Maglite sales website USA

[Utemad]

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a Maglite sales website in the USA that carries a decent range of the Maglite product?

My father in law is over there at the moment so they only need to ship domestic.

My 2xAA Maglite has died due to the batteries expanding inside. I managed to get them out and make one good torch out of two dead ones but know would be a good time to upgrade to some LED versions very cheaply.

I had a look on USA ebay but as I'll be getting a few things I'd rather get them all from the one place in one package.
I have found a few sites but none of them carry much of a range or at least not on their sales website. I'd rather buy online and have them sent to him rather then make him go out shopping.

Thanks

[Utemad]

Hi Dullbird. Your post is gone but I'll stick with the Maglite since I can get one for under AU$30 in the USA. The Wolfeye range seems to start at AU$100 over here.

[weeds]

are you going LED....what size? i have a 4D led which i am very happy with

[Tote]

If he's on the west coast anyone would enjoy a visit to FRYS, they have a good range in store. Think Jaycar on a Bunnings scale, enought to keep one amused for a couple of hours.
Fry's Home Electronics | Computer Parts & Accessories, Software, Games, TVs, Cameras - Frys.com (http://www.frys.com)


regards,
Tote

[Utemad]

I am going LED. I want 2 2AA and one 4D but might just get the LED for my existing 4D.

I saw the Fry's website. Not much online but didn't know what the actual store was like.
FRYS.com (http://www.frys.com/search'search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=maglite+led&cat=0&submit.x=0&submit.y=0)

Can't remember where he is now but will be on the West Coast later. In Seattle. Would still prefer to have it ordered online though. Just for ease and correctness.

Will talk to him though.

Thanks

I already got the NiteIze LED upgrade for my 4D a few months ago. What a waste of money that is. A good way of making a great torch into a crap torch.

[Hoges]

Try the Sears dept stores... go to the tool section... excellent range plus Craftsman prof range of sockets/hand tools etc for less than half equivalent here, even after allowing for AUD/US$ exch.... why stop at a torch :twisted:;)

[slug_burner]

Try Cabelas for an online store, lots of outdoor stuff

[JamesH]

I upgraded the globe in my 3D to LED and was disappointed with the results.

Furthermore I find I don't use it much anymore. When I am camping it seems to have been made redundant by the 12v Versalite and my Petzl head lamp torch.

[dullbird]

Hi Dullbird. Your post is gone but I'll stick with the Maglite since I can get one for under AU$30 in the USA. The Wolfeye range seems to start at AU$100 over here.

Yeah thats why I deleted it..wolf eye are fantastic torches and the battery life is really really good on them as they are rechargable but reading back through your post it seemed to be about cheap (not in make but money spent) so figured putting my post up is pointless there for I deleted it:)

[Utemad]

Yeah thats why I deleted it..wolf eye are fantastic torches and the battery life is really really good on them as they are rechargable but reading back through your post it seemed to be about cheap (not in make but money spent) so figured putting my post up is pointless there for I deleted it:)

Wasn't a pointless post. It is good to hear ideas I might not have considered.

Although you are right. I am wanting to take advantage of the fact my FIL is in the States at the moment and can bring them back cheap. Plus I like Maglites. Had them since I was in Scouts. In fact one of my 2AA Maglites I actually have had since Scouts! That must make it 15 years old or so.

[dullbird]

yeah I have a mini maglite too....but I just cant use it anymore as its soooooooo dim and yellow it appears to light up, well nothing :D perhaps you should get your father to et you some synthetic rope too I had mine brought over from the states makes it very worth while

[Utemad]

Thought about the synthetic rope last time he went. Didn't end up getting it. He goes over a few times a year so might get it one day.

Just unspooled my winch in order to remove and clean and regrease it actually. Got the 35 page instructions from the file list on here :BigThumb:

[hoadie72]

Amazon.com seem to have a decent range of Maglite products.

[Utemad]

Got the 2AA LED Maglite.

It is pretty good. Very bright and a total redesign.
Has four settings. 100% bright, 25% bright, flashing and SOS.

