Need suggestions on build recipe for LED Maglight

[robotoid]

I want to build a heavy duty flashlight for police work. I am old school, it need to double as an impact weapon. I need it to be LED, as bright as possible (200 lumens minimum), decent runtime, prefer rechargeable batteries, long throw needed more than spill/flood. I am thinking right now Maglite 3D body, with LED drop in from Malkoff or Terralux (several options from both, not sure yet which), and a rechargeable battery stick from Battery Junction. Has anyone else built such a light?. I'm looking for any input or suggestions or other options that would fit these parameters. THX

 

[Justin Case]

I personally favor a 4C Mag for the narrower body, which gives me a better grip for impact weapon usage. It is also a bit lighter, which for me improves swing speed and changes of direction.

A 3D will give longer run time than the 4C, however.

I don't see that you need a specialized battery stick for the Malkoff Mag drop-ins based on the P4. You can simply use either standard C or D alkalines or NiMH rechargeables.

The Seoul P4 used in the Malkoff gives a very nice hot spot for throw when combined with the stock smooth Mag reflector. I'd probably change the plastic Mag window for a borofloat glass window from flashlightlens.com and call it good.

 

[M@elstrom]

Well the Malkoff drop in gets my vote :thumbsup:

However instead of a battery stick, have you considered 3 high capacity NiMH cells? Battery Junction has some rather nice Tenergy 10,000mAh D cells on sale @ $7.29 a piece :D

 

[waddup]

200 lumens is 'ok' but id go 3 mode P7, low-med-high and 500+ lumens there if you need them.

 

[Justin Case]

Malkoff P7 Mag drop-in is a lot more money, requires Li-ions to run effectively in a 3D, pulls more current, and won't have the hot spot lux (and hence throw) of a P4 Mag drop-in. The P4 has the flexibility to run well with either alkalines or NiMH.

When I DD'ed a P7 at 2.8A-3.0A, I did get a hot spot lux that finally exceeded the P4's hot spot lux. So the Malkoff P7 Mag drop-in should still have excellent throw. Choice between the P4 vs P7 drop-ins probably depends on your price point, run time, and hot spot vs spill needs.

 

[sabre7]

The stock Mag Charger has a long, proven history of reliable use for rugged police work, no need to remove the battery for charging either. A custom mod can't be trusted in life & death situations or to hold up after repeated abuse.

 

[M@elstrom]

A custom mod can't be trusted in life & death situations or to hold up after repeated abuse.

Nor can an incandescent when used as an improvised impact device...

 

[sabre7]

Nor can an incandescent when used as an improvised impact device...

Mag Charger halogen replacement bulbs are around $5 each, extras can be easily carried in the tailcap, and can be replaced in seconds. Bust an expensive Malkoff and you are in the dark until you can reorder another-- if and when they are in stock, plus an entire case of halogen replacement bulbs would cost less than one Malkoff.

Pelican also has tough, top quality rechargeable flashlights that have long been proven for law enforcement and public safety use.

 

[M@elstrom]

As long as you're adept at replacing 'that' Magcharger bulb in the dark then go for it, however this is the LED section & the OP's requirements are slanted in favour of an LED option hence the influx of LED related suggestions :thumbsup:

 

[DimeRazorback]

Have to agree with M@elstrom!

If a custom mod can't be trusted in life or death, how can you trust a bulb that may go :poof:
Even if the led blew up and left you nothing, you would be in just as bad a position trying to fumble with a tailcap, then head, to put a new bulb in... Oh nuts! I dropped it! :shrug:

Plus, shouldn't you always have a backup??

 

[robotoid]

Some good info here, pro and con. I have used a Magcharger for 20+ years. I just think its technology is out of date and I can do better (brighter and longer runtime). I currently have a Terralux LED upgrade in my Magcharger, but I am not completely pleased with it. It does not have the throw or runtime I would like. It is the TLX-100 (I think), a single LED emitter in a rather small reflector (for the size of head the Magcharger has on it). I was thinking the Malkoff that used the standard Mag reflector would give better throw, then it just a matter of figuring a cost effective (i.e. rechargeable) way to power it. And yes, it will be backed up, by two or more other smaller lights on my person.

 

[CBR-runner]

-I have made about 4 different D-Mag conversions with this driver....

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201981

-also look at the Dr.'s other stuff...

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2919842

-and a AA battery adapter form here...

http://theledguy.chainreactionweb.com/index.php?cPath=48_56_73

-then what ever SSC P7 and heatsink you want.

-I have used the ones form this guy in a couple...

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=183633

-Sorry I don't have any pics of my builds but if you need the a how to here it is...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=195358
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=238641

Have fun...:twothumbs

 

[robotoid]

Yeah, thats just a little more involved than I'm looking to get. I don't want to get into wiring and soldering, I'm just looking for plug and play parts to assemble. Anyone using the Malkoff P7 Maglight drop in? (the $120 one, 600 lumens).

 

[CBR-runner]

honestly it takes about an hour to do, and it is worth it when it is done. :twothumbs

just practice soldering on some cheap parts from radio shack :popcorn:

 

[robotoid]

Ended up putting a Malkoff P4 into a 3D Maglight with one of their precut reflectors. It has some major artifacts if you try and adjust it for flood, but it is one super thrower.

 

[Jimbo-Coolie]

I just ordered a P4 dropin for a 3D mag along with reflector, I would like to hear more about this mod. A 200+ lumen light with focus ability and long run time for about $80. I guess I'll find out monday when put it all together! I'm planning on running alkaline, maybe make the investment to NiHM in the future.

 

[bkumanski]

If artifacts bug you, get a $10 OP reflector to smooth it out. Slightly less throw, but still impressive. My duty light is a 2C mag with the Malkoff P7 running 2 18500s and a borafloat lens. ( I tried the UCL lens, but they are too fragile for impact use.) I prefer the smaller form to fit in my Sap pocket, but a 3C or 2D work well with these dropins too (and a little better runtime). Really, LEDs are way more durable than incans. I have been using LEDs for my duty lights for nearly eight years now, and I have worn out switches and batteries but never an LED... just a thought.