The Malkoff Front Porch

[Schokokeks]

Darn. I just bought an old style cr123 body. Looks like I'm buying 2.

Glad to see an updated clip. I have a special purpose stick I keep around for unscrewing my VME head (otherwise, the clip just scrapes alone the head, haha).

I'm kind of interested in this M361, except the SST-20 version I have is maybe my least used drop-in, haha. The 3500K does look really nice, if you don't have one.

 

[RWT1405]

I'm kind of interested in this M361, except the SST-20 version I have is maybe my least used drop-in, haha. The 3500K does look really nice, if you don't have one.

If you haven't tried your M361 in a "reverse clicky" flashlight, I suggest you give it a try.

I purchased an M361 in 2015 (or so) and I hated the memory feature, and the way it switched levels, so it got placed in one of my backup flashlight boxes and stored away.

I recently purchased some KDLITKER E6-21700's to try and happened across the old M361, placed it in one of the E6 reverse clicky's, and it has become a new (old) favorite, causing me to recently purchase 4 new M361-N's (from Gene) which I really like.

Also, I wouldn't pay $100 for an M361, when I can purchase direct from Gene for much less money, but I guess that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Schokokeks]

If you haven't tried your M361 in a "reverse clicky" flashlight, I suggest you give it a try.

I purchased an M361 in 2015 (or so) and I hated the memory feature, and the way it switched levels, so it got placed in one of my backup flashlight boxes and stored away.

I recently purchased some KDLITKER E6-21700's to try and happened across the old M361, placed it in one of the E6 reverse clicky's, and it has become a new (old) favorite, causing me to recently purchase 4 new M361-N's (from Gene) which I really like.

Also, I wouldn't pay $100 for an M361, when I can purchase direct from Gene for much less money, but I guess that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

That's interesting.

Is it just faster to cycle?

I mostly find myself not using it because for "brighter" uses, I just want something set. I LOVE the modes in the single AA.


Also, if you're not aware, these are $100 because they are using 519A emitters. He sources the ones with the better BIN, so the tint is beautiful. I have the single mode M61 in this same 3500K from Kosen, and the MDC AA in 4500K. They're really, really gorgeous beams.

But yeah, if you're not a tint snob, the SST-20 in neutral also looks great. Head-to-head against a wall, the 519A looks worlds better, but in actual use, I kind of prefer the yellowish SST-20.

 

[RWT1405]

That's interesting.

Is it just faster to cycle?

I mostly find myself not using it because for "brighter" uses, I just want something set. I LOVE the modes in the single AA.


Also, if you're not aware, these are $100 because they are using 519A emitters. He sources the ones with the better BIN, so the tint is beautiful. I have the single mode M61 in this same 3500K from Kosen, and the MDC AA in 4500K. They're really, really gorgeous beams.

But yeah, if you're not a tint snob, the SST-20 in neutral also looks great. Head-to-head against a wall, the 519A looks worlds better, but in actual use, I kind of prefer the yellowish SST-20.

Yeah, I'm NOT a "white wall hunter", as I use my flashlights for work, NOT as play toys

I've been using Malkoff's since 2008, and have at least 50 of them, so yeah, I'm pretty familiar with them

I'm glad you like those

This world would be very boring if we all liked the same things

 

[aznsx]

This world would be very boring if we all liked the same things

Thank you. This bears repeating - particularly on this site;-)

 

[md17]

If you haven't tried your M361 in a "reverse clicky" flashlight, I suggest you give it a try.

I purchased an M361 in 2015 (or so) and I hated the memory feature, and the way it switched levels, so it got placed in one of my backup flashlight boxes and stored away.

I recently purchased some KDLITKER E6-21700's to try and happened across the old M361, placed it in one of the E6 reverse clicky's, and it has become a new (old) favorite, causing me to recently purchase 4 new M361-N's (from Gene) which I really like.

Also, I wouldn't pay $100 for an M361, when I can purchase direct from Gene for much less money, but I guess that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Is it possible to get a mcclicky for a malkoff in a reverse clicky ?

 

[RWT1405]

Is it possible to get a mcclicky for a malkoff in a reverse clicky ?

That I do not know

 

[stuart]

Wilburforce,

I've been out of the loop as well, but can answer a few of your questions. I have the bodyguard, carried it for a while, but found it a bit obnoxious for daily use (8 seconds high, then steps down), so I understand your dilemma. Sounds like you want the Bodyguard body only which would be the "MDC 1 CR123" body on Malkoff's website. You'll have to chose "shrouded" or "unshrouded". I have both. Shrouded will tailstand. Unshrouded easier to push, more "tactical". I like both. All located under "parts" section. No need to buy the whole light.

