Review: Cloud Defensive MCH Flashlights

Editor’s Observe: With impeccable timing, a brand new model of the Cloud Defensive MCH was announced this week. It seems to handle my critiques later on this article, and I am at the moment engaged on getting a pattern of the up to date MCH to check. When that occurs, I am going to publish a follow-up. Till then, learn on for my overview of the original MCH, which continues to be out there for buy on Cloud’s web site at a decreased value of $165.

Modularity is a comfort we regularly take without any consideration. Lots of the necessary gadgets we buy use modular designs to permit customization and upgrades, both on the time of buy or later down the road. For instance, look again on the early days of the car. In 1909, Henry Ford famously mentioned every Mannequin T purchaser might “have a automobile painted any coloration that he desires as long as it’s black.” Quick-forward to right now — while you purchase a brand new truck, you’re introduced with an almost-overwhelming record of submodels, trim ranges, manufacturing unit choices, and dealer-installed gear. Would you want two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive? Gasoline or diesel? What number of doorways? Which mattress size? And we gained’t even get began discussing all of the paint colours, upholstery types, and different cosmetics you may choose. Since our autos are costly gadgets we depend on day by day, it is smart to think about the choices fastidiously earlier than shopping for.

Above: The Cloud Defensive MCH pictured alongside a few of my different EDC gear — modified Glock 45 in LAS Concealment Ronin L holster, Skeleton Optics glasses, Spyderco Para 3 knife, Bertucci A-4T watch, and Zippo lighter.

Flashlights are one other necessary device many people depend on day by day, and we’d argue that the configuration of your flashlight may be simply as necessary because the configuration of your car. Very similar to settling for a two-wheel drive truck may trigger you to get caught in the midst of nowhere, settling for a flashlight with low output or quick battery life can go away you stumbling round at nighttime. You need to all the time do your homework earlier than shopping for any flashlight — particularly one you carry day by day.

WMLs vs. Handhelds

Above: This 11.5-inch SBR incorporates a Cloud Defensive REIN weapon-mounted gentle, which shares some design options and parts with the MCH handheld flashlights.

Anybody who has arrange a weapon-mounted gentle (WML) on a rifle is aware of that modularity is the secret. WMLs such because the SureFire Scout and Streamlight ProTac may be configured with varied physique lengths, heads, tailcaps, and distant strain switches. They can be put in in varied Picatinny, KeyMod, and M-LOK mounts from their respective producers or a large number of aftermarket firms. Sadly, the identical can’t be mentioned for many handheld flashlights, which are sometimes offered in a “one dimension suits most” configuration. In case you’re fortunate, you may select from a couple of sub-models or swap some components, however the modularity is mostly rather more restricted.

The Cloud Defensive MCH Components

The Mission Configurable Handheld (MCH) from Cloud Defensive was created from day one as a fully modular flashlight platform. All 4 of its primary parts may be combined and matched:

  • Head
  • Physique
  • Tailcap
  • Pocket clip

Learn on as we study the choices that the MCH presents in every of those classes.

Head
Arguably crucial components of any flashlight are its emitter and reflector, since these two parts decide the brightness, effectivity, coloration, and beam sample. Collectively, they’re referred to as the pinnacle, which is acceptable since in addition they include the digital mind that manages the sunshine’s features (brightness modes, thermal regulation, voltage regulation, and so on.). 4 heads can be found for the MCH:

  • HC Single Output
  • HC Twin Output
  • EDC Single Output
  • EDC Twin Output

Above: To the bare eye, the HC and EDC heads look comparable, however the sudden flash of our studio lights revealed Cloud’s proprietary lens coating on the HC. It shifts gentle output from a heat hue to a extra impartial white.

The Excessive Candela (HC) head is precisely what its title implies. For these unfamiliar with the time period, candela is principally a measurement of the depth of a beam of sunshine. It’s necessary to tell apart this from lumens, which measure the whole amount of emitted gentle. Lumens let you know how a lot gentle is produced; candela tells you ways that gentle is concentrated. So, the HC presents a tightly centered beam sample that’s perfect for throwing gentle lengthy distances and pushing via limitations resembling tinted home windows. This head produces a most of 71,000 candela and 1,100 lumens. It additionally incorporates a proprietary glass coating that generates impartial white gentle (5,200K).

The Each-Day Carry (EDC) head is much less specialised than the HC head, with a steadiness between robust candela and vast spill. It’s preferable for short- to medium-range common use. Most output is 40,000 candela and 1,400 lumens; coloration temperature (4,500K) is hotter than the HC and just like an incandescent gentle bulb.

