I recently came across a popular flashlight forum.
  Got me thinking... can u build a edc light that will be reliable/ tough/ etc for less than u can buy one factory new?
   Could I mod my old surefire g2x to be a "better" light?
  I know I should check on the light forum but I'd like to hear from you guys too.

Thanks for your time!

I equate it reloading. I may not save much, but I can choose emitter, drive current, modes, tint, etc. and have exactly what I want in a light.

For reference, I have built and modified many lights for myself and others. I've done white, red, and green for hunting, as well as handheld and boat mounted flounder gigging lights.

I do like to lego my surefires and prefer the 6P body style to other lights. I usually have the body bored to accept an 18650 battery, use a clicky tailcap, and then find a head that suits my needs. Typically I have one set up for throw and one set up for flood.

For flood I like the EDC Plus triple drop in. It has a high and low and provides a ton of flood with no hot spot. Basically a wall of light.

To keep the higher powered LED's cooler I use a Cryos finned cooling bezel/head.

There are a ton of options and the sky is the limit. For other options look at Oveready .

Another cheaper alternative and the bodies already come bored is Solarforce flashlight. I have a couple and while they are nice and come ready for the 18650 rechargeable battery and click tailcap, they seem thinner than the surefires but better than others. So far no issus compared to most Chinese lights.

You're not going to be able to Lego/ make a lfladhlight that is cheaper or better than a $50 Surefire G2X with a clicky tail cap.  It's 320 lumens, has a tough body, has a clicky tail cap, costs $45-$50 and it has a warranty.  Most good 300 lumen drop ins will cost you $25-$50.  If you have an old Surefire aluminum 6P body, you can buy a Malkoff drop in and be at maybe $40 total but you will still need to source a click your tail cap.

I know!!!! Just can't afford one of yours right now :(  that's how I came across building one. But after looking into it more and reading other replies. Looks like I'll just have to hold out for one of yours!