Not up to par with Maglite's reputation for quality.
When I saw this flashlight online I was at first impressed. From the pictures it looked like magnate finally pulled into the 21st century and redesigned their lights to meet new trends. Let me start off first by saying that yes this light is extremely bright, especially for a maglite, its beam is focused and the 5 different modes are a huge pro to this flashlight. Where the maglite ml300lx has its downfall is in build quality. I own several maglites, mostly the older style with the xenon bulbs and have been nothing but impressed. I have no doubt that these lights will be handed down to my grandchildren some day, but I'm not so sure the ml300lx will make it that far. Upon first observation you will notice light scuffing on the "new 3rd gen scratch resistant anodization" which in my opinion is unacceptable, this new matte finish is also prone to collecting finger prints and just overall does not feel very durable. Secondly the aluminum that this flashlight is made of feels extremely thin, and not to sound crass but I could never see using this as a durable home defender like my 5D and 6D mags that I have next to my bed. Finally the thing that really sent me over the top with this light was when I took it apart and found one too many plastic pieces hidden in the head of the flashlight. Maglite is boasting about their "quarter turn beam focusing" like its the next best thing to happen to the flashlight industry, but how they achieved this was by putting a plastic component in the head that restricts the head from turning more than a quarter of the way. This piece is unfortunately essential to holding the flashlight head together, without it the head would simply just fall right off. If and when this piece breaks the light will be unusable. In the end all of these small issue add up to one very large one, a far less durable maglite than its predecessors. This may be the first maglite that will not be able to stand the test of time and be passed down generation to generation. I think I will be more likely to buy the old style maglites and upgrade them with new LED lamps, the older generations also have more modding capabilities. This will be the maglite I show off but it will not be an every day carry or a defender. Buy only if you want a flashlight for light duty or for showing off. The older the better with Mags.
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