Single or Twin Output
Every of the heads is obtainable in both a Single Output or Twin Output model. Single output is self-explanatory — full energy on a regular basis. Twin output toggles between 100-percent energy and a 10-percent-power low setting (e.g. 4,000 candela/140 lumens with EDC head) every time the button is pressed. That is helpful for close-up duties, resembling studying a map.

Above: This Cloud-Defensive-branded Nitecore charger is included with each MCH. It presents an additional slot for a spare battery, so you may all the time have one topped off.

Physique
Two physique sizes can be found for the MCH: Full Dimension and Micro.

The Full Dimension physique makes use of a bigger 18650 rechargeable battery and measures 5.2 inches lengthy together with head and tail cap. Most run time at full output is 120 minutes with the EDC head or 150 minutes with the HC head.

The Micro physique makes use of an 18350 rechargeable battery and measures 4 inches lengthy with head and tail cap. As you’d count on, most run time will probably be shorter with a smaller battery, particularly 35 minutes with the EDC head or 50 with the HC.

Above: An orange flat-top 18650 battery comes with the MCH. It might additionally settle for most button-top cells, such because the blue one pictured right here. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be used with CR123 batteries — doing so will void the lifetime guarantee. (Observe: This isn’t the case for the brand new “twin gasoline” MCH.)

Tailcap
There’s just one tailcap included with every MCH, however it’s nonetheless modular because of Cloud’s patented Adjustable Negligent Discharge Safety system. This includes a set of three included, interchangeable polymer rings that thread into the tail cap across the rubber activation button. With the thinnest ND Protector ring put in, the MCH’s button is extraordinarily simple to activate, however it’s additionally simple to press inadvertently whereas it’s in a pocket or pouch. The polymer rings get progressively thicker, with the thickest requiring a really deliberate press to the middle of the button to activate the sunshine.

Above: Three ND Protector rings are included with the MCH: massive, medium, and small.

Above: The ND Protectors thread into the tailcap across the rubber activation button.

Pocket Clip
Lastly, now we have the clip that retains the sunshine in a pocket. Every MCH ships with a Thyrm Lo-Professional pocket clip, which (opposite to its title) is comprised of a comparatively thick however very sturdy polymer materials. There’s additionally an optionally available Thyrm Switchback clip, which features a pocket clip plus an built-in finger ring. The ring gives elevated retention of the sunshine for high-intensity actions like capturing or grappling, and it can be used alongside a pistol in a two-handed grip (the Switchback Method).

Cloud Defensive additionally states {that a} metal, deep-carry pocket clip will probably be provided for the MCH. Nonetheless, the product web page mentions that this metallic clip is “at the moment seeing manufacturing delays” and doesn’t present an ETA for its availability. At time of writing, the MCH has been out there for nearly 10 months, however the clip hasn’t turn into out there but.

Colours
In case all these choices weren’t sufficient for you, Cloud Defensive additionally presents 4 colours to select from. There’s black, flat darkish earth, olive drab, and clear anodized; the latter merely reveals the pure grey coloration of the 6061-T6 aluminum the MCH is comprised of. The corporate has even provided restricted runs of “Moonshine” MCHs, which use random mixtures of mismatched colours (e.g. FDE head with black physique and OD inexperienced tailcap).

My Impressions

I acquired a pair of MCHs to check and have carried no less than one in every of them day by day for practically a 12 months. I’ve used them in all kinds of environments, from the capturing vary to the storage to distant mountaineering trails and have developed some opinions on points of the MCH I like and points I’m not so keen on.

MCH Configurations
Because of the modular design, I used to be in a position to order and arrange these MCHs precisely how I would like them. Run time is a a lot greater precedence for me than saving a small quantity of pocket area, and I desire a lightweight that’s lengthy sufficient for a full-fist grip, so the Full Dimension was an apparent selection for each lights. I additionally went with the sleeker Lo-Professional pocket clip with out the Switchback ring for each lights.

Above: This photograph reveals the distinction between the massive and small ND Protectors. Every offers the sunshine a barely completely different activation really feel.

One MCH is about up with a HC Single Output head and the thinnest ND Protector ring. That is what some folks would name a “tactical” flashlight on account of its specialised nature, and it’s the sunshine I attain for if I would like long-distance or extremely centered visibility. It spends most of its time within the middle console of my truck and will get used for duties resembling scanning darkish parking heaps.

The opposite MCH is about up with an EDC Twin Output head with the medium ND Protector. This gentle may be present in my pocket more often than not; I believe the flexibility of two brightness modes and a balanced beam sample is right for every-day carry. I additionally like slightly additional safety on the activation button to forestall the sunshine from turning on and burning a gap in my denims (or simply draining the battery).

