Tech Review: TeraLUX LED upgrade for the Maglight

NOTE: This review is past it's prime. Please see notes for better alternatives. Thanks.

At the time the review below applied. Actually it still does, HOWEVER, for the money this adapter costs, you could get a much better final outcome with this: http://amzn.to/ourXyM Unless you need the huge power capacity of C or D cells, just go for the smaller flashlight these days. New CREE lights are brighter than old Xenon, go longer on a set of batteries and are easier to carry.

If you work in a specific job (security perhaps?) that requires you to maintain the 2-3 C/D cell profile, then this is the bulb you want: http://amzn.to/o5sVeM (2-3 cell), or http://amzn.to/qcCJdK (for 4-6 cell lights)

==== original review follows =====

TeraLUX LED upgrade is an excellent upgrade to your 2 or 3 cell Maglight, this LED is blindingly bright. More reviews at http://www.abettertrip.com The design of the module allows you to retain the ability to focus. The light is crisp and white with a touch of blue to it. The beam is relatively occlusion free. The beam is sharp and the edges crisp. Crisper than the original krypton bulb I had in there. Side by side comparison photos towards the end of the video.

Note: Yep I said 3-C, but it was the 3-D I was holding there. The 3-C was 2 feet away, lol.

update 10/2010. I still stand behind my review as far as the light output (good) and the quality (good). If you want to retrofit your maglight, this is the way to go.

update 7/2011 The price on CREE LED flashlights has really come down. You can get a complete flashlight for roughly the same as retrofitting your old maglight.

If you like beefier lights, then this one has a bit larger head: http://bit.ly/oa8EF3 It also uses the rechargeable 18650 battery which gives you a bit more power and brighter light.

I'm using an 18650 battery in one of my CREE lights now. I have gone with a standard (small) head on the light, as I wear it with me on my belt as part of my every day carry.

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• led
• maglight
• 2 cell
• 3 cell
• led upgrade
• bright light
• survival gear
• emergency light
• TeraLUX LED upgrade

[Fourteen88SoCal]

just got mine....it's brighter than the bulb yes....but the $20 LED maglites that you can buy from wal*mart and MUCH brighter than this $25 waste of money

[tinfamily]

@Fourteen88SoCal It's funny how fast things change. You can get a nice 2 pack of LED mini flashlights for $15 bucks when they're on sale at Costco nowadays. However, @ 20 dollars, WalMart is offering the 2AA light. Their larger cell lights are more in the 34 dollar range. For a person who only needs a smaller light, I'd recommend the Costco Techlite when they have them or the Ultrafire wf-5025. However, I stand by my review, as the TeraLux is brighter over a wider beam.

[samstterhamstteer]

any help with the doughnut the light shoots out maybe the lens?

[tinfamily]

@samstterhamstteer I focus mine so the circle is pretty smooth at 4' across at about 10-15' distance (for in the house) and the cast off around it is bright enough for peripheral.

I like that it keeps my maglight useful and I keep it for emergencies, but day to day I use either my surefire 6p (non-led 1st gen) or an ultrafire led , neither of which can be adjusted but they're very small and sit on my desk or on my belt all the time. (The best light for the job is the one I have on me :D)

[FISHERMANPADDY]

does it work on 4d's?

[tinfamily]

@FISHERMANPADDY Yes. They have the "TerraLUX TLE-6EX MiniStar5" for 4 & 6 Cell D lights. I'll put a link up directly to it at the end of the "more info" for you. The bulb is pretty good. It's still going strong in my light.

[stopglobalswarming]

I had one for 2 days. It was really bright, but the light rolled off a porch step (the bottom one!) and the LED broke (one of the solder points). The design is very vulnerable. Waste of money. 

[SoundOut260]

Does anyone know if the is a Upgrade Reflector for the Maglite to get rid of the donut hole thanks

[ThePoliceUT3]

This is worth the money. I have this exact LED and I do not regret getting it, it throws at least 600 feet. An aspheric lens upgrade helps to get rid of the doughnut hole in the center. Get one if you want to revive your MagLite. :D