Designed in collaboration with the U.S. Military, the Maglite MAG-TAC LED flashlight is a new rugged tactical flashlight from Mag Instrument. This performance-oriented derivative of the XL-series is the first Maglite to use high performance lithium 123A batteries, resulting in a compact flashlight that produces more than 300 lumens and lasts four hours on one set of batteries. Let’s take a closer look at Maglite’s first lithium 123A tactical flashlight and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Key Specifications
- Output: 310 lumens high (plain bezel), 320 lumens high (crowned bezel), 45 lumens low (plain bezel only)
- Intensity: 8,300 candela (plain bezel), 9,300 candela (crowned bezel)
- Runtime: 4h high, 17h low (plain bezel only)
- Battery: 2 x 123A
- Length: 5.2″ (plain bezel), 5.3″ (crowned bezel)
- Diameter: 1.05″
- Weight with Batteries: 4.8 oz.
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime with $10 Handling Fee
- MSRP: $64.99-$74.99 (plain bezel), $79.99-$84.99 (crowned bezel)
- Actual Pricing: ~$80
Pricing & Contents
MSRP for the MAG-TAC ranges from $64.99 to $74.99 for the plain bezel model, and $79.99 to $84.99 for the crowned bezel model. Both models are available in several colors, including Black, Coyote Tan, Foliage Green, and Urban Gray.
Included in the blister packaging are: Maglite MAG-TAC, 2 x 123A lithium batteries, pocket clip, hex wrench, and user manual.
Batteries
In a departure from the alkaline batteries that Maglite typically uses, two 123A lithium batteries power the MAG-TAC. These 3V lithium batteries, which are commonly used in tactical flashlights, have twice the voltage of alkaline batteries and provide better high-drain performance.
Lithium batteries have higher energy density than regular batteries, so low-quality or counterfeit batteries can be dangerous to use. We recommend using only quality lithium batteries from Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic.
The Light
As a variant of the XL-series, the MAG-TAC has similar dimensions to the XL200. Overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the 123A batteries, and for maximum durability, the aluminum body is type-III anodized with a matte finish.
Head
Behind the bezel is a polycarbonate window and smooth plastic reflector.
Here we can see the difference between the plain and crowned bezels; the crowned bezel protrudes by an additional 0.1” and is slightly tapered.
Body
Styling of the MAG-TAC is more aggressive than the XL-series, and the grenade-grip knurling along the body is smooth and easy to grip.
Tail Cap
Smooth black rubber covers the electronic tail switch, which is flat and shrouded to prevent accidental activation.
Function Sets
In addition to cosmetic differences, the plain and crowned models also have different function sets.
Momentary/High/Low (Plain Bezel)
Click once for momentary-on, click twice for constant-on, and click three times for low.
Momentary/High/Strobe (Crowned Bezel)
Click once for momentary-on, click twice for constant-on, and click three times for strobe.
Modes
Both models use the Quick Click user interface to select from three modes.
Momentary
Press and hold the switch for maximum output. When the switch is released, the light turns off.
High
With two clicks, maximum output of 310 lumens (plain) or 320 lumens (crowned) is activated.
Low
With three clicks for the plain bezel version, reduced power output of 45 lumens is activated.
Strobe
With three clicks for the crowned bezel version, the 12Hz strobe is activated.
To turn off the MAG-TAC, click the switch once.
Performance
Using a Cree XP-G LED, the MAG-TAC has a maximum output of 320 lumens. The MAG-TAC uses the same LED and reflector as the XL200, resulting in a similar beam profile that is smooth and focused with a well-defined hotspot.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Both models use gradual step-down regulation over the first half hour of runtime, reducing heat and extending battery life. Rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate 123A’s can also be used, which provide approximately one hour of regulated runtime.
Accessories
Included with the MAG-TAC is a pocket clip, which is secured using a plastic cam lock.
Conclusion
Although many lights now offer user-programmable function sets, including Maglite’s ML-series, this feature was not carried over to the MAG-TAC. Instead, the MAG-TAC’s bezel style determines which pre-programmed function set you’ll get. For most users, having a lower output mode would be more practical than strobe, so we would recommend the plain bezel model unless there is a specific need for either the crowned bezel or strobe mode.
In the highly competitive tactical flashlight segment, the Maglite MAG-TAC stands well among the competition. As LED technology advances, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but there’s more to a flashlight than just output. While the MAG-TAC may not have as much output as the latest ultra-high output lights with Cree’s XM-L LED, the Cree XP-G LED allows the MAG-TAC to have a more compact design with a 1” bezel.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Related Links
Chris,
I wouldn’t say that the crowned bezel version is the “brighter light” because it is only 10 lumens difference (or 3%, which is not statistically significant and can be from manufacturing variation with the LED or other components in the light).
As a side note, Tenergy is not known for quality, and most of their capacity ratings are inflated (you can see that K2 Energy’s 600mAh lithium phosphate have longer runtime than the Tenergy “750mAh” lithium phosphate).
You shouldn’t have any problems switching the tail caps, but again, the difference in brightness is imperceptible.
