Malkoff MDC Lights

[NH Shooter]

I've been carrying a small-but-capable light for a number of years now and have come to appreciate the benefits of doing so. From typical utilitarian purposes to defensive use in conjunction with a pistol, I now find myself lost without having one of these compact lights clipped inside my front pants pocket.

Much like selecting a handgun for EDC, finding a light that best serves your needs can be a daunting task. Like handguns, they range in size from tiny (and useless for serious defensive purposes) to large, heavy and powerful. For me, a Walther PPS 9mm is my EDC pistol, which fits my hands well and I can shoot effectively. For an EDC light, I want something that can ride in my pocket without being noticed, but yet fits my hand well, is durable and has an adequately powerful beam. Another consideration for an EDC light is run time, which for a light small enough to comfortably carry is a matter of striking a balance between output (in lumens) and run time for the cell it uses.

The Malkoff MDC (Malkoff Daily Carry)

Having become a huge proponent of Malkoff lights since my first purchase of one about a year ago, I recently purchased the pieces to assemble a MDC light as my new EDC. Malkoff offers their lights as individual components so you can mix-n-match and assemble one to your own needs/specs, as well as offering complete ready-to-go "turn key" lights. My new MDC is comprised of the following components;

MDC HA 1CR123 Body (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/mdc-ha-1cr123-body-only)

VME Malkoff Valiant Concepts Head (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/vme-malkoff-valiant-concepts-head)

P60 style M61N 300 Lumen Drop-in (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-6p-g2-c2-etc-6-9-volts/products/m61n-to-fit-surefire-and-malkoff)

A Lithium-Maganese IMR 16340 700mah cell (http://www.batteryjunction.com/efest-3277-button-700mah.html) is used to power this particular drop-in which provides about 30 minutes of run time

As I always do, I installed a DIY finger lanyard for easier handling and retention of the light;


http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-2.jpg


Along with the Malkoff components, the VME's acrylic front lens was replaced with a float glass multi-layer broadband AR (https://www.flashlightlens.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=1mm_AR) lens;


http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-1.jpg

As expected, the build quality of the Malkoff MDC is beyond reproach. At 4.0 ounces, it is 40% heavier than the Foursevens Quark that I've carried for a few years, much of the additional weight is due to the Malkoff drop-in module: the LED and circuit board are housed in a heavy brass casing (that also serves as a heat sink) and are embedded in epoxy. The Quark's LED and circuit board are housed directly in the thin-wall aluminum bezel with no epoxy "potting" to protect them. While I've have not experienced any failures with the Quark, its construction is fragile compared to the Malkoff and gets hot-to-the-touch very quickly. At roughly the same size as the Quark, I have not noticed the MDC's extra 1.6 ounces riding in my pocket;


http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-6.jpg


Selecting the Drop-in

The VME head is adapts the larger M31 (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire), M61 (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-6p-g2-c2-etc-6-9-volts) and even M91 (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-9p-c3-z3-etc-9-12-volts) Malkoff drop-ins to the MDC bodies. This is a huge advantage to those who wish to assemble a MDC light to their own needs or specifications, and have the time and inclination to use Li-ion rechargeable cells for those combinations that require them (like the one I just assembled). Just about all of the Malkoff drop-ins can be run with standard CR123A lithium batteries, providing the drop-in voltage requirements are matched to a body that can house the appropriate number of CR123A batteries.

One of the choices in this selection process is the use of a single output or multi-output drop-in. Malkoff offers several Low-Medium-High drop-ins where the mode is selected by multiple activations of the switch, which are ideal for utilitarian uses. The lowest setting allows for long run times while the highest allows for impressive output but for much shorter run times.

Single output drop-ins are favored for WMLs or for hand held lights that are intended for use with a pistol. The advantage is that the light always comes on its highest setting and does not require multiple presses of the tail switch to get to the highest setting, something that would be tough to do under the stress of an self-defense encounter.

