The Malkoff Front Porch

[Schokokeks]

Am I reading this right..The m61n 400 lumen version is only putting out 336 lumens for 1.25 hrs, it cannot maintain its brightness for more than that?

I know what graph I'm looking at. I don't want 200 lumens I want what is stated on his website, which is 400.

This is not my first light. I know what 400 lumens looks like.

Awesome attitude.

Sorry for trying to help.

Godspeed in your adventures, regardless.

 

[2wheelnut]

As much as I love Malkoff, an 18650 Zebralight seems to go in my pocket more. Battery lasts forever, and basically a one and done light

I have to try one. Most lights I've used break on me. Bodies have broken, or electronics. Surefire and Streamlight included. Malkoff so far haven't.

 

[Schokokeks]

I have to try one. Most lights I've used break on me. Bodies have broken, or electronics. Surefire and Streamlight included. Malkoff so far haven't.

I'll warn you; I was a bit underwhelmed, especially considering their cost. They ARE compact and efficient. The complaints about the UI are something to be mindful of. I'm ambivalent, but it's not my favorite UI. It's just mostly needlessly different, so if it's not your primary light, it always takes a moment to remember how to work it.

The ONLY light I've bought that didn't work out of the box was a Zebralight, and their customer service was atrocious to deal with. Last year, I did re-buy the AA headlamp, and having one that works, it's not bad. For half the price, I think the Skilhunt H150 is much, much better, and durability is less of an issue for headlamps.

Some people complain about the UI in that they don't like the modes, but some also say it's kind of glitchy. That latter issue, I'd agree with. Sometimes, they just...act up, and you have to unscrew the tailcap.

For efficiency of an AA light, I just use a Convoy if I'm worried. For durability, I just use a Malkoff. Zebralight DOES kind of bridge that gap. It's at least as efficient as the Convoy, but more durable. It's nowhere near Malkoff durability (ZL may be potted, but they're single springs, and parts are NOT user replaceable) or quality (ZL is at the high end of Chinese quality - not quite up there with Weltool [who also uses double springs] - but still clearly Chinese)- and they're not entirely cheap, which is the main advantage of Chinese lights. No light is perfect of course. I tend to HEAVILY favor durability, and efficiency is a low priority for me (cause I mostly use AA lights, and bringing a spare eneloop or two is easy enough). If you MUCH more prefer efficiency, I think you can make a case for Zebralight.

I tend to think the ZL durability is oversold. I think there's the realm of "I drop things a lot" durability, and then there's the "I use things a lot" durability. I think ZL is an okay candidate for both, while Malkoff is REALLY good in both (double springs, replaceable parts). I know, I know..."Cavers." But also, if you use headlamps frequently, you'll notice humans naturally don't slam their heads into things. Your natural instincts to protect your head extend to a headlamp...which means headlamps tend to really outperform in "durability" versus their handheld counterparts. If you poke around, there are whispers of ZL denting batteries with drops (single spring problems) and/or dying from drops because the battery can bonk the board. Malkoff has the absolute tops in customer service, if you break something, you can probably field repair it if you brought spare parts (which are small enough to do so).

For me, I see efficiency needs as "I NEED this light to work," which immediately makes me choose a US made light, instead, and just bringing a spare battery. Do I wish Malkoffs were more efficient? Sure. More efficiency is always more better. Compact size comes at a cost, and that cost is actually durability. I think Weltool is the only Chinese brand that can really be near the US brands in durability, and you'll not they're a similar size and price. If you want maybe 60% of the durability of Malkoff, but in a WAY smaller package, and with WAY more efficiency, I think it's worth grabbing a Zebralight. If you're expecting it to be a smaller, more efficient, impressive feeling, "just as good" Malkoff, you're going to be disappointed. I think I just had my expectations set really high, because the first modern flashlights I bought were primarily weapon lights, and the MDC AA was the first "good" handheld flashlight I bought, so my floor for "durable quality" was kind of overly high.

 

[2wheelnut]

I'll warn you; I was a bit underwhelmed, especially considering their cost. They ARE compact and efficient. The complaints about the UI are something to be mindful of. I'm ambivalent, but it's not my favorite UI. It's just mostly needlessly different, so if it's not your primary light, it always takes a moment to remember how to work it.

