New life for an older Maglite

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

If you checked out the Flashlight thread, you might see where I mentioned the replacement bulbs for the Maglites. When I switch one of them over today, I had the camera sitting there so I took a bunch of pictures to document the new life for an older non LED Maglite.

While I realize that there are many flashlights on the market, the Maglites are a decent light, just left behind by newer technology, and are decently rugged. I'm sure many of you, like me, have one or two sitting around somewhere.

I started with my 2 cell "C" Maglite and the new replacement kit.

A little closer of the kit. You can see the Xenon bulb, the bulb holder and the retaining bulb collar.

From my post in the other flashlight thread.

This one is for 2 cell C or D lights.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-M...4#.UmcYu3DrzX8

This one is for 3 cell C or D lights.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-M...x#.UmcY3nDrzX8

4 cell C or D lights,

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-M...x#.UmcY_HDrzX8

for the Mini Maglite owners, here are Xenon bulbs.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-X...x#.UmcZLXDrzX8

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

First take the head of the light off like you were replacing the bulb.

The original bulb and bulb retaining collar out.

I put the bulb away but I put the collar in with the spare bulb in the **** cap of the light. Doing this allows you to revert back to the older bulb if (when) the Xenon bulb fails.

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

Here's the new Xenon bulb replacement kit out of the package.

The new bulb placed in the holder with the collar on top.

Put the bulb/holder assembly in the socket of the flashlight, making sure to push it in flush.

and with the collar screwed on over the bulb/holder assembly.

Buckgnarly · Oct 23, 2013

So how is the light?

I still love my big old *** whooping maglight when in dark unknown places!

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

Just screw the flashlight head back on . . .

and turn it on.

You might notice that it's bright enough to make the background get darker. While I completely understand that there are some serious and better lights on the market. Yet I feel for an upgraded light, it's worth the $3 it costs for the kit.

loranger · Oct 23, 2013

Buckgnarly said:
So how is the light?

I still love my big old *** whooping maglight when in dark unknown places!

This. I have several AA and a couple of 2D/4D maglites. I have the LED conversion in one of my AA, but it was a little underwhelming.

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

Buckgnarly said:
So how is the light?

I still love my big old *** whooping maglight when in dark unknown places!

I changed my other Maglite (same as this one, 2 cell C) last night. I took it with me when I took the dog out and was impressed. I shined it up at a new power pole at the corner of my yard, it clearly lit up both sets of cross beams for the 3 phase the utility company is putting in. I'd guess I was 150 feet away.

NUTTSGT · Oct 23, 2013

loranger said:
This. I have several AA and a couple of 2D/4D maglites. I have the LED conversion in one of my AA, but it was a little underwhelming.

I considered at one time buying a LED conversion kit but it was almost as much to buy a new light, these kits were less than 3 bucks.

volvo · Oct 23, 2013

>>>I considered at one time buying a LED conversion kit but it was almost as much to buy a new light, these kits were less than 3 bucks. >>>

Yes,but the LED conversion put out so much more light, like 4x and now the battery charge lasts a full month or more compared to 3-4 hrs before.

thill07 · Oct 23, 2013

I may have to do this with an older 4D I still have.

Schleprock · Oct 23, 2013

Hey for $3 why not, I've lost more than that in my damn couch in the last week.

ChevyEFI · Oct 24, 2013

Quoted URLs fixed so no one else has to dig back.

NUTTSGT said:
From my post in the other flashlight thread.

This one is for 2 cell C or D lights.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-...A201/100384228?N=c24wZ53x?Nao=24#.UmcYu3DrzX8

This one is for 3 cell C or D lights.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-...ghts-LMA301/100384229?N=c24wZ53x#.UmcY3nDrzX8

4 cell C or D lights,

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-...amp-LMXA401/100384242?N=c24wZ53x#.UmcY_HDrzX8

for the Mini Maglite owners, here are Xenon bulbs.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Maglite-...ack-LM2A001/100045339?N=c24wZ53x#.UmcZLXDrzX8

ChevyEFI · Oct 24, 2013

is there anything for a 2-AAA?

