No doubt. And the total light output from a 9P exceeds that of a Mag. But the Mag probably had half dead batteries - that seems to be typical of Mags in use. Surefire users that I know, myself included, change to fresh batteries at the first hint of less-than-blinding-light and figure out some other use for the used lithiums, usually in a regulated LED light.

Probably a standard Mag bulb in the 6-D. So the 9P has a brighter beam (although changing bulbs in the Mag would equalize that - both are 9v lights, eh?).

However, I was stating a fact about throw, and I'll stand by what I said, because the facts are well established: 3,4, and 6 cell D Mags are in the upper echelon of the universe of conventional flashlights for THROW distance of the beam, especially the 4 and 6 cell versions. Not the very top, but in the upper echelon.

I'm hardly a mag fan, but I give them their due.

The 9P (a three-cell version of the standard 2 cell 6P, for those readers who are wondering what it is) is an awesome little blaster, particularly for its size. Incredible amount of light. But not known for throw - it's stuck with the cute little 6P reflector - the M3 handily outthrows it (and a 4 cell D Mag out throws an M3, and a 3 D Mag exactly equals an M3 for throw). Which would I rather have? The 9P (actually, the 6P if I have a choice), no question about it.

All things remaining equal - bulb voltage and available amperage - the biggest reflector throws the farthest. The stochiastic Surefire reflectors remove beam artifacts and give a more even beam - but they are also not as efficient as the bigger & smooth Mag reflectors - can't be; not possible; would violate physical laws.

Again, I prefer the Surefire, but back to throw - the big Mags are waaay up there. Few flashlights by anyone are in that range. Yellow beams, ugly beam artifacts, and made by a company that now apparently prefers to "inovate" by litigation... but they reach out there. And they're cheap and rugged.

Is your 9P an original run or did you get one of the re-issues? Good deal either way. Very classy light; I'd be proud of the little powerhouse, too. Personally, I'm kinda stuck on the 2-cell stuff - I really like the size/proportions of the 2 CR 123 cell lights. OTOH, if someone wanted to gift me a 9P... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

Tom