LED for my Mag 2D and 3D

[RdlyLite]

I already installed the Mag 3w Led and I was doing some searching for a "better" upgrade. Although I liked the improved performance of the 3w Mag led, do the following offer teh better? Or am I better off just looking at some other large beating lights like the Streamlight UltraStinger Flashlight, etc?

For now, I will be using my Mags for walking the dog and as a beating stick.

EverLED Replacement Bulb- Good "high" run time?

TerraLux MaxStar2 TLE-6N Mag Upgrade- Seems to be the best walking light with its medium focus

LunaLEDs 2 Cell LED bulb- I can use NIHM batteries, which to me is a very good thing. That is the tree hugger in me. lol.

 

[MattK]

Hmm - define 'better' for your needs.

 

[RdlyLite]

Crap. Better? How about this, what can I expect from the aformentioned Led replacements? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I know it may sound general but I dunno. Sorry. Btw, I did/do a lot of reading on the Flashlightreviews.com.

All this information I have abosorbed over the past couple of weeks is making me go

Hmm - define 'better' for your needs.

 

[MattK]

Let me rephrase - are you looking for more output, s steadier output from a unit that doesn't have the heatsoak issues of the mag, more runtime, better beam quality (smoother, less artifacts), more throw, less throw and more spill?

Better is in the eye of the beholder. There's lots of choices on the market becauses there are so many varied applications.

You meantion the Ultra Stinger - does that mean you're looking for massive output?

 

[RdlyLite]

Let me give you a quick example what I will be using the light for tonight. I am going to our local river and giving the mutt and I a relaxing night walk. I am thinking that I do need a light (headlamps are out, just for now) that can help fo upclose action (spill?)but the ability to be able to spot movement upahead would help (throw?). Runtimes of at least 1.5 hrs is needed. Beam quality does not have to be perfect. But as you can tell, I am not well versed on the beam quality.

As for the ultra stinger, not sure why i put that out there. I guess I like the output and general ability of that one. Been reading many, many things about flashlights. hehe

Let me rephrase - are you looking for more output, s steadier output from a unit that doesn't have the heatsoak issues of the mag, more runtime, better beam quality (smoother, less artifacts), more throw, less throw and more spill?

Better is in the eye of the beholder. There's lots of choices on the market becauses there are so many varied applications.

You meantion the Ultra Stinger - does that mean you're looking for massive output?

 

[wmirag]

The 3W genuine Mag drop-in (for 3-D) that I got a few months back is quite bright and white and has a near-perfect beam shape at a certain focus: nice medium spot and plenty of spill. The run time is great., Do note that the heat-protection circuit dims the light after it heats up - and it will come back to bright if you turn it off an let it cool.

I'm not so fond of Mags because they're so large. But if you don't mind the size it's a pretty practical light with the "genuine" LED.

W.

 

[bridgman]

The brightest LED upgrade I saw that did not require sticking lithium cells in your mag was here :

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/diamond_magbulbk2.htm

If you already have a 3D MagLED upgrade, though, this doesn't seem a whole lot brighter.

I saw a kit with what seemed to be this LED upgrade plus a sleeve to put 3 CR123 lithium cells in a 2C maglite, giving quite a bit more output, but I can't find a link now. There are obviously other ways to get that extra voltage and current in your 2D/3D maglites, either a Magcharger 5x1/2D stick for your 3D or a couple of rechargeable lithium cells (eg. AW's) for your 2D.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I don't see how you can do a whole lot better than a M*gled.

One of my "go to" lights is a 2C M*g with a 2 cell M*gled. It puts out a NICE spot with generous spill.

And it CREAMS any incandescent bulb on two Alkaline cells!!!

It must be mentioned that I use a diffusing lense on this and many other lights. It makes a good beam even better and doesn't seem to cause enough loss to outweigh the benefits!

 

[fishx65]

If you have a 2D mag you could run it with 6 rechargeable AAs and a 5 cell mag bulb. You just need to find a 6AA to 2D adapter or two 3AA to 1D adapters. This setup will blow away any led upgrade and should run for about an hour and a half. You can frost the bulb for a perfect beem. I just did one of these and it blew me away. The frosted bulb makes all the difference in the world. I've had really good luck wet-sanding the bulbs instead of using a chemical. This is a cheap way to make a great light!

 

[RdlyLite]

Thanks guys. I just got home from my nature walk with the mutt. I did notice that I think I need more throw. Is there a light out there that takes all of the LED Maglites attributes to an improved level (focusability, throw, brightness, runtime)? I realize this may be asking to much, but its worth asking.

 

[MattK]

The TerraLUX TLE-6N is not for you - it's primary advantages are indoors as a flood. Neither of the other 2 you mentioned will be 'better' for your needs as described.

The TerraLUX TLE-6K2, for your 3 cell, not the 2 cell, will slightly brighter and, because it is regulated and uses a K2 LED, it will maintain a constant output and not suffer from the heat soak issues the Maglite and other Luxeon III upgrades suffer from. Beam quality is also better than with the Lux III drop-ins. Runtime will be shorter overall but that's simply because it's using more power to maintain the constant level of output rather than dimming as the batteries drain as the Lux III items will - but we're still talking 12+ hrs. Throw with a K2 is marginally (under 10%) improved and focusability will basically be the same. If you want more throw you'll have to go to a big, high power incandescent or an HID - the stock maglite reflector really is excellent. For throw I recommend an AE Powerlight. The 800+ lumens 10W is $320 and the 24W shorty with 1420+ lumens is only $450 both are about the same length as your 3 cell mag, lighter & rechargeable.