Upgrade old lights to LED or move on?

[Derek Dean]

I don't usually start threads, mostly I just add my considerable wisdom to other folks threads , however, I find myself going back and forth with this question so much that I just can't decide what to do.

Since joining CPF a year ago I've been fortunate to purchase a few very fine lights, and by reading lots of threads I learned enough about flashlight maintenance to be able to resurrect these 4 lights from dim, flickering uselessness ... however, now that I have them working again, they just don't seem bright enough for serious use compared to my newer lights, so I've been investigating possible inexpensive upgrades.

Here are the lights:

1. Mag Solitaire 1xAAA. I've had this on my keychain for I don't know how long, and it's like a trusted friend. Lighthound got a few of the ArcMania Super MJ LED upgrades in ($14):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2217&strVarSel=&strCompare=


2. MiniMag 2xAA. This one never saw much use so it's in new condition, but it's seems to dim to be taken seriously now so I was thinking of adding these for an inexpensive way to at least make it usable ($8.50):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2542&strVarSel=&strCompare=
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1326&strVarSel=&strCompare=

3. Ace Hardware 2xD. I like the rubberized grip, nice size, something I could hand to anybody and they would know how to use it. I thought of adding this ($7):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1768&strVarSel=&strCompare=

4. Mag 3xD. Of course there a lots of ways to go with this one, but it's slightly more complicated because this is one of the really old pre D serial number mags. All I wanted for this was to make it a usable emergency light, so I was thinking maybe either one of these ($10-21):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1526&strVarSel=&strCompare=
http://cgi.ebay.com/MAGLITE-1-WATT-...Z024QQcategoryZ106987QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
and possibly:
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1542&strVarSel=&strCompare=

So the question is, do I spend the roughly $50 to upgrade 4 old but still functioning lights to usable (but not great) status, or take that money and buy one nicer, newer, brighter light?

One day I feel like, well of course I should upgrade these old friends.... four lights that I can stash in the car, or hand out as needed.... heck yes, that's what I should do.... and then the next day I see a neat new light on CPF and I'm thinking.... well...... that would be a better way to go, ha.

So, any thoughts or suggestions are welcome and will be greatly appreciated.

 

[yellow]

modding existing lights is a nice but time and money consuming hobby.

Get Yourself a Fenix L2D-CE Q5 and thats the better light ...

... but also read in here and then think about some mods ...

 

[Marduke]

For the Solitaire and 3D Mag, this is what I would do:

For the solitaire, I would drill out the reflector, stick in a 5mm LED to replace the bulb, and a 23A 12v battery in series with the proper resistor. This mod (and similar) can be found on FLR.

For the 3D, I would stick in a NiteIze PR dropin, for about $8. It works well on 3 cells, and will turn the light into a very nice long runtime emergency light.

I would give the MiniMag a proper dropin, and toss the 2D in the back of a closet for a rainy day.

 

[Lit Up]

3. Ace Hardware 2xD. I like the rubberized grip, nice size, something I could hand to anybody and they would know how to use it. I thought of adding this ($7):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?...l=&strCompare=

Skip it. An SMJLED PR-bulb is nice to have on you in an emergency kit for the ability to change amongst 2cell hosts, but if your primary function is as a handout light, take the 7 bucks instead, go to Wal-Mart and get one of the 2D Eveready 3LED lights.

I have both and the Eveready beats the SMJLED in brightness. Possibly runtime too. (Haven't tested yet)

 

[Illum]

So the question is, do I spend the roughly $50 to upgrade 4 old but still functioning lights to usable (but not great) status, or take that money and buy one nicer, newer, brighter light?

it depends really on your attachment to them....my $1 2D Eveready has a $50 everLED lamp in it...why? its my first 2D light

that minimag can be your first hotwire
one of these chargers $12
two of these spacers $1
two of these cells $20
one of these lamps $7
one of this kits $24
that will be $64 but the output will be compatible with that of a surefire P60 light

 

[cv3po]

I'd definitely do the solitaire. It's kinda fun to see lights that have been with you for many years get new life in 'em. I'd also do the 3-d mag. You can either make that a monster thrower or an emergency/power outage light that will literally run for days and days. The others are kinda blah but if I were you I'd do those two fo sho!

 

[StarHalo]

I'd vote to mostly move on, some recommendations:

To replace the Solitaire (and possibly also the Minimag), a Fenix LOD Q4 - it's smaller than the Solitaire and as bright as the 3D Mag. As an added bonus, it's the same color as your old Solitaire:
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_52&products_id=370

If you've got to have the big size, rubbery feel, and ease of use of a larger "safety" flashlight, I'd go with the Streamlight ProPolymer 3C - this one's also as bright as the 3D Mag, but in a fully rubberized LED format (the runtime on the webpage is vastly overinflated, expect ~48 hours):
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=27

If you want separate replacements for the Solitaire and Minimag (one keychain, one EDC), I'd replace the Minimag with the current EDC favorite of the hour, a Fenix P1D Q5. It's less than half the size of the Minimag and more than twice as bright as the 3D Mag (with a longer runtime, on only a single cell):
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=354

As for the 3D Mag, there's a million different fast and easy ways to mod it into anything you want, I'd put a separate post in the General Flashlight area asking for mod suggestions, you'll get plenty of responses and ideas.