It is a little weird that you still turn the head to turn it on but turning the head does nothing for spreading the beam. Just makes the light look dull.

It is nearly 1 inch longer than the old 2AA model too.

[Thommo]

Being a "flashaholic" and "geardo" I thought I would way in here.
There are numerous new torches available that relegate most old incandescent mag lites into the redundant category. (hey I own over a dozen mag lites)
I (as an enthusiast not a dealer) upgrade many maglites to LED for my colleagues. There are numerous options available (a separate post is possibly necessary). I recently brought in factory Mag Lite rebuild kits (all rebuild parts for AA, C & D Lights) A full rebuild with 1 watt LED including all new o-rings, glass lens (those plastic ones are horrible) for about $20 - $25 AUD.
Thrown in some of the fancy options like the nite ize tail cap switch and you can still have your old 2 x AA mini mag putting out more light than and old 6D.
This is a lot cheaper than buying new LED maglites and don't we all have a draw full of 2 x AA maglites, well most people I know do!
I have also upgraded numerous D'Cell Mag-lites with various LED upgrades (how bright to you want you D-cell, How much money do you want to spend?)
I do a lot of D cell upgrades for Police/security professionals but they all agree the primary function of a 4-5-6 D'Cell Maglite is NOT for illumination ;) that is just a secondary benefit.

No I am not soliciting any work, I am just an enthusiast about my illumination, I just wanted to point out that there is life for all those old Mag lites hanging around in drawers and cupboards never to shine again.

But for anyone serious (which is not everyone) about illumination many of the new tactical lights from Fenix, O-Light, Nite core, Jetbeam etc etc running 18650 Lithium Ion batts and you will never go back to Maglites. Even some of the single AAA torches from Fenix etc will outshine a 4D maglite!


Thommo

[Utemad]

If you are rebuilding old 2AA Maglites with 1w LEDs then isn't that pretty expensive given that you could order a new 2AA 3w LED Maglite for not much more than that from the USA?
I was going to upgrade my existing 2AA Maglites but really it didn't seem economically worthwhile.

I've got a 3w Maglite LED coming from ebay USA for my 4D as I bought a Nite Ize LED for it a while ago and it was very disappointing. I think they are only 1w and they say they are suitable for all D and C Maglites unlike the genuine one.
The genuine one I bought was about $21 delivered about the same as the crappy Nite Ize one.

This thread on Candlepower has some great photos.
MagLite 2C/2D 4D 3W LED drop-in Technical Review - CandlePowerForums

Shows there are certainly some brighter options out there but all I really use my torch for is to look for stuff in the engine bay, find the toilet etc.

[fraser130]

I don't know if it will help, but I have a 2D and 6D Maglite, I have just put in a 5w LED replacement globe in the 6D, it works okay. Then I bought a Fenix TK-10 and a kit of 4 rechargeable lithium ion RCR123a's and the charger.
It is an amazing little torch!
This is the supplier I bought from:

Batteries (http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html)

Torch (http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-tk10.html)

The charger also has a 12v ciggie lead, so you can charge the batts while camping.
I am just blown away by how much light it puts out for such a small torch.
It's easily twice as bright as the 6D with the 5w LED
I guess it comes down to how much you want to spend.

I'm certain I'm going to buy another smaller Fenix torch soon!
Probably this (http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-p1d-q5.html) one.

It cost me (for torch and batteries)about $125 delivered to melbourne from the States.

Fraser

[Utemad]

This is the link I meant to post from Candlepower.

Kitchen Bounce Test (Deree Mag Fenix Jetbeam Rexlight LiteFlux & more) *Updated 4/29* - CandlePowerForums

[dullbird]

Thats a really good comparison

[Thommo]

So Fraser I am not alone in the flashaholic world.

