The Moddoolar Triple Wasp head now has even more customization options than before with the addition of two new optics from OVEREADY. Originally available with only the “narrow clear” optic, users may now opt for “medium frost” and “wide frost” versions of the Wasp Optic.
All three optics are available for purchase with any Wasp head. The samples used in this review were graciously provided by OVEREADY.
The Moddoolar Triad is a custom designed tailcap for use with 1″ flashlight bodies such as those from SureFire and Moddoolar. Named in part for the three distinctive lobes at the end of the tailcap, the Triad is CNC machined from solid aluminum and has a hard-anodized finish applied in either a natural (gray) or matte black finish.Continue reading
A few weeks ago I received a phone call from SureFire asking if I would be interested in testing some old 123A lithium primary batteries. How old? Well, the batteries in question were manufactured over 12 years ago, in February 2003. Of course I was interested!
Now that 2014 is behind us the advent of the New Year provides an opportunity to reflect upon the year that was. Over the past 12 months I’ve been fortunate to get my grubby paws on a lot of great products from some of the biggest names in the business, as well as a few that aren’t as well known. This includes more than just flashlights, and in fact some of my favorite products have been the accessories and modifications that make my existing flashlights more useful.
Through it all there have been some products that stood out from the rest so I will start with a dozen noteworthy items that were reviewed here during 2014. Some were brand new products, introduced during the past year, while others were simply new to me personally.
The SureFire Z41 tailcap has been around for quite a while. For more than 25 years this classic design has remained largely unchanged, even as handheld lighting has evolved immensely. Inside its aluminum or Nitrolon shell, the Z41 houses a ruggedly simple switch mechanism that has proven itself to be durable, reliable, and ideally suited for tactical use. With a simple user interface that allows momentary operation with a press of the tailcap, the Z41 ensures the flashlight is easy to activate when needed and, equally important, turns off when the switch is released. Constant operation is achieved by simply twisting (tightening) the tailcap.
Although the Z41, along with its many derivatives, works well for its intended purpose, it’s not perfect for every application. Some would prefer the convenience of a click-type tail switch while others may wish for a lower-profile or more efficient alternative. Whatever the case, the popularity of SureFire flashlights has led to the creation of several aftermarket solutions allowing the Z41 switch mechanism to be replaced using only simple hand tools.
The M91B is the newest addition to the Malkoff Devices line of LED drop-in modules. Like its predecessor, the M91A, the new M91B is designed for use with the Malkoff line of full-size flashlight bodies or as a direct drop-in replacement for the SureFire P90 incandescent lamp assembly used by the SureFire 9P, C3 Centurion, and Z3 CombatLight.
Suitable for handheld and weapon mounted applications, the new M91B is outfitted with a cool white Cree XP-L emitter rated to produce approximately 825 lumens at turn on and 700 lumens during continuous operation. When used in conjunction with a Malkoff flashlight body and high/low bezel ring a 30 to 40 lumen (approximately) low mode is also available. The M91B has a retail price of $89.00.
Anytech Tactical is based near Brisbane, Australia where they develop, modify, and distribute tactical lighting and equipment. In addition to a full selection of tactical flashlights and hosts, they also carry their own line of LED drop-in modules for use with SureFire, Solarforce, and other lights that use the common P60 drop-in format.
Based on the Cree XM-L2 emitter, the drop-ins are rated to produce 800 lumens of output when powered by a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Several different configurations are available with anywhere from 1 to 4 different operating modes allowing various combinations of High, Medium, Low and Strobe outputs.
A sample drop-in module configured for High/Medium/Strobe operation was provided by Anytech for review.
OVEREADY has introduced a brand new line of custom made body extenders which allow owners of SureFire C, P, or Z series flashlights (or any other compatible lights) to reconfigure their lights to use more powerful combinations of batteries. The extenders are sized to accept 18mm (nominal) lithium-ion batteries and are available in two lengths:
Both sizes are available in three anodized finishes – Type II Black, Type III Black (HA Black), and Type III Natural (HA Nat) – with prices varying by size and finish. One type III Natural 18350 body extender and one Type II Black 18650 body extender were provided for this review by OVEREADY.
Along with the launch of the new Alpha flashlight last month, Elzetta has also introduced their unique Speed Clip accessory which facilitates the attachment of Elzetta Modular Flashlights to a pocket, pouch, or belt. The Speed Clip is designed for tool-free installation and allows bezel-up or bezel-down carry with any of the Elzetta bodies, tailcaps or bezels.
A sample of the Speed Clip, which retails for $15.00, was provided for review by Elzetta Design. Continue reading
The OVEREADY Mini TurboHead is a no-holds-barred, high output upgrade for the SureFire 6P, C2, Z2 and other compatible flashlights. Based upon the SureFire Z32 bezel, which was designed for use with incandescent lamp modules, the Mini TurboHead is totally reworked on the inside to accommodate a high performance Cree XM-L2 LED in Cool White or Neutral tint. These modifications allow the Mini TurboHead to produce over 1000 lumens of output while still retaining the stock appearance of the original SureFire bezel.
The Mini TurboHead is available with either of SureFire’s stock hard-anodized finishes, natural (gray) or matte black. A selection of custom stainless steel bezel rings is also available to replace the original plastic ring used by SureFire. The Mini TurboHead may be purchased separately or as part of a complete flashlight with pricing beginning around $200 for the head alone.
A sample of the Mini TurboHead, with black finish and crenelated bezel was provided by OVEREADY for the duration of this review. Since the Mini TurboHead can be used with a variety of different hosts, the review will focus mainly on the head itself. Continue reading