MagLite - ST3D016 Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight, Black

I really like this line of Maglites, with the black being the ST3D016 model. I bought 4 of them in 2019, with the average price being $26 at the time (black, silver, gray, and camo). I came back today to buy one as a gift and it's $50, so has nearly doubled in price in 2 years! I bought my first Maglite in 1982, 39 years ago, a 4D, incandescent of course, and it's still going strong, upgraded in the '90's to a krypton bulb, then later to LED module. These are 168 lumens, and are simple and reliable. I haven't had any issue with the button covers, but based on other reviews am keeping an eye on that. I considered the ML300L line at a big increase in lumens, but didn't like the form factor, the lighter construction, the finicky multi-button push sequence, the failure rate, or the overall lower ratings. I already have a couple "fry your eyeballs" Surefire combat lights, but just wanted general purpose reliable very bright flashlights for the garage, shed, and bedrooms. I already had two 20 year-old incandescent 3D maglites, which I retrofitted with Maglite LED bulbs about 10 years ago, one of which has already failed, which is irritating, but in fairness it may have been dropped by the person I loaned it to. Those LED upgrades are big improvements over the Krypton bulbs, but not quite as bright as these units. I was amazed at the brightness and throw of these lights. I can easily light up a rooftop or treetop over 150 yards away, plus don't suck up battery life with a bunch of unnecessary brightness. To me these 3D Maglights at 168 lumens are the perfect compromise between long battery life, durability, a light you can maintain yourself without sending back to the factory, and something you can use as an attitude adjuster in a pinch. For the ones I carry in the thug infested part of town when I walk the dog I added a Weltool strike bezel just in case, but ML300L or not, the light is bright enough on it's own to blind anyone. Hopefully the price will go back down after this inflationary craziness dies down (IF it dies down), but even at $50 I can enthusiastically recommend this model. The sole concern I have is if the LED ever fails, because you can't go back to a krypton bulb like you can with the incandescent conversions, so I'll have to pay Mag to have it fixed. That's not likely though I don't think. The other Amazon extras I can recommend are the Weltool hard glass lens (comes with the strike bezel, or you can buy separately and keep the factory bezel), and an Uncle Mikes belt hanger, which is especially useful if you're a cop or security guard or just might need your hands free. Finally, depending on the size of your hands, wrap the beginning and ending of the knurling with about a 1.5" -2" width of hockey tape, which will help you hang onto the light, and is nicer to have under your palm on a cold night. Get one, I don't think you'll regret it. (P.S. To the people that see a black circle at the center of the beam, turn the bezel! These are adjustable from a wide to spot beam, and only the spot and wide spot doesn't have the black center circle. I index mine so that when turned as far as I can to the left, it's a spot. You can tweak that by taking off the head of the light and turning the reflector a quarter turn in the housing then trying again. Repeat until you get it the way you want it.

Classic powerhouse that still earns its keep The Maglite ST3D016 3-Cell D LED is a true workhorse. It’s built with the same bombproof aluminum body Maglite has been trusted for since the ’80s, only now paired with LED efficiency. At 168 lumens, the beam may not compete with today’s “fry your eyeballs” tactical lights, but for most practical uses—home, camping, car emergencies—it’s bright, clean, and throws over 400 meters. The adjustable head lets you shift from wide flood to tight spot with a simple twist, and it feels solid in the hand without fiddly multi-mode sequences. Battery life is where it shines: 3 D-cells can keep this light running for weeks or months of normal use. Add in weather-resistant seals and impact resistance, and you have a tool that’s equally at home in the garage or on a night patrol. Some users even like the heft for self-defense, though others may find it heavy for everyday carry. The main drawbacks? It’s big and bulky compared to modern compact LED lights, and if the LED module ever fails, you can’t just swap in a bulb like the old incandescents. Still, the reliability and simplicity outweigh those concerns for most. Bottom line: A durable, American-made flashlight that balances brightness, battery life, and ruggedness. Not the lightest or flashiest option, but if you want a dependable tool that’ll likely outlast you, this Maglite is hard to beat.

