Are Malkoff's reliable?

[hotbossa]

I am thinking of purchasing a Malkoff for my new C2-HA. I have found in the past that when ever I decide to mod something with after market parts there is either an issue with reliability, it doesn't work as well, or there is an issue with fit. I can't remember the last time I modded something with after market parts and it actually worked better than it did before.

Anyway, that brigs me to the Malkoff issue. I want a P61L but I think Hell needs to freeze over with pigs flying before SureFire will release it. So is the M60 reliable? Has anyone had any issues at all? How is the fit? Any information will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I used the search function but I wanted to get some fresh insight now that the Malkoff's are being mass produced.

 

[rockz4532]

I am thinking of purchasing a Malkoff for my new C2-HA. I have found in the past that when ever I decide to mod something with after market parts there is either an issue with reliability, it doesn't work as well, or there is an issue with fit. I can't remember the last time I modded something with after market parts and it actually worked better than it did before.

Anyway, that brigs me to the Malkoff issue. I want a P61L but I think Hell needs to freeze over with pigs flying before SureFire will release it. So is the M60 reliable? Has anyone had any issues at all? How is the fit? Any information will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I used the search function but I wanted to get some fresh insight now that the Malkoff's are being mass produced.

it has the same build quality as the hand made ones, if not better. malkoffs are very reliable and are very good products

 

[Sgt. LED]

Reliable?

I think my battery tubes will wear through before any of mine die.

 

[brighterisbetter]

Reliable?

I think my battery tubes will wear through before any of mine die.

+1, Malkoff is top-notch quality all the way.

 

[curlyfry562]

Yes, the thing is built like a rock. I have never had a problem with the two I own, one in a mag and one in My SF 6P. I have used my M60 for about a year with no problem, that includes the occasional drop. The only slight issue is the fit, when you tighten the bezel, it doesn't close all the way and you are left with a gap ~0.5mm. Although I know some members know how to fix this.

Here is a link to a review I did on EDC forums, where you can see the gap.

http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=14112.msg171427#msg171427

 

[dougie]

I think that any answers you get will obviously be biased because so many of Malkoff's customers are totally happy with the product (me included). I don't know of any total failures reported on CPF but know that one or to folks have been unhappy with the bezel gap which sometimes occur. This aside the quality and performance of the module has to be experienced to be believed. As an extra reassurance Gene & Cathy are both committed to giving you a great customer experience and will always do everything they can to put things right if you do have a problem.

In all honesty if you aren't 100% happy with a Malkoff you won't ever be happy with any third party drop-in.

Doug

 

[Gunner12]

They should be really reliable.

There might be a gap between the bezel and body but as long as the O-ring is covered, water resistance will not be compromised.

 

[tedjanxt]

The Malkoff riding in my 3D Maglite has suffered numerous drops to concrete, and even a fairly quick dunk in 3 feet of water (about 1 1/2 minutes) and still performs flawlessly.

Reliability? I would take a Malkoff over OEM parts *any* day of the week.

 

[seale_navy]

i would say malkoff is the best drop in u could get.. and labelled flashingly MADE IN THE USA. i dont own a malkoff.. but im not too keen on the malkoff design...

i think surefire design stock lamps are nicer...

 

[Bullzeyebill]

They should be really reliable.

There might be a gap between the bezel and body but as long as the O-ring is covered, water resistance will not be compromised.

Interesting you say that as my M30 (same as M60 construction wise) fits perfectly in my C2 with no gap, but there is a gap if I screw the head down on the body with batteries in.

Bill

 

[texbaz]

I just received an M60 production model, I liked the beam, spot,and fill. construction great. Customer service great. I did not like the fit. While most probably think it is nothing, I like my machined parts to fit the way the OEM intended them too. #1 that is where the strength and integrity of that joint comes from being able to butt up against the tube. I did a little filing on the very end of the drop-in, actually just a tad to much by just a hair, which caused the drop-in to not make contact with the body. Had to put a small bead of solder on the rim of the drop in, I was going to scrape away the HA from the top of the tube to give the drop-in a contact surface but the solder worked. The fit should be like the OEM IMO.

 

[Gene43]

WOW! Thank You all. This thread made my day! The reason the M60 is a hair long (slight gap) in some lights is to insure a tight fit in all Surefire hosts (no rattling allowed). The tail, of the dropin, can be lightly sanded on the back of the rear or outer edge of the rear to produce a perfect fit if your particular light has a gap. Most lights will not have a gap any thicker than an index card at the most.

Thanks, Gene

 

[Sgt. LED]

You deserve the praise! :twothumbs

Keep up the great work Gene.

 

[Illum]

reliability depends on how you use your light, if you throw your light on a daily basis, smack it on poles for fun, roll it off the 5th story window sill "just to hear what it would sound like," run it over with the lawn mower, play catch with buddy [or fido, or spot], freeze it, cook it over the fire, or any sort of abuse may lead to the failure of any assembly, regardless of how well its built. My pet rock didn't survive the 5 floor drop, and it was made from reinforced concrete

BUT...

If you use your light like a responsible person, and use the proper tools for the right applications [I.E. Maglites are good hammers, but thats not a legitimate reason for using them as such], care for your light the same way you would a friend [downunder matey], then Malkoffs are possibly the best drop-ins you could buy:thumbsup:

 

[Agent_Jaws]

I have a M60L and IMO it is > the Surefire LED drop-in. It is actually better than my stock L4 in many ways so I can't imagine any drop-in being much better. I think LED technology needs to take another huge jump forward before you'll need to upgrade one of these modules.

 

[Sector7]

High praise to Gene's and Cathy's dedication to giving us a good quality product and yet has time to check in and talk to us here. :thumbsup:

 

[Tuna]

Had my first Malkoff for over a year. Never failed, always worked. Super smooth beam. I have since bought many more. Responsive and personal customer service that can't be matched!

If I could afford to buy a new one everyday I would!

Keep up the excellent work Gene and Cathy! :thumbsup:

 

[lightplay22]

My malkoffs (2 now!) fit perfectly in C3ha and either one of my G2's, no gaps no rattles only great light output- wonderfully useful beam pattern. I will soon see how one fits in a 6p(hurry UPS) and then in a c2ha (that I'm dyin' to get) and , wow, that means I'll have to be getting another m60, probably the m60w. Lets just say I'm a Malkoff believer!!

 

[Woods Walker]

Why do you people keep saying good things about the Malkoff drop in? It is only a matter of time before I crack and get one.:mecry:

Anyone know if they make a M60L in a warm tint?

 

[KiwiMark]

I have a Malkoff drop-in in my 4D Maglite - it is very well made with excellent heat sinking. It is taking all the will power I have to not order a triple LED drop-in for 750 lumen of goodness!