Hope this helps.
Robin
Thanks. So what kind of battery do you recommend, the k2 energy? Have you tested any higher capacity batteries around 1000 mah? I’m looking for a real long run time with rechargeables.
Chris,
K2 Energy makes the best lithium-phosphate 123A’s, and we would recommend purchasing them direct from them or through a reseller (you should be able to find the kit for $29 and two batteries for $12).
Unless there is some breakthrough in lithium-phosphate technology, I would be doubtful of those that claim more than 600mAh in the 123A size (16340).
Robin
Hi Robin, may I know your if there will be a comparison between LED LENSER F1 and MAGLITE MAG TAC? And which one would you recommend? Cheers. George
George,
It’s possible, but the light has not been released for the US market. It looks like a single-cell 123A light, so it probably can’t be compared apples-to-apples with the two-cell 123A MAG-TAC.
Robin
I messed up and bought some Orbtron 18650 batteries because the Tenergy company said they were the same size as a pair of rcr123 batteries and they dont fit. What can I do? Is it safe to remove the outer plastic label and will that buy me enough space to fit it in my light?
Is it possible to bore out the mag-tac so it works with 18650 batteries without ruining the light?
Chris,
That I would not know. The walls are pretty thick, so you may be able to get away with it.
Do NOT remove any plastic wrap from lithium-ion batteries. It serves as an insulator because the entire outside of the canister is the negative terminal.
Robin
Hi robin, do you have any idea or have you asked maglite why they installed plastic instead aluminium reflector? I mean it’s on $80 and use plastic reflector??
It’s not necessarily price related, many lights of varying price ranges use plastic reflectors. Plastic is lighter and easier to shape.
I doubt you will be able to notice a difference between plastic and aluminum reflectors. Aluminum reflectors could be beneficial to heat dissipation, but that is about it.
Hope this helps.
Robin
I have both types of mag-tac flashlights and have done some side by side comparisons and with my eyes there is a notable difference between the two lights. The 320 crowned bezzel light is brighter and has better throw than the 310 lumen plain bezzel with the same batteries. I have a picture of them side by side if you want to see it. Also wondering if you have done any testing with 17650 or 17670 batteries and whether they will fit in these lights.
Chris,
You should not be able to tell a difference between the two lights. If there’s a noticeable difference in brightness, there’s something wrong with one of the lights. Make sure that you’re using fresh batteries in both, and that the beam patterns are similar.
With the plastic reflectors that Maglite uses, it’s quite possible that you’ll get slightly different beam patterns depending on the bezel’s position. Try aligning the bezel text and S/N in different ways, and see if you can find a better beam pattern.
Robin
It may be the crowend bezzel light puts out a whiter light but to me it looks brighter than the plain bezzel light. I used a fresh pair of batteries for each light when I was compairing them. You mentioned earlier that there would be no issue with using a single 3.7 volt battery but I got a 3.7 volt 17650 to try out and it doesn’t work. It works with my fenix light but doesn’t have the power to get my mag to work. The light turns on but doesn’t have any usable light. Maglite themselves told me any battery will do as long as I dont exceed 6 volts and it seems they are wrong.
Chris,
When compared on a white wall, tint does affect perceived brightness quite significantly. For the same intensity (candela), warmer tints don’t look as bright as cooler tints. However, if you use the lights outdoors and light up distant objects, you will see that the difference is much less pronounced.
Sorry, what I meant was that using a 3.7V lithium-ion would not damage the MAG-TAC, but I didn’t know if it would work or not, since I don’t have any to test. I’m using 2 x LFP123A lithium-phosphate rechargeables in my MAG-TAC.
Robin
I tried two 3.7v RCR123s in my MagTac and it worked flawlessly. I did not do any extended run times with this set up, but I did not notice any problems within the few minutes I used it. I also could not make a 3.7V 17670 work in this light, although it did fit just fine.
One thing I wanted to point out is that when the light is in constant on mode, you have to click it 4 times for the strobe to come on. Not really a big deal, but something to think about.
Also, is the unit using a digital switch, or is the multi-mode coming from the circuit near the LED. Is the low output done via PWM?
Thanks a Million!
Dave
Dave,
It’s an electronic switch, and output is controlled by PWM in the tailcap circuitry.
Robin
Dear Robin,
I have just bought Mag tac plain bezel flashlight. Kindly suggest a good charger and rechargeable 123A lithium batteries. Non-rechargeables prove costly in the long-run. if possible, kindly mention a link or two from where I could have an idea of what charger and batteries to buy for my light.
Respectful regards
Khaleeq,
We’ve been using lithium-phosphate LFP123A’s from K2 Energy with good results. You can purchase them here:
http://www.surefire.com/batteries/sf2r-kit01-charger-kit.html
Robin
You state that this flashlight is type-III anodized. Is that for the black model only? My understanding is that type III anodizing is generally not done on colored flashlights? Can you shed any light on this?
Thanks
Dave
David,
It’s possible to have different type III anodize colors, but the selections are more limited than type II. All MAG-TAC colors are type III anodized.
Robin