Malkoff Flashlights

JJ_Colt45

JJ_Colt45

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Sep 11, 2014
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Hey I have read online about Malkoff lights ... and searched and read a few threads with posts about Malkoff flashlights on here ... but not alot of information really ...

I am looking at possibly buying a couple new lights ... one a small to mid size more EDC type flashlight and another that would be used in my truck and outdoors mainly.

I have some Surefire and Fenix and really like both brands and own several Fenix ... I have never had any issues with them ... they have been very reliable ... I guess kind of like a new knife ... I've just been looking, reading, comparing some other flashlights ... and Malkoff seems to keep coming up as the most bomb proof solid reliable and made in the USA.

So I am hoping to hear from some people that own some Malkoff's ... and get ideas about what models are liked or not ... possibly some recommendations and hopefully some comparision pictures ... maybe beside known knives for size scale and possibly some comparing the light to other popular flashlights ... to show the light pattern and brightness compared to others.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts shared ... JJ
 
I’m on a US made light kick right now.

I had a Malkoff MDC 1xCR123 and it was okay. Fit and finish was great, it felt solid and functioned great. I bought a Surefire E1B and Elzetta Alpha at the same time. I kept the Surefire and Elzetta because I just liked them better. The Malkoff got sold.

I like Surefire single cell lights, the newer ones will take 16340 and RCR cells. It just felt better to me vs. the Malkoff. I liked the beam profile and tint better. The E1B with Maxvision has a very nice floody beam with high and low great for EDC tasks. My E1D is a great thrower with high and low. I’ve not got three single cell Surefires, one older double cell and a Surefire Titan Plus. I’ll be having a head customized for the E1L I just came across. They are simple, they work and the look good in my opinion. I also like rear forward click tailcaps, for momentary on and click full on which they all have. The downside to Surefire, in my opinion, with the exception of one model, the two cell lights only run on two disposable primary CR123s. You can’t use two rechargeables and you can’t use 18650s. They will run on 16650 and 17650s but that’s not a common battery.

The Elzetta holds its own. It’s a solid light that’s built very well. It’s got a high/low tailcap, tailcap right for high and slight loosened for low. Same thing, rear forward click switch. It takes rechargeable cells also. Also, the Thyrm Switchback 2.0 will fit it very well. It adds a great pocket clip and a finger ring for one handed manipulation. The switch back will I’ve around the light BUT the light is concentric so it really doesn’t matter, it doesn’t need to be indexed. The beam is a nice neutral color and sorta floody it smooth thanks to the TIR optic. Elzetta makes two and three cell lights. The two cell light, the Bravo will run on an 18650.

I’ve got an HDS EDC Executive on the way, my next adventure into US made lights.

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I have a few Surefires a few older models and a new Fury ... and I acidentally found Fenix and they impress me ... bought several ...

I keep reading and hearing alot of good things about the Malkoffs ... I may just have to try one sometime.
 
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There's a ton of info on them over on cpf. The main thing about the Malkoff lights is their reputation as bulletproof. Also, The owner will stand by his product.
It all depends on what you want in a light.
I prefer smaller, but robust lights and tend to carry Peaks. A Malkoff would make a great duty light or something belt carried.
 
Yeah I have several small to mid size EDC type lights ... I am looking at a mid to large long throw durable flashlight ... and possibly trying one of his drop ins for a couple of my Surefires if they offer them for the lights I have.

I emailed them today ... just waiting on a response.
 
I don't have any Malkoffs, but I've had my eye on them for a while. The next light I get will probably be an MD2 with a crenelated bezel. While I'm at it, I'll likely get an M61 drop-in so I can upgrade my old SureFire 6PL.

I also want one of those Elzetta Alphas. Seems like a really nice light.

Looking forward to reading the comments in this thread.
 
That's one of the Malkoffs I'm looking at too ... the MD2 ... and waiting to hear if he has a drop in for my Surefire PX2 Fury to try.

But I'm looking at the Malkoff Hound Dog for my truck.
 
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I have 2 Malkoff lights, a MD3 and a MD2. They are great lights. The UI is one of the best imo. Fully tighten the head for high, loosen for low. The button only turns the light on. It used to be (that I am aware of) only Malkoff and Elzetta had UIs like this. Now Surefire has at least one model called the tactician.

