Under the Spotlight: Maglite for Self-Defence
Assumptions and Realities Flashlights are often tagged as one of the most essential self-defence tools by experts and enthusiasts alike. A confluence of practicality and scenario readiness makes this tool a favorite. However, based on a recent review by the Hard2Hurt Youtube channel’s Icy Mike, he demonstrates that using the Maglite for self-defence isn’t advisable. From its weight to handling difficulty, the Maglite appears to fall short of utility. A typical misconception that suggests a Maglite could double as an effective impact weapon as well as a flashlight were dismissed by Mike. The reality is that the Maglite does not accomplish either task especially well. Negating the Maglite As An Impact Weapon Contrary to its bulky and sturdy presentation, the Maglite doesn’t seem to cut it as an impact weapon. A recurrent theme in the video is that reality often undercuts expectations. The likelihood of getting a clear strike on an attacker’s head is very slim, and highly dangerous if the strike misses. The attacker could easily take control of the weapon, turning the situation even more dangerous for the user. Moreover, a proper grip on the Maglite is difficult to maintain in a high pressure situation. An interesting point mentioned was its practical legality. Given the potential harm it could do when used as an impact weapon, legal and ethical issues arise. It’s worth noting that only scenarios where lethal force is justified would such use of a Maglite be acceptable. Maglite as a Flashlight You’d imagine having more batteries would result in a stronger output of light, but this is not the case. Comparing the 3D and 6D Maglites, merely 10 more lumens were produced by doubling the number of batteries. The takeaway here is that the extra batteries do not necessarily improve the flashlight’s key function – to provide light – but only add more weight and cost to the user. Desigualities in Design Maglite’s design elements seem to add more complications than advantage for users. Simple actions such as turning on the smaller variant require twisting the head of the flashlight. In a high-pressure situation, this could lead to wasting precious seconds needing quick response. Its legendary long, bulky physique also makes it unwieldy, reducing the user’s control and increasing the risk of being disarmed. Overall, Mike finds stark differences between the assumptions about the effectiveness of the Maglite and the reality he demonstrates in the video. This further emphasizes the importance of adequately testing and understanding the capabilities of self-defense tools. The glamorous image of the Maglite may paint it as a formidable tool at first glance, but understanding its real-world application paints a different picture. Remember, the key to effective self-defence is not only about possessing the right tools but also about understanding how to use them effectively in realistic scenarios. So the next time you look at a Maglite, remember; it may not be your best choice for a self-defence flashlight.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a popular YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, a well-respected self-defense trainer. He shares practical techniques, equipment reviews, and fitness tips, focused on preparing the average person for self-defense situations. Icy Mike is known for his no-nonsense approach, blending humor with valuable real-world advice.
Self-Defence Block
This is why no one in law enforcement uses them anymore.
If you're a flashlight company in 2023 still using d cell batteries, you intend on your product being used as a weapon
keep in mind, adding more batteries of the same voltage, doesn't add power, it adds longevity to the power source.
in a 6 D cell battery of 1.5 volts, you don't have 9 volts, you have 6 cells of 1.5 volts.
to make it a better weapon you could use 6 AA cells, power the same light, and have its over all radius thinner, maybe increase the gauge of the casing (make it thicker), and still have it lighter so you can swing it faster to be a better weapon. However, it would eat through those batteries so you'd have to replace them so frequently, it wouldn't be a good flash light… now if they used LED's and a magnifying lense that could reduce the power requirement for the light given off… but make it quite a bit more expensive.
Big batteries equal long run times. One D battery is 10k mah. You are using different generation maglites. The new ones are much brighter. ML50L is a 3 c cell with button. Probs my fave evs flashlight. I never saw a maglite as a impact weapon though, just a light that produces light for way way way longer than any other flashlights. A good 18650 is about 3k mah. Suck in cold weather too. Alkaline are much better in the cold.
Im not saying that maglite doesn't try to sell their flashlights as impact weapons, but the super long ones are actually really cool emergency flashlights because they last a very long time with the extra batteries. The 4 D cell version lasts like 18 days on eco mode. It's a great flashlight for extended power outages or hurricanes or whatever you want to prepare for.
Guys in a gym looking for views. I carried one and used it operationally. If it gets the job done it is good. If you have any experience it's great for a strike. Seriously nail yourself in the diaphram with it and say it doesn't work…
It’s biggest advantage is simply being a visual deterrent…the idea is you don’t need to swing cuz attacker makes different choice and leaves
You can beat the $hit out of someone with that thing your @nal
you can actually get upgraded LED kits for your old maglights they are incredibly bright.. but let’s be honest it’s for sneaking up behind people that are breaking in a car and clocking them in the legs multiple times
Just to set the record straight, the giant flashlight you had uses incandescent (old school) light bulb technology. The other two had LED bulbs (based on the packaging you showed). That's why the smaller ones could produce about the same amount of light as the humungous one. The extra voltage of the humungous flashlight made up for its inefficient bulb technology. And also… I don't care what you say — Maglites are the shiznit!
Hit it with your purse next time
I find 6 D magelite is too much, so is 5D. 4D is great because 3D is to small. Plus I want them to think I am going for The head which i'm not i'm going to attack another body part.
Unfortunately you are forced to upgrade the bulb.
I don't think any flashlight is made for self defense. That's what batons are for.
Great video!!
Thanks a lot
Under my experience the appropriate Maglite model for self defense purposes its the 4 batteries C size, with some type of rubberized cover for a better grip.
The D models aren't acceptables
Bad take
3D? But a wasn't a two Dimensional flashlight!
We need a 25D Maglite to use as a fighting pole.
