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View Full Version : C/D cell maglite LED conversions



Erni
08-23-2016, 10:40
I recently remembered I had some of the big maglites. Their light is a joke compared to the 250lumen AAA lights, but the heft of a D maglite has a quality of its own. Plus with a simple on/off switch the light will be gtg no matter what, unlike the small light that self discharge.
Any recomendations on upgrades? I see some bulb and whole head replacements, but the later are pricey and not sure worth the cost.

ray1970
08-23-2016, 10:51
I found it easier to just buy an LED Maglite. They are about $30.

colorider
08-23-2016, 11:01
Costco has a 3 pack of FEIT brand led/cree flashlights. Small, med, and large come in the pack. W batteries. Around $30. I have them and they are super bright , adjustable and hefty.

Wulf202
08-23-2016, 11:02
I agree with ray. The upgrade kits are finicky

Erni
08-23-2016, 12:04
Costco has a 3 pack of FEIT brand led/cree flashlights. Small, med, and large come in the pack. W batteries. Around $30. I have them and they are super bright , adjustable and hefty.
What I found is that the new lights with the 3+ modes use a tricle current from the battery. Had a few in cars that were dead when needed.

Sounds like the concensus is to turn the lights into gun bore cleaning solution catchers? [emoji1]

colorider
08-23-2016, 13:57
Didn't know that about the 3 position switches. I actually prefer just on and off. The strobe and s.o.s mode is pretty much not needed for my uses.

BushMasterBoy
08-23-2016, 16:45
I have no idea. But this guy in the video did it. I know there are some light forums.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPfKPhrApDY

Big E3
08-23-2016, 23:17
I used the TerraLUX conversion bulb on one of my 5 cell lights and it works great. I did it mostly because LED uses less power. But it is brighter. No more difficult than changing the standard bulb. I still keep a spare standard bulb in the cap just in case. Picked the bulb up it Neve’s for something like $27 and they had them in stock. It’s been a year or so, don’t know if they still stock them or not.

Mercula
09-07-2016, 21:14
Led upgrade with aspheric lens ! Google it. Throw is crazy. Pretty useless up close though lol. I never finished mine.

Circuits
09-08-2016, 00:29
I upgraded my MP5 weapon light with a Cree emitter, keeping 2x CR123A as the power source. SERIOUS, almost scary upgrade in illumination - subjectively 10x brighter to me. I posted some comparison pics back in 2012, and it was no-shit night and day difference.

bradbn4
09-08-2016, 06:47
I used the TerraLUX conversion bulb on one of my 5 cell lights and it works great. I did it mostly because LED uses less power. But it is brighter. No more difficult than changing the standard bulb. I still keep a spare standard bulb in the cap just in case. Picked the bulb up it Neve’s for something like $27 and they had them in stock. It’s been a year or so, don’t know if they still stock them or not.

I have converted a few of my larger mag lights using this method. I think I picked up the hardware at battery junction

SouthPaw
09-08-2016, 10:20
Anything and everything to do with flashlights:

Candle Power Forums (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/content.php)

Be careful, this forum will cost you money.

Zman
09-08-2016, 11:13
I have converted a few of my larger mag lights using this method. I think I picked up the hardware at battery junction
+1 ... Bought the units from Amazon. Work pretty good ... Focus is slightly off which leaves a cold center trying to go wide beam. Makes a nice spot.

Z