Maglite C-cell Conversion

[mercifiknow]

I have a older 2 & 3-cell maglite flashlights. Can I convert it to LED’s easily and is it worth it? Looks like more than $150 to buy a newer light for same size.


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[Rinspeed]

If you want to spend a little money the Malkoff are first rate LED conversions. If you don't want to spend that much the Terralux modules are decent.

 

[Citation]

What is your objective here? Are you trying to stick with something Maglite sized? Do you want to stick with C or D cells or you just want to upgrade your current light?

It really is hard to justify a traditional Maglite anymore. The drop in LEDs aren't very bright compared to many inexpensive lights. You can use the Maglite body as a host for a very bright LED conversion but that's a lot of money for what is still a large light.

If you want to stay in the Maglite family and stick with traditional batteries then something like the ML50 (C-cell) or ML300 (D-cell) are great. I have an ML50. The stated lumens (~600) isn't overly impressive given what little 18650 lights deliver. However, the large reflector means that light can reach a lot further than something like my $30 Wowtac A1S. Note, the you need the ML50 or 300 if you want bright and long throw. Most of the big box store Maglites are older versions that have long through but a very small spot. They don't have much total output so they aren't great for shining on the ceiling to light an area. (for ~$25 this ML50 is a really good light if you like the form factor, prices seem to be all over the place)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SAILB9I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you aren't worried about sticking with Maglite brand lights then there are lots of compact "tactical" lights that are far easier to carry. The Wowtac I just mentioned is a favorite of mine
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M87H5RB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[superduty1]

I funny think it's worth converting a c or d cell maglite.

I converted one of the rechargeable ones. I'm not 100% convinced that was worth it either.

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[Showkey]

I would say no on MagLite conversions.
There several flashlight dedicated forums with literally 1000’s of posts on this topic.

There are dozens of better lights out there than a new or converted Maglite.

Quick example MagLite 3D cell LED conversion compared to typical LED $30 light compared to M12 Milwaukee LED. The Milwaukee does not focus.

The little light source on the right is the MagLite conversion.
All the photos were taken at the same distance.
The M12 is the big beam width.
The small light is tight beam focus to try to match the MagLite tight focus in pic #2










Amazon is huge rabbit hole to look at high pwer LED for well under $100. Obviously quality is all other the board.

Dedicated stores for LED or reviews that may or may not be tainted.

https://www.nebotools.com/


https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-f...MIlJv_jc2D8AIVdWxvBB3mAwMjEAAYASAAEgIGivD_BwE

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/

 

[californiaHank]

I keep a bunch of 2 x C cell traditional flashlights for power failures, including an older Maglite. They've all been converted to LED using cheap eBay Chinese bulbs.

The LEDs are much brighter than the original bulbs, and 'C' batteries give seriously long run times compared to 'modern' flashlights with small batteries.

 

[bonneyman]

Having done my share of old style flashlight conversions I recommend going to carbon-zinc batteries when using LEDs. LED's don't require the high drain capability of alkaline batteries and carbon-zinc cells don't leak corrosive fluid. You'll get the light you need without risk of ruining the flashights (ask me how I know).

 

[neophyte]

Having done my share of old style flashlight conversions I recommend going to carbon-zinc batteries when using LEDs. LED's don't require the high drain capability of alkaline batteries and carbon-zinc cells don't leak corrosive fluid. You'll get the light you need without risk of ruining the flashights (ask me how I know).

NiMH batteries aren’t really leak probe either( yes, it can happen but usually minimally), alternatively, the Energizer Lithium batteries don’t seem to leak at all),, although, maybe they can?