I have numerous Fenix lights with my favourite being the TK11R2, T1, P2D and the LOD (I have 4 x LOD's they are my favourite AAA). I really like the RCR123 and RC123 batts in the tactical lights but they are not all that cheap here in Aust (hence US or HK purchase) and I do NOT recommend Lithium or Lithium Ion batts to NON Enthusiasts as they can create a whole can of worms for people who do no understand the idiosyncrasy's with recharging etc etc. (can be dangerous for the non educated). I am now moving into 18500 and 18650 batts for my "serious" lighting requirements (I have a M30 O'light on the way :) )

Battery Junction is one of several US companies I purchase from.
Lighthound I have also found the best to deal with for international customers.

BE WARNED Australia Post is cracking down on importation of Lithium Batts
(someones laptop during transit).

Fraser/Utemad If you frequent the CPF forums you must also be hooked like me (it is an addiction).

Utemad good point but it is cheaper for me to rebuild a single 2AA mag for and existing owner with LED upgrade than purchase a new one ex USA. Most rebuilds I use 1 watt LED conversion because this best suits the users need (sufficient light with long run time, a 3 watt LED is not significantly more expensive but reduces run time) Unless you are purchasing significant quantity of gear from the US the cost of a single LED 2 or 3 AA maglite it is cheaper to rebuild, plus with all my rebuilds I include a TerraLux Mini Star2 LED, quality glass lens and include all new switch gear and use correct lubricants on new o-rings and electrical connections & metal threads to reduce water ingress, enhance thread wear/seal and electrical connectivity (new maglites are NOT supplied that way, hence I am always repairing due to corrosion, water ingress, lack of maintenance or leaky batts). If someone does not have a old 2AA to start with then yes it is cheaper to purchase a complete unit. Mind you I have still had a couple of new LED maglites land on my bench to be upgraded/overhauled and made "soldier proof".

Ref your purchase of the LED upgrade for your 4D mag, there are several nite ize upgrades available if you purchased the regular PR 1 watt type upgrade then you would not have seen much of an improvement in performance (but a extended run time of about 40 - 50 hrs which is what some users required) these upgrades are not ideally suited to 4+D units.
Mind you I have fitted one of those upgrades to an old Fulton Army 90 degree angle torch and it is ideal for that (50-60 hours run time of 2D's)
For D'Cell Mag-lites I use and recommend for most users the TerraLux Ministar5 for 2-6D (different models for 2-3 cell and 4-6 cell) and if someone is really serious I fit the TerraLux TLE-300. (There are other brighter custom bits available, one is only limited by $$$$ and a bit of tech savvy!)

I am thinking a separate thread about illumination (and maintenance) may be required but for those of you who think you know something about lighting be warned if you venture onto the CPF forum (how little I did know).

Thommo

[dullbird]

So Fraser I am not alone in the flashaholic world.

I have numerous Fenix lights with my favourite being the TK11R2, T1, P2D and the LOD (I have 4 x LOD's they are my favourite AAA). I really like the RCR123 and RC123 batts in the tactical lights but they are not all that cheap here in Aust (hence US or HK purchase) and I do NOT recommend Lithium or Lithium Ion batts to NON Enthusiasts as they can create a whole can of worms for people who do no understand the idiosyncrasy's with recharging etc etc. (can be dangerous for the non educated). I am now moving into 18500 and 18650 batts for my "serious" lighting requirements (I have a M30 O'light on the way :) )

Battery Junction is one of several US companies I purchase from.
Lighthound I have also found the best to deal with for international customers.


BE WARNED Australia Post is cracking down on importation of Lithium Batts
(someones laptop during transit).
Fraser/Utemad If you frequent the CPF forums you must also be hooked like me (it is an addiction).

Utemad good point but it is cheaper for me to rebuild a single 2AA mag for and existing owner with LED upgrade than purchase a new one ex USA. Most rebuilds I use 1 watt LED conversion because this best suits the users need (sufficient light with long run time, a 3 watt LED is not significantly more expensive but reduces run time) Unless you are purchasing significant quantity of gear from the US the cost of a single LED 2 or 3 AA maglite it is cheaper to rebuild, plus with all my rebuilds I include a TerraLux Mini Star2 LED, quality glass lens and include all new switch gear and use correct lubricants on new o-rings and electrical connections & metal threads to reduce water ingress, enhance thread wear/seal and electrical connectivity (new maglites are NOT supplied that way, hence I am always repairing due to corrosion, water ingress, lack of maintenance or leaky batts). If someone does not have a old 2AA to start with then yes it is cheaper to purchase a complete unit. Mind you I have still had a couple of new LED maglites land on my bench to be upgraded/overhauled and made "soldier proof".

