Maglites getting updated to Cree XP-Es

jekostas · **on:** January 12, 2011, 01:05:52 AM

I heard about this a while ago, but I just wandered in to a local outdoors shop to pick up a maglite holster for my Quark Mini, and after perusing the lights on the shelf, I noticed that the digicamo 2xAA mini and the black 3D are now using Cree XP-E emitters rather than the Luxeon Rebel TFFC emitters.

While I couldn't compare the the 3Ds, the digicamo minis had about 10 more lumens than the standard AA Luxeon Mags with the same battery life.

Interesting.

2xTap · **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2011, 03:39:34 AM

Well, good to hear they are finally starting to get with the times. Even when they started using the Rebels they were way behind.......at least with the XP-E they are getting current Gen. But still, for their larger D-cell bodies they need to really step up and give these lights the output they deserve for their size. The D's should have a multi-chip LED like the MC-E.

I got a 3 D-cell Mag with a SSC P7 and it turned it into the light it should have always been.

2xTap

NutSAK · **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2011, 01:28:31 PM

Quote from: 2xTap on January 12, 2011, 03:39:34 AM

But still, for their larger D-cell bodies they need to really step up and give these lights the output they deserve for their size. The D's should have a multi-chip LED like the MC-E.

I got a 3 D-cell Mag with a SSC P7 and it turned it into the light it should have always been.

2xTap

I think the average Mag customer still expects to have the cam-adjustable beam that the D and C-cell lights are known for. I don't see any way to keep that system and have heat sinking for a multi-die LED. Even the single-die chips have to be neutered with thermal-limiting, dimming circuits due to the non-existent heat sink. Flashlight enthusiasts like us probably make up a very small percentage of C and D cell Mag sales.

space cowboy · **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2011, 04:11:31 PM

Before I had an LED light I had a 3D Mag. It was pathetic on flood so, I only used it on spot. JMT

2xTap · **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2011, 12:27:34 AM

NutSAK,

Very true bud, the thing is even for non-enthusiast types...of which I know many...the adjustable beam on the incan versions is next to worthless. A few I know have commented on such so I am sure they are not alone. And Maglite I am sure knows this too. The purpose of it is defeated with a good LED and a proper reflector........they have the technology.

On mine the stock reflector is used, the camming stem is cut off. A large press fit heatsink was installed and the P7 is running direct drive. I have no doubt with little effort Mag could do something along these lines and still remain affordable. Maglite makes such a great base for a light it would just be nice to really see them up the effort and get with the technology that is available to them. With what has gone in the community with their lights as the base for modders to run with you'd think by now, to at least stay competitive, they go this route in some way.

One could only hope!

2xTap

scrappy · **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:15:32 AM

I will have to look for a new light. thanks.

NutSAK · **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2011, 02:23:52 AM

I wish Mag would get rid of the adjustable beam. That might keep the uninitiated from unscrewing the heads on all of my lights!!

2xTap · **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2011, 04:42:43 AM

Quote from: NutSAK on January 13, 2011, 02:23:52 AM

I wish Mag would get rid of the adjustable beam. That might keep the uninitiated from unscrewing the heads on all of my lights!!

LOL.......don't you just hate that!

2xTap

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