Raising the bar for LED flashlights once again, the new Mini Maglite Pro and Pro+ feature simple user interfaces yet deliver remarkable performance. It’s back to the basics with the Mini Maglite Pro’s single output mode for an impressive 226 lumens, but an additional, motion-controlled, low mode can be found in the Pro+ model. With an expected retail price of under $35 for the Mini Maglite Pro+, there’s no wonder there’s been much anticipation for these lights, so read on for more details!
Key Specifications
- Output (Pro): 226 lumens
- Output (Pro+): 245 lumens high, 61 lumens low
- Intensity (Pro): 4,880 candela
- Intensity (Pro+): 5,600 candela
- Runtime (Pro): 2h 30min
- Runtime (Pro+): 2h 15min high, 27h low
- Battery: 2 x AA
- Length: 6.61″
- Diameter: 1.0″ bezel, 0.71″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 4.15 oz.
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $29.99 (Pro), $32.99 (Pro+)
- Actual Pricing: ~$30
Pricing & Ordering
MSRP for the Mini Maglite Pro is $29.99, with the Pro+ priced slightly higher around $32.99. Black is only available at the moment, but both models will be available in black, grey, blue, red, silver, or UCP camo.
In The Box
Included in the blister packaging are: Mini Maglite Pro/Pro+ LED Flashlight, 2 x AA Duracell alkaline batteries, and holster.
Batteries
Like the original Mini Maglite LED, both the Pro and Pro+ operate on two AA batteries. ANSI FL1 specifications for the lights are for alkaline batteries, but NiMH rechargeable and lithium primaries can also be used.
The Light
Head
The head features a plastic window and a deep smooth reflector. Optimal focus can be achieved with a quarter turn of the head, or the head can be removed for “candle mode.”
A glass window may be installed using Mag Instrument part #108-617.
Body
The entire light is type-II anodized aluminum inside and out, which prevents corrosion and also electrically insulates the light.
Knurling along the body of the lights ensures a solid grip but do not prevent the light from rolling when set on its side.
Tail Cap
Since these are twist-operated lights, there’s only a lanyard hole on the tail cap.
Modes
Multi-mode operation differentiates the Mini Maglite Pro+, which uses an accelerometer for selecting the power-saving low mode, from the single output Mini Maglite Pro.
Full Power (Pro+)
100% brightness at 245 lumens.
Power Save (Pro+)
Simply point the light straight down before turning it on for 25% brightness, or 61 lumens.
Performance
Using the same Cree XP-G LED as the XL200 and ML125, the Mini Maglite Pro and Pro+ are rated for 226 and 245 lumens, respectively. Not only is this an incredible amount of output compared to the current 77-lumen Mini Maglite LED, but the Pro and Pro+ holds ground even when compared to tactical CR123 or rechargeable lights.
At the point when the light turns on, the beam pattern tends toward that of a floody work light, which is ideal for work in a Pro-fessional environment (pardon the pun) where light is often needed at close range. With another quarter turn of the head, the beam reaches optimal spot focus.
Since the LED module is disconnected when the head is fully tightened, we’re pleased to report that there’s no parasitic standby drain to be found on either light.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
As efficient as LEDs are, heat is still produced and has to be dissipated, so step-down regulation is used to prolong battery life and reduce heat. This behavior does not give accurate comparisons for one runtime cycle, so we conducted an extended runtime test where we power cycled the lights to reset the timer.
If the lights are operated with a 90% duty cycle (13.5 minutes on, 1.5 minutes off), maximum output is maintained for a shorter amount of time and the runtime graph resembles that of a flashlight without an automatic energy-saving step down.
Accessories
Maglite includes a basic open-top holster with blister pack versions of the Mini Maglite, and the Pro/Pro+ are no exception.
An optional closed-top, open-bottom holster is available as an OEM accessory (useful if you plan to attach a lanyard to the light, since it may not fit in the included holster), and most Mini Maglite accessories such as anti-roll rings and glass windows are compatible.
Conclusion
Maglite has been continuously updating their product line over the past couple years, not only bringing performance and functionality to new levels, but also value. It’s no exception with the Mini Maglite Pro, which offers an unprecedented 200+ lumens for under $30. Priced only slightly higher than the Pro, the Mini Maglite Pro+ includes an accelerometer for intuitive mode-switching.
One thing that we would really like to see is an OEM tail cap switch upgrade, since the twist operation does require re-focusing the light each time it’s turned on. To put things into perspective, the low mode of the Mini Maglite Pro+ is about the same brightness as the high mode of the Mini Maglite LED. Even though these lights have impressive peak performance, they are also designed to be economical for everyday use.
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Amir,
Unregulated means that the light runs directly off of battery power, so no adjustments are made to control output or heat. This typically results in unstable output or heat.
Robin
Thanks for this comprehensive flashlight review, now I have a good idea which Maglite to choose.
After reading your review on this light I decided to buy one because I wanted a wide beam light for walking the dog off leash in my very dark country environment. The light is perfect, maybe too perfect as I use it for everything outside. Although battery life seems very good I have decided to try rechargeable batteries and just ordered a panasonic charger and eneloop battery combo. I know that you use these batteries and wondered if there were any destructive effects, long term on the light, since Mag recommends alkaline. I am finding conflicting opinions everywhere online on this topic. Mine is the 272 lumen version that came with a Solitaire, also a great light.
Thanks in advance for your valued opinion.
Harry
Robin, what do you think of J5 Tactical V1-PRO?
I have had 2 of these and although they have impressive performance both have failed after a couple of years of intermittent use. Not impressed.
Thanks for the run down very helpful, now I know why the price’s are different.
I recently bought a Mini Maglite Pro+ LED and I find switching to Power save mode is very erratic and troublesome. I have many times tried “Simply point the light straight down before turning it on for 25% brightness” but then most of the time flashlight switches the beam to full power. This is very very annoying especially when I need low intensity light for inspection.
Can someone please help me to use this ‘power save’ mode more efficiently.
Thanks in advance.
I’ve used this flashlight after a friend recommended it. Idk why she did. She had all the same exact problems that I did. Walking with it and it just randomly shuts off and on. Battery life is really low fid what you are getting and paying for. Drop it hard and led stops working entirely. With no good way to replace it. I was just on their website and they do not offer replacement led for the product. Only the old xenon bulbs fir their old style flashlights. You are better off with the regular three triple a battery flashlight that you can get anywhere for 5 dollars. Not worth the price. Not reliable. Oh ya…sometimes you twist it to turn it on and it doesn’t even turn on.
My maglite stopped working- i checked/changed batteries. Is the bulb replaceable?
Any suggestions? Thank you, Robin
Unfortunately, there aren’t any replaceable parts. Try cleaning the positive contact on the front of the light, as well as the negative contact between the tailcap and body. If this doesn’t help, you will need to contact Maglite for warranty service.
Robin