Not everyone is interested in "building" their light and would prefer to buy a complete light, ready to go. This installment will look at the currently-available Malkoff turnkey lights with an emphasis on the kind of lights we P-F members are interested in.
Malkoff turnkey lights are categorized by size as follows;
Small Malkoff LED Lights
The Malkoff MDC (Malkoff Daily Carry) lights are essentially the size-equivalent of the Surefire E-series lights. These lights are available in a useful array of models, including 1-AA, 2-AA, 1-CR123A and 2-CR123A configurations. The 1-AA and 2-AA lights have a maximum voltage input of 3.2 volts, as well as a few of the 1-CR123A models. For this reason, it's important to avoid using 14500 Li-ion cells in the AA models, and avoid using 16340 Li-ion cells with those models intended to run only on a single CR123A primary battery. The 2-CR123A configurations have a maximum input voltage input of 6 volts, intended to be used with either two CR123A primary batteries or a single 4.2 volt Li-ion. The voltage range is clearly printed on all MDC heads to avoid any confusion as to what cells are suitable.
IMO, there are a couple of standouts in this category. The first is the
MDC HA 1AA model. Though it's no barn burner, it is perhaps the most useful task light in the category. Able to run on
available-anywhere-on-Earth AA alkaline batteries, or lithium primary AA or rechargeable NIMH AA, it is a light that is built like a tank and can be operated on these common cells. Don't let that low setting of just 0.3 lumens fool you, it is an extremely useful setting for close-up administrative tasks with dark-adapted vision.
The other standout in the group is the
Bodyguard v.1. A compact yet powerful light, it is rated to run on either a 16340 cell to produce 700 lumens, or on a single CR123A primary to produce 400 lumens. Though it is technically a single mode light, it automatically steps down to around 200 lumens after eight seconds. A quick blip of the switch resets the timer and brings it back to full output. For "flash 'n dash" operation that is typically used in a defensive scenario, the step-down does not come into play. For constant-on operation to navigate a dark street, 200 lumens is more than enough and greatly extends the runtime of the light. It's really a great light to EDC in the bottom of a pocket;
Spoiler Alert - the Bodyguard v.1 head has an acceptable maximum input voltage of 6V. When used with a pair of CR123A cells,
its output jumps to over 900 lumens. More on this in the upcoming Lego Build installment.
Mid-sized Malkoff LED Flashlights
These are the Malkoff MD2 (6P size) lights that universally can be operated with either a pair of CR123A primaries or a single 18650 Li-ion cell. While these MD2 lights are (like all Malkoff products) built like tanks and make for superb task lights, they are somewhat underwhelming performance-wise compared to similarly-sized competitive products. There is, however, one exception to that statement and is a superb choice for a fight light - the
MD2-M61HOT model. Rated at 740 lumens and
20,000 lux, this light is a top-choice for a defensive light. Due to the high current draw, the light is intended to be used only with a single 18650 Li-ion cell.
With the addition of either a SF twisty or clicky tailcap and the use of an IMR 18650 cell (needed to fit in the reduced battery compartment length by using the SF tailcap), you can have a light that is only 4-3/4" AOL yet performs like a larger light. This is IMO a really fantastic light as a turnkey option that can be made even better with just a touch of Lego-ing;
A honorable mention in both the small and midsize categories is the
MDC Bodyguard v.2. As a turnkey option, the more powerful v.2 head is placed on a unique E-series size body that can hold a single 18650 cell or a pair of CR123A primaries, which provides for longer runtimes vs. the v.1 turnkey version. The unique body does add considerable length to the light, making it a half-inch longer than the MD2 Lego above. At over 1,000 lumens (and 250 lumens after the 8-second step down to low) the beam provides a nice balance of throw and spill. Unofficially, the v.2 head produces about 12,000 lux making it very suitable as a fight light. But the real value of the Bodyguard v.2 is using the head for some interesting Lego builds - more on that in the next installment.
Large Malkoff LED Flashlights
Though none of the large Malkoff turnkey lights are ideal for EDC, they are nonetheless very sturdy and capable lights suitable for belt carry. The Hound Dog lights are throw oriented with most of the lumens focused in the central hotspot. The reflector-based
XM-L and
18650 models have smooth beams with plenty of spill, while the
Wildcat v.6 uses a frosted TIR lens to create a wide, even wall of light (high lumens, low lux).
The standout in the group is the barn-burning
Hound Dog Super, which is rated at 1,700 lumens and 75,000 lux. It carries well on a belt using a Maglight C-cell light carrier, and is perhaps the
ultimate fight light: 75,000 lux to the eyes (dark adapted or not) is a stunning experience. The light itself (as in typical Malkoff fashion) is built like a hammer, the large head making it a very effective striking tool. In turnkey configuration the HD Super is offered only on the long MD4 body, which provides about an hour of runtime on a pair of 18650 cells. My HD Super is a Lego build using the MD3 body and a pair of 18500 cells, which still provides full output but with reduced runtime (about 35 minutes). It is well balanced for one hand operation (with or without a pistol);
A Gene Malkoff story - in one phone conversation with Gene, he told me of a LEO from the northeast who had contacted him about a broken lens in his HD XM-L
as a result of it being used to break out a windshield. Gene offered to replace the lens free-of-charge so the LEO shipped the light back to him. Upon receiving the light Gene told me it looked like it had been through a war; beat up, the head dented, most of the anodizing scratched off the entire light. Even Gene was amazed that other than the easily-replaced broken lens, the light functioned perfectly. Wanting to keep the beat-up light to add to his collection, Gene offered the LEO a new HD XM-L entire light as a replacement, which was gladly accepted.
Next installment will get to the real meat-and-potatoes of the Malkoff line of products - Lego builds!