The LED bulb is a much better decision for a handheld flashlight. After a drop of 3 feet most incandesent bulbs will break, but the LEDs are almost indestructable. 5 stars

After doing exhaustive research on the web for LED flashlights, I decided to give this one a try. I have owned other LED flashlights and have NOT always been happy with these products. Some reasons why I like this one more than the others include: 1) price, 2) quality, 3) adjustability of the beam (small bright dense center or wider softer light), 4) includes an extra bulb in the base just in case the first one breaks, 5) you can purchase other types of bulbs, like Xenon, separately if you need them, 5) has good battery life (some lose brightness intensity very fast after a few minute of continuous use. Other LED flashlights have smaller multiple light bulbs and you can't adjust the beam intensity as you sometimes need to do on search and rescue missions. Of the 4 LED flashlights I own, this one is my favorite. It works great in a power outage, for hiking/backpacking (only when using out of the car, a little too heavy for a few night loop), and for search a rescue missions. For the price and quality you can't beat this powerhouse flashlight.

I bought 2 and use one for a polyanna gift exchange we do a Christmas with my husband's family this one was stolen the maximum number of times per our rules (3 times) early on in the game. 5 stars

My Mom is getting old and lives alone. We live in rural Maine, and the power goes out at least a few times each year. She's willing to spend about 99 cents on a flashlight, and then won't change batteries when the beam gets dim. Since I'm an active guy who loves cool stuff, I know the value of this $25 light beats those cheap junk ones. I bought this one for her so she'll be safer. With LED, the batteries last so long, she'll be able to see whenever she needs it. If she drops it, it will still work. AND the light is powerful white, so it will likely save her an accidental fall or two. What a simple way to lessen risk for an elderly parent on a budget. If you ever NEED a flashlight, you might as well have one that will last, be super bright, and save you money in batteries over its lifetime as well. Considering everything, the price is a great deal! 5 stars

Twist this to widest beam, and the center is a huge black hole. As in "can't see much of anything" in the hole. I "inherited" a 2-cell mag and converted it to LED and thought it was pretty cool. So I acquired the 3-cell and felt good. After all, Maglite as a great reputation. Choice of police officers everywhere, especially the 4-cell, which helps subdue criminals. (God bless our police, that last comment is not intended to be a dig or criticism. I'd probably carry a 4-cell if I were a cop.)

Then I discovered other LED flashlights that put out more light than a 3-cell Mag, and no black hole. For example, the Coast 7438 Tactical Focus, at 5 inches long, 5.6 oz., and 3 AAA batteries. Comes with lanyard and nice carry pouch. Even in the pouch, this little light fits in your front pocket without showing a lump. The Coast costs roughly twice as much. Whether it is that much better than the Maglite with 3 D batteries depends on your perception and needs.

I keep my 2-cell Maglite in the kitchen and the 3-cell by the bed. The Coast I keep in my pocket. 2 stars

Do not look into the light!

I am amazed how bright the light is, I can light up a building from over 200 feet away. Great protection for those nights the power goes out. 5 stars