Second post; new 6p owner

[w8lftr]

Hello everyone,

After spending several days lurking and researching I decided to buy a SF 6p today. I wanted a smaller light to use to backup my issued Magcharger on patrol.

I am planning on adding a Malkoff drop-in. I see they make quite a few differant models, where to start?

For all of you guys already working on a swing/graveyard patrol team with a Malkoff in a 6p, which one do you like?

I also purchased SF's speed holster, has anyone used the Blackhawk Mod-u-Lock system with a SF?

Thanks for your help,

w8lftr

PS Awesome forum.

 

[angelofwar]

The V70 speed holster is really nice with a C2, bezel down...I'm thinking it would be just as nice, and decrease your draw time with some "Combat Rings" on the 6P...

 

[Sgt. LED]

M60LF
Bright enough to do the job and runs long enough to get through a shift without a battery change. The flood gives one more peace of mind when looking for something or someone in an unfamiliar environment. Pheriferals can save or kill you as you know.

This is subjective of course. You might run it 40 minutes tops so the brighter M60 would be cool. You mught run it for 6 hours too. You may need a good amount of reach and then again the F variants really light up your surrounding area enough to make you feel more aware of things. This question is very very dependant on what your patrol type is.
Mostly foot patrol
Mostly driving around looking for trouble
Straight highway patrol
Warrants

 

[optodoofus]

It really depends on your needs. The regular M60 drop-in is relatively warm for an LED, and gives you great throw and tons of output. However, as another poster noted, it will not run all night on a set of batteries. The flood version sacrifices throw for better flood. The new warm versions more approximately emulate the light of incan lights and can improve color rendition. The low versions sacrifice otput for increased run time. So, basically, you need to figure out what is important to you and then you can determine which version is best for you.

I have only the base M60. This is my taking-out-the-trash light, and it does everything I need it to do. But runtime is not that big a deal for me (I don't have THAT much trash to take out!)

optodoofus

 

[sappyg]

:welcome:
those malkoffs are the way to go... i chose an m60lf because i like the run time and flood. this is a great drop in especially if you find yourself frequently indoors. the nearly has no hotspot and it will light up a room without disrupting your vision. if you need to reach out beyond 60' i would consider the m60 or m60f.

 

[Niconical]

Take note of all the advice above, it's from people who know what they're talking about.

However, I would add this into the equation.

If it's your first Malkoff (and there will be others, believe me....), I would suggest the M60.

A spare set of batteries in your pocket doubles the runtime, but nothing you have in your pocket can double the output if you choose one of the lower versions.

I'm not saying the lower versions aren't good. In fact, if ever there was a candidate for the title of "Overall best flashlight", the Surefire 6P with a Malkoff M60L would certainly be a contender. Like I said though, if it's your first one and your not sure, go for the M60. Yes, you might find that it's even brighter than you need and you wish you had some more runtime, but that can be solved with spare batteries. If you end up with less output that you wanted, the fact that it lasts all night won't be much consolation.

 

[w8lftr]

Thanks for the help guys, I noticed that even the Malkoff L produces (according to their website) is producing something like 75 more lumens than my current 6p puts out (approx 65).

I played with the 6p last night and noticed the stock bulb/optic combo lights up a room pretty well with the spill beam. Does anyone know how the Malkoff regular and floods compare to that for a comparison?

Thanks w8lftr

PS Where is a good place to learn about things like battery, draw, and the thing called "direct drive"? =NEWB

 

[Sgt. LED]

Here is the difference between the regular optic and the F optic. At this range the 6P incan would have a smaller hotspot than the regular M60.

 

[d_rasp]

I'm using an M60F in my 6P. Never had a regular M60, have other lights for throw, wanted a big, wide, floody light.

Never cared for the beam shots I've seen of this unit - I was totally blown away the first time I opened it up outdoors at night. Something like a yard is just totally full of light in a way I'd never experienced before. The light is so even and wide! I don't have any experience with 'serious' use. I'm a mechanic & the 6P is too big for car work, I use an EX10 for that & it's perfect, so I'll let others guide you re: your work. Just know that the beam shots don't do the 'F' units justice. . .

 

[Sgt. LED]

I have to agree with you.
The F in person is way more effective and pleasing.

Do you want to see part of a yard/room or all of it at once.

 

[brighterisbetter]

I'm not a LEO, but can give some perspective on what the eye sees between some different versions of the Malkoffs. All great advice so far too! :thumbsup:

One of the links in my sigline, this one, shows comparative beamshots of the M60 vs. M60F when shone against a 'perpetrator' backdrop. So how you used that tool is up to you. Regarding the difference between a regular vs. L version, the eye perceives light algorithmically so you probably won't notice a big output difference between those, making the selection lean toward longer output, hence the M60L. Now what I find preferable is to have two beams in one. An easy way to do this is to go with an M60L and throw on an FM34 beam diffuser. This will allow you to mainly use flood, and when a tighter hotspot is needed, just flick the switch on the window and there you go . This would be my preference at least, and it doesn't add unnecessary bulk to the end of your 6P. Good luck finding your perfect light.