Most lumens for the money

[davidra]

....in a 3x123 light? Limited budget but need something really bright...

 

[ResQTech]

Surefire Z3, it's the "cheap M3".

 

[Nitro]

Streamlight TL-3 is pretty bright. Good throw too. Check it out at:
http://flashlightreviews2.home.att.net/reviews/streamlight_tactical.htm

 

[JohnK]

Except for the high output lamp, wrongo.

Streamlight TL-3 Xenon. About half the price.

Here: http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.html?cart=1080186041757670&sku=STR88103

 

[Rothrandir]

pila g3 is a great light for the money!

look here

maybe not the very brightest, but it's a great and inexpensive light, and can use pila li-ions! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[revolvergeek]

Cheapest thing would be a 2-c cell Maglite running 3 x 123s and a 5-cell bulb. Might be a little bigger than you are looking for, but it is pretty cheap and bright.

 

[yclo]

What about the Radio Shack KP-somethingoranother blub driven with 3x123 in a Mag 2C?

 

[JasonC8301]

I would agree with the Maglite 2C running 3 CR 123's and a KPR 112 bulb. $14.95 for Mag 2C (how much I paid), a homemade 3X CR123 to 2C battery holder (PVC pipe and two fat rubberbands from Home Depot) $4, a KPR 112 bulb, $1.25.

For around $20 you got you're self a cheap and bright flashlight (I would say (ok guess) around 175 or so if my Tigerlight is 285.) You are driving the KPR112 really hard so get a few....dozen extra if you use it a lot.

The top two are Mag 2C running a KPR 112 with 3 X CR123's. The left one is a Orange Peel'd Perfect Mag Reflector, the right is the stock reflector. (You lose some throw with a OP PMR over stock, but it makes the beam a heck of a lot nicer.)

The bottom left is a SF E2e which doesn't throw as much as the Mag 2C but has the SF perfect beam and now runs for $95 new.

The bottom left is a Tigerlight.

 

[davidra]

Thanks! Is there a link to how to make the battery holder?

 

[JasonC8301]

That is the one Flashlightlens.com made.

Its in this thread.

Some more here too.

Jason

 

[CalgaryGuy]

Is KPR 112 reliable when over-driving it so much? KPR 112 is rated at 4 cell (approx 6 volt) and you're putting 9 volt to it.

 

[pedalinbob]

the 2c mag/kpr112/3x123 mod is crazy bright--and sooo inexpensive.

yeah, i am a bit concerned about bulb life, but want to try a 6-cell xenon-star. it will give up some brightness, but result in a more reliable light.

of course...i havent changed it yet.

why? i love seeing the reactions to my little super bright monster.

heck, im thinking about going 12v!!!

Bob

 

[CalgaryGuy]

What about Magnum Star 5 Cell Krypton compared to kpr112?

 

[jtice]

Build a LuxIII,,, or 5W, 2C mag.
With 3x123.

LuxIII use a DB1000,
5W, you can direct drive, or get more flat runtime from a DB1000,

 

[CalgaryGuy]

Yeah, I plan to mod my mag 2c later, does anyone knows if I can get a turquoise 5 watt LED? I want raw power /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JasonC8301]

I tried a 5 cell Xenon Magnum Star in the Mag 2C mod running 3 X CR123 and instant flash bulb when I clicked the switch.

I ran a 6 cell Xenon Magnum Star for a while then switched over the KPR112 because it was just a tiny bit brighter.

I have not tried the White Star bulbs though (the ones that come in a 2 pack.)

 

[raggie33]

do ya need to change any thing else when ya switch to a kr112 in a mag2 d other then use 3 123a,s

 

[JasonC8301]

raggie33,

Just unscrew the head/bezel/ then change the bulb. Then reassemble.

In a Mag 2D you have two options. You may run 3 X CR123's or run 6 X AA in a 3 to D battery holder (rechargables of course.)

 

[paulr]

What's the point of using a M*g 2C instead of some generic 2C light? I don't think the generic 2C is more likely to melt or anything like that. I got a KPR118 bulb at Radio Shack that I've been wanting to try with three 123's.

 

[tater_salad]

[ QUOTE ]
Rothrandir said:
pila g3 is a great light for the money!

look here

maybe not the very brightest, but it's a great and inexpensive light, and can use pila li-ions! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I have one of these on the way. CPF member Madecov can attest to the lamps durability and puts out a better beam than SF.

The Streamlight TL3 would be my next choice, or first if I needed throw.