Malkoff M60L vs. a 2xAA lite

[jimmy1970]

yeah, that's precisely the point.

You know - from the gazillion posts I started on that matter - I like Malkoff and SF but I am not blind or biased. I am at times frustrated with it. The single mode bothers me, it needs dual mode. 123 cells are nice but are expensive, even the cheapest ones like BatteryStation are not all that cheap. To get 'guilt-free lumens', you have to use Li-Ion cells, and protected ones at that. They work fine but will cut off suddenly, leaving you in the dark.

With M60, bring spares with your EDC... At least 1 set of spares and I carry 2 (two) for this reason. M60 will go through your Li-Ion cells in *no time at all*.

The only reason I got Malkoff M60 is because it pumps out 230+ lumens, no lite of its size/runtime can do that. If M60 "Low" halfs the lumens, why should I have to put up with all the limitations of the Malkoff/SF platform, I might as well get a dual mode lite like EagleTac. It can do all that and more, and be slimmer.

The good thing about Surefire / M60 is it seems bullet-proof, well-made, idiot-proof and a lacks features, which might be a good thing. As software developers say, "It's not a bug, it's a feature".
It must the "Surefire Way".

Running Malkoff on 2x18500 is "Okay" but not impressive runtime. As discussed before, I am losing runtime vs primaries, but furthermore, it appears that running it in shorts bursts (vs. one long 2+ hour run) it gets worse runtime.

Really, look at things in perspective. What lite gets similar lumens/runtime in that size.

As I said before, pick 2 out of 3: Runtime, lumens, size. My Malkoff 3D is just as bright and will run for a long time but not so good for EDC.

I cannot wait until I get quality 18650 cells, as AW promised 2500 mAh protected cells (vs. 2200 mAh now) and then I might be happy with that platform and heck, might abandon the 18500 cells entirely.

But I disgress. Any Malkoff is an excellent lite but it's also an excellent example of a single-purpose lite that doesn't work well in all situations. Try reading with it for example.

Does anyone have the Malkoff M60WLF yet? I have one on the way. Maybe I'm the first one. Please report if you have received this drop in and give us a mini review - would be greatly appreciated.

James...

 

[Sgt. LED]

Not yet but I do want to get one!

 

[youreacrab]

If M60 "Low" halfs the lumens, why should I have to put up with all the limitations of the Malkoff/SF platform, I might as well get a dual mode lite like EagleTac. It can do all that and more, and be slimmer.

name another light that puts out 140 lumens for 4-5 hours. :poke:

pick 2 out of 3: Runtime, lumens, size.

or pick a M60L in a G3 and get all 3. :p

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

name another light that puts out 140 lumens for 4-5 hours. :poke:



or pick a M60L in a G3 and get all 3. :p

name another light that puts out 140 lumens for 4-5 hours.

Inova T3.

 

[roymail]

name another light that puts out 140 lumens for 4-5 hours. :poke:

And, that 140 lumens (round it off to 150 since you can't tell the difference) is VERY BRIGHT in the dark... the 4+ hrs runtime is awesome! With a G3 or 9P and 2x17500's and you've got a great rechargeable setup.

But, the EagleTac P10A2 on LSD cells is also a great light for what it is. It just has limited runtime on the high setting. Otherwise, having a lower level with excellent runtime is appealing.

I'll take both of 'em.

 

[etc]

ok I see the point.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I too see the point but can't buy one of everything!

I'll just have to see how the Connexion is...

 

[etc]

Get a lite with good runtime, or bring the spares.

I currently bring the spares.

 

[briteflite]

I got a Malkoff M60WLF a few days ago for my wife to use in her yellow G2L when she's walking the dog. We just got back from a walk on the local bike path with it - WOW - that thing puts out a lot more light than I realised! It's perfect for looking around within a 100 feet or so and the tint is just right for outdoor use. It sure beats myTK20 (all throw and just barely enough spill) for pure usability in the woods.

