Cloud Defensive MCH: A High Candela Retina Melter
Many people look at flashlights as utilitarian tools. While they aren’t wrong, there is a clear separation between the use and purpose of a regular flashlight and a tactical flashlight. The Cloud Defensive MCH is the latter of the two.
But what’s the difference, right? Most people look at flashlights and think they can use them for everyday tasks if it gives off any sort of light. Well, the Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela (single output) flashlight isn’t exactly a light you’re going to pull out of your pocket and look around the floor for your keys with (I guess you could, but it’s not going to be ideal).
So, what the heck is a tactical flashlight, and why would you even want something like the Cloud Defensive MCH? It’s about the candela and the throw that it produces.
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If you have followed my work or know me personally, you know I’m a gear snob, and when it comes to flashlights, I may be slightly obsessed. Ok, I’m obsessed to the point I may need to see someone about the problem. I’ve lost count of how many flashlights I have lying around my house and in my vehicle (it’s a lot).
But to preface this article, I purchased the single-output Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela flashlight. It’s one mode only. Push the tail-cap, and it turns on at a single setting (regardless of how hard or far you push it). They have an EDC model, but the overall candela of the EDC version is much lower, and I wanted as much throw with my flashlight as possible. They also have dual head options that allow for high and low light use (totally your preference which one you’d want).
If you want to take a peek at the Cloud Defensive MCH I purchased and get even more information on the flashlight, click here.
Disclaimer: I purchased the Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela flashlight with my own money. This product was not supplied to me by Cloud Defensive, they did not pay me or compensate me to speak about their product, and the opinions on this product are solely mine and my personal experience with this high-candela flashlight.
Table of contents
I Thought You Wanted ALL THE LUMENS?
Sure, lumens are cool, and I was totally of the mindset that I needed a product with the highest lumen output possible. But when it comes to using a flashlight in a tactical application, you need and want candela.
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The definition of lumens is nothing more than the total amount of light that your flashlight emits. Generally speaking, such flashlights with high lumens provide a ton of flood and light up a large area. And quite frankly, the Cloud Defensive MCH can do that.
Looking at the specs of the Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela flashlight, you’re still getting 1,100 lumens out the front — not bad at all. In fact, it’s the highest-lumen flashlight I have next to the Streamlight ProTac HL-X (click here to read my full review of this flashlight).
The Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela flashlight is no slouch in the lumen department and can light up a wide area. However, it’s the ability to reach out and touch someone with retina-melting candela that I’m looking for.
The Candela from the Cloud Defensive MCH is Unreal
Why the switch from all the lumens to something with more throw by utilizing higher candela? It’s simple — I want the Cloud Defensive MCH to be a tactical light that I can not only use when outdoors but also be able to carry it as a defensive tool when going places where carrying a firearm is frowned upon and against the law. The hotspot of this light is mind-blowing (or rather, retina melting). The lumens on this beast will melt the face of someone you want to back up away from you (figuratively speaking).
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Candela is defined as the amount of light a device can send in one direction (straight out). Let me explain further. A light with low candela and high lumens will light up an area that is close by with a wide wall of light. But being able to identify something further out is challenging because the light doesn’t provide much throw. Nor is it able to break through photonic barriers like headlights and streetlights.
The Cloud Defensive MCH essentially laughs at photonic barriers and, when it comes to throw performance to reach out and touch (identify) someone, says, “hold my beer, watch this.” With 71,000 candela coming out the front of the Cloud Defensive MCH, your ability to see a few hundred yards out seems like a cakewalk. Try doing that with the flashlight currently in your pocket.
Why the Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela?
As I mentioned before, I have a ton of flashlights, and they each serve their own purpose and function. Would I carry the Cloud Defensive MCH around the house during the day if I’m not going anywhere? No, probably not. I have a more utilitarian flashlight for that purpose (or I’ll just use the light on my iPhone).
But if I’m going somewhere that I may need to light up something in the distance at night, can’t carry a firearm but want a tactical tool, or may need to temporarily blind someone who wants to do me harm, you can bet it’s going to be in my pocket when I walk out the door.
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I also spend a good amount of time outdoors at night on my property, where we have a ton of wildlife, like deer, foxes, raccoons, etc. running around. Being able to spot things at a distance is something I’m looking for in a powerful flashlight.
Due to the rugged design and materials used on the Cloud Defensive MCH, you can also use this as a handheld weapon to strike with. I wouldn’t want to take a hammer-fist to the face/head with this flashlight in someone’s hand. That’s a hard pass. Not only that, but the blinding power of 71,000 candela will have most people begging you to turn it off — it’s actually painful to take a blast from this flashlight to the face.
What Model Did I Purchase and What Are the Specs?
I got the single output Cloud Defensive MCH High Candela version in OD green. Why OD green? Why not? Nearly every flashlight I have is all black, so I decided to go with something different.
The body of the Cloud Defensive MCH is made of aluminum (Type III Anodized to MIL STD) and is powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery. Thanks to the size of the battery, it helps support 1,100 lumens and 71,000 candela out the front of this handheld eyeball-burner. Overall, you’ll get around 150 minutes of use from a fully charged battery.
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In the box, you get some ND (negligent discharge) rings to put on the backend of the light where the button is. This allows you to customize your light to your preference depending on how easily you want to be able to access the button and depress it. You also get a battery charger in the box that allows you to recharge the included 18650 battery to run your Cloud Defensive MCH.
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The length of the Cloud Defensive MCH is 5.175”, the head diameter is 1.20”, and the weight with the battery installed is 5.71oz. This particular flashlight also has an IPX-8 waterproof rating and is able to be fully submersible to 100ft for 24 hours.
Something I really liked about the Cloud Defensive MCH is that it comes standard with a Thyrm Low Profile Carry Clip instead of a metal clip. I’m a huge fan of Thyrm products and will be swapping this clip out for the Thyrm Switchback 2.0 that I have on another flashlight in my collection because I love the retention you get using the ring on the Switchback. Plus, it is easier to index the light using the ring when the flashlight is in your pocket.
Would I Buy the Cloud Defensive MCH Again?
I’m not going to lie, buying this flashlight hurt. A lot. The price point was like taking a direct kick to the nuts. At $219, this is an expensive flashlight. That said, would I do it all over again and buy the Cloud Defensive MCH? Absolutely.
As I mentioned before, all my flashlights have a specific purpose and use. I bought every single one for a reason, and they all have their roles. The Cloud Defensive MCH is no exception.
While the price will make most people’s buttholes pucker up, if you’re looking for a tactical flashlight that you can take on vacation, across state lines, through the airport TSA, and where you can’t carry firearms but need a defensive tool, the Cloud Defensive MCH fits the bill and I highly recommend it.
Here are some other articles I’ve published that deal with lights and may be of interest to you:
Streamlight ProTac HL-X: A Beefy EDC Rechargeable Flashlight
Streamlight Microstream: The Perfect Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
You Need a Specific Home Defense Weapon for Use at Night
Streamlight Super Siege: Rechargeable 1,100 Lumen Lantern
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And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor or tactical ninja, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. And if you are in the market for an EDC flashlight with 1,100 lumens and 71,000 candela, go ahead and pick up the Cloud Defensive MCH High Lumen flashlight. You’ll thank me later.
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