I have several flashlights, and one is an old 3 cell incandescent Maglite. I upgraded it with an LED bulb and replaced the D cells with a hack that allowed me to use a 21700 li-ion battery instead. I love my maglite again.
I also saw a cop throw a maglight at someone like a tomahawk. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
My dad have this lite In Bangladesh
Cringe video. Mag lites are classic flashlights and everyone needs one. Nobody wants your new cringe techniques. Also, nobody is getting in top of you if you have a sidearm. Problem solved.
Okay, here me out. A really long Maglite with a concealed sword inside of it like a cane sword.
Better yet, call it a light sword.
Or how about this? A light saber!
Oh hell yeah. I'm gonna be rich! Nobody ever thought of that! A light saber!
I use flashlights everyday at work and have some pretty good lights. I do like Maglites and they also have smaller lights down to even a single AAA light. I think another part of their appeal is that they are still USA made and many people like using alkaline or NIMH rechargeable batteries. Third party sell glass breaking tail caps and crenelated bezels too. I have never bought one for any type of fighting purpose. Also the LED versions will normally be higher lumens then the bulb or Krypton versions.
Your comparing an incandescent 6d to a led 3d thats where the problem starts.. the point in a 6d was straight up power. With an incandescent the only way to increase output was to increase the cell count.
Your 3c vs 3d comparison is also silly considering they use the same led module in both lights running the same voltage from the 3 cells. A D battery has the same output as a C battery, just more life..
You must also take into consideration that MOST folks aren't trained fighters that will be able to disarm you from your light so easily. Most people don't expect 1 to fight back much less smack em with a heavy ass light. In Most situations with average people they are going to be a positive force.
If you live in the UK where carrying ANYTHING for self defence is illegal, then the maglite is for you.
If you live in a country that respects your right to be alive, then it sucks.
Ok so let me start by saying first off that I love all of your videos. I actually agree with you on a few levels, the mag light is longer, so it would be easier for a person to get ahold of it. And with it being longer, it also makes it heavier, which makes it harder to swing. However, if your opponent is not trained in combat and you are, I believe you could utilize a mag light for self defense. With the mag light being longer, you can defend against knife attacks. You can also keep more distance between you and your opponent. Either way, there are pros and cons to any self defense weapon, but if you know how to utilize a mag light properly and have a little training under your belt, you stand a better chance. This will not always work in every situation though. Love your videos I learn a lot from them!
I have a few issues with your analysis. 1. The maglite is a flashlight first which let's be honest doubles as an impact weapon. You're not going to be running around in broad daylight with this thing waiting to fight off attackers baseball bat style. You're going to be using it as a flashlight IN THE DARK and if someone approaches you you're going to use that handy dandy light beam to not only see them but also impair their vision. Even though I don't know why you're using an incandescent light as the test subject I'll get into that later, even a 4D maglite has an 18000 candela beam at full focus, which is extremely bright. You shouldn't be letting them get close enough to have to fight them off anyways but if for whatever reason you don't have a firearm you should be keeping the light right in their face so so that in the event they do try to rush you by the time you swing that thing at them they can't see to effectively block anyways. 2. Even though maglite has lagged behind the times in technological updates, their new ml300l series of lights are all LED and range from 500 to 1200 lumens with programmable modes. You seem to analyze these incandescent maglites that have been around since the 80s as though they were just released and meant to be competitive in the modern world which I don't think is a fair shake. Again there are brighter and smaller lights but the wide flood to bright spot gives it a lot of versatility. There are a lot of focusable flashlights these days but most of them cheap this with a convex lens rather than a parabolic reflector, meaning even with a fully focused beam the actual beam intensity isn't really enhanced.
The extra batteries in the 6d version add runtime not brightness
Your premise is incorrect. Any one that takes a standard baton class would know 1st you don't strike the head and 2nd you only use the first 2inches of the light. You giving bad advice any real martial artist is deadly with it without killing someone. If I'm a cop with a gun why would I even use a flashlight? My gun hand is on my gun and my weak hand is up shining on you. Cops don't wrestle bad guys they don't get that close to put themselves in danger. That's cop 101.
Id rather have it, then not have it.
Maglite is a better flashlight than what you get at Walmart.
I hope those weren't used and then they just kind of put dye in it later on to save a little money.
Hey its ok they just shoot them. No one will dig around in the skull 💀.
I’ve carried the 3D Maglite for 15+ years, and on two occasions I’ve stroked fools upside the grape while working in an official capacity. The Maglite unzips the noggin amazingly well, with impressive blood loss. Surprisingly, it did NOT take the fight out of either test subject. Dare I say it probably did help, but the confrontation was ended because I had the better stamina in both engagements. Maglite isn’t a great impact weapon, but eh, it’s better than a broken finger(s). The real beauty of the Maglite, and why it perpetually lives at the bottom of my go-bag in the passenger seat… is that when I need it 8 months from now, it’ll work. When I’m stuck at a scene, 16 hours into a 12 hour shift, it’s crappy dim beam will still be shining long after the 3000 lumen rechargeable lightsabers have died out. On at least 3 separate occasions I’ve had to drill wood screws into exploded alkaline D-cell batteries and remove them from the Maglite in pieces… yet it keeps going.
One overlooked feature of the Maglite is the sheer glee of holding it out as a car zips past while you’re on a traffic stop and hearing the passenger side mirror detonate like a hand grenade.
this video had me dying laughing bro seriously nice
I have the 3D and it's old, yes, but in a ouple of occasions the people I wanted off my property, just got intimidated by its looksl which was enough for me.
4:02 That's All? That's all the additional batteries do? What if, pray, they were to increase the operational time of the torch?