Hello,
I’ve been a lurker here for a while. This place is great. I finally joined because I need to order some mod components, figured I would say hello. I was a member of CPF many years ago, around the time white LEDs were first coming out. I haven’t been active in any flashlight forums in over 10 years, but I’ve kept up with all the new toys. Recent disappointment with Zebralight (I lost the lottery) and my horrible tint snobery affliction has driven me build a Skilhunt with a Nichia and custom driver.
I haven’t done any serious mods but I started in the early 90s as a kid replacing the krypton bulbs in my flashlights with halogens from Radio Shack. I also had an AA mini mag I took with me everywhere. Around the same time I got my 1st LED light, a red button cell powered keychain light. I’d been obsessed with LEDs ever since I had an RC car with a super bright power indicator LED in the remote and was curious how it worked. I remember when the blues came out, they were $5 for a single 5mm LED.
I wouldn’t say I’m a collector or have an addiction, but I’m definitely buying stuff right now I don’t need to be spending money on (guess that meets the definition doesn’t it?). I have very few lights that don’t belong someplace and just sit in a drawer. I’ve had many come and go over the years, upgrades when things break or get lost, sometimes I give away whats being replaced. I’ve gone through more keychain lights that anything, they get upgraded more because they get used more. Just recently started to carry something bigger and now my keychain light is my backup.
The technology available today is amazing and I love customizing my lights. I also love getting the most bang for the buck and being able to upgrade and repair things myself. I look forward to being part of this community and having a support group for my “hobby” 
