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Detailed
Information:
The TerraLUX MaxStar2 TLE-6N is an unusual twist on
the LED replacement bulb for the Mag. With the two High-output
Nichia emitters on either side of the bulb, the light
is shone at the reflector at a 90 deg. angle and as
a result the beam is rather unusual. The light can be
focused from a wide, almost rectangular, beam to a semi-spot.
The powerpush circuit is certainly a welcome addition
to the Mag.
The MaxStar2 TLE-6 module appears to be a sturdy little
thing. Installation is easy, with just one extra step
as compared to a regular bulb. The MaxStar comes with
an aluminum collar that you need to insert the base
of the bulb into before inserting it into the bulb socket.
Since high output emitters do generate heat, and that
heat can be detrimental to the life of the emitters,
we need to manage that heat. The aluminum collar helps
conduct that heat away from the bulb and into the aluminum
body of the light where it can dissipate safely.
The light acts as it did before. Click to turn the
light on, twist the head to change the focus, reverse
the twist to turn it off.
The beam was, to me, rather surprising. I was very
curious how the folks at TerraLUX were going to take
two emitters, aim them at the smooth reflector from
the side of the bulb, and still produce a beam that
is like the standard Mag. Well, it is a bit different.
It starts as two triangles of light, with a gap in the
middle on the widest focus. As you tighten the beam
it becomes a round flood of light.A diffusing polycarbonate
lens is included in the package to help smooth out the
beam, but I really didn't find it necessary to use it.
The beam was pretty smooth by itself with just a few
very minor artifacts. If you must have a perfectly smooth
beam the new lens will help you out.
The lens is placed inside the current lens, textured
side toward the original lens. This additional lens
diffuses the beam and produces a smoothing effect to
the beam.
 
Beam at 1 meter without diffusing lens - narrow
and wide focus
 
Beam at 1 meter with diffusing lens - narrow
and wide focus
The beam pattern does allow for a wide
swath in front of the user to be illuminated on a
"medium" focus.
The regulator circuit, if it is the same as the rest
of the TerraLUX regulators, should actually produce
what is more accurately called "semi-regulated" output.
Fully regulated output really is flat, unchanging output
until the batteries become very depleted, at which point
output drops rapidly. Semi-regulated output tends to
provide good output that slowly diminishes until the
batteries become very depleted, and then it drops rapidly
to a very low level. Either way, at the end of the battery
life the circuit usually continues to provide minimal
light from the LED, giving the user enough light and
time to find a new set of batteries. TerraLUX, as well
as others, call this "Moon Mode".
Runtime Plot - Almost 20 hours to 50%. Note that it
drops to about 60% starting output in about an hour,
but it holds that level very steadily for a looooooooooong
time!
Runtime
completed with Rayovac batteries. More information on
runtime plots is available HERE.
This light is strictly intended for operation in a
2 or 3 cell C or D powered Maglight. Since it generates
a significant amount of heat in use it will damage plastic
lights, and the lack of heat dissipation ability of
other lights may cause the module to become damaged
as well.
What I Liked: Tough/impact resistant,
Semi-Regulated/long battery life, Fairly bright, Easy
install and reversible modification.
What I Didn't Like: Cannot really
be focused into a tight spot.
Conclusions: A good upgrade from
the point of view of making your Mag impact resistant
and regulated. You won't get a tighter beam than is
usual for a mag, but the "medium" focus produces
an almost rectangular, wide beam which is great for
walking.
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