I remember reading that Malkoff M60 units are also known for the inconsistencies with their beam profile. Something to do with getting a proper alignment of the optic to the LED. That is one of the reason Malkoff went with the M61 design.
Elzetta- The industry's best kept secret.
- Thread starter PoliceScannerMan
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Got my low profile bezel 2-cell hi/lo in the mail this evening, and just got back from my second dog walk with it.Probably the best finish I've seen on an aluminum light, bar none. The M60 will give white wall hunters fits, but is fantastic outdoors in the dark. I thought it would be more of a pinpoint beam, but was pleasantly suprised. The ability to run primaries, RCR123's or a 17670 was a plus for me. Throws well, and the low level of 15ish lumens is nice. Seems as tough as they come, without being overly chunky. just enough to remind you that you're holding a serious tool. It's a keeper! Thanks for the push, Dan... :nana:
Great assessment, Greg! I just subscribed to this thread, as I missed a lot of the posts. I'll be working on a mini-review this long weekend, and will post photos ad nauseum to ensure every angle is shown. I've learned a few things through the years - hopefully more learning to come - but there are a few absolutes:
- No light will please everyone
- Policescannerman knows what he is talking about
- Never assume that something is 'good enough'.
I'll save the rest of my comments for a review thread, but for now just say "Thank you" to PSM for bringing these lights to my attention. US Made - Malkoff light engine - toughness that qualifies as "over engineered." What's not to like! Glad you like yours, Greg!!
Only problem now? I've become a Malkoff Junkie!!
PoliceScannerMan
Flashaholic
I beg to differ the middle one!!
There are many many many more CPFers around that are way wiser than me. I enjoy the flashlight hobby, but my knowledge with emitters and drivers and battery chemistry are at a minimum. I love lights, that's all I know.
No really I just like what I like I guess. I know a good product when I see one.
In no order, Malkoff, McGizmo, SF, HDS, Elzetta, all winners in my book.
I beg to differ the middle one!!
There are many many many more CPFers around that are way wiser than me. I enjoy the flashlight hobby, but my knowledge with emitters and drivers and battery chemistry are at a minimum. I love lights, that's all I know.
No really I just like what I like I guess. I know a good product when I see one.
In no order, Malkoff, McGizmo, SF, HDS, Elzetta, all winners in my book.
Not trying to get the last word - and not trying to over praise, but knowledge of emitters, drivers, battery chemistry and the like are all important, and I wish I had better knowledge. I suppose these are things someone one can learn, and the many custom builders have this knowledge as do many, many members.
Still, specs are one thing - how they are all assembled into a quality product is another. Recognizing that quality 'beyond the specs' is an important thing. I never would have really taken a hard look at the Elzetta had you not pointed the product out, and "Mr. Punchy Flood" himself hit a home run with this one!
Just sayin'...
:grouphug: :thumbsup:
According to the Elzetta and Malkoff web sites, this drop in is limited to 9V and use should be limited to primaries only. That said, 3 LiFeP04s might be an option, although you'd be pushing closer to 10V fully charged.
OR - the best route (IMHO), use 2 17500s. Then you'd be under 9V and still enjoy greater run time.
Someone with more knowledge might offer more suggestions...
Pjandyho,
I have never seen anything like that ever.
I have heard that some people shined 2 M60s at a white wall at the same time, and noticed some differences.
None of them ever were discernibly different if it wasn't a direct comparison on a wall.
In real use, totally unnoticeable, unless it was a rare defective unit which Gene would obviously replace immediately.
I have numerous Malkoff lights, with optics and with reflectors.
In all cases, I prefer the optic versions over the reflectors, including that I MUCH prefer the M60 over the M61.
IMHO.
I have never seen anything like that ever.
I have heard that some people shined 2 M60s at a white wall at the same time, and noticed some differences.
None of them ever were discernibly different if it wasn't a direct comparison on a wall.
In real use, totally unnoticeable, unless it was a rare defective unit which Gene would obviously replace immediately.
I have numerous Malkoff lights, with optics and with reflectors.
In all cases, I prefer the optic versions over the reflectors, including that I MUCH prefer the M60 over the M61.
IMHO.
Swedpat
Flashlight Enthusiast
I wish Elzetta would offer a high/low tailcap for 50% brightness at high. It would make it possible to get a 117,5lumen high with M60 dropin. That's enough for most tasks, and would provide much better runtime.
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Elzetta's market is weapon/military/LEO lights. Wouldn't protected batteries cutout when voltage drops too low, leaving your mission without light? How much recoil can lithium-ion take before battery damage...and explode? Rechargeables have only so many charging cycles, and it does seem like the charge don't last very long. I don't find regularly used rechargeables to be predictable enough for a "tactical" light.
On the other hand: I'd like something rechargeable so my "tactical" light is always 100% charged and ready. I'd have the light and batteries plugged into an outlet in my gun safe. Since the Elzetta has battery shock absorbers, perhaps recoil damage is not a concern.
