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Maglite XL50 vs XL200: Which Led FlashLight is Better?

Maglite XL50 vs XL200

A flashlight is like a screwdriver, a hammer, or PVC glue. At some point, you are going to need it, regardless of your situation, and it is always better to have one before the occasion arises. Most people will have a flashlight in case of a power cut, others have at least one in their camping kit.

The Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 are great examples of LED, powerful, compact flashlights that are suitable for a range of activities or situations. We are going to compare the features and abilities of the Maglite XL50 vs XL200. Once we have finished, we will include a comparison chart for a quick view and some pros and cons of each. We will finish up with off by deciding which of the two is better.

Maglite XL50 vs XL200 – Similarities

Quick Glance

After we have had a quick review of the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 in a comparison chart, we will go over some of the pros and cons of each.

Name
Maglite XL50 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Our pick
MagLite - XL200-S3016 Maglite XL200 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Image
Maglite XL50 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
MagLite - XL200-S3016 Maglite XL200 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Size
4.8 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
4.72 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches
Weight
2.4oz (without batteries)
3.7oz (without batteries)
Color Options
Black, blue, silver, grey, red
Black, blue, red, grey
LED Flashlight
Lumens
200
230
Projection Distance
244m
163m
Modes
3- beam, flood, strobe
5- High power, strobe, Nite Lite, signal, SOS
Activation
Quick click tail cap
Quick click tail cap and motion activation for high power and strobe
Materials
High-strength aluminum alloy, high-grade rubber seals, anodized inside and out for corrosion resistance
High-strength aluminum alloy, high-grade rubber seals, anodized inside and out for corrosion resistance
Design
Tactile knurl/compact
Tactile knurl/compact
Weather-Resistant
Yes- IPX4 rated
Yes- IPX4 rated
Drop/Shock-Resistant
Batteries Required
X3 AAA (included)
X3 AAA (included)
Battery Life
High- 6h45/ Low- 25hrs
High- 1hr45/ Low-156hrs
NTOA certified
Warranty
1-year limited
Limited Lifetime
Prime status
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Name
Maglite XL50 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Image
Maglite XL50 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Size
4.8 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
Weight
2.4oz (without batteries)
Color Options
Black, blue, silver, grey, red
LED Flashlight
Lumens
200
Projection Distance
244m
Modes
3- beam, flood, strobe
Activation
Quick click tail cap
Materials
High-strength aluminum alloy, high-grade rubber seals, anodized inside and out for corrosion resistance
Design
Tactile knurl/compact
Weather-Resistant
Yes- IPX4 rated
Drop/Shock-Resistant
Batteries Required
X3 AAA (included)
Battery Life
High- 6h45/ Low- 25hrs
NTOA certified
Warranty
1-year limited
Prime status
Amazon Prime
Our pick
Name
MagLite - XL200-S3016 Maglite XL200 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Image
MagLite - XL200-S3016 Maglite XL200 LED 3-Cell AAA Flashlight, Black
Size
4.72 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches
Weight
3.7oz (without batteries)
Color Options
Black, blue, red, grey
LED Flashlight
Lumens
230
Projection Distance
163m
Modes
5- High power, strobe, Nite Lite, signal, SOS
Activation
Quick click tail cap and motion activation for high power and strobe
Materials
High-strength aluminum alloy, high-grade rubber seals, anodized inside and out for corrosion resistance
Design
Tactile knurl/compact
Weather-Resistant
Yes- IPX4 rated
Drop/Shock-Resistant
Batteries Required
X3 AAA (included)
Battery Life
High- 1hr45/ Low-156hrs
NTOA certified
Warranty
Limited Lifetime
Prime status
Amazon Prime

Materials

The Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 have precision machined high strength aluminum cases that have high-grade rubber seals. They are anodized inside and out for better resistance against corrosion.

Design

With a tactile knurl design (an abrasive coating), the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 have excellent grip. Just in case you lose your grip, they are both drop/shock resistant.

Maglite XL50 Comparison

Weather Resistant

The Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 have an IPX4 rating. This means they are splash resistant and so they can be used in all types of weather.

Battery Requirements

Included with the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 are 3 AAA alkaline batteries. We will look at the battery life of each later on.

