Presenting: CRELANT 7G5 V2 (prepare to want one!)

[Bigmac_79]

I'm not sure i understand the reasoning for carrying a second flashlight just because the 7G5 has no low output mode. If i had to grab a second flashlight every time i grabbed the 7G5, then i would just grab something that has a low and can throw in the first place. There are many out there. The Sunwayman T40CS for example; throws great and has a 20 lumen low. I think it would be very easy for Crelant to have added a low-ish mode. I would already own one if it did. The low mode is the only thing keeping me on the fence about this light.

JD

I can't speak for everyone else, but for me the reason would not be that it has no low output mode, but that it has no flood output mode. For close-up work, I don't want a super-bright spot in a super-small area, I want the whole area evenly lit. It also happens to be that close-up work is the only time I need a low output. When looking at things far off, I need throw and I need bright. When working close, I need dim and floody. That's the reason I often carry two lights.

 

[TEEJ]

I can't speak for everyone else, but for me the reason would not be that it has no low output mode, but that it has no flood output mode. For close-up work, I don't want a super-bright spot in a super-small area, I want the whole area evenly lit. It also happens to be that close-up work is the only time I need a low output. When looking at things far off, I need throw and I need bright. When working close, I need dim and floody. That's the reason I often carry two lights.

I'm not sure i understand the reasoning for carrying a second flashlight just because the 7G5 has no low output mode. If i had to grab a second flashlight every time i grabbed the 7G5, then i would just grab something that has a low and can throw in the first place. There are many out there. The Sunwayman T40CS for example; throws great and has a 20 lumen low. I think it would be very easy for Crelant to have added a low-ish mode. I would already own one if it did. The low mode is the only thing keeping me on the fence about this light.

JD

Those are not the same as far as "throw" though.

If you feel the T40CS "throws Great", then you don't need something that throws further than it...you are already equipped with a light that does what you need it to.

If you NEED something that OUT-throws the T40CS, then you can't grab the T40CS and see what you'd see with the other light that throws FURTHER.

Also, When TurboBB reviewed the T40CS, he specifically pointed out that depite its 20 L low, the small beam size made it a POOR CHOICE for close up/talking a walk type duty.



The reason for that is always the same...LUMENS ARE A LOUSY INDICATOR OF BEAM USEFULNESS.

and

A light designed for THROW, such as the T40CS, which IS a good thrower, is going to "throw" the same SMALL circle of light as a SMALL patch of light onto a nearby surface.

This makes close work more like trying to see what you are doing/where you are going like trying to see through a paper towel tube...tunnel vision.


So 20 lumen tunnel vision is still tunnel vision.

If all you've KNOWN are tunnel vision lights, well, sure, you can't imagine seeing more at a time...and you tend to focus on lumens...and associate a "number" with a "brightness", etc.

But if you get used to floody lights, and how much BETTER they work for close up work...you will never want tunnel vision again. Before that, you might not even know you were limited to tunnel vision, as to you, that's what a flashlight beam looks like.


Anyway, THAT'S why a second floody light is a LOT better to see things close up than a "weakened" thrower beam....the flood light is simply the right tool for the job...so you can drive the screw in with the screw driver, instead of trying to hammer the screw in with a throttled down thrower close up.





I added Bigmac's post as it said the same thing before I said it...as we are both tying to explain the same thing....except I got interrupted before hitting send.

 

[selfbuilt]

My review of the Crelant Collimator head is now up in my 7G5 V2 review.

To make it easier, I have posted all the specifics on the Collimator head in post #58.

Enjoy! :wave:

 

[JudasD]

Very nice. Thanks selfbuilt! :thumbsup:

 

[roadkill1109]

My review of the Crelant Collimator head is now up in my 7G5 V2 review.

To make it easier, I have posted all the specifics on the Collimator head in post #58.

Enjoy! :wave:

Thanks Bro! Been waiting for this!

 

[selfbuilt]

FYI, I have updated my Collimator head review with disassembly pics and an analysis of the effect of the front lens.

You can see the additional findings in post #70, or integrated into an updated post #58.

:wave:

 

[Tiresius]

FYI, I have updated my Collimator head review with disassembly pics and an analysis of the effect of the front lens.

You can see the additional findings in post #70, or integrated into an updated post #58.

:wave:

Thanks...I've taken a look at it. You're right about getting right lux with aspherics. They each has their own distance for peak focal point. Can never get them all at the same distance.

Appreciate the review, selfbuilt.

 

[roadkill1109]

Anybody else receive their collimator head yet?

 

[JudasD]

i received the collimator head. Not my favorite light personally, but this thread piqued my interest enough to buy one. Live and learn LOL

JD

 

[Oztorchfreak]

Anybody else receive their collimator head yet?

What concerns do you have over delivery?

I ordered my Collimator head from Hank at Int Outdoor store and got it in 3 days via DHL.