The Professionals

There’s so much to love concerning the Cloud Defensive MCH. Though it’s not excellent (extra on that shortly) the MCH EDC Twin has turn into my favourite day by day carry gentle in the meanwhile. The MCH HC Single can also be an impressive device, however one I discover myself needing much less often.

Energy: Each variations of the MCH are surprisingly efficient at slicing via the darkness, and that’s one thing you may’t know from numbers alone. The particular mixture of lumens, candela, and coloration temperature trigger these lights to really feel potent, even when used side-by-side with comparable lights from SureFire and Streamlight. I used to be additionally pleasantly stunned to see how a lot long-range throw the EDC head has — it’s not as efficient because the HC, however it’s no slouch.

Rechargeability: Frankly, I’m bored with continuously changing the disposable CR123 batteries in my different flashlights. It’s tedious, costly, and possibly polluting the habitat of some endangered frog species. Recharging the 18650 battery is handy, and the included dual-slot charger permits me to maintain a spare able to swap in at any time.

Reliability: I don’t use my flashlights as hammers, however they do get dropped often and uncovered to moisture, mud, and dust. I haven’t encountered any malfunctions with both of my MCHs, which is greater than I can say for among the different flashlights I’ve owned. The ND protector additionally counts towards this level, because it helps stop the sunshine from shining into my pocket till the battery dies.

Modularity: It’s nice that the MCH ecosystem has so many choices to select from. I additionally admire that the parts are interchangeable with Cloud Defensive’s REIN collection of weapon lights; the MCH HC is basically a REIN 2.0 you may carry in your pocket.

The Cons

No Mode Reminiscence (Twin Fashions Solely): If there’s one factor that has made me think about switching to a special flashlight, it’s this. I like the comfort of getting two output modes, and extra importantly, two helpful output modes (not 1,200 lumens or 5 lumens — I’m taking a look at you, SureFire EDCL2-T). However I hate that I’m all the time questioning which output mode I’m going to get after I activate the sunshine. That’s as a result of, not like most different dual-mode lights available on the market, Cloud’s dual-mode head has no mode reminiscence. It merely alternates via a high-low-high sequence with every button press.

SureFire handled this subject by all the time defaulting to excessive mode, whereas a fast double-tap offers you low mode. Streamlight has a extra advanced programmable Ten-Faucet system that lets customers select between high-strobe-low, excessive solely, or low-high sequences (every toggled by double- or triple-taps of the swap). Both method, with these producers I all the time know which mode I’m getting the primary time I activate the sunshine — not so for the MCH.

In case you can keep in mind to stage the sunshine in your most well-liked mode by biking to the earlier mode each time you flip it off, there’s no drawback. In actuality, you’ll most likely find yourself tapping the button a couple of instances to finish up on the proper mode every time you utilize a dual-mode MCH. That won’t sound like an enormous deal, but when your eyes have acclimated to darkness, you could quickly blind your self by unintentionally activating all 1,400 lumens.

Imperfect Pocket Clip: It is a comparatively minor gripe, however I’m not offered on the Thyrm Lo-Professional clip that’s at the moment included with the MCH. It really works, and I’ve no doubts about its sturdiness, however it’s a lot bulkier than a typical metallic pocket clip. Cloud initially promised a metallic clip for the MCH, however it’s nonetheless nowhere to be seen. I perceive that manufacturing delays occur, however I’m slightly disenchanted that the clip continues to be unavailable after 10 months.

Closing Ideas

General, I’m proud of the MCH, particularly contemplating that is Cloud Defensive’s first handheld flashlight design. With the current launch of the REIN 3.0 weapon gentle — which presents 100,000 candela and dual-fuel 18650/2xCR123 compatibility — it appears seemingly that there will probably be an up to date model of the MCH that makes use of the brand new REIN head. If this additionally consists of dual-mode reminiscence and a metallic pocket clip, it’ll be powerful to beat. (Editor’s Observe: It seems these up to date MCH predictions had been appropriate, however as a substitute of the twin mode reminiscence I hoped for, Cloud Defensive created a programmable 5-mode system! I am wanting ahead to testing it quickly.)

SOURCE
Cloud Defensive > clouddefensive.com


Put together Now:

Disclosure: These hyperlinks are affiliate hyperlinks. Caribou Media Group earns a fee from qualifying purchases. Thanks!

STAY SAFE: Obtain a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Problem

In subject 12, Offgrid Magazine took a tough have a look at what you need to be conscious of within the occasion of a viral outbreak. We’re now providing a free digital copy of the OffGrid Outbreak subject while you subscribe to the OffGrid e-mail e-newsletter. Join and get your free digital copy

Related Posts

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Stay Connected

0FansLike
3,818FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe

Recent Stories