A Unique "Recommend me a Light" Question

[RagnarGalt]

First off, I have a lot of respect for the users on this forum. Simply surfing through this forum has given me new insight into Li-ion's (I didn't even know 18650's existed!), Malkoff drop-ins, and has opened my eyes to lux rather than just simple lumens.
Onto my question(s).

I currently own a Surefire Executive Elite (E2e) and Surefire Centurion (C2) incans. They are great lights but, as you know, they chew through CR123's like they're candy. I'm now at the point where I'd like to have ONE light with different settings (High/Med/Low &/or strobe) which brings me to my choices:
1) Upgrade the E2e with a new head (Not my favorite idea as we're talking ~150 lumens max)
2) Upgrade the Centurion with a Lumans Factory or Malkoff drop-in (I haven't made up my mind about which one yet... Both produce 3-mode led's. Recommendations on LF vs Malkoff appreciated)
3) Get rid of (Sell) both and purchase a Quark Tactical QT2L-X or similar. (By the time I buy a Malkoff we're almost there with $$ anyway. I'm really drawn to the UI of the Quark)


Anyway you cut it I'm going to end up purchasing rechargeables so that's not really an issue. I'd truly appreciate any thoughts moving forward.

 

[archimedes]

C2 + Malkoff = :twothumbs ... :)

 

[RagnarGalt]

C2 + Malkoff = :twothumbs ... :)

That's pretty much what I gathered from everyone else on the site. I'm still not sure why the Malkoff is considered the gold standard, but it does seem like it's the drop-in to beat.

Would you confirm that a AW18650 (3400 mAh) will power a Malkoff (M361N-LMH)? I'm all but certain it will, but would appreciate a double-check.

Appreciate your help.

 

[weez82]

I love my Quarks. I have both the xml and xpg2 heads and all the battery tubes (minus the 18650 tube). Right now I have the xml setup for a single rcr123a and the xpg2 setup for a 17670. Dont think you can go wrong with the Quark and a 17670. Plus the tactical UI is easy to setup and use. Great lights that I trust to work anytime anywhere.

 

[jabe1]

Go for the Malkoff. The 18650 batteries will not fit in your C2 without it being bored. A 17670 will fit, although has reduced capacity. For battery tube boring, contact Oveready.com, or CPF user Electronguru who owns Oveready. You can find them in the CPF custom and modified section.

 

[archimedes]

That's pretty much what I gathered from everyone else on the site. I'm still not sure why the Malkoff is considered the gold standard, but it does seem like it's the drop-in to beat.

The quality is no mystery, once you actually see one, and put it to use ... ;)

And that's without even considering the absolutely world-class customer service :D

Would you confirm that a AW18650 (3400 mAh) will power a Malkoff (M361N-LMH)? I'm all but certain it will, but would appreciate a double-check.

Appreciate your help.

Yes, M361N voltage range is 3.4-6v, per the Malkoff website. A Li-Ion 18650 (or 17670) is at 4.2v max (and at about 3.6 open-circuit volts when empty).

Please be sure that you are aware of safe usage protocols for Li-Ion cells, including proper monitoring, storage, charging, and such. Quality cells and charger(s), accurate voltmeter / DMM, fire-resistant charging area, and other preparations and equipment are important.

As jabe1 notes, Oveready is an excellent source for some of these resources, including bored flashlight hosts. CPF member precisionworks is another resource for customization of flashlights (including boring services), and they manage a subforum here on CPF.

Read, ask, learn .... Cheers!

 

[yellow]

I'm still not sure why the Malkoff is considered the gold standard, but it does seem like it's the drop-in to beat.

You re correct, because in fact it is the P60 inserts from members:
nailbender and
vinghuyen
that have to be beat
;)


the real key is the 18650 - which You wont be able to use with the original bodies.
Malkoff and oveready has been mentionned but for beginning f.e. a solarforce P60 18650 body might help You get a hand for this setup ...

 

[gsr]

I'm running a Malkoff M361N in a SureFire 6P with an Z59 clicky switch. It is very quick and easy to go through the modes. If you like your C2, upgrade it with the Malkoff drop in. It is likely more affordable than a new light with similar capabilities.

 

[TEEJ]

The REAL questions that need to be asked, have not been asked.

WHAT did you want the beam to do for you?

Some of these dropins are brighter than others, and some throw farther than others, and some can run longer w/o over heating but be dimmer or be brighter but use up the cells faster/heat up faster (Cell life is of a concern with rechargeables of course), and so forth.

So, they are light engines.

What's the best engine to put in your vehicle?

Are you doing 1/4 miles?

Autocross?

Towing a boat?

Laps?

How many miles at a time?

And so forth.

Which light engine is right FOR YOU will depend on if you take that new-found lumens vs cd, etc, knowledge, and apply it to help choose what you want from a drop-in vs a new light with the UI and beam pattern you are shooting for.


As a starting point, how far away did you want to be able to see what?

Do you want to see a lot at a time, so the whole room is lit up at once, or, do you want a beam spot the size of a face on someone 100' away. etc.

:D