Turn Key MDC

For those who wish to simply purchase a complete light to run on CR123A batteries, there are many choices (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/malkoff-led-flashlights) including the larger MDX series, Hound Dog and Wildcat lights. My Hound Dog 18650 (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/malkoff-led-flashlights/products/malkoff-neutral-turnkey-hound-dog-18650);


http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/hounddog-1.jpg


MDC Observations

So far my new "Lego" Malkoff MDC has more than met my expectations. The quality of the beam pattern, tint and robust construction of the light itself are impressive. While the Quark worked well, the MDC is a big step up in quality and durability. For those looking for a quality, made in the U.S.A EDC light from folks who take great pride in their products and service, the Malkoff Devices MDC lights are highly recommended.


http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-5.jpg

[blues]

Love Malkoff's. I have seven including drop-ins: Wildcat, Hound Dog, and three MDC's in 2xAA, AA and 16650 flavors.

Here's a not quite up to date image...missing the MDC AA and the body for the Hound Dog:

19821

[UNK]

Love Malkoff's. I have seven including drop-ins:


I've been carrying a small-but-capable light for a number of years now and have come to appreciate the benefits of doing so. From typical utilitarian purposes to defensive use in conjunction with a pistol, I now find myself lost without having one of these compact lights clipped inside my front pants pocket.

Much like selecting a handgun for EDC, finding a light that best serves your needs can be a daunting task. Like handguns, they range in size from tiny (and useless for serious defensive purposes) to large, heavy and powerful. For me, a Walther PPS 9mm is my EDC pistol, which fits my hands well and I can shoot effectively. For an EDC light, I want something that can ride in my pocket without being noticed, but yet fits my hand well, is durable and has an adequately powerful beam. Another consideration for an EDC light is run time, which for a light small enough to comfortably carry is a matter of striking a balance between output (in lumens) and run time for the cell

Stand by boys. They have a new controller coming soon that is going to be a doozie.

[blues]

Yeah, I pretty much have my lighting needs met at this point...but if I were looking to expand I'd probably be interested.

[Blades]

I need to try your lanyard on my Malkoff. Good little lights.

[NH Shooter]

I need to try your lanyard on my Malkoff.

The finger lanyard is now indispensable for me on EDC lights. Some paracord, break-away couplers (https://www.paracordplanet.com/breakaway-pop-barrel-connectors-black/) and a constrictor knot (http://www.animatedknots.com/constrictor/#ScrollPoint) is what you need.

Flip to back to free hand;

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-3.jpg


The support hand grip I use (bottom three fingers in the normal spot on front of the PPS grip);

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/mdcvme-4.jpg

[NH Shooter]

Stand by boys. They have a new controller coming soon that is going to be a doozie.

Looking forward to learning more about it!

[Hizzie]

I really like the MDC. My preference is 16650 body with Malkoff E2 head.

[blues]

I really like the MDC. My preference is 16650 body with Malkoff E2 head.

I have the E2 head on my Surefire E2e. Agree it's a good one.

[SoCalDep]

Also a Malkoff fan... I have their drop-in for the Streamlight SL-20X and one for my Surefire E2e. I also have an Elzetta with a Malkoff engine. I have total confidence in all three lights.

[Willard]

For those who are interested, or looking to upgrade legacy surefire lights, Malkoff (I am not affiliated with the company in any way, but just picked up a couple of heads for my old Surefire 6Ps largely due to this thread) has their M61 heads marked down from $55 to $39 (boosts output from 65 to 325 lumens). If you sign up for their offers they'll email you a 15% off coupon. Free shipping on orders over $75.

[Unobtanium]

I like the Malkoff, but recently have gone over to surefire for wml, and streamlight for handheld. Just can't beat the output and versatility of streamlight with their dual fuel, and they are very durable.

[Pepper]

I have the E2 head on my Surefire E2e. Agree it's a good one.

blues - is this what you have on your E2E: E2 Super/Scout M600 2CR123 High Output Head?

Thanks,
Pepper

[blues]

blues - is this what you have on your E2E: E2 Super/Scout M600 2CR123 High Output Head?

Thanks,
Pepper

Pepper, that version wasn't available as I recall when I got mine.

Mine is the standard version with 325 out the front lumens. It's more than enough light for my purposes...(tactical or otherwise)...and gives excellent service with a rechargeable 16650 battery in place of the two CR123's I used to use in years past.

It's the same output as the M61 drop-in I use in the 6z.

Hope that helps.

