Just wondering if there were other US-made options besides custom lights. You’d think we could field our own for the price of something like an Acebeam.
Malkoff, Cloud Defensive, Modlite?
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I think I’ve heard of Malkoff before but Cloud Defensive and Modlite are new to me. It is disappointing that they are all seemingly focused on the firearms scene because I think that’s partly where the price inflation comes from. People are in a different spending mindset when looking for firearms accessories vs shopping at Menards. I strongly question whether it is necessary to charge $300 for a small light in order for the company to be viable in the US.
I’m curious to see what will emerge if tariffs affect the prices on Chinese lights. I would like to see a pedestrian focused US company make something better than a Maglight, but maybe not as overbuilt as the gun lights for a more reasonable cost.
They are focused on fireaems because there is virtually no other application that requres build quality like that.
Another US option that is arguably equally good but less expensive is Streamlight. Streamlight is use by almost all fire departments most police departments throughout the country.
I’m familiar with Streamlight–I’d say they are still more defensive focused and their offerings are still prioritizing “SHTF” usage rather than features the average person would want.
I think what we need is a US equivalent to Acebeam. High sustained outputs and a high degree of polish. Something to buy off the shelves for about $100 that puts the other hardware store offerings to shame.
Have you been reading the news lately where minimum wage is on the path to being $20/ hour.
Many Streamlight products are made in China. If country of origin is important to you, check the documentation for the model you’re considering on their website.
If companies like SureFire are paying their employees sub $20/hr while charging $300+ a light, then they deserve to fail.
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Malkoff doesn’t even offer a firearm-specific light.
Malkoff started his company by first offering “replacement LED drop-in modules” for Maglite C & D flashlights. The company then evolved into offering high quality LED drop-ins designed specifically to replace the Incandescent modules of Surefire’s C, G, P, Z flashlights.
Malkoff then created an expanding & evolving line of handheld flashlights with potted electronics that appeal to the law enforcement community. With the availability of various firearm mounts, these flashlights can be used with rifles & shotguns.
Personally, I encourage you to browse Malkoff.com to find a light that fits your needs!
I think you are replying to the wrong person. I never said that.
I really dont think you understand how the world works. Companies want to maximize profit, this goes for any company.
You said:
I never said the country of origin was important to me.
Country of origin seems to be important to OP. Sorry for the confusion.
Products are priced at what the consumer will pay for them, not what thwy’re actually worth. Surefire’s consumers are big-budget government agencies and gun people, both of which will pay 300 dollars for a small light.
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Oh I understand. And I repeat, if they are charging $300 for a light and paying employees less than $20/hr they deserve to fail.
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I don’t disagree with any of that. It just seems to me that US light companies are missing a market segment. Namely, people who want a better flashlight but don’t have any interest in tactical stuff. Now, at this point in time that market may be cornered by China but that might change in the future.
You’re right, I think I was confused because I hovered over some dropdowns on the Malkoff site and there was Surefire stuff everywhere which led me to believe it was so closely associated as to be basically the same type of product. Looks like they actually make aftermarket parts for Surefire which is pretty neat. I’ll look into Malkoff some more.
EDIT: Actually I see that they reference recoil on several product pages, so they are still essentially making weapon lights although they do not have integrated mounts. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with that but it serves a different market segment with different spending habits. I’m also a little disappointed that their expensive $300 light which is under there Large category is only big enough to hold 4 CR123A cells. Still more affordable than Surefire I guess!
After watching several flashlight destruction tests on YouTube, I am less convinced that American flashlights really have better build quality than well-known Chinese brands.
I myself have thought about how an enthusiast company could start here in the US, mainly from getting frustrated with the shipping and communication from foreign brands. But also, I think the FW line of flashlights have tons of untapped potential, and I don’t think the idea should die just because Lumintop couldn’t deliver a good product.