Of course, I just had to pull out my M60F, which immediately lit up the entire woods, no contest, but is too bright when I'm looking for the dog pxxp. Until tonight, I've been eager to get the M60 MC-E, but now I'm wondering if it's going to be total overkill? (just kidding ... you know I'll still buy one the minute that Gene gets them back in stock).

 

[flashy bazook]

yeah, that's precisely the point.

You know - from the gazillion posts I started on that matter - I like Malkoff and SF but I am not blind or biased. I am at times frustrated with it. The single mode bothers me, it needs dual mode. 123 cells are nice but are expensive, even the cheapest ones like BatteryStation are not all that cheap. To get 'guilt-free lumens', you have to use Li-Ion cells, and protected ones at that. They work fine but will cut off suddenly, leaving you in the dark.

With M60, bring spares with your EDC... At least 1 set of spares and I carry 2 (two) for this reason. M60 will go through your Li-Ion cells in *no time at all*.

The only reason I got Malkoff M60 is because it pumps out 230+ lumens, no lite of its size/runtime can do that. If M60 "Low" halfs the lumens, why should I have to put up with all the limitations of the Malkoff/SF platform, I might as well get a dual mode lite like EagleTac. It can do all that and more, and be slimmer.

The good thing about Surefire / M60 is it seems bullet-proof, well-made, idiot-proof and a lacks features, which might be a good thing. As software developers say, "It's not a bug, it's a feature".
It must the "Surefire Way".

Running Malkoff on 2x18500 is "Okay" but not impressive runtime. As discussed before, I am losing runtime vs primaries, but furthermore, it appears that running it in shorts bursts (vs. one long 2+ hour run) it gets worse runtime.

Really, look at things in perspective. What lite gets similar lumens/runtime in that size.

As I said before, pick 2 out of 3: Runtime, lumens, size. My Malkoff 3D is just as bright and will run for a long time but not so good for EDC.

I cannot wait until I get quality 18650 cells, as AW promised 2500 mAh protected cells (vs. 2200 mAh now) and then I might be happy with that platform and heck, might abandon the 18500 cells entirely.

But I disgress. Any Malkoff is an excellent lite but it's also an excellent example of a single-purpose lite that doesn't work well in all situations. Try reading with it for example.

A lot of good and interesting points here on using the 6P+drop-ins system. Obviously one can have different flashlights for different purposes, and not "only" have one type of system.

But even so the 6P (including clones, Leef tubes, etc.) can be even more versatile. On the different output levels, if you need the flexibility in a single flashlight, you can use specialized tailcaps. UNIQ has an "infinite" sequence for example.

On being able to read, I DO do that with the Malkoff, I just add a diffuser. The diffuser even has a spring so it can open using one hand and with the diffuser still on (but in an open position) it will recover its throw type of beam. (with the Katod 8-degree optic).

Finally, you can also have different drop-ins for different outputs as well, so for indoor use the M60LL is pretty nice.

If runtime is VERY important and you still want the M60, how about using a Leef tube with 2x18650? It's a bit longer but still fairly useable and given that it is rather thin and light (for the runtime/output you get) not a bad compromise in terms of your runtime/output/size considerations.

You make excellent points also regarding some issues/limitations of the Li-Ions, let us also add one more, which is that they have issues when you use them in series (2xRC123). Often one of these two cells will deplete faster or unevenly with the other one and with the protection circuit on top will cut out pretty fast. In that case you need not only extra cells but also a small backup light to use so you can see your way around to changing the cells.

But by far the biggest advantage of the 6P (or clones, etc)+accessories system is that once you put in the money to get the necessary accessories then you can keep upgrading for the cost of a drop-in so you have the latest and greatest available. How about getting now the MC-E LED for example? (500+ lumens). I hope to get one soon and use it in a 2x18650 configuration.

And who knows what will come out after that, but I can get that too and not have to pay for a full new flashlight to do it.