[Pepper]

It's the same output as the M61 drop-in I use in the 6z.

Hope that helps.

Got it! Thanks.

[Pepper]

Double Post

[martin_j001]

This thread prompted me to pick up my first Malkoff light... snagged an M61HOT MD2 with high/low to run on 18650's. Very much looking forward to it. Been carrying Foursevens lights a while now, and Surefire before that (in their incandescent days). The build quality and construction, as well as the two simple output options are what attracted me to this. I'll likely snag a Hound Dog head in the coming months to use on occasion as well.

[Willard]

Amazing what the M61 heads do for an old surefire 6P! It isn't really even the same light anymore. I'll be upgrading any stragglers around the place soon.

[NH Shooter]

Amazing what the M61 heads do for an old surefire 6P! It isn't really even the same light anymore. I'll be upgrading any stragglers around the place soon.

The real fun begins when you become familiar with and start using rechargeable cells. For example with your 6P host, one of these (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-9p-c3-z3-etc-9-12-volts/products/m91b-dropin-to-fit-surefire-9p) and two of these (http://www.batteryjunction.com/efest-3277-button-700mah.html).

[blues]

The real fun begins when you become familiar with and start using rechargeable cells. For example with your 6P host, one of these (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-9p-c3-z3-etc-9-12-volts/products/m91b-dropin-to-fit-surefire-9p) and two of these (http://www.batteryjunction.com/efest-3277-button-700mah.html).

Or, alternatively, one of these batteries (https://www.illumn.com/16650-keeppower-2500mah-sanyo-ur16650zta-protected-button-top.html) with a protection circuit.

Different options depending on one's usage and dedication to maintaining the batteries.

[NH Shooter]

Or, alternatively, one of these batteries (https://www.illumn.com/16650-keeppower-2500mah-sanyo-ur16650zta-protected-button-top.html) with a protection circuit.

Good cell, I have several of them.

In my example above the 800-lumen M91 drop-in requires a minimum of 5.5 volts, thus two 16340 cells to fit a stock 6P body. Run time would be around 30 minutes.

From http://flashlightguide.com/2014/09/review-malkoff-m91b-led-drop/


https://i0.wp.com/flashlightguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Malkoff-M91B-Rechargeable-Runtime.jpg?w=686

[ralph]

Recently dipped my toes into the Malkoff waters, I bought one of their conversions for a 2 cell Mag light...WOW! Talk about improvement! I'd guess this thing is putting out at least 300 lumens.The nice thing about this is that it saves me from burning up my cr123 batteries in my surefire lights,and gives me a light with some decent power, plus, D cells are cheap especially when bought in bulk at places like Sam's club. I'm liking this conversion so much, that I,ll probably get another for my other 2 cell Mag light.

[Willard]

The real fun begins when you become familiar with and start using rechargeable cells. For example with your 6P host, one of these (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/surefire-drop-ins-for-9p-c3-z3-etc-9-12-volts/products/m91b-dropin-to-fit-surefire-9p) and two of these (http://www.batteryjunction.com/efest-3277-button-700mah.html).

So, if I'm understanding you correctly, the M91 head for the 9P works in the 6P with no other modifications so long as I use those rechargeable batteries?

Second question, what charger are you using?

Thanks!

[JohnO]

Help me out guys.

I'm familiar with Malkoff Devices but mostly back when Surefire was pre-LED. Malkoff offered a quantum leap in output at the time with their high output drop in LED heads.

What is the benefit today or what sets Malkoff apart from the numerous vendors offering high output compact LED lights with up to 1000 lumens (or more) and multiple features?

I'm not one of those Flashaholics who frequents the candle power forums so I'm relatively clueless on where the cutting edge resides.

[blues]

Help me out guys.

I'm familiar with Malkoff Devices but mostly back when Surefire was pre-LED. Malkoff offered a quantum leap in output at the time with their high output drop in LED heads.

What is the benefit today or what sets Malkoff apart from the numerous vendors offering high output compact LED lights with up to 1000 lumens (or more) and multiple features?

I'm not one of those Flashaholics who frequents the candle power forums so I'm relatively clueless on where the cutting edge resides.