 

[Legion Prime]

I've used the NiteIze LED conversion "bulbs" on a couple flashlights. The 2AA was a whole LOT brighter and I no longer needed to replace the bulb every month or two. On the other hand it was quite finicky, I needed to trim the contact wires to screw the head on and at about the point I didn't feel comfortable trimming them further I was able to get the head screwed onto the body. I'm not 100% about it being much more than water resistant now though. However this was remedied largely by the clicker tailcap that came with it. Overall it was 100% worth doing.
The C/D conversion bulb was much better. It's a hell of a lot brighter than the incandescent bulb, but as stated above you can get brighter lights in a far FAR smaller and lighter package for not a whole lot of money these days. That factory LED MagLite Citation linked to is pretty impressive for the price. What I like most though is that it doesn't have a strobe function standard. Some people may like them but I have NEVER found a use for them and I have neither the training time or any need to train for any practical use for a strobe function. That's what I like most about MagLite conversions honestly, if I don't want the light on I hit the switch and it turns off, if I don't want it off anymore I hit the switch and it turns on. 99% of the time I want a flashlight either on or off and 95% of the led lights out there have 3-5+ "functions" that just send me looking for a light elsewhere. I have This NiteIze LED conversion bulb in a 2C Maglite and it's been fantastic, the batteries last way longer and it's far brighter than the incandescent bulb. If you're looking for a high powered conversion the Malkoff dropins Rinspeed mentioned are spendy but are seriously impressive.
The other upgrade I'd look at for a C/D MagLite are AA adapters. You can stuff rechargeables in them for about the same cost as the larger cells and then just charge them back up. That will cut weight and save a ton of money on batteries in the long run.

 

[Doc995]

I've had MagLites since I was about 4-5 years old. No one was more dedicated to that brand than me. I even have a few of the elusive 7-D cell Mags which frankly are more of a weapon than a flashlight, lol.
Recently I've been trying to find a decent and bright rechargeable torch. I bought a NEBO 6k and let me tell you this thing kicks ***! No need to worry about leaking batteries or run outs. I bought one for every vehicle and for the house on every floor. I think I may be done with MagLite, sadly.

 

[Sumboodie]

Unless you need a flashlight that doubles as as a night stick or hammer, the new LED lights are much better and pocket sized.
If you need $$ "tactical", SureFire. The batteries are expensive and harder to find though. I have some $20 units that take AA or AAA and work just as well at the $100 Surefire.

I have a 3 C maglite I converted to LED back when that was just becoming a thing. I found it in behind the seat of one of the trucks the other day and realized just how horrible that thing is. It's like using a candle compared to the modern flashlights.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Asked this same question here myself a couple years ago...

Someone directed me to a drop in LED bulb for $10 or less at depot. In my store it was upfront on the battery kiosk.

Put it in an old 2C mag and it certainly breathed some new life into a tired old mag, but still zero comparison to a proper LED torch... Even cheap ones like a 3 for $15 Costco pack blast it.

Edit - think this is the bulb -

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nite-Iz...Ze6dgPByeYh9eV9ZXEoaAjuOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Bubba Fett]

If you want to spend a little money the Malkoff are first rate LED conversions. If you don't want to spend that much the Terralux modules are decent.

Terralux is out of business thanks to Covid. So their products are harder to get. I've had pretty good luck with other LED modules on Amazon.

To mercifiknow:

It's certainly fine to get an LED module for an older light. Sure, new lights are brighter, but Mags are extremely well made and will last forever. I would think about NiMH batteries in adapters, since alka-leaks will destroy a good light.

That said, Mag's newer LED models are underrated, IMO and will blow any LED upgrade out of the water. They may not be 6000 lumens, but most lights that advertise that many lumens are lying anyway. If the specs are not ANSI-rated, then they are meaningless, IMO. Plus lumens aren't everything. Beam profile, throw, and color rendering are just as, if not more important.

So, I think you should upgrade your old light, and then get a new one. Because about every 12 hours, there's a 100% chance of darkness.

 

[GCS]

Terralux is out of business thanks to Covid. So their products are harder to get. I've had pretty good luck with other LED modules on Amazon.

