Arisaka 300 seems Dim

[OldState]

I have a m300 that just doesn’t seem as bright as it should be. The only other 300 lum light I have to compare is an old Streamlight TLR which seems about 10-15% brighter inside the house (this is for a HD rifle) Also there are asymmetrical rings in the spill. Is the normal? The spill from my Surefires and Streamlight are clean and clear. Could the head be defective?

I’ve changed out batteries...same thing.

[Adrenaline_6]

I have a m300 that just doesn’t seem as bright as it should be. The only other 300 lum light I have to compare is an old Streamlight TLR which seems about 10-15% brighter inside the house (this is for a HD rifle) Also there are asymmetrical rings in the spill. Is the normal? The spill from my Surefires and Streamlight are clean and clear. Could the head be defective?

I’ve changed out batteries...same thing.

Is it dimmer or is the tint more yellow?

[OldState]

Is it dimmer or is the tint more yellow?

Definitely dimmer if I can figure out how to link a picture of the spill and beam spot I’ll put it here. It just doesn’t look like any other light. It’s an non symmetrical halo/ring with a spot in the middle. SF and SL lights don’t look anything like this which makes me think I have a bad head....but this is my only Arisaka so I don’t know what is normal. If this is normal I don’t think I’ll ever buy another one.

[NoveskeFan]

Arisaka sources heads from Malkoff Devices, and depending on which head they have a disclaimer:

"If You are a White Wall Hunter, This is NOT the Head For You (it does not have a beautiful, symmetrical beam on a white wall).

Our replacement head requires that the threads on your body be bare metal. Some earlier Surefire bodies did not have bare threads. If this is the case with your body, you will need to clean the anodize off of the threads."

Are you using rechargeable CR123's? I believe they recommend only using primary CR123's or Li-ion 16650. If the body has bare threads and the battery is in check, I think either company would be willing to take a look and see if something is wrong.

[ggammell]

White Wall Hunter. Epic. Talk about knowing your audience.

[OldState]

Arisaka sources heads from Malkoff Devices, and depending on which head they have a disclaimer:

"If You are a White Wall Hunter, This is NOT the Head For You (it does not have a beautiful, symmetrical beam on a white wall).

Our replacement head requires that the threads on your body be bare metal. Some earlier Surefire bodies did not have bare threads. If this is the case with your body, you will need to clean the anodize off of the threads."

Are you using rechargeable CR123's? I believe they recommend only using primary CR123's or Li-ion 16650. If the body has bare threads and the battery is in check, I think either company would be willing to take a look and see if something is wrong.

Interesting and I never saw that. Using regular batteries. Either way my main concern is that this light is dim compared to the SL of the same lumens. Meaning, it’s visible easier to identify objects down my hallway, etc with the SL. I honestly didn’t really notice the halo until I recently shined both on a wall to compare the brightness. The halo just made me concerned it may be defective.

That said why can’t Malkoff produce a light head that looks like the rest of them? As of now I don’t see the value in Arisaka. I recently picked up a 1000 lumen SF600 pro with the new low profile integrated mount for $199 from Big Daddy. The SF300 Pro (same price as the 600) would be substantially brighter and clearer than the Arisaka for the same money considering you have to buy a mount for the Arisaka.

[NoveskeFan]

Interesting and I never saw that. Using regular batteries. Either way my main concern is that this light is dim compared to the SL of the same lumens. Meaning, it’s visible easier to identify objects down my hallway, etc with the SL. I honestly didn’t really notice the halo until I recently shined both on a wall to compare the brightness. The halo just made me concerned it may be defective.

That said why can’t Malkoff produce a light head that looks like the rest of them? As of now I don’t see the value in Arisaka. I recently picked up a 1000 lumen SF600 pro with the new low profile integrated mount for $199 from Big Daddy. The SF300 Pro (same price as the 600) would be substantially brighter and clearer than the Arisaka for the same money considering you have to buy a mount for the Arisaka.

Agreed. If you can find a Surefire M300/600 on sale, it can be a better deal to just go with it unless you need a different mount. Here’s a pic I just took. Old Surefire M300 on left. I believe it’s under 200 lumens but don’t recall the specific number. Definitely tighter beam pattern. Arisaka/Malkoff M300 on right, I believe 300 lumens. They both do what I ask so no real complaints, just a comparison photo:

[grizzman]

Why don’t you call Gene Malkoff and ask him if it seems to be performing properly?


Which exact head do you own? I have an E1 Hyper and an E1T, but no Streamlights.

[OldState]

Why don’t you call Gene Malkoff and ask him if it seems to be performing properly?


Which exact head do you own? I have an E1 Hyper and an E1T, but no Streamlights.

Didn’t think he would be accessible. The head I have is the the standard they send with the 300. I don’t have in front of me now. I got about a year ago for an 11.5” rifle but haven’t really used it.

[grizzman]

If you call the number on the website, he will likely answer the phone himself. If you send an e-mail, he will likely answer the same day (even after hours if necessary).

You will not find a more accessible business owner.

I’ve given a lot of my money to Gene, and will continue to do so.