Upgrade mini mag or new led flashlight

[taize]

Hi,

I have a 2xAA mini maglite that I'm considering dropping in a terralux TLE-5EX. When I looked at the price of TLE and a tail switch it comes to more than some 2xAA LED flashlights. Is there any advantage in upgrading the maglite or should I just get a new flashlight?

If I get something new what would you recommend as a replacement for the maglite. I mainly use it for general around the house use. I use rechargable batteries in it and I would like to continue using rechargable's but they dont need to be AA's if there are better options.

If I go the new flashlight route what would you recommend and where could I purchase it from that ships to Australia.

Other considerations: variable output (Hi, Med, lo etc), I like the focusable beam but its not a deal breaker, needs to be robust as the kids often get to it

kym

 

[mattevt]

One popular flashlight with good value and a simple interface is the Fenix E21.

 

[jabe1]

Don't upgrade. You can easily spend $40 US upgrading, and you won't get nearly as good a flashlight as something new.

Look at Quark, Olight, Fenix, and Lumintop.

 

[yellow]

upgrade is nice to still use the light, but imho You are better off with other lights

 

[leon2245]

Upgrade mini mag or new led flashlight

Both in one purchase, technically. If you can get by on just two modes*, MagLite's Mini "Pro" should be hitting shelves by January 2011**!














* featuring both high & off modes.
** date subject to change

 

[Napalm]

There's no decent "upgrade" that would cost less than a new, good flashlight.

Nap.

 

[Scubie67]

I always thought Mag lights were like picking up Chicks after Last Call at a Night Club.Sure they might get you there but you would really like to have something better.

 

[Bozzlite]

Sounds like a Quark AA would be perfect for you. (4sevens.com) Get yourself some Eneloops and a charger and you will be happy for a long time.

I have tried upgrading mini mags with the Terra Lux drop ins, but the results are less than satisfactory.

Even the factory LED Mini Mags are no match for the Quark.

 

[B0wz3r]

I always thought Mag lights were like picking up Chicks after Last Call at a Night Club.Sure they might get you there but you would really like to have something better.

LOL!!! Beer goggles for flashlights?

 

[B0wz3r]

Buy a new light. Don't bother with any kind of upgrade, particularly the Terralux ones. I've tried six of them over the past couple of years, and not a single one lived up to its advertised specs. You might as well flush your money down the toilet.

 

[Frankiarmz]

I did the terralux upgrade and tailcap switch on my AA Minimag and although it vastly improved the flashlight it is still no match for other LED flashlights at a fraction of the cost. I EDC the Ultrafire A1 from dealextreme and on a single RCR123A it out shines, out performs and outlasts the minimag. Go cheap and play around at dealextreme for a LED flashlight, batteries and charger, or buy a quality flashlight, such as quark, olight, lumipower, fenix, etc. Put the minimag in a drawer. Frank

 

[mattevt]

I will say that my Grandmother had a Mini-Mag in one of the kitchen drawers, so I bought her a Terra-lux emitter. She likes it, but all my other lights would have to die (unlikely) for me to consider using it.