thanks for the numbers TP
I have an old XMLT5 i think im going to put in this one… keep stock driver… maybe to tc mod a nice neutral flooder 
(i stippled my reflector)
the only annoying thing is the next mode memory
hmmm i do have a few 3.04 amp drivers sitting around…
Thanks TP. Those steel springs do seem quite long to efficiently carry current. I was surprised by your results after adding braid. What an improvement! Do you know of a simple way to get rid of the memory “feature”.
I added some thick copper single strand wire that I stripped from the center of some heavy coaxial satellite cable. I wrapped the strands around a thin steel rod and made a few copper springs slightly longer than the stock ones already in the flashlight. Placing the new copper springs inside the stock steel ones was all that was required before reassembly. No solder required… its probably the fastest & easiest mod Ive ever done.
With Tenergy 10,000 mAh D cells. Tail cap measurements 30 seconds after turn-on:
Before: 2.86A
After: 3.32A
Now Im contemplating an AR lens, if I can find one.
Significantly noticeable results for a SUPER EASY MOD. Thanks TP! :bigsmile:
Adding a 3 amp regulated driver would probably decrease the output some since it can do more amps with the stock driver. You would get a better set of modes though… I was thinking of sticking a Qlite in one. I put Qlites in the Defiant Super Thrower…
anyone try using 4x c nimh in this?
I did the tail cap mod and put a nice T5 5C1 Ive had floating around in my drawer for a while
I do not have any D nimh to test so i tested on the stock defiant alka-leaks
stock ceiling bounce (cool white) - 65 lux after 30 sec
modded ceiling bounce (t55c1) - 55 lux after 30 sec
not bad - I knew i was going to lose a bit of output… especially if the cool white in it is a u3 or a u2 (dont know what bin it was though)
losing 15% output is acceptable to me for a nicer tint
the reflector was stippled a few months ago when i bought the light… cant find a glass lens… i might look into getting some nimhs… but the problem is you can never buy 3 of them since they come in packs of two… and i have no need for 6
i am loving the tint on the 5c1 though!
My thoughts on the 3D ArmorMax vs the DST 3C, as I own both: My ArmorMax has a noticeably brighter spot at a long distance and more throw than the DST, but only by a noticeable amount when the beams are both on at the same time and shining side-by-side. In practical terms, these two lights have the same beam range. The ArmorMax however does have a good bit more light output and beats the DST quite easily in a ceiling bounce or at lighting up a scene close-up.
With that being said, the DST does have a more tightly focused hotspot and lower beam divergence than the ArmorMax. The ArmorMax has a wider spot that is quite average looking in flashlight beam profile. The DST looks laser like (I use this term loosely) by comparison, and if I wanted to impress someone, I would definitely go with the DST. Its intense beam profile is just awesome looking, especially shining up into the air! Get the DST if you just want to impress with both the looks of the flashlight and a lightsaber beam.
I posted my comparison pics and reviews of these two in the new Defiant 5C 625 lumen thread.
Ok I grabbed the 3D and the Tactical Super Thrower 3C today, very nice for the money!
The Defiant ArmorMax 3D came with the XM-L U2 is that what everyone’s is coming with? My star board says XML-U2 other pics I have seen posted just said XML.
Do you have any pics of your spring mod? I’d like to do something easy like this to my DST & 5C lights. Thanks!
I noticed that the 3D 590 lumen Defiant ArmorMax at the Home Depot’s close to my home uses the Cree XM-L2 now….at your all’s Home Depot location’s do they have this light incorporating this LED also?
I ask because I was about to order a couple online because the closest Home Depot to me is about a 40 minute drive and I see alot of folk’s have either the XML-T6 or XML-U2 in their’s.
Makes me wish I grabbed a few while I was at the stores because now I’m afraid to order from them online if they have sporadic part’s they use in these light’s.
I have a couple of last year’s 3D 650 lumen model with a single mode and XM-L2 in them and they have been amazing durable light’s just heavy but nice to have a few good light’s around that use standard regular batteries.
Most of the Home Depots I have been to have this light on clearance for $15
EDIT:
As of today, April 19, all Home Depots seem to now have them at $14.06. That decrease of 94 cents to 14.06 means that they intend to eventually clear them out. If they don’t sell at $14.06 the will at some time in the future go to a “3” price. I am guessing around $7.53. Matbe in 6 weeks or so. Keep an eye out for them
The Home Depot Zen is strong in this one 
I bought one for $14.06 two days ago. Not impressed by the plastic reflector that scratched taking it apart. Maybe with a decent driver and cells it might be a decent light. It’s definitely the thickest, heaviest host I’ve purchased so far. Can anyone recommend a reflector?
^
Unless it really hurts the beam pattern, the scratched reflector may still be a keeper.
You have the OD and height? Posting those may enable someone to offer you suggestions.
EDIT: Found the dimensions in a post:
“Reflector is plastic, 60mm wide (od) x 44mm deep”
EDIT2: Fixed some typos
60mm x 44mm is good based on my measurements with my EZcal calipers. Closest I’ve found is this 60.8mm x 45.4mm
In case you didn’t see this in the Home Depot Deal Alerts & Discussion Thread
These are now on clearance at $7.93
Some packages include 3 Alkaline D cells
I saw it. The store in my area that had them only had 6 left at the $14.06 price and I’d be willing to bet they were gone before the price drop. i did buy one so I think I’m better off setting aside what I would spend on gas for the trip toward the blf srk fet driver and xhp-70 for a 2s4p powered srk style light I’m accumulating parts for. Currently waiting for a Boruit RJ-2013 style light with no markings to be delivered. The head will be grafted to part of an srk head to distance and insulate the driver from the emitters, increase cooling surface, and help with refinement of the design for the head of my big head srk quad. The thermal step-down will help deciding on cooling fin changes.
I was in HD waiting for the mini Mags to go down and an employee suggested I buy them at the higher price and get refunded the difference when the price goes down. 