The ONLY light I've bought that didn't work out of the box was a Zebralight, and their customer service was atrocious to deal with. Last year, I did re-buy the AA headlamp, and having one that works, it's not bad. For half the price, I think the Skilhunt H150 is much, much better, and durability is less of an issue for headlamps.

Some people complain about the UI in that they don't like the modes, but some also say it's kind of glitchy. That latter issue, I'd agree with. Sometimes, they just...act up, and you have to unscrew the tailcap.

For efficiency of an AA light, I just use a Convoy if I'm worried. For durability, I just use a Malkoff. Zebralight DOES kind of bridge that gap. It's at least as efficient as the Convoy, but more durable. It's nowhere near Malkoff durability (ZL may be potted, but they're single springs, and parts are NOT user replaceable) or quality (ZL is at the high end of Chinese quality - not quite up there with Weltool [who also uses double springs] - but still clearly Chinese)- and they're not entirely cheap, which is the main advantage of Chinese lights. No light is perfect of course. I tend to HEAVILY favor durability, and efficiency is a low priority for me (cause I mostly use AA lights, and bringing a spare eneloop or two is easy enough). If you MUCH more prefer efficiency, I think you can make a case for Zebralight.

I tend to think the ZL durability is oversold. I think there's the realm of "I drop things a lot" durability, and then there's the "I use things a lot" durability. I think ZL is an okay candidate for both, while Malkoff is REALLY good in both (double springs, replaceable parts). I know, I know..."Cavers." But also, if you use headlamps frequently, you'll notice humans naturally don't slam their heads into things. Your natural instincts to protect your head extend to a headlamp...which means headlamps tend to really outperform in "durability" versus their handheld counterparts. If you poke around, there are whispers of ZL denting batteries with drops (single spring problems) and/or dying from drops because the battery can bonk the board. Malkoff has the absolute tops in customer service, if you break something, you can probably field repair it if you brought spare parts (which are small enough to do so).

For me, I see efficiency needs as "I NEED this light to work," which immediately makes me choose a US made light, instead, and just bringing a spare battery. Do I wish Malkoffs were more efficient? Sure. More efficiency is always more better. Compact size comes at a cost, and that cost is actually durability. I think Weltool is the only Chinese brand that can really be near the US brands in durability, and you'll not they're a similar size and price. If you want maybe 60% of the durability of Malkoff, but in a WAY smaller package, and with WAY more efficiency, I think it's worth grabbing a Zebralight. If you're expecting it to be a smaller, more efficient, impressive feeling, "just as good" Malkoff, you're going to be disappointed. I think I just had my expectations set really high, because the first modern flashlights I bought were primarily weapon lights, and the MDC AA was the first "good" handheld flashlight I bought, so my floor for "durable quality" was kind of overly high.

I actually like that for factor. It's very similar to my old OLight Perun. That light worked well and still works well for my Son.

 

[2wheelnut]

MD2 with the 18350 Vapcell 1600mah and M91T (even the M61N for that matter) so far have been working out great. I'll have to see how long the runtimes will be so far so good.

Not the wall of light that the Surefire Lumamax LX2 and VME head with M91B on a 16650 is. Low is much dimmer too but that's due to the Lumamax resistor. -but the low is brighter on the M61N due to the higher voltage. Definitely better when I need the throw.

Happy with the set up and can definitely hold off on the MD4 body for the time being. Cheaper too with the drawback of a new battery format.

 

[Schokokeks]

I actually like that for factor. It's very similar to my old OLight Perun. That light worked well and still works well for my Son.

If you find the form factor appealing, I'd say grab one for sure. IIRC, the owner is getting up there in age, so who knows how long they'll be making products.

Low is much dimmer too but that's due to the Lumamax resistor. -but the low is brighter on the M61N due to the higher voltage. Definitely better when I need the throw.

Happy with the set up and can definitely hold off on the MD4 body for the time being. Cheaper too with the drawback of a new battery format.

The brighter low is actually my favorite reason to use a two-cell configuration. I have an MD2 running two 950mAh 16340's in a Lumens Factory sleeve on my M61SHO because the higher voltage makes for a really great low (ironically, I rarely use it in high mode, anymore).

 

[tech25]

Until you use the low on the two battery format, you don’t realize how useful it is.

