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Non Tool Forum => Flashlight Forum => Topic started by: matt on May 02, 2009, 03:33:25 AM

Title: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: matt on May 02, 2009, 03:33:25 AM
Could someone tell me where to find the best led upgrade for a 3 d cell maglite?I would appreciate any suggestions,thank you!!
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: jzmtl on May 02, 2009, 03:45:56 AM
Depends on how much you want to spend, and what end result you want.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: american lockpicker on May 02, 2009, 03:53:48 AM
Buy a new 3d MagLED its pretty impressive and cheaper than some mods.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: matt on May 02, 2009, 04:50:38 AM
I just bought the 3d and aaa maglite combo from sams club for $11,I have many other led lights(fenix and others)I want an up grade to improve brightness and run time,is there something better than the led bulbs from walmart?
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: jzmtl on May 02, 2009, 04:55:27 AM
If you don't mind the price, get a malkoff drop in.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: american lockpicker on May 02, 2009, 05:07:45 AM
If you don't mind the price, get a malkoff drop in.

Is it better than the new MagLED?
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: jzmtl on May 02, 2009, 05:23:43 AM
If you don't mind the price, get a malkoff drop in.

Is it better than the new MagLED?

It has good heatsinking so it can run brighter and longer, although focusing after installation is pain in the butt. Personally I didn't think it's worth the price compare to upgraded MagLED module and sold mine.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: ringzero on May 03, 2009, 05:51:29 AM
Could someone tell me where to find the best led upgrade for a 3 d cell maglite?I would appreciate any suggestions,thank you!!

There's an excellent thread over on CPF that has an in depth analysis of various drop ins running in 2D, 3D, 4D, and 6D Mags.

The thread author, Big Waffles, did a really painstaking job on this, plotting output in Lux versus time for:
-Mag 3W LED
-NiteIze 10mm
-NiteIze 1W
-several TerraLux drop ins
-Malkoff drop ins

In summary, the NiteIze 1W was the very best for decent output with extended runtime, beating the Mag 3W in both output and runtime!

The NiteIze 10mm will run for many days (over a week IIRC) at a regulated low output.  One of these drop ins could be good to keep in the tailcap for power outages and similar emergencies.

The Malkoff and Terralux high power dropins produce much more output for a few hours, then produce a long diminishing tail of usable lower output.  These dropins cost a lot more, but might be worth it for some applications.

Hope this helps.

.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: ringzero on May 03, 2009, 09:04:31 AM
Could someone tell me where to find the best led upgrade for a 3 d cell maglite?I would appreciate any suggestions,thank you!!


DUHHHH!

I forgot to include the URL:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=216438

The thread is 9 pages and the info you're looking for is somewhere in the last half IIRC.

.
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: WhichDawg on May 03, 2009, 12:36:29 PM
IMO Malkoff is the best!
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: Mike on May 06, 2009, 06:43:13 PM
I have two Malkoff drop-in's (the single led ones) for a 3D Mag and a 4dMag, I could not be happier. Plenty bright, great throw, decent runtimes. Expensive, but well built units.

However, if you are on a tight budget, the MagLED dropin is a very good option now that's just my opinion. It is better than the stock incandescent bulb, more durable than the incandescent bulb, better runtimes, available nearly everywhere, can easily be exchanged or simply returned if you have problems with it.

Mike
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: Neil on May 07, 2009, 11:06:45 AM
I have the TLTLE6EX in my 6D.  Its a good drop in but I always think I should be abe to get more out of such a big torch :)    But lets face it folks, we don't carry a 6D for the light output ;)

Neil
Title: Re: 3d maglite led upgrade
Post by: ringzero on May 07, 2009, 02:25:46 PM
IMO Malkoff is the best!

Best for sheer output, but the worst in terms of cost, availability, and runtime.

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