This is a good idea. I read the other thread here talking about this, which lead to this one. The vote for this is a little ambiguous at best, but here are my brief thoughts:
The host should be a P-60 (insert flavor here). Combine that with with a bare drop-in, a 1.5a or 2.8a 7135 driver, and xp-g / xm-l emitter of your choice (I favor the 1.5a/xp-g combo). That's it...
Why? Because most mods that can be done to a flashlight can be taught and practiced on with that set-up. For example...
- What is a pill?
- How to mount a LED
- Understanding Lapping and thermal paste
- How to install a driver
- How to solder
- Basic tailcap switch assembly/disassembly
- Troubleshooting continuity issues (main cause of failure here!)
- Understanding heatsinking (or lack thereof)
- How to improve heatsinking for high wattage applications
- Reflector differences
- O ring replacement and lubrication
- Battery fitment issues
Remember, we're not trying to build the ideal light (yet) but more to offer a universal training aid. C8's, Maglites....they're all excellent for modding...but don't offer the universal utility of the P-60. Besides, once the above list is understood and mastered courtesy of our 'lil P-60 trainer, all sorts of fun and exciting mods become feasible :)