Mag LED upgrades

[marcusn]

I know this topic has been covered before, but I also know that technologies and choices constantly change. So please indulge me if you can.

What are the current options and your opinions on the best LED upgrades to standard Maglites with:

2 C cells
2 AA cells

And for those in-the-know, what's the best online shop for them?

Thanks in advance,
Marcus

 

[Marduke]

What do you consider best? Do you want to be able to catch things on fire with them, use the same set of batteries for 2 weeks without turning the light off, or something in between? Price Range?

 

[Gunner12]

For the 2AA, if you want to keep the light, you could buy a Terralux SSC drop-in. But these whole 2AA lights cost less the drop-in and have at least the same brightness, it's your choice: Ultrafire C3, Ultrafire C5, Ultrafire WF-606A.

For the 2C, the Terralux TL6-EXB seems to be the only Seoul Drop-in but it has been getting bad reviews. Or if you are feeling adventurous you could build yourself a modified Maglite.

Welcome to CPF!

 

[vic2367]

:twothumbs to the terralux ssc led,,,,get em at batteryjunction...welcome to the forums,,theres also a discount code around here somewhere,,,i think its cpf2006 ...or something like that,,,

 

[wintermute]

:twothumbs to the terralux ssc led,,,,get em at batteryjunction...welcome to the forums,,theres also a discount code around here somewhere,,,i think its cpf2006 ...or something like that,,,

Holy commas batman.

 

[Bullzaye]

If I could "hijack" this thread for just a moment...I wonder if someone could answer a similar question. Many years ago I gave my Mom a AA Mini-Mag, and she loves it. It's her favorite flashlight, and when she dropped it behind her freezer several months ago she was lost without it until I came home on vacation and was able to rescue it for her. When I looked at it, the light was very weak and yellow. I changed the batteries, but it still looked terrible. Maybe I'm just too accustomed to all these "super" lights that we play with. In any case, I was thinking of getting a LED upgrade for her, and I found the Nite Ize 1 watt LED upgrade, with the IQ tailswitch, with high, medium, low, and 2 strobe modes. I realize there are better lights available for less money, but I'd like to stick with what she likes. Is this Nite Ize unit reliable? I definitely want something she can depend on. I also thought the little strobing LED in the tail cap might be useful to her as well, but I read that the switch tends to break easily. Does anyone have any info on this, or any recommendations on what LED upgrade would be best? Total light output is not vitally important, but I like the multiple light levels, and the extended runtime for the LEDs.
Thanks very much, and I apologize again for sidetracking this thread.
Tim

 

[dougie]

I can't comment on the Niteize 1 watt LED as I don't have one. However, I did own an IQ switch which whilst desirable as a switch was just awful for durability and physically broke in a record space of time.

I don't usually suggest a given manufacturer but I can say that the 1 watt Terralux unit for my Minimag has proven to be both durable and reliable and obtains extended battery life compared to the incandescent bulb that Mag uses. I've also got a couple of Minimags on Souped up LED's but for the life of me the name escapes me.

Doug

 

[Cydonia]

If I could "hijack" this thread for just a moment...I wonder if someone could answer a similar question. Many years ago I gave my Mom a AA Mini-Mag, and she loves it. It's her favorite flashlight, and when she dropped it behind her freezer several months ago she was lost without it until I came home on vacation and was able to rescue it for her. When I looked at it, the light was very weak and yellow. I changed the batteries, but it still looked terrible. Maybe I'm just too accustomed to all these "super" lights that we play with. In any case, I was thinking of getting a LED upgrade for her, and I found the Nite Ize 1 watt LED upgrade, with the IQ tailswitch, with high, medium, low, and 2 strobe modes. I realize there are better lights available for less money, but I'd like to stick with what she likes. Is this Nite Ize unit reliable? I definitely want something she can depend on. I also thought the little strobing LED in the tail cap might be useful to her as well, but I read that the switch tends to break easily. Does anyone have any info on this, or any recommendations on what LED upgrade would be best? Total light output is not vitally important, but I like the multiple light levels, and the extended runtime for the LEDs.
Thanks very much, and I apologize again for sidetracking this thread.
Tim

Go for the Nite Ize 1 watt upgrade, but maybe avoid their tail cap switch. I always thought the Nite Ize Mini Mag IQ switches offered too many features for way too little money. I would guesstimate that a "good" quality tail cap switch with those features should cost $20 on its own, not be included with the 1 watt as an option for about $3 more!
The TerraLux upgrade, with far brighter SSC LED, seems good from what I've read over the months here. If I had a Mini Mag... I'd go for the Nite Ize for run time and extra reliability. (And I'd upgrade the LED myself to SSC so I keep the Nite Ize driver circuit with the longer run times - but less light output and heat than the TerraLux module)

 

[MattK]

For the 2 AA My preference would be TerraLUX TLE-5EX> TerraLUX TLE-5> Nite Ize 1W.

The TLE-5 is simply brighter than the Nite Ize unit. I don't understand a claim for greater reliability for the Nite Ize which has been on the market for like 4 months when the TLE-5 has been on the market for a few years and has proven reliability....

 

[WHQ]

I added a TerraLUX 5 watt CREE to my 6D Maglite and I really like it. I think I paid $25 on eBay...

 

[marcusn]

Thank you all very much for your comments and suggestions.

Marduke, I certainly don't want to catch anything on fire, and a battery life of two weeks is not neccessary. So, yes, something in between would be best.

As for budget, anything is fine as long as it still makes sense to do the upgrade rather than get something new.

I take it that the Maglite-made LED upgrades aren't the best solution?

Finally, thank you all for the welcome wishes. Last year I was in Germany visiting a cousin of mine who is a cop. He carries a Zweibruder LED Lenser 3-AA flashlight with him. I was quite impressed with it, only having Maglites at home. He sent me one of these flashlights last Christmas, and I've become a little obsessed with this stuff recently.

Anyway, thanks to all for your help.

Marcus

 

[Gunner12]

If you are feeling REALLY adventurous, try this 4 Seoul LED mod for your 2C:naughty:. The Terralux Seoul Drop-in for the Minimag is probably the brightest available form the Minimag in the USA(I've heard there are brighter ones in Europe).

Maglite LED upgrades are not the best for two reasons(Well, two if you want to stay with the latest technology). They drop in output very fast due to build up of heat(almost 50% in 15-20 minutes, then it stabilizes) and they aren't using the most efficient LEDs. But for the 2C, there aren't many options if you don't want to modify your lights.

You should send your cousin in Germany one of the newer Cree/Seoul lights and amaze him with their brightness(If he hasn't seen them already).

 

[marcusn]

Thanks, Gunner12.

Maybe it's not really worth it to 'update' the maglites. I've just had them for so long, it seems a shame to leave them in the drawer permanently.

Marcus