there be smaller and brighter light out there , as some reviewer have note . but there be one application that the 4 cell maglite be good for , and in fact , be make for . by replace the standard bulb that come with the maglite with the 3 watt lead upgrade -lrb- http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/b000gl95iq -rrb- you get the ultimate and in almost all case legal weapon for keep in you car for deter and deal with attacker . the super bright 3 watt of power effectively blind attacker and by itself be a effective deterrent . but in addition , the big , heavy , rugged , metal body of the Maglite itself make a great night stick , as cop have know for year . the proper hold be to grasp the light while hold you arm straight down so that the light point to the rear . then raise you arm so the light be above or rest on you shoulder and point ahead of you , keep a finger on the switch to turn it on and off . hold this way you can aim the light easily towards attacker face , and if need , a simple and quick flick of the wrist will crack they with the back of the light . I keep one in in each of my car for my wife and daughter , and give a extra one to my daughter who live alone in the city . she love it for check out thing that go bump in the night . she say it light up the backyard or hallway like daylight . and I have several cop friend who have buy one base upon use mine .