To mercifiknow:


That said, Mag's newer LED models are underrated, IMO and will blow any LED upgrade out of the water. They may not be 6000 lumens, but most lights that advertise that many lumens are lying anyway. If the specs are not ANSI-rated, then they are meaningless, IMO. Plus lumens aren't everything. Beam profile, throw, and color rendering are just as, if not more important.


I’ve been using Maglites for over 30 years. I know people say there’s better or whatever, but I like them. Maybe because I’m used to them. Anyway

I needed a new light & bought the New ML50LX C-Cell LED (3 cell). It’s a little over 700 lumens. Pretty noticeable upgrade from old 3 C cell.

Then got the ML150LR(X) rechargeable for Christmas. Its the equivalent size of a 3C cell and it has 1080 lumens.
I was kinda apprehensive with the rechargeable, but am really impressed.
It has never let me down as far as going dead.
Super Bright, and would highly recommend.

I bought the ML150LRS(X) witch is equivalent to their 2C cell and 820 lumens.
Not quite as bright as the ML150LR(X) but brighter (more lumens) than the regular 3C version (ML50LX) and in a 2C cell size.
Very impressive!

I highly recommend the rechargeable Maglites

 

[Sumboodie]

Terralux is out of business thanks to Covid. So their products are harder to get. I've had pretty good luck with other LED modules on Amazon.

To mercifiknow:

It's certainly fine to get an LED module for an older light. Sure, new lights are brighter, but Mags are extremely well made and will last forever. I would think about NiMH batteries in adapters, since alka-leaks will destroy a good light.

That said, Mag's newer LED models are underrated, IMO and will blow any LED upgrade out of the water. They may not be 6000 lumens, but most lights that advertise that many lumens are lying anyway. If the specs are not ANSI-rated, then they are meaningless, IMO. Plus lumens aren't everything. Beam profile, throw, and color rendering are just as, if not more important.

So, I think you should upgrade your old light, and then get a new one. Because about every 12 hours, there's a 100% chance of darkness.

Or move to here. It's almost dark 24hrs part of the year and light 24hrs the other part. About 15hrs of light right now.

 

[mercifiknow]

Wow! Lots of nice reply’s!

I’ll try and answer some of them.

Maglite’s are tough. That’s one reason I want to try and convert them. Another reason is I thought there might be a way to get longer run times on the batteries for emergencies and working on something when I have too. I also thought the scaling of light from wide spread to focused would possible and not have to buy a new light.

I bought these lights a long time ago and they still look brand new. So there’s another reason.

I did buy a Nebo Redline on a whim at our local mom and pop hardware store (been around for 100+ years!) and am impressed with it except battery life. I’m just not willing to pay $70-$80 on a light. I’ve looked at Olight’s and Fenix’s and some others and while I like them I think they are very pricey. I’m also suffering from analysis paralysis.

So many choices and options! Good time to be looking I guess!

I think I will not update and just buy new.


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[joe_pinehill1]

Try the HF Braun, it maybe the last light you buy, you may even buy 2 or 3 of them

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-l...e=go&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shortener

 

[seber]

LED lights have gotten really cheap. Yesterday my bank gave me a tiny advertising flashlight. Standard flashlight shape but 1 1/2" long and about 3/8" dia. It puts out more light than a standard Maglight.

 

[pizza]

not worth it. just buy a new, modern flashlight. either 18650 or 21700 li-ion battery powered. maglite has been a complete joke for years.

if you don't want to spend money, then just get whatever cheap **** (but not so cheap that it's unsafe lol). look at Convoy on aliexpress: https://convoy.aliexpress.com/store/330416

most flashlights have ****** (inefficient) drivers. if you spend more than $50 or so, i wouldn't buy anything with a linear (generally 7135-based) driver. i would want something with a well-tuned buck or boost driver.

imo just buy a zebralight and be done with it. good build quality and well-engineered drivers. this one will blow your maglite out of the water, and it's MUCH smaller:
http://zebralight.com/SC700d-21700-XHP702-Neutral-White-High-CRI-Flashlight_p_233.html
don't forget a battery or two:
http://zebralight.com/Samsung-INR21...i-ion-Flat-Top-Unprotected-Battery_p_234.html

 

[ddawg16]

Wow.....I'm glad some of you don't work on my electronics.

