Malkoff/Zebra Lumens question

[Alpha Pews]

List,

My son took his/my favorite light off to API (8+ year old Zebra SC53w) and now I am faced with the terrible dilemma of shopping for something to keep my foursevens Quark 2AA tactical company.

I want to keep the AA or 2xAA format, a neutral color (4000k or so), clicky interface and a good moon setting. High CRI is not a priority, but I want excellent throw and decent runtimes. 300 or so lumen seems reasonable. <= $200 is the budget.

I see Zebra still has the SC53w neutral (max 330 Lum) and now a SC5w MkII neutral (max 407 Lum).

My question involves trying out a Malkoff.

I see an MDC HA 2AA offering (max 210 Lum), or a 1AA (max 90 Lum).

The Malkoff is twice as expensive...but has half or less light intensity. Folks on the forum love this brand...but am I missing something? Is the Malkoff that much of a better light that I should choose it over the Zebra given this spec?

Side Note: I was following a thread here that suggested legoing a Malkoff build using: "MXX dropin, VME head and MDC 2AA body." I have never built a light. Is it that easy to just buy these three parts and screw them together?

Sorry for the ramble. I really appreciate the advice.

I've recent been using the Streamlight 1L-1AA and it's a little beast and very capable. Can be programmed and also a battery vampire, runs on cr123, AA and Also AAA if in a pinch

 

[michaex]

Reliability is my primary consideration.

Google:
"zebralight problem" and then
"malkoff problem"

And draw conclusion yourself.

Everybody's consideration will be different of course.

 

[kerneldrop]

this has convinced me that I want no parts of an actual Malkoff flashlight.

What has you convinced that you want no parts of an actual Malkoff flashlight?

 

[Owen]

Thanks for this post. While I love my 1st gen Mag drop--ins, this has convinced me that I want no parts of an actual Malkoff flashlight.

That's good, if it keeps you from buying one and being disappointed because it doesn't suit you.
I have a hard time looking at other brands, though.
The only time I use anything else is for backpacking, as size and weight are my main considerations there, and I really only use a headlamp for that.
Well, that and for carrying on a keychain!

 

[WYlightGUY]

I received my MDC 2AA over the weekend. It really is built like a tank, with the same form factor as my Quark 2AA Tactical. The soft/hard press tail button interface is great. I like the light a lot and it is going in my BOB.

That said, I contacted Zebra and they have a 5-10 day backlog on their Sc5w MKII, so I am going to pick up one of those as well. The "button on the side" form factor is more comfortable to me for EDC.

I am now researching Elzetta for my next light. Thanks everyone!

 

[JimIslander]

Well...upon further inspection it appears Zebra (and Malkoff) are all sold out/backordered on their AA lights. Understandable due to all the supply chain woes.

Guess I will not be obtaining a new torch anytime soon (unless someone has a lead on one with the specs i am looking for).

Thanks for the help everyone.

Headlamps are in stock.

 

[tom-]

Does Malkoff make all the parts in the US that are used in their flashlights ?

 

[michaex]

Does Malkoff make all the parts in the US that are used in their flashlights ?

No. It's mentioned at the end of the description of each light.

 

[kerneldrop]

Does Malkoff make all the parts in the US that are used in their flashlights ?

It's as Merican as Merican gets.

 

[Brasso]

If I'm not mistaken Zebra uses pwm drivers which is why they seem to be brighter for longer. An illusion, but one that works. Malkoff are cc. No pwm.

 

[loydski228]

I have this available if anyone is interested brand new.