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Replacing my mini mag, What to get.

J

Josh Wilson

Joined
Aug 3, 2000
Messages
232
I have been a die hard mini mag user for years (the 2xAA kind). However eveyone talks about the fancy new lights (both LED and halogen) they have and I thought I'd take a look.

I want a light that is (1) brighter, (2) has a longer battery life and (3) is about the same price as a 2AA mini mag.

I also like lights that can use standard batteries (AAs) and I have been looking at headlamps to keep my hands free but these are not absolute requirements.

Thanks for the help.
 
Princeton Tec Tec40 (AA with about the same runtime)
Princeton Tec Rage (AAA with lower runtime)
Underwater Kinetics Mini Q40 (AA with about the same runtime)
 
I have all 3 of the lights that Jason suggested and they're all brighter and more water proof that a mini-mag. great choices. If you want to go the LED route, you can buy an insert for the mini-mag, but the price is about $25. This gives you whiter, smoother light than your standard mag with longer battery life
 
What about an LED conversion for your mini maglite. The Opalec NewBeam is excellent. Not quite as bright as a stock mini mag bulb, but the quality of light is much better - whiter and with no dark patches. Run time is fantastic too.
Alternatively, there is the Inretech Luxeon Star LED conversion. Brighter than the Opalec but without such a run time.
 
Yep. The Opalec Newbeam LED conversion for the Mini-Mag is awesome. I have a bunch of LED lights, and prefer the Mini-Mag conversion over most of them.
 
mark, where can you pick up these conversion LED inserts for the Mini-Mag?

Thanks.
 
You can buy an InReTech (INcandescent REplacement TECHnologies) assembly HERE for $20. This unit doesn't run as long as the Opalec, but it brighter since it uses Luxeon diode.

Mike

Edited to add: I guess I should have also given you a link to InReTech's site for description of the product, and not just their store site.
 
Suref...oh, cheap? Common batteries?

To fit your requirements, I'd go for the Opalec conversion.





But I still think you should get a Surefire!
 
The Opalec conversion is sweet for a 2AA mini mag. I did this conversion to my old mini mag, and I love it. It produces an excellent light for reading and working on innards of a computer.

Conversion should take less than 5 minutes. One caution about installation. Leave the batteries in when you do the install. If you don't, the switch under the black cap that says, do not remove, will fall down the tube of the mini mag. Other than that, the install is easy as pie.

Brightguy.com has the Opalec's and the clickie switch that fit the mini mag. Get the clickie switch. No more twisting it on and off. Set it and forget it!!. Here are the links for the Opalec and the clickie switch.

http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.tpl?cart=1043840845107198&sku=OPA3W
http://www.brightguy.com/detail.tpl?cart=1043840845107198&sku=KROAM2A666 Big D1
 
I think I would just by a Inova T5 or a ARC AAA eiher one kicks the AA maglights butt. And no work converting anything :)
 
How rugged is the Inova X5? I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm a little worried that it'll break in my pocket, as I occasionally climb fences, thrash through woods, etc.
 
I do not own the Inova light. One thing to keep in mind is that the Inova eats expensive CR123 lithium batteries while the Opalec eats cheap 2AA's and it is regulated. I already own a Streamlight Scorpion that is fed CR123's, and that is just about all that I can afford even though I buy the CR123's in bulk. Either way, the CR123's are expensive.

I still want the Inova light. It's just simply the sexiest flashlight that I have ever seen, and it is reportedly to be very tough. I want one now.

NGK-Does New Graham sell the Inova T5 or is it the regular Inova? I buy most of my stuff from Mike. I got an Al Mar Classic Hawk with cocobolo handles and stainless bolsters and brass liners the other week. This knife is sweet. Big D1
 
Originally posted by sph3ric pyramid
How rugged is the Inova X5? I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm a little worried that it'll break in my pocket, as I occasionally climb fences, thrash through woods, etc.
Click to expand...

Ain't gonna happen.
I've heard of it being used as an entry tool for smashing vehicle windows. It is extremely rugged.

But burns pricey batteries.
 
For a brighter Mini Mag use either the Brinkmann xenon bulbs or the Sears krypton bulbs.

For longer battery life use an LED conversion. As long as you don't get into a high amp draw like the Badboy 500 mA you should get much longer battery life.

If you do convert a Mini Mag, try a premium lense. Like those from flaslightlens.com
 
Another vote for an ARC AAA or ARC AAA LE.
I'd take that over a Mini-Mag anyday.

Or bite the bullet and buy the ARC LS and get the AA battery pack(s). Expensive set up but bombproof and it can use standard AA batteries.
Very bright!

Check out this place:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/

That's where you can find even more information.

Burton
 
Originally posted by Big D1
NGK-Does New Graham sell the Inova T5 or is it the regular Inova? I buy most of my stuff from Mike. I got an Al Mar Classic Hawk with cocobolo handles and stainless bolsters and brass liners the other week. This knife is sweet. Big D1
Click to expand...
The New Graham site shows the X5T on the website. They only have the white LEDs though. I also try to buy all my stuff from New Graham.

I bought a Princeton Tec for someone and I thought it was a great deal. Paid around $25 bucks for the Attitude--3 LEDs and uses four AAA batts.
 
I have heard many good things of the ARC lights. I have a CMG Infinity Ultra that has replaced my 2 AA Mag light. Smaller because it only uses one AA battery, it can use lithium AA or standard AA's. I wear it on a lanyard or in my pocket all the time (unlike my Maglite).

I use it all the time and like it a lot.
 
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