For 2014 Elzetta is releasing a Limited Edition version of their popular Bravo flashlight with the high-output AVS head. Notable for its natural (gray) hard-anodized finish, the 2014 Limited Edition Bravo is equipped with a crenelated bezel ring and offers a choice between two tailcap and two lens options, providing four unique configurations.
The 2014 Limited Edition Bravo retailed for $215 and was available for purchase directly from Elzetta.
Since their introduction a few months ago, the triple-emitter Sportac LED drop-in modules for SureFire hosts have been very popular with enthusiasts looking to boost the output from their P60 SureFire lights. Featuring all brass heatsink construction, the Sportac triples provide a single output level and are available with a choice of emitters, either Cree XP-G2 S2 Cool White or Nichia 219 High CRI (Color Rendering Index) LEDs.
Sportac also manufactures drop-ins with a heatsink sized for the common 18650 P60 hosts from manufacturers other than SureFire. Those 18650 P60 drop-ins will not fit SureFire lights due to the heatsink being squared and not tapered at the bottom.
This review will focus on the Cool White XP-G2 and High CRI Nichia 210 triples for SureFire hosts. Both drop-ins retail for less than $40. Continue reading
The FOURSEVENS Regen MMR-X is a high-output rechargeable flashlight capable of producing a maximum of 800 lumens in a short duration “Burst” mode and offers up to three lower output levels along with four special strobe/flashing modes. The MMR-X is user programmable, allowing the choice of any one of five distinct output configurations, ranging from a single output mode to having all eight available. The extremely compact MMR-X is also the first FOURSEVENS product to provide micro-USB recharging capability for the included proprietary lithium-ion 18650 battery.
The MMR-X has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $100. The sample used in this review was provided by FOURSEVENS.
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:
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
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
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:
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
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
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
The SureFire R1 Lawman is a rechargeable high-powered LED flashlight designed for law enforcement use and features a maximum output of 750 lumens triggered by user programmable head and tailcap switches. The R1 is capable of providing up to 5 different modes of operation including momentary high output; constant-on high, medium, and low outputs; and a high intensity strobe.
Normally powered by a proprietary lithium-ion battery, the R1 is “Dual-Fuel” capable and may also be powered by two primary or rechargeable 123A cells using the included battery carrier. When powered by 123A primary cells, maximum output is limited to 500 lumens and runtimes are reduced by approximately 25%.
MSRP for the R1 is $455 with actual retail pricing below $350.
The Malkoff Devices “Wildcat” is a high powered yet relatively compact flashlight characterized by its blazing output and wide beam pattern. Utilizing three Cree XP-G2 emitters, the Wildcat is rated to produce up to 1350 lumens initially (1150 lumens continuously) and also has a low mode which provides 40-50 lumens.
Continue reading