Got the NEW Maglite ML25IT 2C

[bykfixer]

X2 on the ML50 for low output. The head size is not near the size of classic Mags and only a bit larger than the ML25's.

The 2C is nice and portable. Think I'll use mine tonight actually.

 

[xxo]

X2 on the ML50 for low output. The head size is not near the size of classic Mags and only a bit larger than the ML25's.

The 2C is nice and portable. Think I'll use mine tonight actually.

Both are great lights! The 2C ML50 and 2C ML25 are the lights I go to most often (other than the LED Solitaire on my keys). The eco mode on the 50 is outstanding - bright enough for just about anything up close with near forever runtime! Maybe some day Mag will come out with a Plus version of the ML25 with a low mode, but the big spill beam combined with a throwy spot is about ideal for a single mode light, though a low mode would of course increase runtime.

 

[bykfixer]

I did a runtime on the 2C and 3C ML25's when they first came out. (LED versions). The 2c stayed rock solid for a little over the specified 2 hour runtime using Rayovac alkalines. Then it quickly dimmed over the next 30 minutes. When the head started feeling warm I turned it off figuring low voltage from the batteries were over taxing something.

The 3c dimmed to about 50% over the rated 18 hour period. I cut it off at 24 because I was leaving home. It was still putting out a very useable light. Again, Rayovacs.

One thing about the ML25 is a tailcap can cut the circuit so when you dial in your beam, loosen the tailcap about a half turn.

Same for ML50's but the electronic switch prompts it to off when the power is cut. But cutting power ensures no parasitic drain.

 

[xxo]

^ That's why I recommend the 3 cell version to people running alkalines! I run NiMHs in these, either AA Eneloops or Tenergy or Soshine NiMH C's, so I am not all that concerned with runtime, though even with Eneloops, the 3 cell ML25 LED will run more than twice as long as the 2 cell version. The 2C hits the batteries up pretty hard for current, I noticed that the cells were very warm at the end of the run test. The 3C ML25 is a great light for ordinary people looking for a simple, quality alkaline fueled LED that is built to last at a modest price!

 

[Swedpat]

Interesting that Maglite releases a new series of incandescents in this age. I like the design and would like one modified with an LED...

 

[xxo]

Interesting that Maglite releases a new series of incandescents in this age. I like the design and would like one modified with an LED...

Yeah, Mag was 25 years late with these! - the incan ML25's would have sold like crazy back in the late 80's and 90's. BUT of course Mag did not forget the LED ML25's - great lights.

 

[bykfixer]

It was a bi pin bulb in a ceramic core. It just screamed "hot wire" so some of us used LifePo4 18500's and 4 cell bulbs in the 2 cell and 1amp capable 18650's in the 3 cell version. Puts out same amount of light as the LED version with that toasty warm glow.

Some went high amp capable cells for more light but that melts the factory reflector. One guy did a Streamlight Stinger reflector mod in his and was getting about 300 lumens from his.

 

[fivemega]

One guy did a Streamlight Stinger reflector mod in his.

Streamlight Stinger uses plastic lens. If possible, better use Streamlight TL-3 which has glass lens.

 

[bykfixer]

Good reminder FM.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...Mag-C-cell-incandescent-twisties-ML25IT/page2
Here is the mod spoken about in detail and some fivemega input too.

 

[xxo]

Would a 5 or 6 cell Mag bipin work with a couple of 18500's?

 

[bykfixer]

Yes. 5 cell will be a bit brighter than the 6 cell bulb being slightly (and safely) over driven. I picked the TL3 bulb for the better beam quality, yet it is slightly under driven.

I tried all 3 back in 016 and ended up using the TL3 bulb.

 

[xxo]

Cool thanks!

Will any of these melt anything in a stock ML25it?

 

[bykfixer]

Slightly. If you use it a few minutes at a time some blistering around the bulb area will show up but nothing bad. I ran mine 15-20 minutes at a time and got minor blistering with a stock lens and reflector. If you drill out about a millimeter or three around the bulb that won't be an issue as the bulb hugs the reflector.

Just take note of the raised area near the bulb on the back side of the reflector. It is what pushes down on the on/off switch similar to a minimag.

About 2 hours total use

Can drill some without issue

Really hugs the bulb.

So yeah, removing a little plastic from away from the bulb can help heat spread away from the plastic better.
This one has the TL3 bulb.

Someone asked about Tads bulbs. Yes they will work too. And using a pair of C cells makes it possible to Yuji these too, if you want a low power mega runtime version.

 

[xxo]

Thanks for all the info and pics!

I wonder if something could be added to the back of the reflector for some heat sinking?

 

[fivemega]

I wonder if something could be added to the back of the reflector for some heat sinking?

6D bulb will produce less brightness and less temperature than 5D
If your main concern is melting problem, then try 6D bulb first.

 

[vicv]

Sorry for the Necro bump, but I thought I read that the 5c bi pin would blow on 2x lithium ion. I currently run a five cell on two lithiums but it's the old PR base Krypton bulb. It was my understanding that the newer Xenon bipin bulbs were a higher driven bulb and you would need to use the six cell version

 

[greenpondmike]

I forget bykfixer's recipe, but it worked well for him and seems to still be working ain't it bykfixer?

Also, fivemega knows what he's talking about. I think he used to build custom incans.

 

[bykfixer]

A 5 cell bulb will work if you have let batteries rest a little while and the combo has settled down to 7.4 volts. Fresh off the charger they'll likely the bulb.

 

[vicv]

But lithium ion batteries don't settle. If they go below 4.2v after charging, they're getting bad. That whole hot off the charger thing is from nickel based batteries. If your batteries go on their own to 3.6v they're toast.

I know my 5 cell krypton bulb works fine but they're a lot lower cct at spec voltage than the magnum star II

 

[bykfixer]

My Nitecore RCR's come off the charger at 4.2 to 4.3. After setting over night they are at 3.7 to 3.8. Been that way since new. Same with the 1amp Nuon 18650's I use in my 3 cell ML25IT.
The 2 cell uses LiPo4 18500's that come off the charger at 3.6 but after resting are 3.2 volts.