 

[JP031716]

After a little over a year in this forum, I've arrived at my personal endgame light. I really like it because It takes inspiration from various flashlight makers that you're all familiar with here. I decided to post it here at the front porch because Malkoff is what piqued my interest in custom flashlights.

The build below consists of an Oveready (OR) E35 (18350) body, Surefire (SF) 6P tailcap, and Malkoff VME head/bezel which were recently stripped and cerakoted black by my local gunsmith (special thanks to @d337944 for posting the long sought after OR E35 body). The flashlight engine is a M61L 219b 4000k from Illumn powered by a Keeppower 18350 1200mAh (P1835C2). The titanium pocket clip is machined by Prometheus lights to fit Surefire 6P and Malkoff MDX. EDIT: I just realized that if Malkoff would just make an 18350 MDC body with the e-series threads and not a duel-fuel adapter then I would be set. I guess this was more fun?

I also included some shots of different combinations I tried before I settled on the above. Below you'll see an OR tailcap which I should've also had stripped and cerakoted to match the rest but didn't have the foresight to do so and why it didn't make the final cut. I know it's hard to tell by the picture but in person it looks and feels different. I think ultimately I didn't want to strip the quality anodization that is on the OR tailcap. The other picture shows a Cloud Defensive MCH deep carry pocket clip which wasn't bad, I just couldn't get over how proud the clip was over the end of the SF tailcap which is why it didn't make the cut. Which configuration would you go with?

 

[md17]

After a little over a year in this forum, I've arrived at my personal endgame light. I really like it because It takes inspiration from various flashlight makers that you're all familiar with here. I decided to post it here at the front porch because Malkoff is what piqued my interest in custom flashlights.

The build below consists of an Oveready (OR) E35 (18350) body, Surefire (SF) 6P tailcap, and Malkoff VME head/bezel which were recently stripped and cerakoted black by my local gunsmith (special thanks to @d337944 for posting the long sought after OR E35 body). The flashlight engine is a M61L 219b 4000k from Illumn powered by a Keeppower 18350 1200mAh (P1835C2). The titanium pocket clip is machined by Prometheus lights to fit Surefire 6P and Malkoff MDX. EDIT: I just realized that if Malkoff would just make an 18350 MDC body with the e-series threads and not a duel-fuel adapter then I would be set. I guess this was more fun?

View attachment 75605View attachment 75606

I also included some shots of different combinations I tried before I settled on the above. Below you'll see an OR tailcap which I should've also had stripped and cerakoted to match the rest but didn't have the foresight to do so and why it didn't make the final cut. I know it's hard to tell by the picture but in person it looks and feels different. I think ultimately I didn't want to strip the quality anodization that is on the OR tailcap. The other picture shows a Cloud Defensive MCH deep carry pocket clip which wasn't bad, I just couldn't get over how proud the clip was over the end of the SF tailcap which is why it didn't make the cut. Which configuration would you go with?

View attachment 75607
View attachment 75608

That is awesome. Not totally relevant to this, but how do you get a 6p tail cap with mcClicky to fit on a Malkoff md series light. The spring is always way too long Everytime I’ve tried and puts way too much pressure on things.

 

[JP031716]

That is awesome. Not totally relevant to this, but how do you get a 6p tail cap with mcClicky to fit on a Malkoff md series light. The spring is always way too long Everytime I've tried and puts way too much pressure on things.

Thank you! To answer your question I haven't tried to put a 6P tailcap on an MD series light so I'm not sure. Based on what it sounds like you may have to trim the tailcap spring to be shorter to relieve some of the pressure. I've never done that before so maybe someone else can chime in on that.

 

[thermal guy]

Is that not a 6P tail you have on in the picture?

 

[tech25]

Really awesome setup! I actually like how you have it now vs the Oveready tailcap. The body and tail cap looks Z2ish and I like how the VME head fits on it.

 

[JP031716]

Is that not a 6P tail you have on in the picture?

It is a 6P tailcap. I think MD17 was asking if I have tried putting it onto an MDX body which I haven't.

 

[JP031716]

Really awesome setup! I actually like how you have it now vs the Oveready tailcap. The body and tail cap looks Z2ish and I like how the VME head fits on it.

Thanks! If it was the older Oveready tailcap with the knurling similar to the 6P tailcap it wouldn't been a no brainer to go with that setup. Then I could at least tailstand.

 

[md17]

What if you used an older style Md tail cap?