I bought this Mag-Lite for my job where I am required to use it on a pretty regular basis. I own one of the orignal 3-D Cell Mags for a long time(it was my dads and I think the light is older than I am). The originals I have come to know and love as a dependable, long lasting flashlight, EXCEPT for the batteries. Mags are infamous for chewing through their batteries like a shark to chum. And when they get cold, it's "bye-bye" battery life. I went with the LED becuase I know that they are easier on batteries. GOOD STUFF: After first installing batteries..HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOLY!!! This light is BRIGHT! It puts out an immense "white" light that hurts the eyes to stare at(tested it on myself). I have been using the same set of D-Cell batteries for about 2 months now. I use the light 5 days a week, for about 30-45 minutes a shift. It still seems to maintain it's brightness! I have even left it in my car overnight during one of the coldest winters we've had in a long time; took it-to work, pulled it out of my work bag(it was SWEATING beacuse of the cold!), turned it on, and NO loss of brightness. PROBLEM: Really the ONLY bad thing I could say about this Mag, is that it likes to flicker a lot(the light beam). I have completely checked all of the contacts, leads, and batteries for any signs of a short and/or corrossion, but was unable to find any. The only way I was able to eliminate the flicker was to tighten down the beam adjuster all the way, which limits the amount of adjustment I can use on the beam without it flickering. I am not sure if this is a problem with other units or just mine. I am going to contact the company and update my post afterwards. PROS: - Solid, durable construction - LONG battery life - VERY bright light output CONS: - Flickering of the light beam - Weight(Almost 3lbs when "loaded" with batteries) - I chose the light SPECIFICALLY for the weight, as I might need to use as self-defense. UPDATE: 12/30/11 I have had this light for awhile now(a few days over a year). The first set of batteries lasted me over 7 months of continuous daily use! The rubber on/off button cover did end up going missing though. I would recommend getting a small-length(1-3 inches) of bicycle innertubing to fix the problem. Just slip it on over the Mag's tube, over the button, and done!

A good old fashioned flashlight like dad always had . Usa made and doubles as a impact weapon . Plenty bright enough for nighttime use doing almost anything

I have to say this is the best flashlight I have ever had. I bought this flashlight over a year ago and use it quite often. The light still shines as bright as it did on day one; and it is indeed a bright light. And, I have yet to replace the batteries. Sure, one could get the more expensive Streamlight or Pelican flashlights, but with this Maglite you are getting an absolute bargain. It's worth twice the price (or more). Maglite quality is there, just like the old days when America and Americans took pride in the things we made. I sure do miss those old days when we produced quality products at a great price that lasted forever. I am proud to say that Maglite still makes those times of American-made, quality, old-school products in this day and age. My only real complaint would be the "black hole" it produces. I don't know why this cannot be solved, especially since I have cheaper flashlights that do not have a black hole. I will not deduct any stars for this as this is such a great product, and in doing so would be dishonest. Long live the Maglite flashlight. And God bless the USA. • UPDATE! (5.15.2020): I have had this flashlight for almost 6 years now, and I have not yet changed the batteries! No joke. The light is just as bright as it was when I 1st took it out of the box. As a side note, I own another Maglite (incandescent bulb) since the 90's. I have not changed the batteries on that one either! It also STILL works as good as new! Maglite is THE BEST FLASHLIGHT out there, bar none!!! •• UPDATE! (6.28.2024) TEN YEAR REVIEW: As I am writing this, I’ve had this flashlight for over 10 years now (bought June 24, 2014). I have had ZERO issues with it, with the exception of the button, as it has fallen off a few times. I think I may have changed out the batteries maybe twice (thrice?), making this torch very efficient indeed. I’ve dropped it, carried it in my truck, scratched it, etc. Still keeps going. The light emitted is nearly flawless, and lights up everything in its range. And, if all else fails, this Maglite can be used as a weapon. I’m sure you can spend way more money on other brands which emit many more lumens - but why? I spent a grand total of $27.42 on this product. Do you really need that much more light? Too bad it has gone up in price. This thing is an American-made heirloom that is simply indestructible! Oh, on another side note... as before, since the last review… I still have not changed out the batteries of my old incandescent bulb Maglite! Ever. Not once. And, it still works! SIMPLY. THE. BEST. U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!

A *4 star* only because I have bought two of these to date. The first one, after owning about 2 years, has given me problems with lighting up. The lifetime warranty does NOT cover LED burn out. I attempted to disassemble the unit for cleaning, but apparently, MagLite has used different fasteners going through the push button hole to take the switch out of the housing and for LED bulb extraction. After muddling with attempting to get it disassembled, I gave up - before destroying any part of it. I placed the rubber button back in place, placed the head back on, inserted the batteries and end cap, then low and behold it's working again. :) If you have to send one off for warranty repair, it will cost you $15 plus the shipping to them, so there is really no bargain in the *lifetime warranty* area in my opinion. A couple to few more dollars will just buy another unit. On a positive note: the light beam is very intense and down right blinding if shinned into ones eyes. I can easily adjust the head for a narrow beam and spot a owl's eyes for about 75 yards out up into a pine tree. Awesome flashlight if it doesn't start failing.

