Modded Maglite 3D

I'm new to modding and wanted to upgrade my old Maglite 3D puchased new years ago so it could be a little brighter.

After looking at various bulb upgrades found a simple upgrade online.

First found a CREE XM-L2 U2 1800LM LED Bulb Module

Removed it's large spring and soldered the threaded Maglite bulb fitting onto the bottom of the Cree LED base.

The middle spring of the Led blub would not quite contact the Maglite's Pos+ circuit, so I installed a flat head type screw into the middle spring of the LED lamp.

Removed the Maglite reflector and installed the new LED bulb with reflector into the Maglite bulb socket. Then installed the Lens cap which hit on and pushes down and secures the LED bulb & reflector.

The Maglite now has a significantly brighter light.

The only drawback is there is no spot adjustment. The lighting spread width is approx. somewhere in the middle. Depending on the LED bulb mode you can have from 1 to 5 settings.

The output is much brighter than Maglite default and upgrade bulbs.

It would be possible to modify the Maglite reflector so it would fit the LED reflector, however it would require more work and ingenuity to combine the two reflectors.

Albert_ said:

First found a CREE XM-L2 U2 1800LM LED Bulb Module

Click to expand...

That Lumen number is exaggerated unless it's 3XML
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?353885-3XML-M*g-C-amp-D-drop-in-by-Fivemega

fivemega said:

That Lumen number is exaggerated unless it's 3XML
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?353885-3XML-M*g-C-amp-D-drop-in-by-Fivemega

Click to expand...

I'm comparing Lumen output to the stock bulb and a ~$15.00 upgrade.

Cost for a XM-L2 5 Mode 1800LM LED bulb is under $5.00.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-XM-L2-5...280620&pid=100011&rk=2&rkt=10&sd=331563147266

You could also try using a Cree XM-L T6. rated lumens is less, however some of these bulbs may be more reliable as they often have a better voltage rating, such as 3.6 to 18 volts. * Some led bulbs burn out or start to poduce 1/2 rated output, when connected to voltages above their 3.6V-4.2V operating voltage rating.
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Output from single LED bulb upgrades is less. Bulbs that directly replace a stock bulb retain the factory spot adjustment, however the lumen output is less. Even with spot adjustment your output is not going to be as good using a ~$15.00 upgrade LED bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MagLite-LED...838625?hash=item1c5fa69ba1:g:IBIAAOSwT~9WlY5d

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HQRP-Upgrad...617926?hash=item3f38302106:g:G2sAAOSwo8hToZ3A

http://www.ebay.com/itm/C-or-D-CELL...578448?hash=item1c5fd06a10:g:VQIAAOSwaA5WhzH6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TERRALUX-TLE-6EX-MAGLITE-LED-UPGRADE-BULB-140-LUMENS-4-5-6-D-CELL-MAG-LIGHT-/391362269342?hash=item5b1f02509e:m:mNuCm-Ac3EOzgaVEyvKRqvA