In my search for the best reasonably priced flashlight which uses standard batteries, I have a new entry. I picked up the Mini
Maglite Pro
LED Model# IP2PLPH. It's a two AA battery light with the good old Mag twist on/off and
zoom feature. But here's the weird part if you search for that model you will find
this flashlight. Which is the same thing but only 226 lumens. The one I got at Lowes is 272 lumens and cost $25 with the same model number. It appears that back in early summer Mag upgraded the output on the IP2PLPH from 226 lumens to 272 lumens. However, they still haven't updated the website and most sellers (including Amazon) still seem to
stock the lower
power version.
This website sells both versions of the light. Also, watch out for the two
level version of the Mag
LED. It looks exactly the same but has a max output of only 77 lumens. That model has a funky high/low
switch based on which direction you are tipping the flashlight while you turn it on.
So anyway, I'm really impressed with 272
lumen version of the Mag IP2PLPH and give it a big two thumbs up. 2 1/2 hour battery life on two AA batteries (and we've all got tubs of half used AA's at work to keep it going for ever). It's got a nice tight
zoom with a nice white
color temperature. Best of all it looks, works, and feels exactly like the good old mini mag we all fell in love with back in the day before surefire came along. When it comes to maximum bang for the buck in 2014, this is the light.
Here's a picture from Candlepowerforums showing a shootout between the older 226
lumen version on the left vs the new 272
lumen version on the right.