It throws a square shaft of light about double the size of my Dereelight DBS-T Aspheric EZ900 but my smaller DBS-T is still a little brighter than the Crelant Aspherical.

I think I will be using the Crelant 7G2 V2 without the head because Asphericals give me no spill to walk safetly at night.

Asphericals are in a different league of fun or rifle mounting or used in conjunction with a floodier light.

Asphericals may be able to stealthily follow a target once the bigger flood has found that target.



Cheers

 

[roadkill1109]

i received the collimator head. Not my favorite light personally, but this thread piqued my interest enough to buy one. Live and learn LOL

JD

Congrats! Well, yah, its not a light you will EDC, but its good to have one which can throw far. Good thing about it is its low price and relatively good quality.

 

[roadkill1109]

What concerns do you have over delivery?

I ordered my Collimator head from Hank at Int Outdoor store and got it in 3 days via DHL.

It throws a square shaft of light about double the size of my Dereelight DBS-T Aspheric EZ900 but my smaller DBS-T is still a little brighter than the Crelant Aspherical.

I think I will be using the Crelant 7G2 V2 without the head because Asphericals give me no spill to walk safetly at night.

Asphericals are in a different league of fun or rifle mounting or used in conjunction with a floodier light.

Asphericals may be able to stealthily follow a target once the bigger flood has found that target.

Concerns? Well, my orders take about 10 to 15 working days via regular air mail. I receive a notice via post then have to run to the post office where a customs inspection person will look over the light. Luckily flashlights fall under the radar of taxable imports here.

I've been wanting to test it out against hte Dereelight Aspheric. For one the size difference is significant. If the guys at Crelant wanted to beat the Dereelight apheric, the lens would have to be a bit bigger to get a tighter beam, but that would make the head too big (which is big already)

I agree, Apherics are in a different league from regular lights with reflectors and shouldnt be compared to each other its like comparing apples to oranges. Imagine if all the big throwers like the SR90 had aspheric upgrades?

 

[Oztorchfreak]

Concerns? Well, my orders take about 10 to 15 working days via regular air mail. I receive a notice via post then have to run to the post office where a customs inspection person will look over the light. Luckily flashlights fall under the radar of taxable imports here.

I've been wanting to test it out against hte Dereelight Aspheric. For one the size difference is significant. If the guys at Crelant wanted to beat the Dereelight apheric, the lens would have to be a bit bigger to get a tighter beam, but that would make the head too big (which is big already)

I agree, Apherics are in a different league from regular lights with reflectors and shouldnt be compared to each other its like comparing apples to oranges. Imagine if all the big throwers like the SR90 had aspheric upgrades?

An SR90 with an Aspheric Head would have to be ridiculously big in size.

It is ok to show someone what the Crelant can do with an Aspheric Head but really I could not see myself walking through the bush or anywhere for that matter without spill.

The Dereelight Aspheric is a "WOW" factor sort of thing but it should be used with other lights or rifle mounted with a scope.

The Crelant Aspheric image is at least twice the size of the Dereelight beam image but no brighter.

The Crelant 7G5 V2 already throws enough into the distance without the Aspheric Head and has good enough spill and that is how I will be using mine.

I still wish the strobe function of the Crelant was hidden and not part of the normal cycle of the modes!!

My favorite lights are still ITP EOS A3 Upgraded (3 light levels) for pocket use (EDC), the Klarus XT11 in my bag, Thrunite TN31 for serious lighting in my back pocket and then the biggies when really out in the middle of nowhere, the SR90 and TK70.

You only need about 4 lights to do all the tasks from pocket EDC to lighting the darkness like day big time, it is just finding the right ones to fit each usage need that is an ongoing search.

I have found mine for now.

I never went for the Xtar S1 production version because I tried it out and you can't get quickly to another light level after it has been preset without ramping to find it.

That's why I like the TN31, instant access to a good selection of light levels from moonlight to 1147 lumens via the magnetic ring and shorter body that still fits in my back pocket unlike a TK70 or SR90.

What do I do with all of the lights I picked up in my search along the way?

They are all in aluminium attache cases with foam cutouts around them all.

At least they are safe from serious harm.



Cheers

 

[JudasD]

You only need about 4 lights to do all the tasks from pocket EDC to lighting the darkness like day big time, it is just finding the right ones to fit each usage need that is an ongoing search.

You only need 4 lights?!?! That is blasphemy talk around here!

 

[TEEJ]

You only need 4 lights?!?! That is blasphemy talk around here!

LOL

Its also assuming that no one needs more lights than yourself.

For example, what if you need tactical UI for one aspect of your job, but a tactical UI would not be appropriate for another part?

What if you need one handed operation for one set of tasks, but would be better served by a control ring or other two handed UI for another?