Ref your purchase of the LED upgrade for your 4D mag, there are several nite ize upgrades available if you purchased the regular PR 1 watt type upgrade then you would not have seen much of an improvement in performance (but a extended run time of about 40 - 50 hrs which is what some users required) these upgrades are not ideally suited to 4+D units.
Mind you I have fitted one of those upgrades to an old Fulton Army 90 degree angle torch and it is ideal for that (50-60 hours run time of 2D's)
For D'Cell Mag-lites I use and recommend for most users the TerraLux Ministar5 for 2-6D (different models for 2-3 cell and 4-6 cell) and if someone is really serious I fit the TerraLux TLE-300. (There are other brighter custom bits available, one is only limited by $$$$ and a bit of tech savvy!)

I am thinking a separate thread about illumination (and maintenance) may be required but for those of you who think you know something about lighting be warned if you venture onto the CPF forum (how little I did know).

Thommo

this is very true I got a phone from china and it was faulty and I needed to send it back went to post it and wasn't allowed battery had to be taken out...thankfully company was very understanding and I sent the phone without one.

Thommo when you say a laptop battery did you mean one leaked or something?

[Thommo]

Thanks Dullbird, I should have expanded that but all I know is that there have been issues with some laptops in transit with their lithium batts (either going bang or causing some catastrophe ???). It appears that Aust Post do not want to take liability???

Funny though that there are Lithium batts in so many consumer items nowadays I can not see how they are going to enforce.

Nearly anything with a memory has them, phones, watches, many toys and medical devices etc etc. Airlines (using commonsense) regulate lithium batts in transport. Commercial quantities need to be waived with specific packaging and/or labeling, or alternatively ground shipment. To totally ban all Lithium Batts in the post via air travel seems ludicrous as many of the safety items on a plane (life boats etc are fitted with lithium batts in their survival equipment and no doubt the "black boxes" would be fitted with lithium batts (please correct me if i am wrong as i am assuming here).

As usual good old Australia (I really do love my country but sometime :twisted: ) becomes the "nanny state" and regulates everyone because of some minor/rare incident. Yes there have been issues with Lithium Batts and lessons have been learnt but Aussie Post you have gone overboard on this one!

Sorry for my ranting!
Thommo

[Utemad]

Battery life was one of the reasons I got the LED for the 4D Maglite. I was lucky to get 3 or 4 camping trips from a set of batteries. That is about $20 per set of batteries. They always seemed to be flat when I really needed to use it.
I'm still on the same set of batteries since fitting the LED so it has been good in that regard.

I don't frequent the Candlepower forums really. I just use them as a really good resource when looking up lighting stuff. A year ago I would have been right into it and modified it like they do but now I just want to put batteries in it and push the button.

[njz]

Walmart sell maglites. Got a 3D LED model for about USD 35 when over there for work a few months ago.

[hoadie72]

Thanks Dullbird, I should have expanded that but all I know is that there have been issues with some laptops in transit with their lithium batts (either going bang or causing some catastrophe ???). It appears that Aust Post do not want to take liability???

Funny though that there are Lithium batts in so many consumer items nowadays I can not see how they are going to enforce.

Nearly anything with a memory has them, phones, watches, many toys and medical devices etc etc. Airlines (using commonsense) regulate lithium batts in transport. Commercial quantities need to be waived with specific packaging and/or labeling, or alternatively ground shipment. To totally ban all Lithium Batts in the post via air travel seems ludicrous as many of the safety items on a plane (life boats etc are fitted with lithium batts in their survival equipment and no doubt the "black boxes" would be fitted with lithium batts (please correct me if i am wrong as i am assuming here).

