To summarize, the 3-Cell D is a larger and brighter version of the 2-Cell D. It also has a longer runtime. However, don’t let that deter you from the 2-Cell D. The ML300LX 2-Cell D is perfect if you’re looking for a compact light with enough output.
Maglite (Mag Instrument Inc.) is a flashlight brand that is very unique in the sense that it is both manufactured and designed in America since 1979. If you’re looking to buy American, Maglite is the flashlight brand to go to for price and quality.
The Maglite ML300LX is perfect for general, outdoor and tactical use. It is quite a large light so you likely won’t be able to mount it onto a firearm for high-intensity tactical settings.
3 Cell Specifications
Output and Runtime
The ML300LX Maglite 3-Cell D has a maximum light output of 625 lumens. It has a total of three modes: high, low and eco.
- High:
- Runtime: 16 hours
- Output: 625 lumens
- Low:
- Runtime: 77 hours
- Output: 130 lumens
- Eco:
- Runtime: 117 hours
- Output: 58 lumens
Maximum Throw/Beam Distance
The 3-Cell D has a maximum throw distance of 406 meters (m).
Peak Beam Intensity
The ML300LX 3 Cell D has a peak beam intensity of 41,200 candela per lumen (cd/lm) - making for a great flood light.
Battery
The 3 Cell D is compatible with 3 D Cell Alkaline batteries.
Dimensions
The ML300LX 3 Cell D has a length of 11.75 inches or 298.45 mm - and a weight of 26.4 oz. or 748.43 grams (g)
2 Cell Specifications
Output and Runtime
The ML300LX Maglite 2-Cell D has a maximum light output of 524 lumens. Like the 3 Cell version, the 2 Cell has three output modes: high, low and eco.
- High:
- Runtime: 6 hours and 30 minutes
- Output: 524 lumens
- Low:
- Runtime: 20 hours
- Output: 143 lumens
- Eco:
- Runtime: 69 hours
- Output: 58 lumens
Maximum Throw/Beam Distance
The 2-Cell D has a maximum throw distance of 366 meters (m).
Peak Beam Intensity
The ML300LX 2 Cell D has a peak beam intensity of 33,573 candela per lumen (cd/lm).
Battery
The 2 Cell D is compatible with 2 D Cell Alkaline batteries.
Dimensions
The ML300LX 2 Cell D has a length of 9.125 inches or 231.77 mm - and a weight of 20 oz. or 566.99 grams (g)
3 Cell and 2 Cell Common Features
Material and Durability
Both flashlight types are anodized for corrosion resistance and durability. The body features nice knurling and a matte finish that gives the light a great grip in your hands.
Functionality
The Maglite ML300LX has a one button switch functionality. You can click it to access the different output levels. Click it once for high, two times for low, and 3 times for eco mode. It’s kind of awkward at first but fine once you get used to the many clicks.
You can also customize the outputs/modes you click through with the activity based function set:
- General:
- 1 Click: Full
- 2 Clicks: Low
- 3 Clicks: Eco
- Outdoor:
- 1 Click: Full
- 2 Clicks: Low
- 3 Clicks: Strobe
- Law Enforcement:
- 1 Click: Momentary
- 2 Clicks: Full
- 3 Clicks: Eco
- Tactical:
- 1 Click: Momentary
- 2 Clicks: Full
- 3 Clicks: Strobe
Switching between these activity sets is a bit tricky. You have to unscrew the tailcap, then press and hold the button switch while tightening the cap back down until you see a flash. The number of flashes correspond to the mode you want to select i.e. 1 flash for general, 2 flashes for outdoor…
Focus System
Like other Maglite flashlights, the ML300LX has an incredibly versatile zoom functionality for adjusting between spot and flood mode.
Conclusion: Our Maglite ML300LX Review
The 2 Cell-D and 3 Cell-D ML300LX are great bright flashlights that delivers amazing flexibility with its focus system. They’re both very bright, robust and American-made flashlights that compete well in the market.
While adjusting between the modes and activity sets can take a while to get used to - the flashlights have a lot of potential and many use-cases. The 3 Cell-D ML300LX is a great choice for a brighter output and longer runtimes, while the 2 Cell-D is good if you need the flashlight to be more compact.
Check out what other people are saying about the Maglite ML300LX on Amazon.
If you’re looking for a mountable tactical light, we highly recommend you check out our reviews for the SureFire G2X or Streamlight TLR-1 HL.