3D Maglite - looking for different mod options

[BlackDecker]

While cleaning house, I came across an old (circa 1990) 3D Maglite. Luckily, it was not stored with batteries, so the light appears to be in good shape.

The original incan bulb was bad, so I purchased a Nite Ize LED upgrade bulb for it and a fresh set of D alkaline batteries. Granted, the light now works, but the light output is anything but impressive. My Streamlight 4AA ProPoly Lux and my Huntlight easily blow the resurrected Mag away. Heck, even my Fenix L1P seems brighter.

While I'm not looking to turn this light into a Mag85, I would like a bit better light output while maintaining the battery life of a LED emitter.

What options do I have to get some decent light out of this Mag without sacrificing battery life like a Mag85? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[LukeA]

People like the Terralux dropin for the Mag. Get the 3-6 or 4-6 cell dropin, as many like it but dislike the 2 cell version.

 

[etc]

I tried the TerraLux and it was completely the same as the MagLEd 3W upgrade.

 

[vic2367]

get the TerraLUX TLE-6EX MiniStar5 SSC P4 U bin LED upgrade for 3-6 C/D cell Maglites $ 24.95,,,get 4 c batteries,glass lens,,,

 

[BlackDecker]

I tried the TerraLux and it was completely the same as the MagLEd 3W upgrade.

That's good to know. I almost bought the MagLED upgrade bulb at Walmart for $18, but wasn't sure if it was much different than the Nite Ize LED.

 

[JamisonM]

BlackDecker, I'd recommend EverLED classic with 3 D cells. It's not the brightest, but it will last you over 12 hours and will make a good emergency light. Buy a pack of D batteries and that will probably be the only time you buy batteries for this light for the rest of the year. Leave it in a draw until needed. Flashlight reviews has a review of it.

The second thing I'd recommend you is Gene's drop-in. This thing will blow my first recommendation out of the water. It's a real room lighter. Of course, that kind of power isn't free, but with three D cells, runtime will be around 6 hours(from Gene's website). Sill, it will have the advantages of a cheap, plentiful and long lasting(self discharge) power source just as my first recommendation.

My third is simple; do it yourself. Here, the sky's the limit, but depending on what you do, it can also be the most expensive and complicated. You'll have to buy the parts and put everything together yourself or with someone else's help. Here are a few links to different projects others have taken on to give you and Idea.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2057789#post2057789
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=165926
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=167357

 

[BlackDecker]

Thank you JamisonM... all great recommendations!

 

[robm]

The NiteIze drop-in is about 5-10 lumens (newer ones have twice the output of older ones).

The MagLED is about 50 lumens.

The Terralux 6EX is approx 90-100 lumens.

These are all different 'beasts'.