What flashlight to buy...

[masterk68]

Hello I am looking for either an upgrade to my Mini-mag and my D cell mag light, or just overall buying a new flash light to replace both. the minimag isent brite at all, I like the casing of it, but its just not bright. The Mag d-cell is kind of bright, but way to big for a pocket. What do you guys suggest for me to buy to replace these. Ive looked around at a few and not sure what would be good for me. any suggestions welcome. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

For your mini-mag you have two options. The first is modifing it, with a drop-in module. There are various types of modules. All would involve removing the bulb, but keeping the body as is. For a drop-in module, check out Dat2zip's Sandwich Shoppe, Terralux Ministar2, and the Opalec New-beam.

The second option for the Mini-mag, is to replace it completely. For this I would recommend Streamlight's Jr. Luxeon. The Jr. Luxeon is a 2AA form factor. You might want to look at a single or double 123A Lithium battery flashlight too. They are slightly different in dimension, and usually more expensive, but they have some nice advantages. Such lights I would recommend are Arc's LS series and Arc4, Elektrolumens XM-2 or perhaps even Surefire's Surefire's L4.

As for the Mag-D cell, there are many more options than for the Mini-mag. What goals would you like to achieve with this light? Are you looking for something very bright or long battery life? What size would you like it to be?

I hope that my suggestions will help you get started in your quest! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Wrangler]

I love my Peli PM6. It has a very good throw is bright enough can easily be carried on a belt and finally it`s inexpensive. (32 USD at batterystation.com)
For what I`ve heard it would be possible to get two lights
(Led + Xenon) in one light as you buy the Peli PM6 LED (45 USD at Batterystation) and get you a Xenon spare lamp so you can replace the LED and use it as an incan.
That`s what I decide to do next. (Hopefully it works!? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
Cheers,
Wolfgang /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif

 

[matt1987]

Yes, the Xenon Bulb will fit in the pelican m6 LED.. just remove the LED module.. ya..

[ QUOTE ]
Wrangler said:
I love my Peli PM6. It has a very good throw is bright enough can easily be carried on a belt and finally it`s inexpensive. (32 USD at batterystation.com)
For what I`ve heard it would be possible to get two lights
(Led + Xenon) in one light as you buy the Peli PM6 LED (45 USD at Batterystation) and get you a Xenon spare lamp so you can replace the LED and use it as an incan.
That`s what I decide to do next. (Hopefully it works!? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
Cheers,
Wolfgang /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Boris]

where can i find some instructions?... i have a PM6 led, and the pm6 bulb, but the Led module seems to be sticked to the reflector. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[ QUOTE ]
matt1987 said:
Yes, the Xenon Bulb will fit in the pelican m6 LED.. just remove the LED module.. ya..

[ QUOTE ]
Wrangler said:
I love my Peli PM6. It has a very good throw is bright enough can easily be carried on a belt and finally it`s inexpensive. (32 USD at batterystation.com)
For what I`ve heard it would be possible to get two lights
(Led + Xenon) in one light as you buy the Peli PM6 LED (45 USD at Batterystation) and get you a Xenon spare lamp so you can replace the LED and use it as an incan.
That`s what I decide to do next. (Hopefully it works!? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
Cheers,
Wolfgang /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[amlim]

i think the pm6 xenon replacment is the whole lamp assembly. in other words, take out the led & reflector unit and replace with the xenon lamp assembly.

someone please correct me if i am wrong. thanks.

 

[masterk68]

how is the SureFire E2E Executive Elite E2E-SG light? Ive heard good things about it, just want your opinion on it. Im looking for a light around about 50-80 dollars probably. Thanks.

 

[jayflash]

The E2 series is, I think, the smallest, 2x123, incandescent, with good throw. I got an E2e for under $80, shipping included, from www.westforthsports.com The quality of the E2's is unbeatable; it's one of my favs.

 

[TrueBlue]

Maybe reverse thinking is better? What NOT to buy?

My suggestion is do not buy a Min*mag if you are going to keep it in stock form.

 

[Deleted member 4455]

Don't leave out the Underwater Kinetics Q40 and UKE 4aa lights,good prices,better throw than the aa Maggies and luxeon upgradable at a realistic price. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[matt1987]

Boris and amlim, the new versions are MODULES you cannot focus, they are like the SureFire P60 P61 P90 P91 Lamp... Yeah!!

 

[Boris]

Matt1987:
I figure that...
so, in the new models i can't change it?

 

[Phaserburn]

Masterk68, if you're looking for a good "intro" flashlight that will replace both mini and D cell mags, try a Streamlight Twin-Task 2L. 3 bright leds to replace the mini, a bright xenon that will skunk the D cell, and it's pocketable. All for around 30, a very good value. After you carry and play with it for awhile, you can go from there towards brighter, smaller, longer running, regulation, etc.