As usual good old Australia (I really do love my country but sometime :twisted: ) becomes the "nanny state" and regulates everyone because of some minor/rare incident. Yes there have been issues with Lithium Batts and lessons have been learnt but Aussie Post you have gone overboard on this one!

Sorry for my ranting!
Thommo
This one has nothing to do with Aussie Post - it's to do with the International Air Transport Association. Apparently some plane crashes have been blamed on exploding lithium ion batteries. As the mail often travels via air, and you as the consumer won't know if road or air transport is being used, they have a fairly generic shipping declaration. They've had hazardous materials declarations for years anyway.

The rules
http://www.iata.org/nr/rdonlyres/480246b4-c9a3-4e19-aa94-38ae5472ddf4/0/libatt_2009v3.pdf

I work in the world of laptop repairs and for us it's meant coming up with special packaging which means extra cost which we've had to wear.

[dullbird]

So how did I get my mobile and lithium battery from china so quick had it in 4 days must of come by air

[discoveryseries1]

Battery life was one of the reasons I got the LED for the 4D Maglite. I was lucky to get 3 or 4 camping trips from a set of batteries. That is about $20 per set of batteries. They always seemed to be flat when I really needed to use it.
I'm still on the same set of batteries since fitting the LED so it has been good in that regard.

I don't frequent the Candlepower forums really. I just use them as a really good resource when looking up lighting stuff. A year ago I would have been right into it and modified it like they do but now I just want to put batteries in it and push the button.

we bought a 3watt led 4d cell and put in 9000 mah nmh it goes like a son of a gun. the light is bright and crisp and it seem to go for longer than i care to have it on, we have used it on about 3 camping trips, never run flat, i would buy another but we just havent needed a second one, a good tip is to get a flashing braclet for the kids it helps to keep an eye on them when the sun goes down. i can agree years ago i would have huff and chuffed it up and modified it, now i was just happy to swich it on. ..... lame. lol

[hoadie72]

So how did I get my mobile and lithium battery from china so quick had it in 4 days must of come by air

I didnt' say they can't be air freighted. Essentially what happens is the battery has to be removed from the device and packed in such a way that it can't be shorted out. It's a hard one to enforce I guess.

[Thommo]

This one has nothing to do with Aussie Post - it's to do with the International Air Transport Association. Apparently some plane crashes have been blamed on exploding lithium ion batteries. As the mail often travels via air, and you as the consumer won't know if road or air transport is being used, they have a fairly generic shipping declaration. They've had hazardous materials declarations for years anyway.

The rules
http://www.iata.org/nr/rdonlyres/480246b4-c9a3-4e19-aa94-38ae5472ddf4/0/libatt_2009v3.pdf

I work in the world of laptop repairs and for us it's meant coming up with special packaging which means extra cost which we've had to wear.

Hey Hoadie72, I Think we are actually agreeing here that the "air transport rules" are an issue but the document you have referred to clearly states that Lithium batts can be air transported with limitations (as you are aware due to the packaging requirements of your laptops etc), the issue however it is Australia Post's interpretation of the rules (a total NO to air travel by some staff and restricted rules by others, with no continuity) that is now the issue. It is still perfectly OK for me to receive Lithium Ion batts delivered to my door via Air using an international/national carrier but NOT Australia Post.

But like you said it has been an issue for the transport of Laptops for a while now it is just making its way down the ranks. If Lithium Batts are so dangerous then I guess they will have to be removed from all the safety equipment they are used in? Dangerous warning labels on wrist watches etc LOL

Thanks for the link it confirms much of what I was speculating.

Thommo

But agreed as you said it is just another added cost/burden for the consumer/enthusiast.

[dullbird]

must be battery came in the phone

[fraser130]

Thommo,
I'm just developing my newly found addiction, how serious can it get??
:D
Fraser

[Thommo]

Thommo,
I'm just developing my newly found addiction, how serious can it get??
:D
Fraser


Sorry Fraser, it is sort of like "crack cocaine", once your hooked it is deadly and professional therapy is required.

