The old Mag Light

[bigstancwsw]

For years i have used Mag lights and had decided to convert one to modern tech. When i looked into the parts needed it would be much easier to just buy a new Mag light with the new tech. already in. The cost of newer Mag lights is not as high as i thought they would be so it would save a lot of effort in the long run. I am not prepared to spend loads to replace all my mag lights but at least one modern one would be nice.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

The new mag lites are pretty good. The Pro series (i have the minimag pro LED) is quite powerful. There are looooooooooots of good lights in the world now. I daily carry 50+ hours of walk-around lighting on my keychain.

 

[weez82]

If you like the build of the Mags and want to stay with a Mag then get a new Mag. The Pro series looks good. And like AnAppleSnail mentioned, loads of good flashlights out their. So if you dont want a new Mag then get ready to read up on all the different features, LEDs, Beam patterns, UIs, battery types, ect ect that flashlights offer 🙂

:welcome: <-- run while you can, your pocket book will thank you, lol

 

[bigstancwsw]

I already have brain ache from reading about the new parts for modern lights.

 

[TMedina]

Extensive upgrading is usually best saved as a hobby.

The new Maglite Pro is getting good reviews, as is the MiniMag 2AAA.

I believe the 2 and 3-D cell LEDs from Mag have also gotten better since their initial offering.

 

[bigstancwsw]

I think i may have broken one of the forum rules. I do apologise it wont happen again.

 

[wjv]

I bought some cheap LED replacement bulbs at the local "mart" type store for not much $$.

Probably not the best upgrade available, but it was cheap and it brought a couple old lights back to life.

But the emitters and circuits in some of the new "pocket rocket" AA, AAA, CR123 and such lights makes one question the need for a large format light anymore.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Large light = more power, and more hitting power. My mag 3D has the longest runtime at reasonable levels of any light I own. That's because it has over 30 watt*hours of power at its disposal, along with a big reflector to make the most of it. Also it's heavier than my hammer.

 

[Gunner12]

If you are looking to mod, try to make something that outperforms the current LED Maglites. A 3D Maglite with a LED heatsink, a Cree XM-L (on a small round board), and a 3 A driver should work well.

 

[Chicken Drumstick]

For years i have used Mag lights and had decided to convert one to modern tech. When i looked into the parts needed it would be much easier to just buy a new Mag light with the new tech. already in. The cost of newer Mag lights is not as high as i thought they would be so it would save a lot of effort in the long run. I am not prepared to spend loads to replace all my mag lights but at least one modern one would be nice.

Hi.

As you are in the UK too I'm surprised you've said new MagLites aren't that expensive. Personally I've not seen any ready supply of new LED MagLites at all in the UK and only hugely over priced import ones. For you US guys to put this in perspective. I've seen XL50's being retailed in the UK for £55 which is around $88USD 😱😱😱


Op - if you want to refresh your MagLites the cheapest option is to Google 'The Torch Site'. They offer some drop in's for £13.95 and will transform your C or D series Mags. They offer a 180 lumen XP-E and a 200 lumen XP-G R5. These aren't the most powerful lights in the world, but I think you'll be bowled over compared to a standard incan Maglite.

It's also not just about the lumens, I've 600 lumen+ XM-L 'thrower' at home and the 180 lumen XP-E Mag drop in still out throws it.

These are cheap easy drop ins that perform well. If you want to spend a little more then the TerraLUX TLE-310M is pretty nifty (just make sure you have the right voltage).


If it's an AA Mini Mag you've got, then there's also a drop in for that. Again not the most powerful in the world but will make the light hugely usable and for little cost. The new Mini MagLite Pro and Pro+ are better lights, but I've no seen them in the UK at all. The older regular LED Mini Mags (that you'll see listed on Amazon for £21-25) are not as good as the cheaper drop in available from The Torch Site.

 

[Vortus]

Might checkout one of jayrobs conversion kits in the custom b/s/t forum. Pretty slick, good cost wise and turns the mag into a multimode. Not sure of his overseas shipping policies though.

 

[bigstancwsw]

The drop in from The Torch Site is the one i went for. Very impressed for the money. I also bought a Clulite AA Led torch, smaller than the mini mag lite and uses one AA batt,. but quite impressive for less than £10.

 

[notsoflash]

My buddy self upgraded his 4d maglite to led with a kit, I'm new to torches but it seems really good. The light travels far and is bright. Probably fall short on tests etc and compared to some serious pieces of kit, but great as a cheap durable and bright torch. In some situations it makes you feel safer to have a 4d maglite in your hands that's for sure.