Preface
The Bodyguard is part of the MDC (Malkoff Daily Carry) Series and is one of the newer models released.
This model was specially designed (and requested) by a specific department and is now made available to the public.
From Genie Malkoff (Owner of Malkoff Devices, Inc.) – “They were looking for something small enough for carry in a suit breast pocket and bright enough for close range temporary blinding and identification. They also wanted it to come on in high every time (no exceptions). They knew that battery life and over heating would be an issue. I suggested the timing idea. It was decided that if implemented properly, this could be a novel solution.”.
Notes:
- This review is based on the so called “V1” version as there is a V2 version that is sold with a 18650 body (Malkoff MDC Bodyguard V2 18650).
- The difference between the “V1” and V2 is the operating voltage range of 3.0V to 6.0V and 3.4V to 6.0V respectively. Correspondingly, the V2 head will produce more lumens within when the voltage input is within it’s operating voltage range.
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the light will come with as shown below.
- Packaging is fairly minimalist with the signature “Malkoff” box and “ziplock” bag.
- The “ziplock” bag comes labelled with the model of flashlight purchased (MDC Bodyguard).
- The threads and o-ring were mildly lubricated. Threads were rather smooth and clean (no gritty feeling).
- The threads are e-series compatible which makes this light compatible with all of the other e-series flashlight heads and bodies.
- Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs.
- The removable Tactical Grip Ring helps provide the ability for the Rogers/SureFire hold method.
- Black clip is not reversible and are held down firmly by 2 x Hex screws.
- The pocket clip has sufficient tension to ensure that the light will stay clipped to any material to prevent the light from falling out.
- The unshrouded (not recessed) tail switch utilises the McClicky switch, which requires a slightly firm press to activate.
- Momentary activation is easily accessible with this unshrouded switch and a “full constant ON” is accessible only if the tail switch is depressed beyond the tailcap’s protrusion.
- Fully potted electronics for hard usage and will withstand abuse from recoil (if attached as a weaponlight).
- No holster and/or lanyard are provided.
- The battery compartment’s negative terminal has a battery bumper that will absorb and shield the switch from being crushed, in the event of any severe impacts from the battery during drops/hard usage.
- Battery compartment holds a AW 16340 battery with sufficient room for a slightly thicker battery width.
- The provided non-proprietary CR123A battery will work in other flashlights. In addition, other CR123A or 16340 batteries will work in this battery tube too.
Box:
Side:
Box Contents:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Black HAIII Aluminium
- LED: Cree XP-L Cool White (6200K)
- Battery Format (Voltage Range: 3.0V to 6.0V): 1 x 16340/RCR123A , 1 x CR123A OR 2 x CR123A ONLY
- Output & Runtime (with 1 x 16340/RCR123A Battery):
- High – (800 lumens) → HIGH will last for ~10 sec before dropping to LOW mode each time
- Low – (200 lumens / 15min to 60min) → Runtime is dependent on how often HIGH is activated
- Output (with 1 x CR123A Battery):
- High – (600 lumens) → HIGH will last for ~10 sec before dropping to LOW mode each time
- Low – (175 lumens)
- Output (with 2 x CR123A Batteries) – with a E-series body that can take 2 X CR123A Batteries:
- High – (900 lumens) → HIGH will last for ~10 sec before dropping to LOW mode each time
- Low – (180 lumens)
- Waterproofness: Rating not available
- Dimension: 95.25mm (length) x 25.4mm (head diameter)
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Made in USA. Some parts not domestically sourced.
- Accessories Included:
- 1*The Battery Station CR123A battery
- 1*Clip
- 1*Tactical Grip Ring
- Optional accessories:
- MDC SS Bezel Ring – MSRP: $21.99
- MDC SS Crenelated Bezel Ring – MSRP: $26.99
- MDC Bezel Tool (for removing/replacing current Bezel Ring) – MSRP: $21.99
- Battery Bumper Kit – MSRP: $4.00
- MDC Lens Kit – MSRP: $4.00
- MSRP: $179.98
Notes:
- For our sample, HIGH mode automatically steps down to LOW mode within ~9 sec instead.
- Since Voltage Range is stated as 3.0V to 6.0V, voltages greater than 6.0V may damage this flashlight. This means that using 2 X CR123A batteries (with a E-series body that can take 2 X CR123A batteries) is the maximum limit of the acceptable voltage input.
UI (User Interface)
UI for this light is suitable for both Every Day Carry (EDC) and tactical usage as it is simple and straightforward to use.
Switching ON and OFF is done by the tail mechanical switch on the light, so momentary activation is possible.
Normal Operation
From OFF:
- 1/2 Press – Direct access to MOMENTARY HIGH.
- 1 Click – Direct access to HIGH; light will step down to LOW after ~10 seconds.
Note: For our sample, HIGH mode automatically steps down to LOW mode within ~9 seconds instead.
From ON:
- 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
- 2 Clicks (after step down to LOW) – Light will switch back to HIGH mode again.
Form Factor
For flashlights that are intended to use on a daily basis (EDC)/tactical EDC and for possibly a slightly long period of time, form factor is extremely important.
This light feels well balanced (not head/tail-heavy) and the body portion fits perfectly in a clenched medium sized hand, leaving the thumb to fall exactly onto the tail switch for easy activation.
The newly designed “ridges-style” knurling on the body of this light enables it to be sufficiently “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves. The wider diameter head, removable Tactical Grip Ring and tail helps to protect one’s pocket/fabric from the knurling if used for pocket carry (i.e. fabric-friendly).
