Simple LED Swap-Out

[Webster_XC#23]

Hey there everyone. I'm new to the forums, and I'm hoping I can get some valuable information here. I am slightly new to lights and whatnot in general, however I do know my way around electronics discussion fairly well. Anyways, I hope this doesn't seem like a spam-post from a "noob"!:p

Anyways, basically where I'm coming from is a background of airsoft. I have recently found myself full of questions when it comes to looking for a flashlight. Along with the price of special "airsoft" flashlights these days, the power and lighting output of them is under at least MY standards. I was thinking perhaps I could make a DIY super-bright flashlight, but I need you guy's help.

My idea was to take a simple chinese made flashlight, such as one I picked up from harbor frieght (picture down below), and replace the LED lights inside of it with stronger ones. Of course, along with this would have to be a battery swap. I was thinking about replacing the current LED lights inside of the flashlight with ones with a 21000 MCD output. My first question, is if these LED lights are any brighter than the current Chinese ones inside the flashlight already? If so, could I maybe get some help on finding a power supply (i.e. specific battery) that would help me fuel the high output LED's? Heres the link to the new LED's, the ones I was thinking of buying were the very first option-
http://www.theledlight.com/5mmwhleds.html

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out! =)

 

[garilla]

Ahhh yes the old multi LED chinese flashlight, poor performance/ poor construction. It uses 5mm LEDs which aren't that powerful even the 21000MCD won't really improve it much. What you want is high power LEDs like the ones from Cree and Seoul Semiconductor (SSC) such as the XR-E line or P7. Don't bother trying to upgrade that light, it isn't worth it. Spend some time doing some reading on this site. You'll be better prepared to ask questions, and what is worth upgrading or purchasing. Read the "Sticky" at the top of this forum, great info on mods etc, read all the stickys they have tons of info.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

To get good performance (Output, throw, longevity) you want power LEDs. The cheapest of these are around $5. For throw you'll need an optic or reflector, cheapest are again around $5. 3xAAA is adequate as direct-drive, but you might need a resistor - and with LEDs you don't get top performance that way, it's just cheaper to make. You're at $10 plus shipping now, and you'll need metal for heatsinking the LED. You might as well blow $20 and get a decent LED flashy. Romisen makes some nice 2xAA ones at that price range, check at Lighthound.