Where to buy UCL glass lenses nowadays?

fyrstormer

Banned
Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
6,617
Location
Maryland, Near DC, USA
I went back to FlashlightLens.com for the first time in years, and I see their stock has dwindled significantly. They now have a big gap in their inventory right around the size of Surefire lenses, ~28.6mm. I need a 28.6mm x ~0.9mm UCL lens for one of my flashlights that came with a plastic lens (not a Surefire). Where can I buy good lenses nowadays?
 

WalkIntoTheLight

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 18, 2014
Messages
3,967
Location
Canada
It's been a long time since I owned a Mini Maglite, but don't they have glass lenses that thin? Anyway I've never broken a flashlight lens in my life.

The Mags I owned were all plastic lenses. Crap lenses for sure, but perhaps they were used to make sure they didn't break easily. Okay, probably just because they were cheap.
 

Lumen83

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
551
I had to buy a thinner lens than factory for an e series from flashlightlens.com. I replaced that little rubber lens gasket or whatever you would call it with a thicker o ring. Its not perfect and probably is less durable but it works.
 

Scourie

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
321
Location
56° 24' N
I usually go to the auction site and search for "flat watch lens XXmm" if I need a lens. It won't be coated, but it lets light through!
 

fyrstormer

Banned
Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
6,617
Location
Maryland, Near DC, USA
Yeah, I ended up buying a wristwatch lens that was the right size. Unfortunately it already has a couple pinprick chips in it, just from banging against stuff in my pocket. I wouldn't have even noticed if I weren't so detail-oriented.

I think a proper UCL or Borofloat lens would be less prone to contact damage; I don't remember any of my UCL or Borofloat lenses chipping, anyway.
 
Top