(Addendum: I just realized you wanted *one replacement for all four* rather than a replacement for each; I don't think it'd be possible to upgrade all four for only $50, since even a basic drop in averages ~$30. And it'd be difficult to name a single successor to this variety of apples-and-oranges flashlights, but if it came down to only one, I'd go with the Fenix P1D Q5 - it's small enough to fit on a keychain, is more EDC-able than the Minimag, is tougher than the rubber beast, and brighter than the 3D Mag, with runtime and regulation to put all four to shame, for only ~$60.)

 

[0dBm]

I don't usually make suggestions. I have been a long-time CPF lurker and prefer watching others thrash about mercilessly as they endlessly search for the ultimate eyeball scorcher, flavor of the week flashlight to intimidate the unwary hapless neighbor, annoy the stealthy feline in need of some much-deserved harassment, and impress the ever ubiquitous front line public servant with the poor pitiful department-issue, decades-old design, overweight, needlessly oversized incandescent, battery wasting, landfill contributing baton-with-a-lightbulb excuse for a flashlight.

I sincerely believe in upgrading those lights that we have so dearly been accustomed to using, yet shall not do so at the expense of depriving oneself of the newest, ever so fleeting flashlights creations that eventually become the old stuff at a pace that makes regime change in the Middle East seem like two back-to-back millenniums.

But, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong.

All kidding aside, I have just recently jumped on the flashaholic bandwagon and have already upraded 4 lights and purchased or traded-for 4 others.

I propose that you upgrade, save up, and get one of the newest models to satisfy the urge. Good luck. There is a groundswell of new models from which to choose.

Have some fun in the new year.

Warm regards.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Derek Dean,

In the true CPF spirit of things... Do both!

Take part of your hard earned savings and do some upgrading. Upgrading can be a real education, if you let it.

With your new found knowledge, you should be in a better position to pick up a great new light.

If you happen to screw up a mod, and have a back up plan to purchase a new light anyway, it doesn't hurt so bad.

Tom

 

[Big_Ed]

I'd put a Nite-Ize bulb in the MiniMag. You could go with either the 3led version for a nice flood with good runtime, or the 1 watt version for decent brightness. You could also get one of their IQ switches to make it dimmable.

As for the 3D, I'd get a MagLED module for it. That improves brightness, and increases runtime, and it's just as simple as changing the bulb. You could also get a Nite-Ize led bulb for it. That gives it super long runtimes, but is pretty dim. It would make a good spare bulb to put in the tailcap. It would be useful for when the batteries get too weak to run the MagLED bulb. You could just easily swap them out for continued runtime.

 

[robo21]

Interesting thread! I have two of the four (AA Mag and 3D Mag) and was wondering the same thing.

I've already modded my other 3D Mag with a Terralux drop in and an aspheric lens. It is an awesome thrower now, I really like it.

 

[FlashKat]

Move on for now, and if you really want to mod the old lights put them aside and think about it after you move on. Technology is sooooo wonderful that is the best thing to move on.

 

[glockboy]

Move on is easy, Upgrade old lights is fun and put a smiles on yours face when you're done.

 

[JamisonM]

I I'd go with the two arc mania upgrades of the minimag and solitaire and for the two D cell lights; I'd go with the 1 watt upgrade bulb. Seems like that would be the least expensive route. It won't be the brightest solution, but for most stuff it should be fine; especially when the lights go out.

 

[Zenster]

I'll offer a more general comment than most have here, and just say that the high quality, solid aluminum machining of any of the Maglites make them worth upgrading into something better. These are lights that will not only be with you the rest of your life, but will also continue to be upgradeable in the future as new and better LED "stuff" comes along.

The rest of the plastic stuff and off-brand lights?... nope. There are just too many better alternatives available as brand new lights, the Fenix L2D-CD/Q5 having already been mentioned as being one of them.

 

[stonehold]

For me the only thing better than a new light in the mailbox is trying out a sleeper mod for the first time. Do them both, do them often.

 

[dieselducy]

get a terralux upgrade for the AA minimag and the 3 D I have a royal blue terralux in my primary minimag and it is B R I G H T!!:candle:

 

[LEDninja]

I bought my 1st one from Lighthound, sent in a padded envelope and got crushed by the post office.
2nd one from the Sandwich Shoppe was shipped in a cardboard box and survived.

