Discover MagLite: The Classic American Torch and Its LED Upgrades

October 9, 2026

MagLite is the torch most people picture when they hear the word: a machined aluminium tube with a twist-focus head, made in California since 1979 and found in glove boxes, sheds and patrol cars ever since. This guide covers who makes it, what the current range looks like, and how to bring an older MagLite up to date with an LED lamp. You can see everything we carry in the MagLite range at Torch Depot.

If you just want to pick a torch, go straight to the 5 best MagLite torches.

A short history of MagLite

MagLite torches are made by Mag Instrument, the company founded by Anthony Maglica. The first MagLite went on sale in 1979 and became a favourite with police and emergency services because it was bright for its day and very hard to break. The personal-sized Mini MagLite AA followed in 1984, the AAA version in 1987 and the keychain Solitaire in 1988. LED models arrived in 2006.

The torches are still designed and manufactured in the United States, in Ontario, California, and the basic shape has barely changed in more than 40 years.

What makes a MagLite a MagLite

Ordinary batteries. Most MagLites run on D, AA or AAA cells that you can buy at any supermarket or service station. There is no charger to lose and no proprietary battery to replace.
Twist focus. Turning the head moves the beam between a tight spot and a wide flood. On the Mini MagLite and Solitaire the same twist switches the torch on and off.
A body built to last. The cases are high-strength aluminium alloy with an anodised finish and O-ring seals.
A long warranty. Mag Instrument backs its torches with a ten year limited warranty.
Parts and upgrades. Because the design has stayed the same for so long, an old MagLite can often be upgraded instead of thrown away.

The MagLite range explained

D-cell torches: ML300L and ML300LX

These are the full-size MagLites. They take two or three D-cell batteries, which gives them very long runtimes: the Eco mode on the ML300L 3D lasts up to 298 hours. A push-button switch offers Full Power, Low, Eco and Strobe, and you can choose between four function sets to suit how you use the torch. The LX versions add a matte finish and a more heavily knurled grip.

Mini MagLite: AA and AAA

The Mini MagLite is the personal-sized model. The Mini MagLite 2AA Pro produces 332 lumens from two AA batteries. The slimmer Mini MagLite 2AAA is the size of a pen and carries a pocket clip.

Solitaire

The Solitaire is the keychain MagLite: 81 mm long, 24 g, and powered by a single AAA battery.

The MagLite range at a glance

Model	Max output	Beam distance	Batteries	Length	Best for
Solitaire	37 lumens	55 m	1 x AAA (included)	81 mm	Keys, handbag
Mini MagLite 2AAA	84 lumens	116 m	2 x AAA (included)	127 mm	Shirt pocket, toolbox
Mini MagLite 2AA Pro	332 lumens	172 m	2 x AA (included)	168 mm	Glove box, camping, belt pouch
ML300LX 2D	487 lumens	323 m	2 x D	232 mm	Car, home, security
ML300L 3D	746 lumens	403 m	3 x D	298 mm	Property, long shifts, blackouts

Upgrading an older MagLite to LED

If you have an older MagLite with an incandescent bulb, you do not need to replace the torch to get modern performance. An LED upgrade lamp swaps in where the original bulb sits.

LED Upgrade Lamp for 3D Cell MagLite

A drop-in LED lamp for full-size MagLites. It produces 320 lumens, is electronically regulated for constant output, and extends battery life to about three times that of the original incandescent bulb. Choose the lamp that matches the number and size of cells your torch takes.

320 lumens of white light
Fits in place of the original bulb
Regulated for constant output
Battery life about three times longer than incandescent

Match the lamp to your torch:

To find out which torch you have, unscrew the tail cap and count the batteries. A D cell is about 33 mm across and a C cell about 26 mm.

Traffic wand

The MagLite traffic wand fits over the head of a D-cell MagLite and turns it into a glowing red signalling baton for directing traffic, managing crowds or marking a roadside breakdown.

Is a MagLite still worth buying?

Modern rechargeable torches are smaller and brighter for their size, so a MagLite is not the right choice if you want maximum lumens in your pocket. It is the right choice when you want a torch that sits unused for months and works when you pick it up, runs for days on batteries you can buy anywhere, and will survive being dropped, kicked around a ute tray or left in a drawer for years. That is why it remains a favourite for emergency kits, vehicles and farms.

Shop MagLite by type

For more background, read our brief history of torches, from fire to LED.

MagLite FAQ

Where are MagLite torches made?

In Ontario, California. Mag Instrument design and manufacture their torches in the United States, and some models may contain imported components. You can read more on the MagLite official website.

Do MagLite torches come with batteries?

The Solitaire and both Mini MagLite models include their batteries. The D-cell ML300L and ML300LX do not, so have D cells ready.

Can I put an LED in my old MagLite?

Yes. An LED upgrade lamp replaces the original bulb without changing the reflector. Pick the lamp made for your torch's cell count and size.

Are MagLite torches waterproof?

They are water resistant, not built for diving. The D-cell ML300 models are rated IPX4, which covers splashing and rain, and the Mini MagLite 2AAA and Solitaire are water resistant to 1 metre.

The short version

MagLite make simple, tough torches that run on everyday batteries and last for years. Choose a D-cell ML300 for the car or the house, a Mini MagLite for your pocket and a Solitaire for your keys, and if you already own an old one, an LED lamp will give it a second life. Browse the complete MagLite collection at Torch Depot.

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