I may go with the stock 4000k AA again or even try the 5700k. Price is better, and I'm at the point where I don't really care too much about the niche of LEDs. Plus I'd hate to spend $185 on another light just when I only need the head. Already have the 3500k in li-ion and it's great
I'm also starting to hope he'll sell just the heads. The M61 drop-ins are great, because I have SO MANY bodies and heads, and so this is the boat I'm starting to find myself in.
I use Convoy T-series to have a 500K gradient of LEDs. I already have the SST-20 4000K MDC AA and the 4500K 519A MDC AA, so I don't think I need another full body MDC AA.
Now, if the amber and reds come out, I WILL be all over those, hahaha.
I actually haven't even gotten any of the 14500 MDCs because I like being able to not have to worry accidentally blowing one of my 1-2V head with a "whoopsie." Once in a blue moon, I swap on my VME and run a 14500, though.
Do you notice any green on that sst20?
Only when I compare it directly to a 519A.
By itself, and in use, it's beautiful. Against a 519A with both on, it's very noticeably green. The lower the level, the more green it is. The 519A seems to render colors well at all outputs, while the SST-20 seems to look less green the brighter it is.
BUT, to be fair, I
prefer a green tint to a rosey one. The yellowish beam of the SST-20 with a green tint is just more pleasant to my eyes, though the 519A is objectively better looking.
If you're a bit of a tint snob AND you don't have an MDC AA, I think this 3500K IS worth the money. The 519A versions look beautiful. If you don't really care about tint, are concerned about the cost, and/or are more curious about the MDC AA (not sure if you'll like it) - or are getting another - I think the SST-20 is just fine.
I think me and
@ilikeguns40 are in the boat of we have a few of these Kosen products AND some of the normal Malkoff variants, so it's less about "Will this be great" and more about "Do I REALLY need ANOTHER $200 light!?" hahah. So, don't let our conversation dissuade you if you are interested.
You could also LEGO together an MDC AA body with a VME head, and then get a M61W (or M61WL or M61WLL) and run a 14500 single mode. OR, get the MDC AA body, VME, and an M31W, and then run a single AA for a single mode ~80lumens. The 3000K SST-20 is very yellow, but less green, if you REALLY hate green, but want a high CRI Malkoff on a budget.
EDIT: Honorable mention: If you want a cost effective, US made, high CRI, warm AA light, the Peak El Capitan in single mode is neat. Runs and Eneloop or 14500, and you can get a floody hear or a normal reflector.