Pull the bulb...look at the number

Then go to SuperBrightLEDs.com and see what the LED replacement is.

A 2-cell light needs a bulb rated for 3v...the 3-cell, 4.5v.

I'd use Alkaline batteries...they have a long shelf life.

 

[Busted Knucles]

Put a cheap LED in it. I put one in my (3 cell D battery Maglite) and plus batteries last forever. I hold under my arm to side of body and have 2 free hands.

 

[ddawg16]

Want bright?

This is about 3-4x brighter than the standard bulb

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...-bulbs/3-watt-flashlight-bulb-pr2-3whp-x/638/

 

[Badger 13]

I agree the newer LED lights are great, and I have some Streamlight, and Surefire models along with several others. But there is something to be said about the Maglite. I have given new life to them with an LED bulb. And before Maglite, there was Kel-lite, which in my opinion was better then the Maglite.

 

[seber]

The limitation on light output from an LED bulb is due to heat sink. Adding a brighter bulb to an existing flashlight can only get you up to a maximum of around 200 lumens. That's pretty bright for a filament bulb but nothing compared to a modern LED flashlight. Unless you are willing to do a major redesign of the head, just buy a better light. 200 lumens is barely the starting point for LED lights.

 

[Catfishdan]

If you want to spend a little money the Malkoff are first rate LED conversions. If you don't want to spend that much the Terralux modules are decent.

I put a Malkoff conversion in a 2d cell mag lite I’ve had forever. Now it will light up road reflectors for over a 1/4 mile. Makes a really bright spot light. I’m sure there’s better lights out there, but I’m pretty attached to my old mag lite.

 

[Rinspeed]

I put a Malkoff conversion in a 2d cell mag lite I’ve had forever. Now it will light up road reflectors for over a 1/4 mile. Makes a really bright spot light. I’m sure there’s better lights out there, but I’m pretty attached to my old mag lite.

I've been using their modules for close to ten years in several Surefire lights. Great company to deal with, the output has never been the highest but they are tough as nails. Used a couple in a rifle weapon lights, which take a pounding, and they have always held up just fine.

 

[bonneyman]

For aluminum-bodied lights like Maglite I wouldn't use alkalines, especially in a work truck which gets hot during the day. But older chromed steel flashlights with a toilet paper tube liner would be fine for alkalines. (If the batteries do leak, the tube absorbs the corrosive. I don't think Maglights have the space for my homemade liner.)

 

[Gotcha640]

I like the Convoys mentioned above.

I have 4, I think two S2+ and two c8, about $20 each. Pocketable, mounts for bike headlights are cheap, 18650 is easy to get, and when used on low or medium they last a while.

I also have magnetic tails, red and white diffusers, and they live in conduit hangers in the car (stretched 1/2 or smooshed 3/4 I can't remember).

You will need 18650 batteries (buy from a reputable ebay store for ~$5 each) and a charger. Xtar makes decent ones, I got one that's also a bank, to charge phones off, for $15. Rechargable is cheaper after a few rounds.

 

[Rinspeed]

Want bright?

This is about 3-4x brighter than the standard bulb

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...-bulbs/3-watt-flashlight-bulb-pr2-3whp-x/638/

If you want made in China **** that is probably a good choice.

 

[Legion Prime]

If you don't want to pay $100+ to upgrade an old flashlight it's an even better choice.

 

[mercifiknow]

Looking for USA made as much as possible. I’m going to pay a lot more for it but I’ll know what I’ve got and keep us afloat. To each their own though.

I like Malkoff but looks like they are out of stock. So I may look at them when they are in.


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