Which LED flashlight conversion kits?

[rustythread]

I have a myriad of old flashligts, from 1960s GI L-heads to 5-cell maglights to mini-lights. I'm thinking about ocnverting all or most to LEDs, but am confused by the universe of (mostly Chinese-made) conversion kits. I'd appreciate any suggestions or warnings re which kits to buy or to avoid.

 

[Faulkner]

I converted several older Maglites and a Streamlight from incandescent to LED and afterwards decided the cost and effort wasn't worth it. Instead, I have since purchased several FENIX LED lights and have decided the replacements are much more bang for the buck than the upgraded ones.

 

[rockquarry]

With no remorse, I throw away the old ones. They served their purpose.

 

[DWalt]

I have a 3-cell (D-cell) Maglite I recently converted to LED. I bought an LED for around $10 off eBay to replace the filament bulb, and it dropped right in without incident. Probably Chinese made, but I don't know. No complaints, as puts out lots of light. And the Maglite can still be used as a billy club if necessary. I kept the filament bulb just in case it's ever needed, but it probably won't be. If I had more Maglites, I would replace the filament bulbs in all of them with LEDs.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I converted several older Maglites and a Streamlight from incandescent to LED and afterwards decided the cost and effort wasn't worth it. Instead, I have since purchased several FENIX LED lights and have decided the replacements are much more bang for the buck than the upgraded ones.

Rather than throw away the converted Min Mags, I save them for the grandkids when camping! I already spent the money, and they do make batteries last longer. But they get alkaline batteries instead of lithium, no sense the kids leaving 10 year batteries in the woods!

Ivan

 

[JcMack]

I recently converted 4 of my old Surefire incandescent flashlights to LED. I bought 6 one cell CR123 Energizer aluminum body flashlights on sale for $5ea. Those little guys look and work like much more expensive lights. They far outshine the LED converted Streamlight I've got. Unless you need a Maglight as a backup Wacker device I'd stick with a smaller light.

Battery Junction- Thousands of Batteries, Flashlights, & More!

 

[Farmer17]

Like knives, good flashlights and are pretty cheap nowadays. I have a small round flashlight that's a bit smaller than a can of beer that holds four 18650 batteries and is nearly as bright as a car headlight and it was under 25 bucks. Keep one in the truck and one in the kitchen.