Single 123 Malkoff bodies have the same compatibility as Surefire E series bodies, and Lumens factory 123 bodies.

Any Malkoff MDC (e series) heads will work, provided the voltage is correct. (don't use a 16340 on a 3v light)

The light you seem to be describing would simply be the MDC single 123 body with a MDC low med high head. They come in neutral or cool. Both can run a 16340 (3.8 to 9v). Don't know about runtime, but would guess about an hour on medium. (70/650/2500 amp draw on low/med/high) 25/250/500 lumens low/med/high

The above setup is also cheaper than the bodyguard. Bodyguard is fun, but really designed for quick burst.

You can put your M361 on the "bodyguard" body (123 body) using the VME and a 16340. My current "camping" light has this set up, except I use a M61WLL. Endless possibilities.

 

[aznsx]

Wilburforce,

I've been out of the loop as well, but can answer a few of your questions. I have the bodyguard, carried it for a while, but found it a bit obnoxious for daily use (8 seconds high, then steps down), so I understand your dilemma. Sounds like you want the Bodyguard body only which would be the "MDC 1 CR123" body on Malkoff's website. You'll have to chose "shrouded" or "unshrouded". I have both. Shrouded will tailstand. Unshrouded easier to push, more "tactical". I like both. All located under "parts" section. No need to buy the whole light.

Single 123 Malkoff bodies have the same compatibility as Surefire E series bodies, and Lumens factory 123 bodies.

Any Malkoff MDC (e series) heads will work, provided the voltage is correct. (don't use a 16340 on a 3v light)

The light you seem to be describing would simply be the MDC single 123 body with a MDC low med high head. They come in neutral or cool. Both can run a 16340 (3.8 to 9v). Don't know about runtime, but would guess about an hour on medium. (70/650/2500 amp draw on low/med/high) 25/250/500 lumens low/med/high

The above setup is also cheaper than the bodyguard. Bodyguard is fun, but really designed for quick burst.

You can put your M361 on the "bodyguard" body (123 body) using the VME and a 16340. My current "camping" light has this set up, except I use a M61WLL. Endless possibilities.

Stuff like this helps people like me who aren't too familiar with the product line.
Thanx!

 

[Wilburforce]

Yeah thanks Stuart,

I have a LMH hi-CRI MDC 16340 head and body incoming, a VME, and might see about a Kosen AA MDC head/AA body if he releases another, as this will give me more body options too...
And definitely want a WLL, as only have an old NL and a SST-20 400K NLLLL. Perhaps a Nichia 519 WLL if one ever comes about..

 

[md17]

Anyone use switch boots other than the Malkoff boots? I have a Dawson Machine Craft soft press and it makes it feel like a different light. Any other options recommended?

 

[aznsx]

I have a Dawson Machine Craft soft press and it makes it feel like a different light.

In a bad way?

 

[md17]

In a bad way?

Nah. In a good way. I know they're a bit gimmicky, but I would like to find a good quality glow in the dark boot. I am going to order some from Dawson if no one has other recommendations.

 

[Johnny Ryall]

Nah. In a good way. I know they're a bit gimmicky, but I would like to find a good quality glow in the dark boot. I am going to order some from Dawson if no one has other recommendations.

I use these, I actually got a bunch in different colors so I could mark lights based off what they are

Premium Tailcap Boot – darksucks.com

Tailcap Boot Heaven...if there is such a thing Custom molded logo buttons to personalize your Alpha or other compatible light This is a standard 14mm switch boot made of injection molded silicone rubber. The inside of the boot contains a "nub" that can be trimmed to length to suit your...

darksucks.com

you just have to trim the inside nipple to your press liking, most of mine I trimmed all the way, kinda a nice to have that option and control over the press.

 

[boo5ted]

Anyone use switch boots other than the Malkoff boots? I have a Dawson Machine Craft soft press and it makes it feel like a different light. Any other options recommended?

The boots from Prometheus work and they have multiple colors also. I have a GITD one on my Dawson Divot.

