I love my Mini Maglite ! I have have two of they in the last 8 year -lrb- one grow leg and walk off , so I replace it for $ 10 -rrb- and never have a single problem with either . these be make by maglite and be a step up from they Solitaire AAA keylight -lrb- another great light -rrb- . the Mini run on two aa battery and have a tiny 3 volt `` bi-pin '' type bulb . the battery be store in the flashlight 's body and be access by unscrew the tail cap . the lens be make of polycarbonate , and every mating surface of the light be seal with rubber o-ring , which make it resistant to dust , moisture , and waterm and I can validate this . I have use it in the rain , mud , snow , and fog with no problem whatsoever ! I think it be interesting that the Mini do not have a traditional on\/off switch . you turn it on by twist the head assembly to the right or leave , and you focus the beam the same way from spot to flood . one of the thing about the Mini mag that I really like be that you can use it as a candle . if you turn it on and keep unscrew the the head , it will eventually come apart . the bulb will stay on so you can use the light as a candle by stand it up on the tail cap . I have find this to be invaluable when I need a desk light or reading light but do not want to get out of bed to turn mine on . the Mini mag be quality instrument . the body , end cap , and head be make out of high quality aluminum that be be computer machine from a solid billet of aluminum , which make it very strong with tight tolerance for precise fit between part . the bezel that secure the lens assembly and reflector be also make out of aluminum that have be laser etch with the Maglite logo , and the head have raise grove cut in it for a better grip when twist the head to turn the light on , off , and for focus the beam . it be also fully anodize inside and out for maximum corrosion resistance in saltwater environment . the body be also cut with a pattern in it for a better grip when you hand be wet or slippery . despite the grip , I do have it slip out of my hand several time . it feel solidly build , hefty in the hand , and I reckon will be unlikely ever to break , even if you abuse it . I be weary of the head fitting snugly to the body because there be a little play in it , but it seem to be seal off good and be not let water or dust in . Mine have be drop more time than I can remember , leave on all night and day , step on , sit on , kick , toss , dunk in water , coat in mud , bury in sand , with no problem . you could run this over and it would be fine ! the lens do get scratch up and the anodization be wear very thin , but it be still good to go . the light output be impressive for such a tiny bulb . I be surprise at how bright it be . it would throw a decent amount of light at least 50 foot and illuminate a small room with the candle function . I can not say how many time I have reach for it and turn it on and it always work . in over 7 year I only have to replace the bulb once -lrb- it come with a spare bulb in the tail cap that be secure in a plastic holder -rrb- . the battery life be pretty good . mag advertise 30 hour of run-time and I can validate that . with fresh battery I use it for over two month of occasional use before it start dim . the best part about these be that you can get a lead conversion for they . Maglite make a lead version of this , but the aftermarket conversion work much better . I install the TerraLux lead kit , and it be worth every penny . it cost more than the Maglite itself , and be more expensive than the mag lead , but it be well worth it . you get triple , maybe quadruple the light output and longer battery life to boot . it be a fantastic investment , and for those who want a physical on\/off switch -lrb- I do -rrb- , terralux make one of those as well . pro : high quality make from aluminum not plastic nearly indestructable water resistant Compact Good light output adjustible beam good battery life easily upgradable con : none ! a great light that will always be there when you need it , plus it be a Maglite so it be a company you can trust will stand behind its product . if you want a inexpensive flashlight that will last you a very long time , look at the Mini Maglite first .