Flashlight Uses

Both the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 are certified by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTAO). This certification means you can use them for camping, climbing, hunting, fishing, car repairs, and around the home.

In the case of the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200, it’s the specific details that will make a big difference in the buying decision.

Differences Between Maglite XL50 and XL200

Appearance

Nothing standards out with regards to the difference in their design until you get them next to each other.

Maglite XL50

The first thing you will notice is that this flashlight is more compact. It measures 4.8 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches and it weighs only 2.4 ounces. It comes in black, blue, red, silver, and grey.

Maglite XL200

Although a tiny bit shorter, it is thicker in diameter, measuring 4.72 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches. It also weighs a little more at 3.7 ounces. You will be able to choose between black, blue, red, and grey.

The Winner Is- The Maglite XL50

Read next – Fenix PD35 vs Surefire E2D: Which FlashLight is Better?

Modes of Use

There is a quick click tail cap switch to turn the flashlights on. The number of clicks will determine the mode.

Maglite XL200 Led FlashLight Review

Maglite XL50

One-click turns the flashlight on with a powerful projecting LED beam. Two-clicks uses 25% less power and three-clicks activates an emergency strobe light. Once on, one-click will turn the flashlight off.

Maglite XL200

Again, there is a tail cap to activate the different modes. Here, you have a choice of 5 settings; on with adjustable lighting from bright to dim, adjustable strobe from fast to slow, ‘Nite Lite’ the bright light gradually dims and comes on when touched, a silent signal for Morse Code messages, and SOS signal with a continuous automatic flashing. On top of that, the power level and strobe rate are motion controlled by rotating the wrist.

The Winner Is- The Maglite XL200

Lumen

The lumen is the unit of measurement for light emitted at any one time. An average of 2 AA flashlight has 100 lumens.

Maglite XL50

It has an impressive rating of 200 lumens on the highest setting.

Maglite XL50 review

Maglite XL200

It has a slightly brighter light at 230 lumens.

Maglite XL200 Review

The Winner Is- The Maglite XL200

Light Beam Range

For household use or when you need additional light for repairs, the range might not be as important. Nevertheless, for camping, hunting, or other outdoor activities, this will be important.

Maglite XL50

You will be able to see for up to 244 meters when to beam is projected using full power.

Maglite XL200

The distance is quite a bit shorter with a range of just 163 meters.

The Winner Is- The Maglite XL50

Average Battery Life

Maglite XL200 Comparison

The average battery life is around 5 hours for the two flashlights but depending on the modes you use, the battery life will vary.

Maglite XL50

On the highest setting, the battery will last for approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. On a low setting, this can be extended to 25 hours.

Maglite XL200

When using the high mode, you will only get about 1 hour and 45 minutes out of the flashlight. However, if you choose the low settings, the battery will last for 156 hours.

The Winner Is- A Tie

Value for Money

Both of the Maglite flashlights have been designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. Prices will depend on the power and features, but averages range from $20 to $40.

Maglite XL50

It sits in the mid-range of the average and it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Maglite XL200

It’s just a few dollars extra but the limited lifetime warranty is more appealing.

The Winner Is- A Tie

Pros and Cons

Maglite XL50

Maglite XL50

Pros:

  • Excellent and sturdy design
  • It is incredibly small, yet the light is really bright
  • It has the right number of features for its price

Cons:

  • There have been cases of LED burnout, which is not covered by the warranty

Maglite XL200

Pros:

  • It’s got a lock so that you can’t accidentally turn it on
  • Durable and reliable
  • The high-power setting is enough to light up a room

Cons:

  • It drains batteries very quickly

Video Comparison

Maglite XL50

Maglite XL200

The Final Verdict

The one thing we did notice with both the Maglite XL50 and the Maglite XL200 is that the battery life is much better if you use rechargeable batteries. We found that this way, the flashlights were perfect for a wide range of uses.

Today’s winner is the Maglite XL200. The extra few dollars were well worth the additional modes. The size and materials were just right, and it was a very convenient flashlight to use, especially with motion activation. Being able to lock the Maglite XL200 meant we didn’t accidentally turn it on and drain the batteries. Overall, this is an excellent buy.


Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API