Pila gl3r vs. sf 9p-which is better?

[pete7226]

I've just started looking at the gl3r as a possible replacement for my 10 yr. old 9p as a duty light. Aside from being rechargeable, is it any better regarding throw and output over the 9p? pretty much the same? How does it compare against the p90 and p91 bulbs? Anyone comments from those that have both and/or beamshots would be greatly appreciated. This is going on my dutybelt so the gl4 isnt an option. I've poured over the specs of both numerous times so dont bother repeating them. I'm looking for real world experience/observations. Thanks in advance

[greenLED]

The GL3 is more of a flood beam. The advantage I see over the 9P is that you have the option of using the LED tailcaps.

Search for PeteBroccolo's posts, he has a GL3 and has posted about duty use.

[Dustin Liu]

[pete7226]

anyone else?

[Somy Nex]

I see that Carrot has just posted his review of the GL3 here: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=122737 and perhaps that might help. I'm about to go read it myself and it seems very extensive.

I have the GL4 and i can say it worked very well for me while working nights at a hotel where i had to do reception, security and everything else at once (only staff member on grounds for the night).

Robocop has a 3-cell Wolf-Eyes version (with a turbohead), which used to be identical to the Pilas before Pila moved to the new design with their latest models, and he also seems to be quite happy wtih it for duty.

[carrot]

Alas I have no 9P to compare the GL3 with, but iNDiGlo tells me the GL3 is in fact brighter and throws a little better than the 9P. The LED tailcap might be nice for close-up work too.

[madecov]

The newest models of the GL3R are a bit brighter than the 9P
That's using a P90 lamp.
The newer lamps are less flood and a bit more throw. The new lamps will fit the old models if you remove the outer contact spring.

I carry The GL3R as a duty light on my belt now. It throws a bit further than the P90 lamp and is a bit brighter. Run times are decent and being rechargeable I don't worry about batteries. Of course the other advantage is that in the event the Li-Ion's run down you can carry spare 123's and just pop em in and your good to go.

[pete7226]

Thats what I was looking for, thanks. The information seems promising, I just signed up for the passaround, I'll post my thoughts after receiving it next week. For those that posted above, is the beam a little tighter than the 9p or about the same?

[jclarksnakes]

I think the Wolf Eyes Raider would be an excellent choice to consider along with the Pila GL3 and the Surefire 9P. You can get it with either the slimmer or fatter head with either 26 or 36 mm lamp assembly. I have one of each. The actual beams from these two lamp assemblies are actually pretty similar and are very bright and have a nice tradeoff between reach and spill. I run both of my Wolf Eyes Raiders with AW's rechargeable 18500 cells. You could carry two extra 18500s or 3 123 primary cells and be set to go.
jc

[pete7226]

Any review or pics,beamshots of the raider out there?

[TonyBPD]

In the past, I had both a 9P and a Pila GL3. I never like the beam from the Pila, so I used either a P90 or P91 LA in it. I don't know how much Pila's have improved over the past couple years but the Pila lamp was pretty bad.

The overall construction of the Pila was very nice though. Felt much better in hand than the Surefire.

[AJMAUDIO]

After having the apssaround fora few days I can say I don't think there is ANYTHING wrong with the LA in the new pilas...look every bit as good as my SF.....GREAT LIGHT

[PeteBroccolo]

You can always buy a Pila GL3, but without the Pila 300P cells and charger, then buy a set of 6 protected or unprotected RCR123A 3.0 volt li-ion cells, a charger with home and car cords, and a folding knife-sized extra pouch for your duty belt.

Charge up all of the cells, put 3 of them in the GL3, stack the other 3 in a plastic bag, roll the bag, put the bag in the knife pouch, and carry the charger and car cord in your duty bag. You should have more power than you will EVER need in a 8 to 12 hour shift.

I was using my GL3 last night A LOT - white LED for initial approach, and flip around to blast the 200 lu LA for a full look into the "client" vehicle.