Premium Tailcap Boot – darksucks.com

Tailcap Boot Heaven...if there is such a thing Custom molded logo buttons to personalize your Alpha or other compatible light This is a standard 14mm switch boot made of injection molded silicone rubber. The inside of the boot contains a "nub" that can be trimmed to length to suit your...

darksucks.com

 

[Wilburforce]

Have a MDC LMH with a Nichia 519A with a 16340 body incoming to me soon. Malkoff I think states to not use unprotected batteries??? This something to stick to?

What would people recommend? My first foray into 16340.. Don't want a USB-C port in the battery.

Think options easy for me to source in the UK are:

Keeppower 16340 CR123A 850mAh Li-Ion 3.7V Protected

Vapcell T8 16340 850mAh - Unprotected

Vapcell P1609A 16340 CR123A 950mAh - Unprotected

Thens there's brands I've never heard of - Arlo, EBL, Soshine,
Trustfire which I remember to have silly specs

 

[scalpel_ninja]

Have a MDC LMH with a Nichia 519A with a 16340 body incoming to me soon. Malkoff I think states to not use unprotected batteries??? This something to stick to?

What would people recommend? My first foray into 16340.. Don't want a USB-C port in the battery.

Think options easy for me to source in the UK are:

Keeppower 16340 CR123A 850mAh Li-Ion 3.7V Protected

Vapcell T8 16340 850mAh - Unprotected

Vapcell P1609A 16340 CR123A 950mAh - Unprotected

Thens there's brands I've never heard of - Arlo, EBL, Soshine,
Trustfire which I remember to have silly specs

Keeppower and Vapcell T8 are good options. I believe Malkoff sells Keeppower batteries on their site, just not the 16340. Given how much the length of batteries can vary, I would verify with Gene before purchasing a Keeppower protected 16340. They also stock the T8.

 

[Monocrom]

Have a MDC LMH with a Nichia 519A with a 16340 body incoming to me soon. Malkoff I think states to not use unprotected batteries??? This something to stick to?

What would people recommend? My first foray into 16340.. Don't want a USB-C port in the battery.

Think options easy for me to source in the UK are:

Keeppower 16340 CR123A 850mAh Li-Ion 3.7V Protected

Vapcell T8 16340 850mAh - Unprotected

Vapcell P1609A 16340 CR123A 950mAh - Unprotected

Thens there's brands I've never heard of - Arlo, EBL, Soshine,
Trustfire which I remember to have silly specs

Gene is a genius. If he says don't use them.... don't use them.
I've used EBL batts. in other lights. They're decent. Nothing special.
You can trust Trustfire.... to be absolute garbage!
Have had good results with Keeppower.

 

[aznsx]

Have a MDC LMH with a Nichia 519A with a 16340 body incoming to me soon. Malkoff I think states to not use unprotected batteries??? This something to stick to?

What would people recommend? My first foray into 16340.. Don't want a USB-C port in the battery.

Think options easy for me to source in the UK are:

Keeppower 16340 CR123A 850mAh Li-Ion 3.7V Protected

Vapcell T8 16340 850mAh - Unprotected

Vapcell P1609A 16340 CR123A 950mAh - Unprotected

Thens there's brands I've never heard of - Arlo, EBL, Soshine,
Trustfire which I remember to have silly specs

I would personally absolutely use a protected cell unless that is impossible. I'm currently using Nitecore NL169 cells in my 16340 lights (which are used daily). I've also had decent results w/ Fenix 16340 cells. I'd be surprised if those brands are not available there, but that said, stuff surprises me every day;-) As a brand, KeepPower is also a viable option.

I did basic tests on the NL169 cells (w/SkyRC MC3000) and was satisfied with the results, and have been satisfied with them in actual use for over a year. They're also relatively short for a protected 16340, if that matters.

Those results (at 1 A discharge rate) were:
Cell #1 - 905 mAh - 0.153Ω
Cell #2 - 913 mAh - 0.158Ω
Cell #3 - 911 mAh - 0.161Ω
Cell #4 - 897 mAh - 0.165Ω

I re-ran the test on the same 4 cells, but this time I used a discharge current / rate of 0.5 A (rather than 1.0A used in all the previous tests) with these results:
Cell #1 - 925 mAh
Cell #2 - 938 mAh
Cell #3 - 940 mAh
Cell #4 - 924 mAh

Cheers!

 

[Wilburforce]

I can get the Nitecore NL169 too, but can get 2x Keeppowers and Vapcells for the price of one Nitecore... albeit at a 100 mAh reduction of 850 to the 950 of the Nitecore...

I'll go for the Keeppower then as max mAh is not critical when have a good system of sorting/charging kit for the next day, thanks guys,