I'm new here & would like a bit of help [longish]

[^Gurthang]

Just joined the other day and have already found
TONS of great info.

I'd like some advice / suggestions to replace my hackarama M@G 2D [replaced the incan bulb w/ a 3 X LED [5 mm white] on PCB]. Its sort of adequate & runs forever >200 hrs w/ 2 D cells. What it lacks is throw and output.

My story:

I walk my dog 5-7 mornings w/ week, year round in central Maine, rural area w/ NO street lights . I'm out at least 30 min. per walk. I need a light that has good output and a throw of at least 100' [skunks around here can be agressive, better to see them at a distance!] and useful spill. I don't need water proof but I do need a unit that can handle some rain or snow and -20 F winter temps. I'd really prefer LED based & recharge btty.

I've seen the threads on modding a M@G, what would it take to use my old 2D w/ a new LED emitter [SSC P7 or Cree XR-E / MC/E] and a boost board?

I have the use of a shop w/ lathe & other metal working tools.

Or I am better off just buying a new 18650 based light? If thats the case I'd prefer a 2X 18650 suggestion [mainly for run time, changing bttys outdoors in the middle of January sucks!]

BTW, yeah I'm on a budget... the cheaper the better... WAF is BIG.

"Whats wrong w/ one of those chrome ones? Like we used to have on our bikes, back in the 60's! Isn't THAT good enough?!?!"


^G thang

 

[Mjolnir]

What is your budget? There are multiple high output LED mods out there for maglites. However, there are also a lot of good LED flashlights that are much smaller. I believe that the malkoff MD4 2 18650 host will soon be out, which takes a Malkoff LED "dropin" (there are many available options for dropins, but they tend to be fairly expensive).

 

[supasizefries]

Yeah figuring out what your willing to spend on the mods is something to consider before making a LED m@glite.

If you're going the ready made "budget route" you can get a Solarforce L2 with battery extension to run 2 18650's. It'll run great with a Cree r2. With a smooth reflector it'll have some nice throw too.

 

[divine]

If you have a soldering iron and are willing to solder, you might want to get a 2D MagLED module and upgrading it to a new Seoul or High CRI Seoul, then invest in a pair of Accucell Evolution LSD rechargeables (and charger) if you think you need it.

 

[Zeruel]

Yup, for best bang for your buck, the Solarforce L2 is a good choice. For $25, the light comes with a 18650 body that's compatible with 2xCR123/RCR123 and a R2 drop-in with good throw and enough spill. The great thing is its versatility with various drop-in, bezel, body and tailcap options. See them in full glory in this thread.