Here are my reasons for spending the extra to buy Malkoff:

Their gear is built like a tank and meant to last.

They stand behind their products unequivocally.

They are a small family run American business in Enterprise, AL

Their customer service and accessibility for questions or info is unmatched.

I trust them and their products to do what they are supposed to do, rain, shine or bump in the night.

[NH Shooter]

So, if I'm understanding you correctly, the M91 head for the 9P works in the 6P with no other modifications so long as I use those rechargeable batteries?

Correct! The M91B drop-in is rated to be used with an input voltage of 5.5 to 12 volts. Most Li-ion batteries are rated at 3.7 volts, coming off the charger at 4.2 volts and in need of recharging by around 3.6 volts. Two of these batteries in series - as in two 16340 cells - will supply the necessary voltage.

The M61 drop-in I am using needs an input voltage of 3.4 to 9 volts, so a single Li-ion cell will power it.

Of note, regardless of the size of the Li-ion rechargeable cell, most are rated at 3.7 volts. The larger cells simply allow for longer run time.


Second question, what charger are you using?

I am using an Xtar VP2

(https://www.amazon.com/XTAR-VP2-Selectable-Current-Battery/dp/B00K88LH88)

[NH Shooter]

What is the benefit today or what sets Malkoff apart from the numerous vendors offering high output compact LED lights with up to 1000 lumens (or more) and multiple features?



Blues covered well in his post above. I will add the following points;


The vast majority of "Chinese lights" are of lower quality - their build quality is fragile compared to a Malkoff and failures are more frequent.
The higher output is often over stated. Additionally, most will only hold their advertised output for a very short period of time before the circuitry dials them back to prevent over heating.
They are generally gimmicky with many (and mostly useless) programming options.

These lights can be fun to play with but for the ruggedness and reliability professional use requires, they are not in the same league as a Malkoff.

[Leroy Suggs]

NH Shooter and blues summed up Malkoff very well.
They are the best.

I have a MDC in my pocket now and will walk Mac after while using a Malkoff Wildcat,

[Willard]

Correct! The M91B drop-in is rated to be used with an input voltage of 5.5 to 12 volts. Most Li-ion batteries are rated at 3.7 volts, coming off the charger at 4.2 volts and in need of recharging by around 3.6 volts. Two of these batteries in series - as in two 16340 cells - will supply the necessary voltage.

The M61 drop-in I am using needs an input voltage of 3.4 to 9 volts, so a single Li-ion cell will power it.

Of note, regardless of the size of the Li-ion rechargeable cell, most are rated at 3.7 volts. The larger cells simply allow for longer run time.



I am using an Xtar VP2

(https://www.amazon.com/XTAR-VP2-Selectable-Current-Battery/dp/B00K88LH88)

Thanks. That was some good info & I was unaware of any of it.

[NH Shooter]

I have a MDC in my pocket now and will walk Mac after while using a Malkoff Wildcat,

The Wildcats and Hound Dogs are awesome - I use a Hound Dog 18650 (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/malkoff-neutral-hound-dog-18650-head-only) for taking our two for their evening walks. With the high/low switch (https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/high-low-bezel-switch-for-md2) installed, low is more than adequate and a 18650 cell will provide around 100 hours of run time. With a twist of the head to high, 900 lumens/29,000 lux with the quality Malkoff puts into the reflector is magical.

FWIW, in my collection I also own a Surefire PR1 (http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/p1r-b-peacekeeper.html) and 6PX Pro (http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/6px-pro.html), a Streamlight PolyTac (http://www.streamlight.com/en/products/detail/index/polytac) that rides in the glove box of my car, and a small collection of Foursevens (http://www.foursevens.com/) lights. For handheld lights Malkoff is all I buy now.

[blues]

Bumping for an updated Malkoff family pic:

https://image.ibb.co/d1BWbw/malkoff_family_3.jpg

L-R: Hound Dog XM-L (neutral), Wildcat V6 (neutral), Hound Dog 18650, Surefire 6z (M61 drop-in), Surefire E2e (Scout Head), MDC 2AA, MDC 16650 (neutral), MDC 1AA (neutral)

[APS-PF]

Really wish he made an MDC 1 where the switch was on/off and the output was controlled with a head twist.

