Review: Malkoff Hound Dog V3

Posted on April 6, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The Malkoff Devices “Hound Dog” is a high-output compact flashlight known for its broad yet far-reaching beam. Utilizing a Cree XM-L2 emitter and Don McLeish designed reflector, the Hound Dog is rated to produce as much as 1150 lumens of initial output (1000 lumens continuously for the Cool White version) along with a lower output mode for increased runtime. Two emitter options are available:

Cool White – Cree XM-L2 (6200K U2 bin) rated at 1000 lumens sustained output
Neutral Tint – Cree XM-L2 (5000K T6 bin) rated at 900 lumens sustained output

The Hound Dog can be used with any of the Malkoff MD series bodies and tailcaps and is designed with an operating range of 5.5 to 12 volts, allowing for a variety of configurations and battery options. Current pricing is $110 for the head only, $165 when equipped with the MD3 body, or $169 with the MD4.

This review is based upon the Cool White version of the Hound Dog. Continue reading→

Multi Holsters R1 Lawman Holster

Posted on March 30, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The SureFire R1 Lawman is one of the finest rechargeable duty lights available with a winning combination of solid construction, performance and features (R1 Lawman Review). However, with no holsters or other carry options available from SureFire, many R1 Lawman owners have had to “make do” with gear designed for other similarly sized lights. Thankfully a Michigan company, Multi Holsters, has responded to this need with the first and perhaps only holster designed specifically for the R1 Lawman.

Available with either a one-piece “Multi Roto” or TekLok belt clip, the R1 Lawman holster is priced at around $60 for the TekLok version. A sample equipped with the TekLok clip was provided by Multi Holsters for this review. Continue reading→

Review: Streamlight ProTac HL 3

Posted on March 13, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

New for 2014, the Streamlight ProTac HL 3 marks the company’s first entry into the 1000+ lumen tactical flashlight market. Following a similar design as the previous ProTac HL, the new ProTac HL 3 is powered by three 123A lithium primary batteries and boasts a maximum output of 1100 lumens, with a 35 lumen low mode and a strobe mode also available. The ProTac HL 3 is also programmable, allowing users to select one of three preset programs based upon their needs.

The ProTac HL 3 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $155 and can be found at retail for around $90.Continue reading→

Costa SwitchBack Backup

Posted on March 9, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The Costa SwitchBack Backup from Thyrm LLC is a grip enhancement device intended for use with tactical versions of the SureFire EB1 and EB2 Backup. Designed in collaboration with Chris Costa of Costa Ludus as a “tactical tool that bridges the gap between flashlight and weapon-light,” the SwitchBack Backup allows the user to quickly deploy the flashlight for searching or single-hand shooting techniques, but then quickly reorient the light for use with a two-handed shooting grip. Continue reading→

Review: Malkoff Wildcat V5

Posted on March 9, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

Not content to rest on their past accomplishments, Malkoff Devices has released a newly revamped version of their popular Wildcat high-output flashlight head. Utilizing the Cree MT-G2 emitter, a first for Malkoff Devices, the newest Wildcat is produced in two variations:

5000K emitter: Neutral tint, rated at 1600 lumens initially, 1400 lumens continuously
3000K emitter: Warm High CRI (Color Rendering Index), rated at 1000 lumens initially, 800 lumens continuously

The Wildcat head can be used with either the MD3 or MD4 Malkoff bodies and is designed to operate with lithium primary or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Current pricing for the Wildcat is $169 for the head only, $224 when equipped with the MD3 body, or $228 with the MD4. This review is based upon the 5000K version of the Wildcat. Continue reading→

Review: Klarus XT11 Upgrade Version

Posted on March 5, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The Klarus XT11 is a compact tactically oriented flashlight notable for its cleverly designed two-button tailcap which is used for activation and mode switching. Designed for hunting, military, or self-defense use, the XT11 produces three output levels as well as a flashing strobe mode and can be powered by a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery or two 123A lithium primary cells.

Two variants of the XT11 are available, both using the Cree XM-L2 LED. The original XT11 is rated to produce 600 lumens in its highest mode and features a stainless steel strike bezel. The XT11 Upgrade version has a higher maximum output of 820 lumens and has a slightly more aggressive crenelated bezel ring.

This review is based upon the XT11 Upgrade version which typically retails for around $80.Continue reading→

OVEREADY Extended Battery Capsule

Posted on March 3, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

No one wants to be caught with a dead battery in their flashlight and serious users understand the importance of always carrying spare batteries with them. However, today’s high energy cells are not something you want to just carry loose in your pocket or pack. OVEREADY has a solution for gear junkies everywhere with their line of Delrin Battery Capsules designed to accommodate cells ranging from 34mm to 65mm in length, providing options for any of the commonly used battery sizes. Continue reading→

Review: SureFire UNR Commander

Posted on February 23, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The SureFire UNR Commander is a high-output rechargeable LED flashlight with four output levels – ranging from 30 to 800 lumens – and a high intensity strobe mode. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the UNR Commander is “Dual-Fuel” capable and can operate at lower output levels with two 123A batteries in the included battery carrier.

A six position selector ring and unique 4-function tailcap switch are used to activate the various output modes with the full 800 lumen output always instantly available via SureFire’s MaxBlast feature. The UNR Commander has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $655 with actual retail prices closer to $460. Continue reading→

OVEREADY “Shorty” P60 Host

Posted on February 16, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

OVEREADY offers what is likely the largest variety anywhere of parts and pieces for customizing a stock SureFire or building a 100% custom flashlight. Based upon the SureFire C/P/Z-series lights, these parts are fully modular and interchangeable with stock SureFire parts, allowing users to configure their light exactly the way they want it.

For purposes of this review OVEREADY provided a complete custom host (without LED drop-in) in a “Shorty” configuration set up for use with common P60 style LED drop-ins powered by a single battery. The Shorty earns its name due to its mere 3.2″ length which is over ½” shorter than the similarly styled SureFire 3P. Continue reading→

Costa SwitchBack Tactical Flashlight Ring

Posted on February 9, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

Ask anyone what they look for in a flashlight and they will usually mention characteristics related to the light’s primary job, providing illumination. However, regardless of the quantity or quality of light produced, a flashlight is effective only if it can be deployed in a way that is suitable for the task or mission – whether that be taking the dog for a walk or something more tactical in nature.

Ever since a flashlight was first used in conjunction with a handgun, a number of companies have looked for ways of providing quicker deployment and enhanced grip without interfering with the user’s natural shooting position. Thyrm LLC, in collaboration with Chris Costa of Costa Ludus, is the latest such company to enter the fray with the introduction of their Costa SwitchBack tactical flashlight ring. Continue reading→