replacing Maglites with LED

[dynamicvelocity]

I want to replace 2 maglightes, with LED options.

My thinking thusfar has been to
replace my mini maglite (2 AA cells) with a LiteFlux LF2.

my other is a 2 D cell Maglite (good throw torch but with swivel focus can be good flood too) So i'm looking at options for replacing the bulb from it with an LED or simply buying a new setup (New Seoul / P4 / Q2 LED Torch + Li-ion Batteries + appropriate charger.)

I have been happy with most of Deal extreme 's gear and would be happy to get one from there. - budget = $50 +/- $5

Im interested in getting a concensus of opinion about these steps - and specifically reccomendations about what i should do with that old (heavy) Maglite 2D (new torch - or replace bulb?)

 

[Marduke]

One vote for replacing the bulbs on both your 2AA and 2D lights. Mags make great hosts, and you might as well utilize them since you already own them.

And

:welcome:

 

[NA8]

You can put a Malkoff LED dropin in the Mag2D. It'll work better with 3 cells though. Not to worry. Use some PVC pipe and put 3 C cells in it. Lighter and brighter.

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15

 

[Kilovolt]

In addition to replacing the LED's in your Maglites which is a very good idea, go on and buy a LiteFlux LF2, you'll be happy with it:

http://www.lightreviews.info/liteflux_lf2/review.html

http://www.cpfreviews.com/LightFlux-LF2-SSCP4.php

The choice between the CREE and the SSC versions requires a bit of studying and thinking.....:sweat:
I have chosen the SSC P4 type because I like a wide soft beam.


BTW, welcome to CPF.:welcome:

 

[Richard L]

You can put a Malkoff LED dropin in the Mag2D. It'll work better with 3 cells though. Not to worry. Use some PVC pipe and put 3 C cells in it. Lighter and brighter.

I can get 4C cells into a 3D Mag by using pvc pipe and reversing the spring in the rear cap. Does this trick also work with 3C into 2D, or do you have to cut the spring?

Richard

 

[Gunner12]

I think you should get the WF-600 with 2 18650 batteries and charger from DX(total is around $45). The front is about the same size as the maglite's but it is shorter, thinner, and much brighter. Throw is comparable to lights twice it's cost(review, just throw, quality is also pretty good for the price, FYI, the maglite 4D is around 9700 Lux at 1 meter) and according to this review, the owner thinks it is better then the Maglite in quality.

The Lf2 is a AAA light with less throw then the minimag but much more output. I'd say replace with the 3W Seoul or WF-606.

Keep the maglite for later when you get into modifying lights.

:welcome:

 

[JamisonM]

How about one of these for your 2D maglite?

 

[dynamicvelocity]

How about one of these for your 2D maglite?

I'm not sure
1 TLE-6EXB TerraLUX MiniStar5 SSC P4 U bin LED upgrade for 2-3 C/D cell Maglites -24.95
Subtotal:24.95
Shipping: 18.75
Tax: 0.00
Total: 43.70

the price of shipping really negate's that 'good deal' value.

 

[dynamicvelocity]

You can put a Malkoff LED dropin in the Mag2D. It'll work better with 3 cells though. Not to worry. Use some PVC pipe and put 3 C cells in it. Lighter and brighter.

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15

i wasn't really expecting to pay $75.00 for the upgrade when 2 led lights from DX would arrive at a similar price. - what i'm saying is, i don't feel like the maglite is worth 2 or 3 other torches...

 

[Marduke]

i wasn't really expecting to pay $75.00 for the upgrade when 2 led lights from DX would arrive at a similar price. - what i'm saying is, i don't feel like the maglite is worth 2 or 3 other torches...

You'll find out all about quality over quantity soon enough...

 

[JamisonM]

I'm not sure
1 TLE-6EXB TerraLUX MiniStar5 SSC P4 U bin LED upgrade for 2-3 C/D cell Maglites -24.95
Subtotal:24.95
Shipping: 18.75
Tax: 0.00
Total: 43.70

the price of shipping really negate's that 'good deal' value.

Depends on where you live. If you live in the continental US; you can get it shipped for under $10. If you live outside, which I'm guessing you do, I can understand. Then again, there isn't really a grand selection of maglite drop-ins to choose from if that's all you're looking for.

 

[Marduke]

Depends on where you live. If you live in the continental US; you can get it shipped for under $10. If you live outside, which I'm guessing you do, I can understand. Then again, there isn't really a grand selection of maglite drop-ins to choose from if that's all you're looking for.

It's none too shabby....
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=178595
And that only includes true PR base dropins.

 

[Fallingwater]

You'll find out all about quality over quantity soon enough...

I've been using DX lights for a bit more than a year now if memory serves me right, and I still haven't found out.
Yes, one $3 supercheap light crapped out on me (actually, the threads crapped out; the emitter and driver are still fine), but the $25 U2-style Cree works perfectly and feels solid as a rock. Ditto for the tiny 123 Cree EDC.

 

[mulki]

I'm not sure
1 TLE-6EXB TerraLUX MiniStar5 SSC P4 U bin LED upgrade for 2-3 C/D cell Maglites -24.95
Subtotal:24.95
Shipping: 18.75
Tax: 0.00
Total: 43.70

the price of shipping really negate's that 'good deal' value.

You might want to check eBay for the Terralux TLE-6EXB. I bought one from an eBay seller and it was $21.99 + $2.80 for International shipping from US.

Was definitely worth upgrading my Mag3D with this dropin. Very bright and white beam.

 

[NA8]

I can get 4C cells into a 3D Mag by using pvc pipe and reversing the spring in the rear cap. Does this trick also work with 3C into 2D, or do you have to cut the spring?

Richard

As I understand it, it should "work", though some people have mentioned it takes a lot of muscle to crank on the tailcap. I'd try it and trim the spring if necessary. You can buy extra springs at Lighthound.com if you clip too much.

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2544