[Blades]

Bumping for an updated Malkoff family pic:

L-R: Hound Dog XM-L (neutral), Wildcat V6 (neutral), Hound Dog 18650, Surefire 6z (M61 drop-in), Surefire E2e (Scout Head), MDC 2AA, MDC 16650 (neutral), MDC 1AA (neutral)

Nice family.

[blues]

Really wish he made an MDC 1 where the switch was on/off and the output was controlled with a head twist.

The closest thing would be the 1 CR123 TAC which always comes on in high for tactical usage. Drawback is that it only accepts primaries, no rechargeables. I think it cycles from 250-25-3 lumens if done within the allotted time frame otherwise you can do high, then off.

[APS-PF]

The closest thing would be the 1 CR123 TAC which always comes on in high for tactical usage. Drawback is that it only accepts primaries, no rechargeables. I think it cycles from 250-25-3 lumens if done within the allotted time frame otherwise you can do high, then off.

Hmm, that seems usable for my purposes. It beats having to double click my Streamlight protac to get to high and still retain a low beam for utility use.

[blues]

Hmm, that seems usable for my purposes. It beats having to double click my Streamlight protac to get to high and still retain a low beam for utility use.

https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/collections/malkoff-small-led-flashlights/products/mdc-ha-tac-1cr123-flashlight

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0931/7326/products/1_CR123_MDC_ddfca33e-c7ae-496a-81d5-3a55f97a85ea_2000x.jpg?v=1455203396

[JclInAtx]

Hmm, that seems usable for my purposes. It beats having to double click my Streamlight protac to get to high and still retain a low beam for utility use.

My Streamlight protac 2AA came with a default ten tap program of high-strobe-low. I switched it to low-high as that was most convenient for my uses. I was under the impression that all the protacs had similar programming options. Not that I'm trying to dissuade you from getting a Malkoff...

[Trukinjp13]

Okay. Please explain to me the auto switching deal.


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[peterb]

Okay. Please explain to me the auto switching deal.

From the Protac 2L page:

GENERAL OPERATION
The ProTac 1L/2L features a programmable switch with momentary operation (light press or tap) and constant on operation (press until click). The light is shipped from the factory in the default High-Strobe-Low program.
 High: Tap and hold; click to lock on; click again for off.
 Strobe: Fast double-tap (within 0.4 seconds) and hold; click to lock on; click again for off.
 Low: Fast triple-tap (within 0.4 seconds per tap) and hold; click to lock on; click again for off.
Accessing Other Programs
The ProTac 1L/2L features a TEN-TAPTM programmable switch allowing the user to select one of three different programs. To change to the next program, starting from the “Off” position, tap the switch rapidly 9 times (within 0.4 seconds per tap) and hold it down the 10th time. Continue holding the switch until the light turns off (approximately 1 second), then release the switch. Available programs are High-Strobe- Low (Factory Default), High Only or Low-High

[Trukinjp13]

Im sorry. I meant the auto programming on the malkoff head. The leave it on for over a second or under a second deal.


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[blues]

Im sorry. I meant the auto programming on the malkoff head. The leave it on for over a second or under a second deal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With Malkoff lights, if the light has more than one mode it is achieved in one of two ways.

If it has a high - low ring, a partial turn of the head is all that is required to go back and forth between low and high.

If it has an on / off switch, each press of the button accomplished in something under a second advances through the settings. Low, Medium, High or the like. If you wait a second or more, the light will just shut off when pressed. These switches also have momentary on as well.

(Some of the lights can also be "staged" but that's not something that's normally part of the process.)

[Trukinjp13]

With Malkoff lights, if the light has more than one mode it is achieved in one of two ways.

If it has a high - low ring, a partial turn of the head is all that is required to go back and forth between low and high.

If it has an on / off switch, each press of the button accomplished in something under a second advances through the settings. Low, Medium, High or the like. If you wait a second or more, the light will just shut off when pressed. These switches also have momentary on as well.

(Some of the lights can also be "staged" but that's not something that's normally part of the process.)

Thank you. I really love my quark tactical switching. Which is why I am leaning towards Elzetta. High/low clicky. With bezel twist for hi to low. Simple and just works


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