Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Mini Mag LED Upgrade

Anyone done this with the 2-AA minimag flashlight? Did you find it worthwhile doing?

I’m seein conversation products on Amazon that range from 30 lumens to 180.

I have 3 potential donors for this.

Yep, I've done it and I'm very happy with the upgrade. I upgraded while I was still working (I'm now retired) and got the upgrade parts at AIH. I like it.

I have several D cell maglite flashlights that have gone Kaput and this thread is a good reminder to look into the LED upgrade. 👍🏼

Just about all Maglights are upgradable. And all well worth it.

I found the Mini Mag LED upgrade to be less than advertised- too much $ for too little performance.
On a related note, Malkoff Devices have been worth every penny. They are a lifetime investment.

I upgraded my mini Mag with the Nite-Ize LED upgrade kit. It did improve its performance for a modest sum. Being a AA flashlight there will be limits to its performance don’t expect it to perform like a cars headlight.

Nick

I've used the Nite Ize kit on a couple of the size you asked about. I found them worthwhile if for no other reason than getting a tail cap switch. They're plenty bright for what I use them for. I wouldn't spend a huge amount on conversions just because of the ubiquitous LED lights that are available now.

Years back when leds first came out, i did that with the nite ize conversion.

It was meh….


Batteries finally corroded in it.

Chunked it in the gully out back the fence row.

I have one of the mini lights with the Nite Ize conversions. It is reliable, sturdy and gives a reasonable amount of light.

I used Maglights for years but their performance was lacking compared to surefire flashlights. Both the mini mags and D cell versions. Even 20 years ago I could upgrade the bulbs to LED options but never got a big improvement in brightness. Today’s upgrade might be better than what I tried.

I have IIRC, three Mag Lites with the Nite Ize conversions, all stashed in cars or beside the bed. They are not very bright, but they are solid, and I like the Mag Lite quality. Last I checked into them they had lost a performance step against the competition. These go for months without use, but get checked regularly.

Have switched to Olights, Streamlights, and the Energizer 1000 lumen headlamp for serious work. I’ve also switched to Energizer lithium and alkaline cells after ruining a bucketful of Mag Lites with Duracells.

That Energizer 1000 model sells on Amazon for about $22, came with a pair of 123s and the rechargeable unit. I use the rechargeable and keep the 123s on standby. Really nice light that has a headband, but snaps out for handheld use.

My original AA Mini Mag suffered corrosion of the batteries. I sent it to them and opted for the trade-in offer, upgraded to LED. It's a notable improvement, but there's only so much you can get out of AA batts and a single LED bulb. Also, the head gets quite warm after a few minutes. They are a great light for a limited stretch of uses.

I have a flashlight and a pocketknife at all times. The light may be as minimal as the Streamlight Nano on my car keychain (a remarkable light light, btw) but I'll always have one.

I upgraded one years ago. Don't remember brand of upgrade, don't have it any more. As I recall it was a little brighter, little better battery life, lost the beam focus feature, so kind of a meh. I think the money is better spent on just buying a new LED light.

Absolutely. Hugely improved the beam. No comparison.

I tried the Maglite LED upgrade about 20 years ago. There was some improvement, but nothing huge. Nowadays, that's like upgrading the windshield wipers on a Model T. A modern LED flashlight is so much better.

My current flashlight is a Fenix PD36 TAC. It has wide range of brightness settings from barely useable to super bright, has a really long run time, comes with mechanical switching so there is no leakage current, and the battery is rechargeable. It is simply a super versatile and effective light that works great at home and while camping/hunting.

JMHO

https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-pd36-tac-flashlight

But can it double as a sturdy billy club?

^^^^^
That’s what I have. It is one bad ass little light. Worth the price imo.

Since this is a thread about the 2 AA, I doubt it.

In that case, you may as well just dump it.