Thanks! If it was the older Oveready tailcap with the knurling similar to the 6P tailcap it wouldn't been a no brainer to go with that setup. Then I could at least tailstand.

 

[Schokokeks]

I think you'd just missed the last of the FiveMega 18350 bodies, too. Those tend to work pretty well for short setups, and take all the Malkoff parts (and you can use the high/low ring).

I'm curious as to why the Cerakote? The Malkoff anodizing is really, really good, and has decent grip to it. I've never seen cerakote end up not eventually chipping, though. Especially choosing black. Was it just for fun?

 

[JP031716]

I think you'd just missed the last of the FiveMega 18350 bodies, too. Those tend to work pretty well for short setups, and take all the Malkoff parts (and you can use the high/low ring).

I actually used to have one of those but ended up selling it because it was just too wide for me to put in the pocket for an EDC. If Malkoff made an MDC-sized light with high-low ring, I would be all over it.

I'm curious as to why the Cerakote? The Malkoff anodizing is really, really good, and has decent grip to it. I've never seen cerakote end up not eventually chipping, though. Especially choosing black. Was it just for fun?

So when I picked up the E35 body it came with the SF tailcap, both of which were stripped and polished. I didn’t want color-mismatched parts so I had them cerakoted. What I would’ve loved to have done is send them all to Malkoff and have his anodizing treatment done. So yes, it was a little fun but that’s what I love about this hobby. I think it’ll have a cool faded look in time once I get some wear on it.

 

[Schokokeks]

I actually used to have one of those but ended up selling it because it was just too wide for me to put in the pocket for an EDC. If Malkoff made an MDC-sized light with high-low ring, I would be all over it.


So when I picked up the E35 body it came with the SF tailcap, both of which were stripped and polished. I didn't want color-mismatched parts so I had them cerakoted. What I would've loved to have done is send them all to Malkoff and have his anodizing treatment done. So yes, it was a little fun but that's what I love about this hobby. I think it'll have a cool faded look in time once I get some wear on it.

You might want to look at the Lumens Factory E1 body. That fits an 18350, and it is TINY. I was shocked at how small it was when I got it. I use their P60 E-series head, and run one of their 3-mode drop-ins. It's REALLY light and small for being a P60 drop-in.

Honorable mention to the Elzetta Alpha for a bright, small guy. It's similar to the Malkoff Bodyguard, but has a stepdown that's so gradual, you'll never know it, and it fits a Thyrm.

It's not super durable, but there are some interesting gun products that blacken aluminum, too. They don't come out as pretty as slow rust bluing, and they're about as durable as a sharpie, but...yeah, I can see why you went cerakote.

 

[JP031716]

You might want to look at the Lumens Factory E1 body. That fits an 18350, and it is TINY. I was shocked at how small it was when I got it. I use their P60 E-series head, and run one of their 3-mode drop-ins. It's REALLY light and small for being a P60 drop-in.

I've contemplated these but just haven't pulled the trigger on one. I have no doubt it's lightweight though.

Honorable mention to the Elzetta Alpha for a bright, small guy. It's similar to the Malkoff Bodyguard, but has a stepdown that's so gradual, you'll never know it, and it fits a Thyrm.

I do admire the Elzetta Alpha. I like the fact that it is dual-fuel and can be had with a smooth or crenelated bezel. I used to have a Bravo body with the ZFL head to fit M61s but got rid of that.

 

[Schokokeks]

I've contemplated these but just haven't pulled the trigger on one. I have no doubt it's lightweight though.

I do admire the Elzetta Alpha. I like the fact that it is dual-fuel and can be had with a smooth or crenelated bezel. I used to have a Bravo body with the ZFL head to fit M61s but got rid of that.

Yeah, the LF shipping is kind of rough, and it goes up after 5 items, so getting a head, drop-in (spend $10 and get the Seraph WITH the drop-in), body, switch...and you're about at 5 items. They generally play pretty well with Malkoff, too. NHLumens (I think is the handle) has TONS of beautiful pictures of LF/Malkoff LEGO builds if you search. I blame him for all this, haha.

The best part of the Alpha is you can swap between flood and throw AND crenelated or smooth. It's a pretty good value. I think they're running a 15% off sale right now, and you get get their rebranded Jetstream AA light for free, too, hahah.