 

[sween1911]

I recommend keeping the Maglites in stock form and keeping them around for general usage. Batteries are cheap and easy to find, and they're pretty tough. Throw the Mini in your glovebox or kitchen junk drawer and your D-cell in the trunk of your car and forget about them til you need them. I've relegated my Mag's to loaners/general-purpose/backup to my SureFires, but I've changed too many tires in rainstorms at night with a good Mag and checked out plenty of noises at o-dark thirty with one to say that a Maglite still isn't a great general purpose light that can double as an impact weapon if necessary.

Since you mentioned fitting the light in your pocket, I think you're looking for a good EDC light. If you're looking $50-80 dollars, then the SF Executive Series is a great place to start.

 

[BuddTX]

[ QUOTE ]
masterk68 said:
Hello I am looking for either an upgrade to my Mini-mag and my D cell mag light, or just overall buying a new flash light to replace both. the minimag isent brite at all, I like the casing of it, but its just not bright. The Mag d-cell is kind of bright, but way to big for a pocket. What do you guys suggest for me to buy to replace these. Ive looked around at a few and not sure what would be good for me. any suggestions welcome. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

A "friend of a friend" recently was in a similar situation as you, and here is what I told her (she was a Canine Search and Rescue Volunteer, and lugged around a 4D Maglight.)

First of all, this is an exciting time for people interested in Flashlights. There are soo many new flashlights out there.

Also, as Mag is one of the most common flashlights, you have options to replace:
- the bulb with a brighter bulb (Carley or Welch/Allyn)
- The bulb with a Luxeon Star or Cluster of Luxeon Stars
- the reflector with a better reflector
- the lens with a clearer lens

For me, however, I like lighter, smaller, brighter lights.

Go to BrightGuy.Com and browse Greg's site, he has hundreds of lights.

Now, before I make a recommendation, realise this, that there are hundreds of lights, from really cheap to 300-500 bucks, and then there are the CUSTOM MADE lights, made by fellow CPF members, that often times are just AWESOME.

So, spend some time reading about the lights made by other CPF members, as well as what is available commercially.

So, the first three lights I would recommend, are:

The Princeton Tec Surge

This was my FIRST "Post Wal-Mart" flashlight. Suprisingly small and easy to carry, and comes with a wrist lanyard, the P/T Surge is probably one of the brightest incandecent lights for under 100 bucks. Puts out a wide, bright, even, shadow free light. I own two of them.

UKe 4AA eLED w/Switch (AS2)

A great light for the money, this is a GREAT Luxeon Star LED light, and gives 11-13 hours of regulated, constant brightness, white, light.

An alternative to the UK light, might be this light:

Streamlight 3AA Luxeon Task-Light

This is also a real nice light, although just a tad bigger than I like, it is still a nice "first light"

Streamlight 3C Twin-Task

Now, you will want to put this guy on your keychain:

ARC AAA Flashlight Probably almost everyone here on CPF has at least one of these guys!

Do searches on all these lights to read all about them.

As I told my "friend of a friend", you can find all kinds of variations of these lights, and can spend hundreds of dollars, these are just very good, reliable, proven, lights.

Good Luck!

 

[NikolaTesla]

Put your Mag's in the drawer and get a Sreamlight Jr. for the minimag and and Elektrolumen Tristar Phazer 4C- Those will SMOKE those relic antique Mags.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sssh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rant.gif

And no ancient "Bulbs" to replace.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/faint.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twakfl.gif

NikolaTesla /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

An Arc lamp is the Spark that takes away the Dark--HID Forever!

My Lights LightWar /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xyxgun.gif

 

[matt1987]

you cannot.. but if you try to remove it, don't blame me if the module breaks.. you can try taking it apart, AT YOUR OWN RISK.. just don't do it..

[ QUOTE ]
Boris said:
Matt1987:
I figure that...
so, in the new models i can't change it?

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[matt1987]

E2, E2E is the Smallest 6VOLTS Light that uses dual 123, 6P is the cheapest only $56.. Meridian Tactical selling at around $40.. 12.5% discount for CANDLEPOWERFORUMS Members.. MUST say you from CANDLEPOWERFORUMS!! All The Best!!!

[ QUOTE ]
jayflash said:
The E2 series is, I think, the smallest, 2x123, incandescent, with good throw. I got an E2e for under $80, shipping included, from www.westforthsports.com The quality of the E2's is unbeatable; it's one of my favs.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Boris]

matt: thanks... i think i'll buy a new incandescent one.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif
wao!! .. maybe a'll buy an strion... i use my flashlights too much... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[matt1987]

G2 is the CHEAPEST of all followed by 6P.. do you have icq?

[ QUOTE ]
Boris said:
matt: thanks... i think i'll buy a new incandescent one.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif
wao!! .. maybe a'll buy an strion... i use my flashlights too much... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]