Flashlights - SureFire, Malkoff, SkyLumen, etc.

[fwafwow]

Huge fan of my HDS rotary. It's my EDC and goes with me as backup to my headlamp. That's rotary dial is unmatched in terms of ease of use.

It is pretty sweet. But I’m glad I bought it used!

 

[arlenmyles]

Another vote for Malkoff. Great lights! I run the same zebra light head light and I like my handhelds to run off and 18650 cell as well. Malkoff makes fully potted very durable lights that balance power and run time. Most companies just want to wow you with their high lumen numbers.

 

[fwafwow]

Another vote for Malkoff. Great lights! I run the same zebra light head light and I like my handhelds to run off and 18650 cell as well. Malkoff makes fully potted very durable lights that balance power and run time. Most companies just want to wow you with their high lumen numbers.

I love my Zebralight headlamp but am looking forward to using the Malkoffs

 

[bigbuckdj]

I think your sky lumen lights get so hot because they are comparatively small(low thermal mass), max output focused lights where stuff like Malkoff and zebralight use conservative really efficient drivers to maximize run time at a reasonable output. I haven’t bought anything from skylumen but he sells some slightly modified Acebeam factory lights that look really cool, I may order one.

Have you ever looked into any of the more efficient and durable overseas lights like Armytek? Acebeam makes great lights also but they don’t have potted electronics like a zebralight or Armytek. Acebeam and Skilhunt also make a few cool dual fuel lights that take 14500 or AAs or 18650/2x16340/2xcr123a. Killzone flashlights is in Texas and they sell those lights, I’ve talked to them before and they are very knowledgeable.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Personally, I have found a small AAA light more useful for day to day and carrying a Prometheus Beta for that.

Man I have a silly number of flashlights and my AAA lights easily see the most use. I normally use a pineapple mini or a killzone pen light.

I never heard of Prometheus until you mentioned it but that beta qrv3 may be the best thought out aaa light ive seen.

 

[fwafwow]

I think your sky lumen lights get so hot because they are comparatively small(low thermal mass), max output focused lights where stuff like Malkoff and zebralight use conservative really efficient drivers to maximize run time at a reasonable output. I haven’t bought anything from skylumen but he sells some slightly modified Acebeam factory lights that look really cool, I may order one.

Have you ever looked into any of the more efficient and durable overseas lights like Armytek? Acebeam makes great lights also but they don’t have potted electronics like a zebralight or Armytek. Acebeam and Skilhunt also make a few cool dual fuel lights that take 14500 or AAs or 18650/2x16340/2xcr123a. Killzone flashlights is in Texas and they sell those lights, I’ve talked to them before and they are very knowledgeable.

Thank you. I've probably gone overboard (again) on the ones that are in hand or on the way, so I doubt I will try out others - at least for now. Yes, the Sky Lumen lights do get hot for that reason, but they do pack a lot into a very tiny package. I may sell some of them to narrow what I have.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Thank you. I've probably gone overboard (again) on the ones that are in hand or on the way, so I doubt I will try out others - at least for now. Yes, the Sky Lumen lights do get hot for that reason, but they do pack a lot into a very tiny package. I may sell some of them to narrow what I have.

I kind of did the same. I got some “enthusiast lights” with linear+FET drivers and realized they will burn a hole in my pocket on the higher modes and weren’t very efficient at lower output. Very cool in short bursts, but I’m moving back to better regulated lights. I’m recovering but still have way too many lights.

Brands like zebralight, Armytek, and acebeam have some cool lights that bridge the enthusiast market and ultra durable tactical market. They are still really durable while having the latest emitters available. Some have the dual fuel capability also. If you value that and need a cheaper light, the skilhunts have great emitter options and they have a lot that are dual fuel.

 

[fwafwow]

I'm not a flashlight expert, and there is much more info on other forums on these models.

Pictured from left to right:

• Elzetta G-EDC AA (free with order of other two Elzettas)
• ZebraLight
• HDS EDC Rotary
• Elzetta Alpha
• Malkoff MDC AA
• Malkoff M61 MD2
• Elzetta Bones

Initial thoughts - the Elzetta Alpha and Bones, along with the Malkoff M61/MD2, are much more substantial than any flashlight I've ever owned. The HDS is pretty unique with the rotary function, but I'm not sure how much I will use it. I also am liking the much simpler UI for these.

Now I just have to figure out where each will best serve a purpose - EDC, extra in hunting gear, by the bed stand, car, back door, etc.

 

[maxx075]

Anybody else read fleshlights? No? Just me? Ok then...

