3C Maglite+2X18650- 5 Cell vs 6 Cell Xenon Lamp?

DayofReckoning

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I have a 3C Maglite that I'm going to be running 2 protected 18650's in. I have a few 6 Cell Xenon Maglite lamps laying around that I plan on using, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to order a few of the 5 Cell Xenon Maglite lamps.

I'm not too concerned with lamp life as these bulbs are really cheap, as I know the 5 Cell lamp will be overdriven. I've been reading around older threads and some say that running the 5 Cell lamp is better, producing a brighter whiter beam, but also ran across posts advising not to, and say to run the 6 Cell lamp instead.

Anyone run both? Opinions?
 

LiftdT4R

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Yes, I have and they work great. I did not notice any decrease in life, but certainly the run time will be a little less. You may want to check this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?436488-7D-Maglite-in-a-smaller-package

There's a ton of info with li-ions and incans for Mags. The toughest part about running them is they don't size up to any of the incan tube sizes. In a 3C IIRC the 18650s are shorter than the tube and in a 2C the 18650s are longer than the tube. I personally run a 2C with a FiveMega end cap and 2 18650s fit perfect.

EDIT: I forgot to mention 18500s are the perfect length you'll just need a length of gas pipe to make up for the diameter.
 
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DayofReckoning

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Thanks.

I actually have both a 2C (running a Malkoff) and a 3C, but I thought it would be easier and cheaper just to stretch the spring a bit on the 3C rather than deanodize the 2C's tailcap or buy an aftermarket tailcap.
 

bykfixer

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I use a Streamlight TL2 bi-pin in a 3C with 2x18650's. But I used low output (1amp) batteries by Nuon. I liked the beam better than the 5/6 cell Maglite bi-pins. I stretched the spring in the 3C and cut 1-1/3 coils in a 2C with 18500's.

I took an 18mm and a C battery to Home Depot and found the 3/4" pvc gas service pipe allowed the 18mm to slide in while being a bit less girth than the C cell. Other pipes were larger than the C cell. A 2' section was 99¢………

If you are using Mag PR based xenons the 5 cell is pretty good.
 

fivemega

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I have a 3C Maglite that I'm going to be running 2 protected 18650's in.
This is a good mode but if you bore the barrel, you can use pair of 26650 for long run time per charge (5800mAh vs 3500mAh)
I'm wondering if it's worth it to order a few of the 5 Cell Xenon Maglite lamps.
Definitely worth to try but there are brighter options too.
I'm not too concerned with lamp life as these bulbs are really cheap,
Some people don't care about cost of the bulb but don't like frequent lamp changing.

BTW, for those who don't have flashlight yet, it's possible to accommodate 2x18650 in 2C M*g which is shorter, lighter and more balance in hand.
 

rrego

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This is one of my set ups for my Maglites - 3C host (click switch), 6 cell Xenon bi-pin, 2x18650s 3500 mah, AR glass lens, Alu OP reflector.

I like it a lot. It's just a nice an easy mod to do. Battery gap filled in with Lucky Charms cereal box card board rolled up nice and snug around the batts and tape so it does unroll if it gets pulled out.

Win win for kids and dad, they get box top and I get DIY battery spacer :^)
 

snakebite

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dont know how the 5 cell mag bulb responds to 2x li-ion but the 5 cell benshine xenon plus gives about 45 min of really good white light before it dies.
the 6 cell mag prototypes i have from benshine work great in that setup and go about 5 hours.
 

Crumbly

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I run 2 keeppower 18650 in a 3c cell didn't do anything to the spring just a small magnet on top of first battery.
 
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