When is Elzetta/Makoff going to offer 400 lumen XM-L drop-ins? But concerned about the heat of a 400+ lumen light.
I have my eye on EagleTac and Wolfe-Eyes too.
On the other hand: I'd like something rechargeable so my "tactical" light is always 100% charged and ready. I'd have the light and batteries plugged into an outlet in my gun safe. Since the Elzetta has battery shock absorbers, perhaps recoil damage is not a concern.
When is Elzetta/Makoff going to offer 400 lumen XM-L drop-ins? But concerned about the heat of a 400+ lumen light.
I have my eye on EagleTac and Wolfe-Eyes too.
Not really interested personally. They are
1. Ugly compared to Surefire lights.
2. Not really idea as a P60 host since they are missing a lens and aren't compatible with 18650 cells, the latter can be fixed by boring of course.
3. No pocket clip and not compatible with aftermarket Surefire upgrades like bezel rings, Derelin shrouds, McClickys etc.
Your mileage may vary.
1. Ugly compared to Surefire lights.
2. Not really idea as a P60 host since they are missing a lens and aren't compatible with 18650 cells, the latter can be fixed by boring of course.
3. No pocket clip and not compatible with aftermarket Surefire upgrades like bezel rings, Derelin shrouds, McClickys etc.
Your mileage may vary.
I dont think Elzetta had intentions of making a universally compatible host like a Solarforce P60 light for poeple who like to Lego. Its more of a mission specific light with the top priority being durability/reliability not compatibility.
I agree it would be nice to have 18mm ability though they have no intentions of doing this ( I asked them)
A pocket clip would be a nice addition
I agree it would be nice to have 18mm ability though they have no intentions of doing this ( I asked them)
A pocket clip would be a nice addition
scout24
Flashaholic
I think it's a shame that these are marketed and thought of as strictly a "weapon light". I know that's how they're built and what they're intended for, but the utility goes far beyond that. Don't like the M60? No problem. High/low tailcap, 2 cell body and a low profile head will run you $121.00. M61's will all fit, in your choice of cool, neutral, warm or hi-cri tint. Regular output, "L" or "LL" as well. Don't forget flood options! All but indestructable disaster light, camping light, handheld duty light, or dog walker custom built to your needs as far as runtime, output, and tint. With the runtime available on primaries, this may be one of the few lights I own where RCR's won't be an issue for me. No 18650? No problem. I'll run 2xAW RCR123's if I need to, or squeeze a 17670 in there. Dark Sucks Ti clip fits and works, but needs the tailcap tight to stay in place just like my G2. Mine's a keeper!
@PoliceScannerMan:
Can you show photos of the tailcap? It appears the button is recessed, which I think makes it more unlikely to activate in a high risk situation.
Can you show photos of the battery protection? There should be springs or something to help protect the battery from recoil. There might also be a larger battery heat sink too.
Jake
Can you show photos of the tailcap? It appears the button is recessed, which I think makes it more unlikely to activate in a high risk situation.
Can you show photos of the battery protection? There should be springs or something to help protect the battery from recoil. There might also be a larger battery heat sink too.
Jake
I bought an Elzetta host recently (already had an M61), to use on a HD shotgun. These lights are first and foremost weapons lights and, as such, IMO there is nothing better at anywhere near the price. Having owned several SF weapons lights, I think this Elzetta is better than any comparable SF in terms of light output, beam quality, controls, construction and finish. And, at 260 honest lumens (got to love that Malkoff), it is almost too bright for HD use. I love this light...
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PoliceScannerMan
Flashaholic
I just watched the you tube press conference from Elzetta at shot show. I'm going to be very interested in their products this year!
cummins4x4
Enlightened
Tried searching you tube for it, would you mind posting a link, or pm if thats a nono
Never mind found it
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fyrstormer
Banned
The main thing that comes to my mind is the proprietary bezel. I don't like the fact that the aperture isn't full-width compared to the Surefire P-series standard. That's my main objection to the Malkoff VME head as well, actually. I bought the titanium version and was all excited about stuffing a Torch Lab Tri-XPG drop-in into it, but the head was too narrow for the drop-in to fit.
It doesn't matter to me if Elzetta hosts are built like tanks, or if Malkoff drop-ins are the best in the business, I want the flexibility to use other products as well. Durability is important to me, but I am willing to sacrifice a little in exchange for better features. Can't do that with a narrow-aperture head.
It's a shame, really, because aside from that one complaint I'd much prefer an Elzetta host instead of a Surefire host.
It doesn't matter to me if Elzetta hosts are built like tanks, or if Malkoff drop-ins are the best in the business, I want the flexibility to use other products as well. Durability is important to me, but I am willing to sacrifice a little in exchange for better features. Can't do that with a narrow-aperture head.
It's a shame, really, because aside from that one complaint I'd much prefer an Elzetta host instead of a Surefire host.
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