Just a question- does anyone know of drop in LED replacements for generic lights? Is there any standardization? I have a couple of $20 no name CR123A lights with incandescent bulbs that are just collecting dust. A drop-in LED conversion would make them usable at least.

How would I go about finding the right parts? Or am I better off just tossing them/relegating them to the junk drawer? Ultimately it's not about the $20, more about not wasting the aluminum body & reflectors.

Hmmm,something like the TerraLux MiniStar?

Hard to say. The light in question is a "Cyclops" brand light. The body is anodized aluminum and it takes 2 x CR123A batteries. I has springs on both ends of the batteries and an orange peel reflector. I don't see any markings on the bulb.

Maybe if I took a photo it would help? Or are there just a few somewhat standard sized of bulbs/emitters?

There are commonly available drop-in LED upgrades for Maglite and Surefire P60-type lights. I've successfully Frankensteined one light with a soldering iron and a tremendous expenditure of profanity -- and it was an LED to begin with, making it much easier. Show me pics of your lights and I can render you my inexpert opinion.

In general you're best off selling, giving away or recycling your not-easily-upgradable incans and replacing them.

The TerraLux bulb above will fit many flashlights with standard bulb fittings and it has a wide voltage range. BTW, it comes with the voltage circuitry inside. The first gen LED I bought for a Maglite was a simple LED without the voltage reg circuitry. The one above is much better IMO.

Thanks, fellas. I'll try to take a picture. Obviously this would be a project for fun and to give me an excuse to swear a lot! It looks like all the drop-ins cost about what the light did. Still, waste not want not.

Yep, the bulbs are spendy, but they really do upgrade a Maglite. A 3xD cell light with a regulated LED is a pretty good light.

The 3 Watt TerraLux TLE-6EXB has a lot of throw when you tighten up the beam. Without these I'd have put my Maglites into deep storage; instead they fill a role that a 2xAA light cannot.

I've had good luck with the Dorcy LED replacement bulbs. It's the standard size bulb found in just about every old flashlight. There's 3V and 4.5-6V models. Great runtimes and nice white light.

I don't think I ever paid more than $4 for them. Sears and other big box retailers used to carry them. Should be some good online deals, provided they fit your light.

http://www.dorcydirect.com/p-353-41-1643-30-lumen-3v-replacement-bulb.aspx

http://www.dorcydirect.com/p-354-41-1644-40-lumen-45v-6v-led-replacement-bulb.aspx

Nice! I'll have to check those out.

if you have a SureFire 6P or G2... I've been pleased with the 320lumen upgrade from SolarForce(HK).... for a couple of bucks more they have a scoarching 820lumen 2xcr123 light

http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product.php?t=RB