All jokes aside we are not alone, my pursuit of the outdoors has lead me to quite a collection of illumination and knives (some people smoke and drink, illumination, knives and survival equipment are my vices OK :D )

I spend on average about $200 a month on my various "gadgets" and "boy toys" (mind you I know a couple of women who are just as serious!). There is always something to give the misses or kids to wrap for me for b-day, f-day, Xmas etc. I even have many of the family womenfolk now asking for "pink leatherman's" and "purple fenix" lights for pressies!

Your Hooked
PM me for therapy if required ;)

Thommo

[Utemad]

Hey Thommo. Is there a tailcap on/off switch you can fit to the new 2AA LED Maglite?

I tried the old style tailcap on the new Maglite and it screws on but the new one is longer internally so you would need a longer spring to maintain the electrical connection. So you could use the old one with a minor change.

What sort of grease do you use on the threads?

Thanks

[Thommo]

Hey Utemad,

I have fitted numerous Niteize Tail cap switch conversions to regular maglite 2xAA's that I have upgraded to various LED specs but I have NOT fitted them to a genuine maglite LED 2xAA, I would assume that they would be the same but there are a few idiosyncrasies with various maglites notably between older and newer Dcell versions!

As for lubricants:
NyoGel760G for electrical connections and threads where electrical connections are required (most aluminium body lights).
NyoGel779ZC for mechanical components (a thicker lube) such as O-rings, helps to waterproof connections to bezels etc.

There are probably similar property lubes available locally but I just order tubes of NyoGel as required with various other shipments from US. About $8-9 a tube (25g's) but that is usually good for many dozens of rebuilds/maintains.

Regards
Thommo

[Utemad]

Thanks Thommo.

I use the Permatex dielectric grease. I get it from my local bearing shop.
Jaycar has the Inox stuff on its website but my local shop didn't stock it when I asked at the time.

Would be nice to be able to buy a big tub of the stuff but I guess that would be pretty expensive. It's always in a little tube or satchet.

[VladTepes]

I upgraded the globe in my 3D to LED and was disappointed with the results.

As are most people. The maglight conversions are usually still old LED technology - it's come a long way since.

IMHO best to get a decent newer LED torch - the WolfEyes are very good but there are also less expensive quality ones around. Fenix is a good brand. I love mine.

Cheers.


Bes t thing about WolfEyes though is that one of the forum sponsors (assuming he's still on board) sells them and has EXCELLENT service and after sales support locally.

[dullbird]

As are most people. The maglight conversions are usually still old LED technology - it's come a long way since.

IMHO best to get a decent newer LED torch - the WolfEyes are very good but there are also less expensive quality ones around. Fenix is a good brand. I love mine.

Cheers.



Bes t thing about WolfEyes though is that one of the forum sponsors (assuming he's still on board) sells them and has EXCELLENT service and after sales support locally.

I agree and the torches are good.....and the battery life of the rechargeable is awesome

[Thommo]

Agreed most/many of the new breed of LED from Fenix, Nitecore, Olight etc etc are fare more superior to the old maglites even with LED upgrades.
As much as I hate to admit it, the Chinese are even showing a clean set of heels to US manufactures. Many in the LED industry are already indicating that it is a sad day the US manufacturers are starting to copy Chinese products to keep up. (When will Surefire catch up?)

Most of the Dcell maglites that I upgrade are seldom used as "primary light" sources, the Dcell maglite produces a tremendous amount of "polar moment of inertia" if you know what I mean :bangin:
I have a 6D Mag with TerraLux Ministar5 LED sitting in clips mounted in my D1 and its primary use has nothing to do with illumination but it does make a handy light when required. Combined with the new optional defence bezels and tail cap window breakers these will soon be classified as weapons and our nanny state will regulate them. There are also now some very serious $$$$$ LED upgrades available as the big mag D provides an ideal base to build some killer custom light upgrades (Malkoff P7 upgrades).

But for serious lighting the new generation of Lithium Ion 18650 etc powered lights are unbeatable. Need to spend a few dollars setting up batts/chargers etc. but once set up it is all very cost effective.

Thommo