Best LED upgrade for C size incandescent Maglite

nzoomed

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Jul 14, 2019
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I am thinking of retrofitting a 3C size maglite to accept 2x 26650 cells and install a 1000 Lumen module of some sort.
What if any modules exist out there, and do any allow a focusable beam?
Is this the sort of job I will need a modder to make radical changes to the body of the light, or are there kits available?

Ive seen larger ones machined down, but with a 3x C size its only 5mm longer which the spring would make up for on the tailcap im expecting.

Any advice would be great. Perhaps I will need to commission a pro modder here? :D
 

DrafterDan

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fivemega on these pages has some focusable upgrades. AdventuresportFlashlights on the web also has a good deal of mag upgrades. Maybe have a look at Malkoff Devices as well.
 

nzoomed

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Thanks,
Ill hit up fivemega and see what he suggests.
 
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alpg88

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26xxx cells will NOT fit unbored C maglite, unless it is pre 1990s maglite.
the best drop in for C mag would be makoff drop in. you do not need 26xxx cells, nowadays 21700 are available, which are very close to 26xxx performance wise.
 

nzoomed

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26xxx cells will NOT fit unbored C maglite, unless it is pre 1990s maglite.
the best drop in for C mag would be makoff drop in. you do not need 26xxx cells, nowadays 21700 are available, which are very close to 26xxx performance wise.

I might just end up grabbing a drop in module, would really like focus, with spot to flood, but looks like its not really possible unless you mod yourself, ive seen one such mod here:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...-With-Voltage-Monitor-Parts-or-Complete-Light!

21700 would be nice, currently Tesla are the only ones making them, but looks like LG, Samsung and others will be very soon.
Seems to be a good supply on ebay from wrecked teslas already. Might grab some.

Might just do this and grab a drop in replacement.
What ones currently work with C cell mags? I see the 3XML out there, but anything 1000 lumens or more is fine.
 

alpg88

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focus is something you wont miss when you mod your light with a brighter led, not to mention maglite focus is really not that usefull.
20700-21700 are available at mtnelectronics.com, few brands actually.


i looked up malkoff site, and it's bad news, he makes 3-4 cell xml drop ins for C mag however it is made for 3-4 cells, it may not handle 2xli ion cells. the one for 6 cells will but he does not have it with xml, it uses smaller led, it maxes out at 325lm otf

looks like you'll have to make a led swap yourself, good news is, there are countless ways how to mod a maglite. all depends on your skills and how far you want to take the modding
 

nzoomed

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OK, i think I may just give up on the focus.
I know its something i really miss with LED flashlights/Torches.
LED Lenser are the only ones with a decent focusing system. I believe they have the patent to it hence why we dont see it on other makes.
 

nzoomed

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Thats a pretty neat little unit.
What I find amazing is how LED Lenser managed to get their zoom to work without displaying the square chip shaped beam when zoomed in full spotlight
I must say that xtar is better than what ive seen on some other cheap lights.
 
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