Looking for a simple single mode, durable light with a long runtime.

[BIG45-70]

I'm not too worried about a high lumen output because I already have a few lights that do that. I'm leaning more towards something very simple with a single mode, durable and a long run time. I'd like to stick with cr123's or 18650's at this point.

I've been considering the Surefire 6PL but want to make sure I'm not missing out on something better.

 

[Z-Tab]

Malkoff MD2 with a Malkoff M61LL. 10 hours of 100 lumens, followed by a very long taper as the batteries are depleted. You can use CR123s or 18650s in the Malkoff host.

 

[blackbalsam]

Malkoff Drop-in in an Elzetta host (very durable).

 

[BIG45-70]

I'm very new to this and would prefer to pick up a complete light, other then going the build route. I do plan on building a light in the future but will probably start with my mini-mag.

 

[scout24]

Give Peak LED Solutions a call, they can and will tailor a light to fit your needs.

 

[Z-Tab]

In that case, a Turn-Key MD2 from Malkoff is a good choice. It gets the same run-time as the Surefire 6PL, with more than double the brightness. It also can take 18650s, which the stock Surefire 6PL cannot do.

The Surefire 6PL will be fine, but they have outdated emitters and the closed head versions limit your upgrade options.

 

[shane45_1911]

Another endorsement for the M61WLL / M61LL in the host of your choice.

 

[think2x]

Malkoff Turn Key MD2 with high/low ring would be the way I would go.

 

[twl]

For single brightness mode, I like the Elzetta ZFL-M60 which includes a Malkoff M60 as the light engine standard, and comes as a complete light. It can be ordered with a simple on/off twisty tailswitch for around $120 on line. Or if you prefer a clicky, you can order it that way too, for a little more money.
Same basic story with the Malkoff MD2 turnkey without hi/low ring. That will give you one brightness mode, and is around $119. It comes with a Malkoff M61 module standard, and comes as a complete light.

With both of these lights, they can accept all the Malkoff modules, and as previously mentioned by others, there are lower brightness drop-ins available such as M61L, or M61LL, or their "warm tint" counterparts M61WL or M61WLL. The lower output extends the runtimes, and some of the LL versions will run very long times at around 60-100 lumens.
They are "lego-able" so you can use 3-cell or 4-cell battery tubes with the Malkoff lights that will use 123 or 18650 batteries. MD4 takes 2x18650 or 4xCR123 batteries. MD3 takes 3CR123 or 3xRCR123 batteries. MD2 body takes 1x18650 or 2xCR123.
Elzetta does not take 18650, and is restricted to primary CR123 or RCR123 batteries in either 3-cell or 2 cell battery tube options.

 

[dig-it]

Romisen RC-C3 II Premium Cree R2
@ around $17

I keep a Romisen in my glovebox. No problems at all so far and its been a year.

Not exactly a super long runtime, but with the money you save you could buy a few extra batteries. <big grin>

 

[BIG45-70]

For single brightness mode, I like the Elzetta ZFL-M60 which includes a Malkoff M60 as the light engine standard, and comes as a complete light. It can be ordered with a simple on/off twisty tailswitch for around $120 on line. Or if you prefer a clicky, you can order it that way too, for a little more money.
Same basic story with the Malkoff MD2 turnkey without hi/low ring. That will give you one brightness mode, and is around $119. It comes with a Malkoff M61 module standard, and comes as a complete light.

With both of these lights, they can accept all the Malkoff modules, and as previously mentioned by others, there are lower brightness drop-ins available such as M61L, or M61LL, or their "warm tint" counterparts M61WL or M61WLL. The lower output extends the runtimes, and some of the LL versions will run very long times at around 60-100 lumens.
They are "lego-able" so you can use 3-cell or 4-cell battery tubes with the Malkoff lights that will use 123 or 18650 batteries. MD4 takes 2x18650 or 4xCR123 batteries. MD3 takes 3CR123 or 3xRCR123 batteries. MD2 body takes 1x18650 or 2xCR123.
Elzetta does not take 18650, and is restricted to primary CR123 or RCR123 batteries in either 3-cell or 2 cell battery tube options.

Thank you that was very informative. I'm saving my pennies Elzetta that is one sweet looking flashlight. Whats the best place to look at different modules?

 

[blackbalsam]

Thank you that was very informative. I'm saving my pennies Elzetta that is one sweet looking flashlight. Whats the best place to look at different modules?

Malkoffdevices.com

 

[tygger]

I'm running a bored Surefire 6P w/M61WLL. Runtime is excellent. Just got back from a camping trip and my IMR 18650 was only down to around 4.14V after lots of use. Its one of those lights you can use without having to worry about heat or runtime and still get respectable output. In comparison, my screaming brigth XM-L dropin sucks batteries like a vampire. Makes you really apprectiate the economy of the M61WLL.

 

[jorn]

I'm very new to this and would prefer to pick up a complete light, other then going the build route. I do plan on building a light in the future but will probably start with my mini-mag.

I would still go for the malkoff md-2 with a M61(W)LL and a hi/lo ring. Don't worry about building it. If you can open a jar of pickles, you can build it, it's that easy :) The Hi/lo ring is nice to have if 100 lumens is too mutch for your task (reading, up close work etc), or if you want to squeese out even more runtime.

 

[jabe1]

I'm with scout24 on this one... call Peak!