The removable Tactical Grip Ring helps provide the ability for the Rogers/SureFire hold method. Without the Tactical Grip Ring, the light will slip in and out of pockets (and sheaths) more easily. That said, even with the Tactical Grip Ring attached, ingress and egress of the light is not hindered significantly due to the way the Grip Ring is designed (almost flat on the clip side).
When replacing the removed Tactical Grip Ring, ensure that the correct side is attached, for best waterproof capabilities. The easiest way to know the correct position (side) is that the Tactical Grip Ring will not rotate when the head is fully tighten down. If the Tactical Grip Ring rotates – unscrew the head, flip the Tactical Grip Ring and tighten the head down again.
The protruding switch (unshrouded switch) prevent the light from tail-standing but enables it to have easy access and activation of the switch where required.
Bodyguard with Tactical Grip Ring
Tactical Grip Ring
Bodyguard without Tactical Grip Ring
Bodyguard Head and Body
E-Series Compatibility
What makes this Malkoff MDC Bodyguard and any of the other flashlight from the MDC range for that matter, is its e-series compatibility. The E-series was probably first brought about by Surefire with their E-series flashlights (e.g. E1E, E2E, E1B and etc.).
Here are some photos to depict the E-Series compatibility.
Note: Despite the modularity due to the e-series compatibility, it is worth noting that the MDC Bodyguard’s head has a recommended voltage range from 3.0V to 6.0V only and anything above 6.0V would cause damage to the driver.
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McGizmo Mule
McGizmo SunDrop XR-U
McGizmo Makai
Beam Style/Beamshots
For this light, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the TIR optic. The LED is covered under the TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optic. With the LED used, the beam is still sufficiently “throwy” for recognising items in the near to mid-range distance.
The above beam profile is a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The beam has a fairly distinct (somewhat circular) hotspot with some (squarish shape) corona and a fairly wide spill, with most of the lumens output focused into the hotspot. There are some beam artifacts as well as 3 notches on the edge of the spill beam profile (due to the bezel ring) when white wall hunting but not visible in real world usage.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings:
- With 1 x 16340/RCR123A Battery – HIGH: 1/3sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and LOW: 0.4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB.
- With 1 x CR123A Battery – HIGH: 0.4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and LOW: 0.5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB.
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.
Bodyguard (with 1 x 16340/RCR123A Battery)
Control shot:
HIGH (800 lumens):
LOW (200 lumens):
Bodyguard (with 1 x CR123A Battery)
Control shot:
HIGH (600 lumens):
LOW (175 lumens):
Mode (Output) Spacing
Mode spacing appears to be progressively brighter to the eye and the modes are well spaced enough to be able to know which mode one is currently in. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).
There is no moonlight mode available as this is primarily a tactical flashlight for LEOs (Law Enforcement Officer) and bodyguards or users who require a flashlight for the “flash and dash” technique. The light will step down to LOW mode within ~10 seconds which is more than ample time for identifying targets in the dark and a lower mode (better for battery life – runtime and heat management) for constant ON usage.
If required, 2 Clicks of the tail switch will bring the light back into HIGH mode again, for another ~10 seconds.
Note: For our sample, HIGH mode automatically steps down to LOW mode within ~9 seconds instead.
Tint & CRI
Malkoff Devices, Inc. stated that the tint (color temperature) is 6200K but did not disclose the CRI (Color Rendering Index) for the LED used in their light. For this light, a guesstimate would be in the 70CRI ballpark.
There are tint shifts throughout the beam profile. The hotspot is almost cool white whilst the corona possess a slight blueish tint; and the spill having a slight purple tint.
This is however, not as noticeable in real life.
Waterproofness
Even though there is no official rating for the light, we went ahead to test it like as though it was rated for IPX8.
The light was subjected to warm water submersion, followed by cold water submersion and left under room temperature running water tap whilst running on HIGH.
No signs of water intrusion in the head, switch or body was seen.
Note: HIGH mode will step down to LOW mode automatically after ~10 seconds.
Lockout Capability
No mechanical lockout or electronic lockout is possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.
Hence, we do not recommend transporting this flashlight in an enclosed area (bag, purse, etc.).
Gene Malkoff designed this light as one that will always switch ON in HIGH mode, regardless of the situation. As such, it comes as no surprise that the mechanical lockout has been removed from this flashlight.
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same light for our own usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this light, it is a definite YES, if the User Interface (UI) is suited for your usage.
The fully potted electronics (and its corresponding durability it provides), extremely straightforward UI, solid clip & retention, McClicky switch, easy access unshrouded tail, battery bumper to protect both the battery & switch during drops/hard usage, removable Tactical Grip Ring, newly designed knurling and E-Series compatibility are all plus points for this flashlight.
That said, it would be nice if the light came with a black SS bezel (same color as the black clip) as standard to make the light even more durable than it already is.
On a side note, if this flashlight is used by LEOs, we recommend using CR123A battery exclusively for misson-critical situations like for the Elzetta Alpha we reviewed previously. For all other situations, the Bodyguard would be more economical to run on IMR16340/RCR123A battery in the long run.
Here is a bonus size comparison of other flashlights that are of somewhat similar size.
From Left to Right: Provided The Battery Station CR123A battery, Foursevens Mini Mk.III, AceBeam TK16, ReyLight Krystal, Olight M1T Raider, Malkoff MDC Bodyguard, Streamlight ProTac 90 and Malkoff MDC HA 1AA.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Light & battery were provided for by Malkoff Devices, Inc. for this review. No other compensation was provided.
Where to Buy Links
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Malkoff MDC Bodyguard
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