at 3', side by side. Beamshot As you can see from the photo, the LED casts more of a combination spotlight/splash effect than does the Minimag, which is shown in the spot mode only. When I widened the beam of the Maglite to illuminate items on the wall like the LED was doing, it lost it's spot and holes became apparent in the beam of light. Of course, shooting beams at a wall from 36" isn't much of a comparison, but the camera wouldn't catch the beams in the pitch black, long distance. Outside in the ally, where outside lights were on in the distance, I found that the LEDs beam, although losing it's spot, was cast over a longer distance than the Minimags beam in spot mode. When I opened up the beam of the minimag, it lost it's effective beam in a much shorter distance and barely illuminated a pair of puppy eyes at 30 paces, shooting towards the distant buildings outdoor lights. But the Dorcy illuminated Belle the mutt, as well as her eyes at the same distance. I didn't drop them into water, but did drop both on the wooden deck outside and the Minimag blipped a bit, but the Dorcy didn't do anything but bounce. The beam was steady and solid. In conclusion I'd have to say that I'm sold on the high output LCD lights, as compared to the minimag, but I continue to like the minimags and don't plan of removing them from my gear just yet.
I love my dorcy. Only con is longer than a SF E1. Otherwise the beam is great, light weight and personally I like the reverse clicky, can be sure it will not get clicked on in ym pocket, as opposed to the E1.