 

[bigbuckdj]

I'm not a flashlight expert, and there is much more info on other forums on these models.

Pictured from left to right:

• Elzetta G-EDC AA (free with order of other two Elzettas)
• ZebraLight
• HDS EDC Rotary
• Elzetta Alpha
• Malkoff MDC AA
• Malkoff M61 MD2
• Elzetta Bones

Initial thoughts - the Elzetta Alpha and Bones, along with the Malkoff M61/MD2, are much more substantial than any flashlight I've ever owned. The HDS is pretty unique with the rotary function, but I'm not sure how much I will use it. I also am liking the much simpler UI for these.

Now I just have to figure out where each will best serve a purpose - EDC, extra in hunting gear, by the bed stand, car, back door, etc.

View attachment 818246

Man the zebralight compactness with an 18650 is incredible compared to the aa and cr123 lights around it. I need to get a sc65. Cool to see Elzetta HDS and malkoff making cool stuff in the US. Thanks for sharing.

 

[fwafwow]

Man the zebralight compactness with an 18650 is incredible compared to the aa and cr123 lights around it. I need to get a sc65. Cool to see Elzetta HDS and malkoff making cool stuff in the US. Thanks for sharing.

My pleasure. Yeah the ZL is also an incredible deal as for price.

 

[Marbles]

I'm not a flashlight expert, and there is much more info on other forums on these models.

Pictured from left to right:

• Elzetta G-EDC AA (free with order of other two Elzettas)
• ZebraLight
• HDS EDC Rotary
• Elzetta Alpha
• Malkoff MDC AA
• Malkoff M61 MD2
• Elzetta Bones

Initial thoughts - the Elzetta Alpha and Bones, along with the Malkoff M61/MD2, are much more substantial than any flashlight I've ever owned. The HDS is pretty unique with the rotary function, but I'm not sure how much I will use it. I also am liking the much simpler UI for these.

Now I just have to figure out where each will best serve a purpose - EDC, extra in hunting gear, by the bed stand, car, back door, etc.

View attachment 818246

Nice little collection there. That is the way to do it.

 

[fwafwow]

Nice little collection there. That is the way to do it.

As long as I stop there, and ideally sell or trade any that are surplus/not needed.

Yeah, you know that's a long shot. So it may not surprise you that as much as I think the Bones may be the winner (as of now), I'm already thinking "that thing is perfect for the Mrs. fwafwow's side of the bed. I should look at the Bravo now."

 

[fwafwow]

Zebralight SC65hi is great and seems like the easy button for a general use ruggedized-ish flashlight with a versatile UI. The SC600hi is definitely brighter but is also larger.

Malkoff HA TAC always comes on on ‘high’, as was already said the Bodyguard was designed for defensive use.

I have no idea if it’s worth the premium to you but the Kosen MD2 with twist ring looks slick given your UI desires. It’s also pretty big, and 3500k seems subpar for defensive use.

The one you actually carry is going to be the most useful, it’s probably worth seeing what you’d be willing to carry and going from there.

I just got a limited release Kosen - not for SD, but because I "need" it. SMH. Still working through what I carry and place in various locations.

 

[FZMT]

I just got a limited release Kosen - not for SD, but because I "need" it. SMH. Still working through what I carry and place in various locations.

Which Kosen?

I got the Jetbeam RRT01 to satisfy my need to play with a rotary UI, and while it was nice I’ve returned to the SC65hi.

If the Jetbeam emitter was as nice as the ZL I’d have a much harder time choosing a favorite.

 

[fwafwow]

Which Kosen?

I got the Jetbeam RRT01 to satisfy my need to play with a rotary UI, and while it was nice I’ve returned to the SC65hi.

If the Jetbeam emitter was as nice as the ZL I’d have a much harder time choosing a favorite.

The MDC AA HCRI with 3500k Nichia 519A.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Which Kosen?

I got the Jetbeam RRT01 to satisfy my need to play with a rotary UI, and while it was nice I’ve returned to the SC65hi.

If the Jetbeam emitter was as nice as the ZL I’d have a much harder time choosing a favorite.

I got some nice 4500k 519As. I’ve been thinking of getting one of those jetbeams to swap one into. Is the rotary pretty cool?

The MDC AA HCRI with 3500k Nichia 519A.

Nice light!

 

[FZMT]

I got some nice 4500k 519As. I’ve been thinking of getting one of those jetbeams to swap one into. Is the rotary pretty cool?

The rotary is very cool. If you’re doing the swap I’ve seen people use different gel for the rotary action, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s an improvement over factory, I wouldn’t mind more resistance.