9C1 · Oct 24, 2013

It is wise to handle the bulb with plastic or some kind of gloves. Oils from your skin will begin to eat into the bulb under the heat it produces.
Terry

Norcal · Oct 24, 2013

I bought a Maglite LED replacement lamp for one of mine, the ****** lamp was either close to or the same cost as a new Maglite, there is only so many flashlights one can have & maintain, so upgraded mine rather then buying another.

6t7gto · Oct 24, 2013

Links don't work for me????

trogo · Oct 24, 2013

I replaced a 3 D-Cell Maglite with an LED Bulb a few years ago and was very disappointed in the beam quality. The reflector head on the older xion Maglites are smaller than the new LED Maglite's, which results in a very bad beam quality when doing an LED bulb replacement. You basically get a weak, narrow beam on spot, and a huge dark hole when adjusting to flood.

The best (reasonably priced) high powered LED flashlight I have seen is the Defiant ArmorMax 3D Tactical Flashlight, which has 600 Lumens on high power, and no dark hole on flood. Don't waste your money on trying to upgrade old Maglites. Your will be disappointed.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-ArmorMax-3D-Tactical-Flashlight-809-3731-D/203657321#.UmkY5XCThSk

graffix000 · Oct 24, 2013

trogo said:
I replaced a 3 D-Cell Maglite with an LED Bulb a few years ago and was very disappointed in the beam quality. The reflector head on the older xion Maglites are smaller than the new LED Maglite's, which results in a very bad beam quality when doing an LED bulb replacement. You basically get a weak, narrow beam on spot, and a huge dark hole when adjusting to flood.

The best (reasonably priced) high powered LED flashlight I have seen is the Defiant ArmorMax 3D Tactical Flashlight, which has 600 Lumens on high power, and no dark hole on flood. Don't waste your money on trying to upgrade old Maglites. Your will be disappointed.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-ArmorMax-3D-Tactical-Flashlight-809-3731-D/203657321#.UmkY5XCThSk

I'm with you on the LED upgrade. I wasted the $25+ a few years back on the "upgrade" and wish i would have just put it towards a better light. For this upgrade at a few bucks, you have nothing to lose.

wrench409 · Oct 24, 2013

How is battery life affected with the xenon upgrade?
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James E · Oct 24, 2013

I like the LED retrofit to my 3 and 4 cell Maglites. I know there are cheaper and better LED lights out there but the beauty of a Maglite is that it doubles as a club or a hammer so I like to keep them around.

They won't blind anybody like my Nebos and yes, the reflector will throw a doughnut pattern if you turn it all the way to wide angle, but the focused beam is pretty good and I guess I Have a soft spot for my old Mags.

I never had much luck with xenon flashlights. I had a coupld surefires that were super bright but they went through batteries like a hot knife through butter and the bulbs didn't seem to stand up to shock very well. Please give us an update on how this xenon retrofit lasts and how your battery life is affected.

MackMan · Oct 24, 2013

I picked up a 6-D Maglight several years ago... While I have never needed to use it as a club I'm sure it would serve the purpose nicely. Stays behind the seat in my truck. Also have a standard Surefire in the door panel. Still think the MagLights are a good value, reasonably priced and solidly built.

G_P · Oct 24, 2013

I carry a 4D cell maglite with the LED conversion bulb in it in my car. Its super bright and the batteries last seemingly forever.

Also due to its size it doubles as a baseball bat or war club should the need arise!

marty_p · Oct 24, 2013

G_P said:
Also due to its size it doubles as a baseball bat or war club should the need arise!

I still run three, four D-cell models that are all about 15 years old for that very same reason! :lol:

James E · Oct 24, 2013

MackMan said:
I picked up a 6-D Maglight several years ago... While I have never needed to use it as a club I'm sure it would serve the purpose nicely. Stays behind the seat in my truck. Also have a standard Surefire in the door panel. Still think the MagLights are a good value, reasonably priced and solidly built.

