As for brightest/most efficient, yes, they are lagging behind. But the new maglite LEDs are decent and more than adequate for most of the flashlight duties that people need them to do.

Although I'm a tiny bit of a flashaholic myself, I'd like to stress the point that we don't need to participate at the arms race for whatever is best or most optimal all the time. When a tool does a good job and works for you, use that tool and be happy! Put your trust in tried and tested tools, not the perpetual newest and greatest. Don't upgrade just because something is brighter if what you have is "bright enough". Upgrade when there is a SIGNIFICANT benefit in doing so.


Now if someone wants to replace that minimag+led combo with something less than half the size (1*AA and smaller head) that is both brighter and has more run time I'd be more than happy to point them in the right direction...