Re: Found an old dead Surefire Z3 Combatlight, what shall I do with it?
Lucky you, the Z3's are great lights and are actually pretty rare. :thumbsup:
[...] The rear switch is in bad shape, and the original incan bulb appears to be dead. What are my options for a new dropin module and switch? I'd prefer a clickie instead of the only momentary on one it has now.
With regards to converting the switch to 'clicky' operation, many folks prefer the McClicky insert that goes into the typical Surefire Z41 'twisty/momentary' tailcap; that would be my first choice as this configuration retains the 'correct' tailcap for the light in question. There are probably a few different places to source this, but the first shop that comes to mind is Oveready, as upgrades like that are bread-and-butter for them.
If you had the previous-generation 9Z instead, you would most likely have the older pre-Z41 tailcap which from a practical sense cannot be converted to clicky operation.
[...] What are my options for a new dropin module [...] I know everyone loves Malkoff, but what other quality options are there?
If you want to keep your Z3 unbored (a good choice for the 3-cell SF bodies IMO) you will be limited to 17mm LiIon rechargeable cells (specifically,
2x17670 2x17500) and/or 3xCR123's primaries (with their associated current limits).
If you want to go to rechargeable LiIons,
2x 17670 2x17500 will provide enough current handling to power various high-drain triples, with Oveready again being the first supplier that comes to mind.
On the other hand, if you prefer staying with 3xCR123 primaries, the Malkoff M91 series is probably your best bet as they are not driven quite so hard and have specifically been designed to retain compatibility with CR123's.
Various other maximum-output dropins do outperform the M91's but get beyond the ability of safe operation with 3xCR123.
Hope this helps,
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Edit: oops, I meant
2x17500 (having a correct total length), not
2x17670 (which would be too long for this light)