Six cell Maglite--damn. I think I saw David Ortiz swinging a six cell Maglite last night in Game 1.

Super Sport · Oct 24, 2013

I have no experience with the LED conversion kits, but I do know the newer LED models have rather impressive light quality. I've read reviews saying they're still far from the best on the market, but they are more than enough flashlight for me!

I recently picked up a mini for $1 at an estate sale...only to later find it had no bulb! Maybe I will pick up one of these Xenon kits...

NUTTSGT · Oct 24, 2013

ChevyEFI said:
is there anything for a 2-AAA?

That I don't know so I can't answer it. Honestly, I don't think I ever saw a 2 AAA Maglite, just a single AAA.

NUTTSGT · Oct 24, 2013

9C1 said:
It is wise to handle the bulb with plastic or some kind of gloves. Oils from your skin will begin to eat into the bulb under the heat it produces.
Terry

I checked the directions on the back and didn't see anything about not touching it. I wondered that myself when I got them. Unless I missed it and it is small print, it doesn't say "not" to touch the bulb.

6t7gto said:
Links don't work for me????

I'm not sure about that but they work for me. If not, go to HD website, under tools, scroll down to the flashlight section, they should be listed on the second page.

Lkdelta · Oct 24, 2013

wrench409 said:
How is battery life affected with the xenon upgrade?

Its a bit different than the regular bulbs that just start dimming as the batteries wear down.
If the batteries wear down at all, in my led and xenon...there is no light, kind of like a blown bulb.
If the light doesn't work, try a set of batteries first

NUTTSGT · Oct 24, 2013

trogo said:
I replaced a 3 D-Cell Maglite with an LED Bulb a few years ago and was very disappointed in the beam quality. The reflector head on the older xion Maglites are smaller than the new LED Maglite's, which results in a very bad beam quality when doing an LED bulb replacement. You basically get a weak, narrow beam on spot, and a huge dark hole when adjusting to flood.

The best (reasonably priced) high powered LED flashlight I have seen is the Defiant ArmorMax 3D Tactical Flashlight, which has 600 Lumens on high power, and no dark hole on flood. Don't waste your money on trying to upgrade old Maglites. Your will be disappointed.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-ArmorMax-3D-Tactical-Flashlight-809-3731-D/203657321#.UmkY5XCThSk

As I said in my first post, this is a Xenon bulb not a LED and I mentioned that there is a variety of LED lights out there but most of us have older Maglites laying around.

This is a $3 upgrade, not alot of money to get new life in an old light.

wrench409 said:
How is battery life affected with the xenon upgrade?

I can't say for sure. Although I do have a Pelican with a Xenon bulb at the fire station, when it's on it's generally on for long periods.

NUTTSGT · Oct 24, 2013

James E said:
I like the LED retrofit to my 3 and 4 cell Maglites. I know there are cheaper and better LED lights out there but the beauty of a Maglite is that it doubles as a club or a hammer so I like to keep them around.

They won't blind anybody like my Nebos and yes, the reflector will throw a doughnut pattern if you turn it all the way to wide angle, but the focused beam is pretty good and I guess I Have a soft spot for my old Mags.

I never had much luck with xenon flashlights. I had a coupld surefires that were super bright but they went through batteries like a hot knife through butter and the bulbs didn't seem to stand up to shock very well. Please give us an update on how this xenon retrofit lasts and how your battery life is affected.

My Pelican light has a xenon bulb but it's an assembly with the reflector rather than just a bulb. It's been quite rugged for me. How this retrofitted Xenon last, I don't know but for the price, I'll take the chance. :beer:

DoyleDee · Oct 24, 2013

I have a 3D Led version, and I'll say I like the light output.. although, it was not a conversion. I think I've only replaced the batteries once in the last 3 years. Led is the way to go.

