Space needle or buy?

I'm was thinking of building a space needle using the following from Lite mania surplus sale,



Lux-V LS WW0T : 23$ each

Hotlips M*g D, HotBeam : 10$ each

2 off 3AA to 1D Battery Holder : 3$ each =$6

Total: $39, = £20.50

Add a 2D mag host : Approx £15, brings the complete total to approx £35.



My question: is it worth doing?

What other torches could you buy for £35 ($74), and how would they compare to the above spaceneedle?

Same question I've been debating for a while as well!

Heck yes it is worth it.

http://darkgear.com/mrbulk/sn2build.htm
Is the site to go to to learn how to do this.

Just do it.
Next time stick a regulator into the mix. Maybe use a lux III they are cheaper and brighter than LUX V's. Don't get me worng. I love lux V lights. I just happen to like the LUX III in this mod. Light Saber like beam is what comes to mind.
Go For It!
Yaesumofo

I love my SN clone. I have a WYOS with a DB 917 in a 2C run off 2 18500's. In fact it's one of my favorite lights. Amazingly bright, good run time, and in a light easy to handle package.

I think you'd like it very much. I would however factor in a driver. Yes there is some resistance in the switch and such. How much?? I don't know. Maybe one of our resident electronics gurus will chime in with that info.

Bottom line.. are there nice lights to be had for around $75? Yes. Can any of them give you the same sense of pride of one that you made yourself? Nope, not to me. I say go for it. If you don't like it you can easily sell it for what you have in it.

MM

Thanks for all the advice guys, you have convinced me to go ahead with a space needle type project. I need to do a bit more reading first, lots to read!

I wonder what a Cree XR-E would be like in a space needle?

You will have more satisfaction using a light YOU made rather than one you bought. Cree XR-E looks like the next hot lick.
mho
C

Yes, it is worth doing. Much better if you build your own. However, I rather have a regulated driver in there so that you can get not only max level, but adjustability as well. My top recommendation for a driver is the new bFlex from TaskLED (George). I just finished one of my custom McG45 lights using this driver and I can say first hand that it is a great driver for a 5W LED light in a 2C package. Since you would be using a standard heat sink, your install would be much easier than on my McG45, but you can see here, post #34 about how to modify the switch (for momentary ON, which is needed for the bFLex) and #60 for construction details

Will