Updating My 2D Mag

I have an old 2D blue maglite that I want to bring up to speed with an led drop-in. I would prefer something with a decent runtime, but with solid output that will maintain the focus ability of the light. I have read through several threads about mag drop-ins and most of the new ones seem to be super high output with very low runtimes. I need something with a good balance that will run on standard D cell alkalines. Thanks for your help.

most of the updates are much longer runtime than stock. Check the Mag upgrade thread linked in stickies.

I'm looking for specific recommendations of drop-ins if possible.

The led that would best suit your application is the SSC P4. This has a wider emitting angle than the cree led's and has much much much better results in the large maglite reflector.

That being said,
-malkoff sells a drop in. search google.
-Terralux sells a drop in (not as good heatsinking)
-Build your own with a ssc p4 led and heatsink and boost circuit board.

zlf15 said:

I'm looking for specific recommendations of drop-ins if possible.

Click to expand...

That thread pretty much covers just about anything you can do to your Mag (drop in and custom mod).
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/193434

The top choices for Mag LED drop-ins would be from Malkoff or ElektroLumens.

Malkoff Devices P4 Drop In (for 2-3D)
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=2

If you want to get into using AA's instead of 2D's you can look at a few other optoins.

Malkoff P7 (if you would be willing to run a fivemega 2D to 6AA adapter or 2D to 8AA adapter in a quad-bored light)
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_12&products_id=27

ElektroLumens (if you would be willing to run a fivemega 2D to 6AA adapter or 2D to 8AA adapter in a quad-bored light). If you post in his sub-forum or email him he can probably cook something up for a specific application he doesn't list.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/forumdisplay.php?f=36
http://www.elektrolumens.com/
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi

Mag Boring:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/156080

fivemega adapters:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/231553
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/198633

In all honesty i would just buy a new 2D rebel.It is light years ahead of Mag's older led and is real close to many of the more expensive drop ins.

ZLF15

You'll lose the focusing ability but the Malkoff will give you 30hrs of runtime on standard alkaline batteries. The graph can be found here:

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/2881622&postcount=209


C.P.T.

Big Waffles,

If the P4 Malkoff drop-in is the one your speaking of I believe it does maintain the focusability of the maglite according to the website. Also your graph shows that the light will run over 4,000 lux for 30 hours, what lumen level would the light be putting out at 4,000 lux? Thanks.

The Malkoff P4 does allow you to focus.

So ultimately what lumen range can be expected for the 31 hours above 4,000 lux as shown in the runtime plot above?

You can focus the Malkoff drop-in because you can still unscrew the mag head, which changes the relative position of the reflector vs LED. What you lose is the focusing ability using the cam, because you have to cut off the cam.

You're right, you just lose the quick-cam focus; I didn't think about unscrewing the head to focus it (Doh!).

zlf15

I don't know of a way to convert LUX to Lumens. I just use the LUX readings to get a general comparison to the amount of light a particular flashlight produces. It gives me some relative info on brightness and runtime to compare lights.

C.P.T.

When updating old inexpensive lights just for the sake of keeping them out of the junk drawer, often it makes more sense economically to go with a mild incandescent hotwire over an led upgrade. You'll get more output for fewer bucks.

Save the money you would spend on the LED drop-in and put it toward rechargeable Li-Ions and a much brighter than stock bulb, and maybe runtime won't be as much of a consideration.

Just my opinion, as I have been disappointed with all of the $30.00 and under LED drop-ins I have tried.