MackMan · Oct 24, 2013

James E said:
Six cell Maglite--damn. I think I saw David Ortiz swinging a six cell Maglite last night in Game 1.

Yep, not even that expensive
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000056BME/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got mine at Gander MTN.

GreenNV · Oct 24, 2013

Like Kodak film, Maglite’s day has come and gone. The compact size of an LED flashlight, the near white light, the longevity of the bulb, and the high lumens that can be controlled on many models give superiority for the primary reasons of having a hand held light.

I own a 30+ year old 4-cell Maglite. My experiences with Xenon bulbs suggest that they do not last long and have a heavy drain on battery life. Therefore, I have left it slip away into oblivion somewhere within the confines of my house/garage.

Most of my vehicles now display the free HF LED 3” flashlight that more than suits my need for an emergency light. :shocking:

Nevertheless, I appreciate your suggestion.

9C1 · Oct 24, 2013

NUTTSGT said:
I checked the directions on the back and didn't see anything about not touching it. I wondered that myself when I got them. Unless I missed it and it is small print, it doesn't say "not" to touch the bulb.

And wouldn't they sell fewer bulbs if they told you not to touch them? Go ahead and touch them. It;s OK by me.
Terry

y20dth · Oct 25, 2013

9C1 said:
It is wise to handle the bulb with plastic or some kind of gloves. Oils from your skin will begin to eat into the bulb under the heat it produces.
Terry

The Internet is such a beautiful thing, but sadly your theory is incorrect.

The oil that gets stuck on the glas wil change het heat-dissipating capabilities of the glas. Meaning the areas where there is oil,grease or any other residue will isulate the glas and therefore retain more heat then the glass areas that are clean.
this results in stress in the glass structure, and that will lead to cracks/breakage of the glass.
Since any lightbulb that works on the principle of glowing due to heat, it needs a special gas inside to keep the wire from melting (hence "halogen-lights for example). When this glas cracks/breaks, the gas excapes, leaving the glowing wire to the outside air and oxygen witch will lead to the glow wire melting/burning.
And out goes the light.....

And before anybody reacts, I am talking about lightbulbs that have a glow-wire, I am not talking about a LED. But still, NO skin-oil will "eat into glass"......

You're welcome..... :evil:

STANIMAL · Oct 25, 2013

I thought you guys were making suppressors.

csp · Oct 25, 2013

Super Sport said:
I have no experience with the LED conversion kits, but I do know the newer LED models have rather impressive light quality.

I have experience with both the LED conversion setups for the Maglite and the true LED Maglites. There is no comparison. The real LED Maglites probably put out 10x the light as the LED converted Maglites. And that comparison is a 4D cell converted to LED compared to a 2D cell that left the Maglite factory as an LED light. The factory LED light is also better focused than the converted LED.

Watch for them on black Friday. Lowes had the LED Maglites last year for $15.

Falcon67 · Oct 26, 2013

I just buy LED bulbs for my 2D Maglights from Amazon. Works great, cheap. Battery life is long - the one in the truck used at the track is about a year old on the D cells.

lynn225 · Oct 28, 2013

I've purchased a few LED conversions for Maglites.
The best I've found are for TerraLux, and not too expensive.

I'm very happy with the 2-AA and 2-D units I've purchased.
Huge improvement in output and battery life.

(On the D-cell units, be sure to replace the plastic lens with actual glass lens)
Here's a link to the 4-6-cell conversion kit on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B868NE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've not used this particular kit: apparently it is sized to replace the older incandescent bulbs, not the 2-pin bulbs in the newer 4-6-cell C/D lights, according to the reviews.

Wakefield · Jan 14, 2014

The "Genuine Replacement Parts" "MAG-NUM STAR II Xenon" package says "Made in Germany" on it so has to be good! (Might not be the same Xenon bulb that someone else had trouble with)
Actually I just see it as a replacement regular bulb. Perhaps would fit directly into some other flashlight that takes a bipin bulb. (Comes with conversion piece that makes the Maglite bipin).

New life for an older Maglite

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