Has anyone tried this LED upgrade for Maglites?

Lime Green Maglite 2C

When my neighbor called for help breaking up a teenage party and convincing a bunch of uninvited dropin boys to leave the yard (they were hanging out in the bushes and trying the windows), I took my 7D M@g along.

I don’t think a little 18650 light would have been as convincing, even though brighter.

Teenage nighttime flash crowds grew really fast in those days.

> M@g

Came into use, as far as I know, when people learned that the M@g corporation started lawyering a trademark, or was it copyright, claim threatening to put Arc Flashlight out of business.

As with most historical happenings, there are various versions of the story, some perhaps accurate.

Here’s one: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?262587-Why-the-maglite-hate&p=3287365&viewfull=1#post3287365

:+1: … Yep, +1

Exactly… :wink:

Say watt ya will about MagLite, their shortcomings against today’s better throwers and flooders, butt IMO MagLite’s momentary side switch has from the earliest get-go been a stroke of unparalleled ‘switch genius’ if there ever has been one.

Whenever I pick up a C/D cell MagLite, old or new, becuz of that switch I feel at home.

Can’t say that about ANY other flash out there. MagLite switches: Simple, direct, and no BS. They work dam near everytime and they still do it silently first off the bat - which is how it should be. Not the other GD way around.

To wit, if you’re gonna make/incorporate reverse switches for all your lights at least make them silent.

Do I really NEED to hear a GD LOUD CLICK everytime I turn on a flash?

I mean really. Sheesh. I think this rant almost deserves a standalone Notta rant. :open_mouth: :exclamation:

LOL, so true! My second most expensive flashlight is my Malkoff drop in adapted maglight. However, it has great memories that I’ll never part with….well, unless they stop making D cells:-)

Yeah butt ya can’t club sumone over the head nearly as well with an S2. :sunglasses: :+1:

If you start a rant thread about loud switches I am there.

U GOT IT! See and believe…… :laughing: :open_mouth: :beer:

Nice lime Mag Icarus. I spotted a 2C Vari-Beam on the other site, dang, a 2C Vari is my dream light.

Surprised to see this old thread re-surface. The update around here is, yes, the Malkoff is built like a tank, and it’s still going strong in my 4D. I used it for something in the basement earlier. I never did try one of those 3 stage bulbs in the original post.

Since last year, I’ve taken a big liking to the 2C, and I’ve gotten several of these Cree SP-G2-S4 LEDs for the 2C / 2D Mag. They go for around $14 - 16, and are rated at just under 300 lumens, and have decent tint. Definitely will melt the plastic reflector & lens. While not as bomb proof as the Malkoff, it makes my 2C almost as bright as my 4D Malkoff, for around 1/4 the price.

I have one more on order now, along with a vintage 2C that I’m going to use it in. I had ordered several of the OP aluminum reflectors and glass lenses last year, and had one set left to use. This will make 4 modded 2Cs I’ve done since last year, and I keep them in the vehicles and around the house, along with various modern lights. I can slide a 2C in my back or front pocket, and have an instant self defense mechanism that I can take practically anywhere.

+1 on the switch comment above! Mag got it right the first time on the switch. I have no other light that is as easy to find the switch, even with gloves, no matter how I pick it up, as well as the silent / momentary capabilities, durability, reliability, etc. If I pick it up by the head, I can feel the switch instantly with my 1st or 2nd finger. If I pick it up by the barrel, a slight roll left or right puts my thumb on the switch in 1 second, without looking.

I still use my expensive Fenix and Malkoff lights, but I haven’t bought more of them like I have with some cool Mags in the last year. There’s something about grabbing the 2C out of your back pocket, turning it on, and putting it under your arm if necessary, that is very quick and convenient for certain repetitive tasks.

I figure I have about $50 into a 2C. $20 for a good used vintage Maglite, $15 for the LED, $10 for the reflector, $4 for the lens. I know it’s old-hat for most light junkies, but I think it’s a pretty good value for a light that will last a lifetime, can be used as a hammer or a blackjack, and is all around convenient. By the time I decide to sell my super clean 7D and 7C “paten pending” examples in 25 years, I expect they’ll be worth 4 to 6 hundred each, maybe more ;).

Will get back with pics later.

~zen

You’re right that 2C Vari-Beam is gorgeous. I agree that the Maglite 2C in general is the most practical of all Maglite models. I’ve built many powerful Mags since I started modding in 2003. My latest is a Mag4D with Delghi 3” head running an XHP35 Hi at 2.5A on high. Driver is a Taskled b3Flex running of four purple 26500 Efest cells. It’s a great light. Some time ago I also build me a self-defense Mag6D which got 6 spikes around the head, a SS bezel and a glass breaker tailcap.

Currently I’m waiting for some parts for a Mag2C XHP35 Hi using an LD-B4HV 2S driver. I love big lights but the Mag2C will be more practical for everyday use. However, it’s a pity current 26500 lithium cells don’t fit the Mag 2C body and the old black AW 26500 cells and red Efest 26500 cells became unobtainable.

I’ll make some pics as soon as the weather gets better. Big lights aren’t easy to photograph inside.

Then how’d you know whether/not it’s on?

You’re messin’ with me, right? :laughing:

Me? Never…

Hello all,

Would like to re-float this thread now that we have some pretty spiffy new upgrades for our trusty Maglite:

From Adventure Sport/Lumencraft:

5000 lumen (3 x XHP50) but only about 240m throw at USD$129:

800 Lumen (1 x SSF-40) w/ 380m throw at USD$59:

From our trusty Torchsite in UK:

1200 Lumen (1x SSF-40-W) at GBP$30

I’m still waiting to hear from Torchsite about the throw but would be curious if anyone has tried any of the above and their comment.

You can legally carry them under your drivers seat and they work far better than a strike bezel for self defense. See… in places like Los Angeles there are tons of psychopaths who road rage and unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get a concealed carry permit here. It would be nice though if my 4x D cell billy club had more light output.

Hey, I received your email today :) funny to see the similar question here

(1lumen)

The ANSI meters are very misleading and overrated concept. We know they calculate the numbers with a formula using measured lux numbers, but what exactly do you see at that distance? just the light, brightly illuminated object, how wide of an area is illuminated?
I know that 3x hxp50 drop in will illuminate huge area to 240m according to the numbers, but what will you see at 240m with a drop in rated at 380m? a small area with very little to no spill? how usefull will that be? How often do you need to light up a small area 300+ meters away, vs lighting up your entire backyard when you looking for something, or a room, or how useful will a pencil beam be while you changing a tire, or working under the hood? In my experience in about 95% cases flood is a lot more useful. My choice would be the first drop in, however it is 2 and 4 times more expensive than others. Also it needs rechargeable cells to provide enough power to light it up fully, other drop ins will shine at full brightness with alkaline cells, at least initially.

Can’t agree more. Possessing of weapon, even for strictly self defense purpose, is still a challenge for many parts of the world. As such, a 6D Maglite with batteries loaded is more useful than a baseball bat, IMHO.
And if I can make it even more useful by upgrading to brighter lighting then it’s a go in my book!

Hello there, you raised excellent points there. I forgot to mention that I hav 3 of those 6D MAGlite so cost does add up! Was really hoping to find someone w/ real life experience to share their thoughts on how accurate those figures posted on the website are…