Optimize? (Malkoff 3-D Mag Aspheric torch)

TimEggers

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
32
Location
Tiskilwa IL
Hey gang I'd like to be sure my main light Malkoff 3-D Mag with Aspheric lens is the best it can be.

Currently I run 3-D cells, Alkaline.

I don't use the reflector as it seems better (to me) without it. I want a balance between throw and spill (obviously).

Its a great, great light, can I make it even better?
 

Mjolnir

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 19, 2008
Messages
1,711
In all honesty, running a malkoff dropin with an aspheric is not optimal. The SSC P4 emitter emits a lot of its light to the sides (more than with a Cree, I believe), so you are wasting a lot of the light by using an aspheric; more than with a cree. Additionally, the P4 emitter is slightly larger, so it doesn't focus as well. In all honesty, you get a much more usable hotspot by simply using the stock maglite reflector without a lens, and you get spill as well. However, given how focused the hotspot gets, you are never going to get a "balance between throw and spill" with this light; it is mostly throw.

You might be able to increas output by using nimh cells, but I'm not sure how noticeable it would be since the dropin is regulated.
 

tx101

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 17, 2008
Messages
2,357
Location
London UK
+1 on what Mjolnir said

Using an aspheric lens is all about throw with NO spill
You need a Cree emitter for the best results .... the Malkoff uses a SSC P4

But, hey if your happy with the beam, then why not ? :)
 

TimEggers

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
32
Location
Tiskilwa IL
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments. Happy is relative, I'm still learning, so please don't be bashful.

I spent a few hours last night playing around with different lens configurations and drop-in placements with some interesting results.

First with the drop-in installed up a ways (not bottomed out) as in closer to the aspheric lens, the light became a flood monster. Literally a 30ft circle (my entire front yard) illuminated with a very bright and even circle of light.

With the drop-in "properly" installed the flood was less and in fact much like the stock set-up.

I also likes the aspheric better without the reflector.

Again I don't know what is best of which I prefer but seeing the different beams was enlightening (no pun intended).

I'll switch back to the stock set-up with glass lens (I have a 2-year old and want to protect the drop-in if she even found the light).

Either way the 3-D Mag w/ Malkoff is impressive.
 
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