MiniMag 2AA LED upgrades...Comparison Beamshots?

[cutlerylover]

I was wonderign if anyone can post some comparison shots on some of these MiniMag LED upgrades? I have the Nite-Ize 3LED upgrade for my 2AA minimag, but Im nto sure how good it is compared to the other ones out there?

Here are a few different ones I was interested in, if anyone has or can take comparison beamshots of these (maybe compared to a stock 2AA minimag, or even another upgrade?) I would appreciate it, Thanks!

#1 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2542

#2 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1347

#3 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1773

#4 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=9&Page=19

#5 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1528

$6 http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2560

Now, I am REALLY considering #6 (claim to put out 80-100 lumens!) but for $25 plus shipping I just want to verify that it will be worth it...I am most interested in thsi one so any additional info would be appreciated, Thanks!

 

[Led_Blind]

Heat can be an issue here. I would go for one of these http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1532

Then byy a seul led and swap it

 

[ace0001a]

The TerraLUX MiniStar2 EXTREME TLE-5K2 is probably the best "drop-in" MiniMag upgrade module you can buy. Don't get your hopes up with the Lumens though as heat is an issue. And if you notice the product description, it says "up to 80 lumens". Without a doubt, that is strictly a marketing spec they put in the description. I have one and like it very much, but realistically it's probably putting out around 50 lumens. The best bang for the buck MM upgrade right now is probably the new SMJLED drop-in sold at The Sandwich Shoppe:

http://theledguy.chainreactionweb.com/product_info.php?cPath=48_52_82&products_id=940

They sell for $11 for one or $20 for a 2-pack. I've got a couple of these too and think they're great--long lasting and fairly bright. I compared them to my original Terralux TLE-5 and the SMJ is brighter. Still, my favorite MM drop-in so far is the TLE-5K2. So many choices for the MiniMag...what to do????

 

[MattK]

cutlerylover - I think I know where you could get #6 for less money *whistles innocently*

 

[cutlerylover]

Thanks guys for your suggestions...how do you think the heat from #6 will effect the light? Do you think it will dim the LED with use, say withign minutes? Or will it be so much that I will need a metal reflector?

p.s. PM on its way MattK...

 

[cutlerylover]

The one and only...Just one last question...I am VERY interested in the IQ Switch by Nite-Ize..but I hear it reduces lumens a little...Does anythgin think it would be a problem with say the ministar2 drop in? Since it ups the lumesn to @ 50 or so do you think it will be much dimmer with the IQ switch? Or not noticable...Anyone out there with a ministar2 drop in and an IQ switch?

 

[MattK]

The IQ switch, even the latest version, do clearly lower the output of the drop-in's all of them; from the as yet unreleased NiteIze 1W to the TLE-5 to the TLE-5 extreme. With the early IQ switches some folks were estimating a 20% drop in current because of the resistor. I don't know that a value has been assigned by anyone knoweddgeable with the new IQ switch but I can say the output drop is less but still noticeable.

It WORKS with all of them.

 

[yellow]

there is a tread in here "guide to minimag modding" or similar.
There is EVERYTHING explained and I think there are also shots of the various "upgrades" and mods

for sheer output, nothing compares to a high power "sandwich" from the shoppe, but the heat problem kicks in with the MMs very soon

maybe upcoming cree versions give everything --> the output that is proposed with the Luxes while running much cooler

 

[cutlerylover]

Thanks guys for your imput! Its a shame really because I really lie the idea of a 5 stage minimag...I migth gte get one anyway just to have it, lol...I can throw it on a stock minimag just to act as a cool gadget...still impressive to a non-flashlight person!

 

[gunga]

Hey Cutlerylover, what do you think of the SMJ drop in from the Shoppe? I think it's sold at Lighthound too. A bit more blue than terrelux drop-ins, but seems good bang for your buck around $11.

I got one recently (and a kroll). Pretty cool. Kinda wish I had the terralux tcs1 clicky though. Nicer button, o-ring sealed and has a lanyard hole.

http://theledguy.chainreactionweb.com/product_info.php?cPath=48_56_83&products_id=940

 

[nightstalker101]

I might have to attempt some of these.

 

[john2551]

& if you wait a few months there will be a Cree upgrades that will put out 100+ lumens with NO heat issues, i'm going to be patient & wait.

 

[eFxA2C]

i got the smj drop from the shoppe and i think its pretty bright, theres prob a slight hint of blue but its really not noticeable