1. Mag Solitaire 1xAAA. I've had this on my keychain for I don't know how long, and it's like a trusted friend. Lighthound got a few of the ArcMania Super MJ LED upgrades in ($14):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2217&strVarSel=&strCompare=

I would stick with the stock lens or go with the UCL lens.
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1329

B] 2. MiniMag 2xAA.[/B] This one never saw much use so it's in new condition, but it's seems to dim to be taken seriously now so I was thinking of adding these for an inexpensive way to at least make it usable ($8.50):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2542&strVarSel=&strCompare=
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1326&strVarSel=&strCompare=

+1 The SMJLED PR seems to focus the best with non focussing torches.

3. Ace Hardware 2xD. I like the rubberized grip, nice size, something I could hand to anybody and they would know how to use it. I thought of adding this ($7):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1768&strVarSel=&strCompare=

I would stay way from the TLE-20. The LED module sits high above the BA-3 PR base supplied and tends to fall off.
The TLE-1F is available at LED Replacement and Battery Junction
If you can wait until you saved up some more money:
elektrolumens MT-3 $100. The MT-4 is $120. You may want to let elektrolumens know the age of your mag before you order.

4. Mag 3xD. Of course there a lots of ways to go with this one, but it's slightly more complicated because this is one of the really old pre D serial number mags. All I wanted for this was to make it a usable emergency light, so I was thinking maybe either one of these ($10-21):
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1526&strVarSel=&strCompare=
http://cgi.ebay.com/MAGLITE-1-WATT-...Z024QQcategoryZ106987QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
and possibly:
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1542&strVarSel=&strCompare=

It depends on how much of an old friend your lights are. At least you are not buying the mod AND THE HOST.
Here are some recommendations if you decide to go new:
AAA keychain
Ultrafire 602C SSC. Most alkalines will fit but higher capacity NiMH and E2L92 lithiums may require you to trim the spring first. YMMV.
L0D Q4. Lots of complaints about the copperish colour but it does have the latest bin for the L0D CE.
AA belt/pocket carry
MTE 1AA 1 stage. Note no holster or pocket clip supplied. All 4 I bought had QC stickers and all 4 worked.
Fenix L1T v2 RB80. The L1Ts are discontinued and this is the last dealer I know with stock. You may have to get a L1P CE for a few dollars more.
2AA
Fenix L2T v2 RB80 The L2Ts are discontinued. You may have to get a L2P CE for a few dollars more.

[So the question is, do I spend the roughly $50 to upgrade 4 old but still functioning lights to usable (but not great) status, or take that money and buy one nicer, newer, brighter light?

One day I feel like, well of course I should upgrade these old friends.... four lights that I can stash in the car, or hand out as needed.... heck yes, that's what I should do.... and then the next day I see a neat new light on CPF and I'm thinking.... well...... that would be a better way to go, ha.

So, any thoughts or suggestions are welcome and will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Derek Dean]

Thanks everybody for your thoughtful suggestions and observations. It really does help to put it all down on paper and then get some new, more objective ideas to help clarify what I want/need to do.

1. Mag Solitaire: Well, I think I've found a nice solution. This little puppy now has a new home. My boss's young son (8) has been bugging me about my lights, and now he has this one to play with. I'm a bit too spoiled at this point to not have something a bit better on my keychain.

Oddly enough, I recently bought the Lumapower Avenger. Because of the nice pocket clip and clicky I had planned on using it in my front shirt pocket, next to my pen..... but it turned out to be a bit to heavy and caused the shirt pocket to sag so I've been trying to figure out what to do with it (duh).

Luckily, one of the neat things about the Avenger is that it's convertible, so I just changed it from a clicky to a twisty, switched the pocket clip for the lanyard clip, and put it on my keychain. Gee whiz, it's perfect. With the twisty option it's only about a millimeter longer than the Solitaire, and only a millimeter or so larger in diameter, so it's just about the same.... except it's MUCH brighter (especially with a 10440 cell!), and it has 2 levels. Yea!

Just for fun, here they are side by side:

2. Mini-Mag 2xAA: I really like the idea of the hotwire upgrade for this one. It sounds like fun, and since I already have the charger and spacers, it wouldn't be all that expensive. Unfortunately the TL-3 bulb is out of stock at Lighthound, so that will go on the back burner for the moment. (I know I could get the bulb other places, but the shipping is as much as the bulb).

3. Ace Hardware 2xD: This one went to the bosses son too. Fun for playing under the covers!

4. Mag 3xD: Ok, this 25+ year old light is deserving of an upgrade .... so I will ponder this one a bit more, but at some point it will definitely get something..... maybe even an ROP just for fun.

So, thanks again for the use of your combined brain power. It was super helpful. Happy New Year!