I finally have to buy another 4d maglite and figure I would put up a review . I be give one of these as a gift 26 year ago and it finally fail -- but it be not the light itself it be the battery . somehow the battery expand in the tube and they would not come out . I do not see any corrosion , though . the light function , but it be a bit dim so I be just put in a fresh set . I do not get the complaint about brightness I read here . Mine be plenty bright enough for everything I ever need it for and in fact I find it amusing to turn one of these on around most other flashlight because it literally would make it look they the other one be not even on . very bright white light . also do not get the need for led over this type of bulb . nothing against LED light but the three thing great about LED light be the battery life be longer -lrb- because of less power consumption -rrb- , they be brighter -lrb- usually -rrb- , and the led be suppose to last essentially forever . well , I never have a problem with battery life , brightness or bulb life . I never even use the spare bulb in 26 year . some highlight : \* Battery life be unbelievable -- a set will easily last 2 or more year -lrb- depend on use of course -rrb- . other flashlight I have have must drain the battery even when off because I have never see such long battery time from other light . in 26 year I never pick this up and find a dead light even after month and month of non-use . I only replace the battery when I be unhappy with the light output . \* the spare bulb be nice , but I never have to use it since the original one last 26 year . \* the adjustable beam be very nice -- flood light mode or focus mode with continuous adjustment by turn the head . \* very durable -- water resistant , mud resistant , sand resistant ; great build quality . I have it in water , mud , and sand over the year with no problem . also drop it a couple of time onto cement and asphalt and no problem -lrb- enough impact to dent the metal -rrb- \* comfortable -- with the 4d size you can rest the handle on you shoulder which make it very easy to hold -lrb- when look under the hood of a car for example -rrb- . the 3d can not do this because it be just too short . \* Distance -- be always impress by the distance this thing illuminate . the box on the new one say 256 meter and I believe it . \* value -- still can get these for under 20 at you local box store or on Amazon . \* defense -- sound funny , but this thing could certainly double as a impromptu weapon . when you hold it with the handle rest on you shoulder you have excellent light , plus it be in the `` swing '' position . not only that but you can be sure that if you have to use it as a weapon that it would not break at all .