Just to make sure you regret it enough, NiZn cells work perfectly. 
NiMH will light up the light, but it's the reduced lumen output that is a killer. With NiMH it's not a lot brighter than a stock maglite, at least that's how I feel about it, but since I don't measure output, it's only a visual sense for me.
I set my alarm for 1:45am so I could snap one up. Didn't realize till too late that O-L's 'around' 2am was Eastern time. I still managed to get the color I wanted.
scaru, on the other hand, overslept... 
NiZn cells are probably the optimum cell for driving these lights… see All SOLD - 2AA Maglites "Flag Light" Nichia 219, Carlco TIR -
On alkalines: All SOLD - 2AA Maglites "Flag Light" Nichia 219, Carlco TIR -
NiZn or 1.5v primary Lithiums. I would like to see output between the two. I still like the output with Alkalines.
Actually, my 2AM was Central, but I got tired and just put it up around 1AM. Sorry, but it had been a long week end.
I tried it with some primary lithiums. It was not a whole lot better than with alkalines… mainly less sag.
but, that was a very cool thread. thanks for posting.
Excellent job there 
I would prefer XPG-R5 but hey, Nichia is OK to
These are all sold I’m presuming? 
My new O-L Special, at home with the family - they go together nicely, don't they? 4 days ago I didn't own a single gunmetal Maglite.
(L-R) Mini Maglite LED Pro, Maglite 2-D LED, O-L modified Min Maglite AA:
So, how do they compare beam wise?
Three completely different lights, Justin. The big Mag is a thrower for outdoors only. As someone said, this light is definitely not for white wall hunting - with the beam profile it's pretty much a dreadful indoor light although the color is pleasing to my eye. Outside is where it shines. The Mini Mag Pro is a nice compact all around light, with a little fine tuning has a nice beam pattern, very cool white and has a good hot spot just like the Pro+. Again probably a better light duty outdoors light. The O-L Mini Mag has a nice even floody beam and is a warm, creamy color, a perfect indoor light. I'm running it with an AW 14500 with the supplied dummy cell. You were right that Eneloops are too anemic, but during an extended power outage they would be a good choice for run time. 6X Energizers are about midway between the Eneloops and the Li-ion. All in all I am pleased to have all three, but the custom makes me 
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Congrats on getting all that work done OL!
They all look really nice.
Anyone mod these flashlights? I have stacked 3*7135 on both of mine now, my mod is ugly as space inside is limited to my skill. They are drawing 1A from 14500 battery. Now it is bright and warm.