Malkoff has great customer service too. I bought one of their drop-ins but decided I preferred a different tint after playing with it. So, they sent me a new drop in with a shipping label in the box for me to return the old one. I can't imagine anyone else exchanging before they accepted the return, but Malkoff did for me.

If the specs meet your needs, buy with confidence.
 
Can I ask which drop in you prefered? The neutral or do you prefer the cool tiny over neutral?

slight said:
I have 2 Malkoff lights, a MD3 and a MD2. They are great lights. The UI is one of the best imo. Fully tighten the head for high, loosen for low. The button only turns the light on. It used to be (that I am aware of) only Malkoff and Elzetta had UIs like this. Now Surefire has at least one model called the tactician.

Malkoff has great customer service too. I bought one of their drop-ins but decided I preferred a different tint after playing with it. So, they sent me a new drop in with a shipping label in the box for me to return the old one. I can't imagine anyone else exchanging before they accepted the return, but Malkoff did for me.

If the specs meet your needs, buy with confidence.
Click to expand...
 
No personal experience with them but they seem to have a good rep @ CPF (I use to frequent the site).

I'm too, ah frugal, to buy one. I'm content with Fenix, Olight, Nitecore, etc in the $40-50 range for my edc flashlight.

If you want made in the USA flashlights, I don't think you have a ton of choices. Good luck.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
Can I ask which drop in you prefered? The neutral or do you prefer the cool tiny over neutral?
Click to expand...

I like the neutral myself. The cool will be a little brighter, and warm a little dimmer but easier on the eyes. But I use a m61Lw (180 lumens, warm tint) as an indoor light for run time and the warmer tint is more comfortable.

But outside of that I much prefer neutral. Cool just seems harsh to me.
 
I love all my Fenix lights and my Surefires but my Fenix out perform Surefires for brightness ... throw ... and battery life and options for batteries that matter.

But have heard alot good of Malkoff so I'm curious ... but I'm not sure they could perform enough better then my Fenix to warrent the cost ...

I have never had a Fenix break or give me issues even from a drop but some say the Malkoffs are bomb proof that might be the only note that keeps me wanting to try one and see.
 
Besides bombproof and amazing warrantee, one thing I like about malkoff over other companies is the advertised lumens and runtime are real. Not trying to knock other companies- they have reasons for what they do.

For example, surefire rates their lights down to a tactical output- say 500 down to 50 lumens as their runtime (good for bright short term use) Malkoff says his 300+ lumens for two hours are for the whole two hours. I like knowing how long I will have the light for. This idea is very clearly seen in a comparison between elzetta Charlie and surefire P3x fury on flashlight guide.com

Another good thing is the modularity, if you want a different runtime or tint- switch the drop in. I have been using a Malkoff MD2 with an M61N for a few years now at work and have not had an issue whatsoever.
 
That's what peeked my interest ... but the Surefires I have they don't make drop ins for ... and Surefire do burn through batteries but are great when batteries are fresh.

I started buying Fenix flashlights and the run times are pretty close to what they state and sometimes better with good rechargable batteries. And Some have said Fenix weren't as sturdy for drops ... but I have had a few drops and some rough handling and no issues with Fenix at all.

I am curious about the Malkoffs I'm sure I'll give them a try soon.
 
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The Malkoff upgrades are why there will always be a place for the Surefire 6P.
 
I recently received my first Malkoff product, a M61WL drop-in. This thing just oozes quality. More importantly it has given new life to my 6P Original. A 5 hour full runtime? Yes please, sign me up.

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I liked it so much I just placed an order for one of Gene's MD2s, as well as an M61NL and M61WLL.​
 
I haven't purchased a Malkoff yet but spoke with them ... they don't currently make a drop in for the Surefire model I have but I may either purchase a P6 or just try one of their own light soon here ... glad to hear more good reviews on their products.
 
i own the malkoff EDC cr123,grate solid little flashlight,mostly use for bed-side at night long walks when can't sleep!stands up there with my surefires 6p E1L outdoorsman, two of the best USA made flashlights out there.
 
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