Customer Reviews for MAGLITE S6D016 Heavy-Duty 6-D Cell Flashlight, Black

MAGLITE S6D016 Heavy-Duty 6-D Cell Flashlight, Black

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Tools and Hardware Reviews of MAGLITE S6D016 Heavy-Duty 6-D Cell Flashlight, Black

Customer Review: Focus isn't the focus any more.
Summary: 3 Stars

I think Maglite has forgotten that they are supposed to be all about the reflector's precise focusing ability. Maybe they think no one will notice?

I've got four 3-D Maglites from about 12 years ago. They're in my cars and one's beside my bed. Those bad boys will focus an extremely tight nearly perfectly circular beam that is impressive as well as useful--especially at moderate to great distances.

A month or two ago, I bought a new 3-D Maglite. It was sad. Poor focus. At best, it produces an illuminated region that is partly circular and partly elliptical that spreads out way too much even at moderate distances. It left me wanting, but, I figured I bought it from a mega store where individual units from a big production run can often have flaws that are passed on to the consumer. The price was low and I'm just stashing it in the basement for power outage emergencies and such so I tolerated its flaw and stored it in an accessible location.

For many years I've wanted a 6-D Maglite. I ordered from Amazon. Couldn't wait until it arrived. I dreamed: Power; Precision; Prowler's beware because if you're within a quarter mile, I'll simply light you up and ID you in an instant even in a storm.

So, my shiny new 6-D cell Maglite arrived several days ago. Dagnabbit! It's got the same poor focus as the 3-D Maglite I recently bought at the megastore. I can only describe the beam just as I mentioned above. It's not a tight circle. It's somewhat a blend of a sloppy circle and a wayward escaping ellipse.

I also ordered 2 Maglite MagnumStar (Xenon) bulbs for this thing. They came today. (Why they came several days later I don't know because I ordered the 6-D flashlight and the bulbs at the same time. Amazon loses money on free shipping deals when they don't stock these things at the same location, don't they?) Anyway, I thought the super duper MagnumStar bulbs might improve things. Nope. You'll see my separate review for them. They lack the snub nose ground glass focusing lens that they used to have incorporated into the bulb design. Now they're just plain glass.

So, I guess it's just like all things: They "ain't" what they used to be. That's two recent Maglites I've purchased with poorly focused beams. I'm presuming that's just the design average these days. I'll keep the 2 Maglite's I just bought because I don't want to hassle returning them. I guess they're not technically defective. They're just degraded by design. But, I won't buy any more. Looks like I can get the same beam or maybe much better in a cheaper flashlight from another company.

I now find that I severely cherish my four 12 year old 3-D cell Maglites. Their beams are tight! I guess I'd better get busy stocking up on spare parts. These old models require a special tool to replace the switch. I think the switch and tool are rare but I think I've seen a source for them. In the past, I figured it was cheaper just to replace the flashlight if the switch failed. Now I see that's not true becuase I can't buy a new flashlight like those anymore. I need to gear up to maintain these four precious light sticks!

Customer Review: Got to have my SIX Ds!
Summary: 5 Stars

Why buy a 4D mag, when you can get a SIX! Feel the power, the weight, the superiority of SIX D Batteries! Upgrade to an LED bulb have the ultimate MagLite Torch!

Customer Review: Great light!
Summary: 5 Stars

Great light and deterent. Late night walks to the bathroom while camping will be less nerve racking.

Customer Review: Great service!
Summary: 5 Stars

This was shipped promptly and arrived within the order guidelines. It was for a friend to bring to his brother who is working a security detail overseas.