Let me use my career as a State Trooper to qualify my review. I work straight midnights so I use the light nightly. Having started off in my career with the old D-Cell rechargable maglight, I grew accustomed to the size and beefy qualities of the Mag Lite. And of course the potential it has to be used for things other than a flashlight. Then LED's became thes standard. Had and used the Stinger DS. Very nice light, bright punch, but just too small. I was constantly looking for it as it would dissappear in my car. I keep it on the charger as a backup. I reccomend the Stinger more as a belt light and not a patrol flashlight. Tried the 5.11 light for life. Best thing about that was its ability to recharge in 90 seconds. It holds true to its claim. Dropped it many times onto the pavement, still works hwoever does have some ratteling on the inside. Don't know if I would justify that expensive purchase again. Now for this light. Simply awesome. Bright and powerful beam. Adjustable spread is just like the old school maglites. Exact same body making it a combination of new and old. Don't worry about battery life. I have had mine for about two months and have used it nightly and am just beginning to notice a dimmer light. Durability is outstanding. Have dropped it numerous times, no problems. Scratches and dings give it character. Do more worrying about breaking a bulp like on the incadescants. I liked it so much that I was at Costco and they had the same light with a led mini light so I bought another. For $20 bucks this is probably one of the best flashlights you can buy overall. It may not be the most powerful light out there or have all the fancy features like the Blackhawk gladius but what counts is reliability and construction. What good are all the features if the light doesn't work correctly half the time or you drop it once and its done. Quality, fit and finish are outstanding on this light just like any other Mag Lite product. Definately reccomend and would purchase again without hesitation.

I have owned many MagLites, beginning years ago when all that MagLite made was incandescent bulb flashlights. I got my first LED MagLite because I had bought another new MagLite 2D Incandescent bulb flashlight shortly before they came out with their 1st Generation LED flashlights.The new LED flashlights were very expensive then, compared to the incandescent bulb flashlights. Since I had just bought a new MagLite, I did not want to spend the money for another flashlight, especially since it was a new, and relatively untried technology. So I bought a Maglite LED Drop-In module (no longer made, but still working great) for my 2D Maglite, at about half the cost of a new LED flashlight. I figured that in doing it that way, I wouldn't be out too much money if I did not like it. Compared to current LED technology, it is pretty dim, and does not have nearly as much flood-to-spot adjustability as the incandescent bulb flashlights, mainly because of the reflector differences between the LED and Incandescent bulbs. And the light color is bluish, rather than yellowish-white like the incandescent bulb light. But, it is noticeably brighter and has a longer "throw" than the incandescent bulb, and the batteries do last quite a bit longer. After using it for a while I was pleased with my purchase. Then a year or so later I bought a 1st Gen. Mini MagLite 2AA LED flashlight, which compared to the 2AA Mini MagLite incandescent bulb like the 2D LED flashlight module compared to the 2D incandescent bulb. Since then I have had at least one of each generation of the MagLite 2D LED flashlights, and the Mini MagLite 2AA LED flashlights. Each new generation is an (overall) improvement in some way over the previous generation, but Mag Industries is still learning how to combine all of the positive advances into just ONE flashlight, IMHO. This is the first 3D Maglite I have owned, and it is an LED Maglite. I hadn't bought 3D MagLites previously because, well, batteries come in even number quantity packs and 3 was an odd number. I bought this 3D MagLite LED flashlight because, while the FL-1 test results were about equal between the current 2D LED (which I have) and the 3D LED MagLite in all other respects, the 3D Maglite LED flashlight is rated at 79 HOURS runtime on alkaline batteries! MUCH more than any other MagLite or Mini Maglite LED flashlight. And in real world usage at the max distances I usually encounter (100-125 meters), the 3D is seemingly brighter than the 2D, even though the FL-1 specs would lead me to think otherwise. The FL-1 tests/specs are a great way to compare flashlights before you buy one, providing you understand what the test results mean, but real world usage is still the final determining factor. So, while the 3D LED MagLite is bigger and heavier than the 2D LED MagLite, and takes an odd number of batteries, it seems to me to be an ideal flashlight for any emergency or unexpected situation, since it provides over 3 DAYS of CONTINUOUS light. And, it could be used as club, as well as to (temporarily?!) blind an assailant. It is an INTENSELY bright, white light, and it has a good spot-to-flood focus range. I would definitely recommend this to others! And, I guess I'll be buying another one, just so I can use an even number of batteries ;-)