Time to upgrade that small flashlight without buying a pricey high performance torch? After using our trusty Mini Maglite we felt it could use some enhancements. Ok, we can be honest - the Nite Ize Combo Upgrade Kit was given to us, but it helped us realize that the Mini Maglite's classic design does have room to improve. Specifically, this kit brings LED bulbs and and a click button on/off switch.

If you aren't lucky to get a Mini Maglite upgrade kit donated like we were, don't worry. This little kit can be found from around 7-15 dollars (before shipping or tax). The Nite Ize kit promises to make your Maglite brighter, easier to use, and get better battery and bulb life. We don't expect you to have to buy and try these claims though, we try so you can choose whether or not to buy - as usual.

 LEDs in a Mini Maglite .

Everyone should have a trusty flashlight laying around and Maglite has been the de facto choice for many for years. Nite Ize is looking to tap into the Maglite install base with a line of products designed to improve the Maglite. Today we are trying out the Nite-Ize AA Mini Maglite LED & Tailcap Switch Combo Upgrade Kit (LUC-07 ) which replaces the standard Mini Maglite bulb with 3 LEDs and the tailcap with a push button on/off switch. Nite Ize also offers fancier models with strobe features.

 Installing the kit consisted of removing a few parts off our current Mini Maglite and simple replacing them with the Nite Ize kit. We were done in under 5 minutes, giving us a flashlight that looks like this.

Side shot.

From above.

 Battery Life

Nite Ize is promising 4 times the battery life with their kit. We are finding the actual number just under that. The best gains come from cheap batteries that aren't designed for high drain devices. Improved battery life is alway a plus. 1 point awarded to Nite Ize.

 Bulb Life

We are promised 10 years or 10,000 hours from our bulb. Still waiting for the test results on this one. Our bulb is working for us after a few weeks is all we can guarentee here.

 Ease of Use

Installing the kit was easy. Turning our torch on and off is a simple one handed operation compared to twisting the cap of the Maglite. The button feels mushy though, and we wonder if this is a sign of poor construction or not. Overall another point for Nite Ize.

 Brightness

The test that really matters the most. We found the LEDs to give us a nice bright shine with decent distance to it. On the upside this shine was much brighter, on the downside the color advertised as white has a cold almost bluish feel to it. See our comparison photos here. They are taken in identical circumstances in our high tech testing closet. The standard bulb is focused about 3/4 as tight as it will go.

  Conclusion

The only way we can honestly conclude this Mini Review is to say that we would rather have the Nite Ize kit installed on our Maglite, and will be leaving it on.

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