I am getting closer to the date range, where I need to decide on purchasing components for the winter builds. When I do this, I think about what it's going to cost others, to get a custom light and it makes me pause again and wonder which way to go.
So, once again, I am asking for thoughts from others about it.
I figured up prices for the materials/components to make a Maglite with a single XM-L led in it. When I add everything up, it's more than I thought and I want to say up front, these costs are not making me any money, but just covering the costs of the components and shipping/packaging, to send out the light (CONUS). Last year I did not ask for enough to even cover costs. This year (if I do custom lights), I have to cover costs. Money is too tight.
As it stands now, I am saying that for a completed light, the price range would be from $70 to $90 shipped (CONUS). That's host, cut down, glass lens, aluminum reflector, aluminum heat sink, XM-L LED, Driver, switch, battery holder, (if needed) and cosmetic mods.
Now, if I go the "Host" route, where the cosmetic mods are done and the switch in done, with the lens reflector and heat sink being options, then the cost would be from $40 to $60 shipped.
I am not looking for commitment, as I can't even commit myself. I don't know how things will be by winter, so I can't say for sure what will happen. I have plans to make somewhere around a dozen cosmetically modded Maglite 1D style lights, some with tail cap switches, some with stock switches, etc.
What I need to decide on, is if I just do hosts and people finish them themselves, with a LED, driver and battery set-up of their choice, or do I do complete lights, where it's just turn key and go, so to speak. I can see benefits and hazards both ways and I have not been able to make a decision. Maybe I need to do a few of the completed lights and a few bare hosts, but it's a difficult decision, when you don't know how others feel about it.
I thought maybe some thoughts from other members might give me some help in deciding. I don't want to order a bunch of drivers, reflectors, lenses, etc. if I don't need to, so give me some feedback about what your thoughts are on this.
Thank you,
Justin