What if you need a flood pattern for close up work, and a flood pattern for distant work, and also a throw pattern for distant work?

What if the distant work is best served by a wall of light, but you can't get enough light out at the distance you need if its handheld AND floody?

For example, lets say I need to search for survivors at ~ 400 yard ranges, perhaps along a river bank....I might perfer a TK70's floody beam at that range to cover more area at a time...over the SR90's tighter but brighter pattern.

If the same search has to reach 600 yards out, say across a ravine, or the river is wider, etc...I can't use the TK70, and I need the SR90's throw, even if the beam is smaller...at least it reaches.

If I need to take apart an HVAC system to look for evidence inside it, etc, I can't use the TK70 or SR90, I might want one light for general flood, and another to peer into small gaps w/o glaring on the surrounding parts, etc.

That's 4 lights right there, for a mere two tasks...and I didn't even get to what might work well on a pistol or AR15 or pump 12 ga, etc...

Or what might work to inspect a warehouse or rooms or a crawlspace, or to go camping or fishing.



So, to limit me to 4 lights is going to be - well, limiting. It would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to do as good a job with only 4 lights.

LOL - And we didn't even TOUCH on cell options or back-up purposes.




Telling a flashaholic to get by on a mere 4 light is like telling a mechanic that all he needs is 4 wrench sizes.



Now, of course, if you don't NEED lights, as in you just like them, and have only basic needs, sure, a single key chain light might suffice for real world duty...but everyone's needs are different. There is no magic number for lights, or wrenches, or sockets, etc.

If a mechanic could buy one adjustable wrench and do his job, he would not need one of those enormous tool chests...he has the tool chest because he knows he needs more wrenches, and, he knows that an adjustable wrench only works in some contexts.

:welcome:

 

[JudasD]

Telling a flashaholic to get by on a mere 4 light is like telling a mechanic that all he needs is 4 wrench sizes.

You just had to bring tools into the conversation. Tools is the number 1 male fixation (if we keep our minds clean). Our better halves usually don't say much since we use these tools to fix stuff for them. LOL

Tools and flashlights....i will hang my head low in shame.

JD

 

[TEEJ]

You just had to bring tools into the conversation. Tools is the number 1 male fixation (if we keep our minds clean). Our better halves usually don't say much since we use these tools to fix stuff for them. LOL

Tools and flashlights....i will hang my head low in shame.

JD

OK, we won't talk about guns or knives then either.

 

[madecov]

OK, we won't talk about guns or knives then either.

LOL, If I'm not buying lights, I am buying guns. If I can't afford the gun I get a knife, if I can't get a nice knife I buy a light, If I can't find a light I like ...........................

 

[Oztorchfreak]

LOL

Its also assuming that no one needs more lights than yourself.

For example, what if you need tactical UI for one aspect of your job, but a tactical UI would not be appropriate for another part?

What if you need one handed operation for one set of tasks, but would be better served by a control ring or other two handed UI for another?

What if you need a flood pattern for close up work, and a flood pattern for distant work, and also a throw pattern for distant work?

What if the distant work is best served by a wall of light, but you can't get enough light out at the distance you need if its handheld AND floody?

For example, lets say I need to search for survivors at ~ 400 yard ranges, perhaps along a river bank....I might perfer a TK70's floody beam at that range to cover more area at a time...over the SR90's tighter but brighter pattern.

If the same search has to reach 600 yards out, say across a ravine, or the river is wider, etc...I can't use the TK70, and I need the SR90's throw, even if the beam is smaller...at least it reaches.

If I need to take apart an HVAC system to look for evidence inside it, etc, I can't use the TK70 or SR90, I might want one light for general flood, and another to peer into small gaps w/o glaring on the surrounding parts, etc.

That's 4 lights right there, for a mere two tasks...and I didn't even get to what might work well on a pistol or AR15 or pump 12 ga, etc...

Or what might work to inspect a warehouse or rooms or a crawlspace, or to go camping or fishing.



So, to limit me to 4 lights is going to be - well, limiting. It would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to do as good a job with only 4 lights.

LOL - And we didn't even TOUCH on cell options or back-up purposes.




Telling a flashaholic to get by on a mere 4 light is like telling a mechanic that all he needs is 4 wrench sizes.



Now, of course, if you don't NEED lights, as in you just like them, and have only basic needs, sure, a single key chain light might suffice for real world duty...but everyone's needs are different. There is no magic number for lights, or wrenches, or sockets, etc.

If a mechanic could buy one adjustable wrench and do his job, he would not need one of those enormous tool chests...he has the tool chest because he knows he needs more wrenches, and, he knows that an adjustable wrench only works in some contexts.

:welcome:

I bow to your reasoning oh wise one.

It all depends on horses for courses and then that depends on how many horses and how many courses you either have or need.

I already have enough lights to find homes for in my foam cut aluminium attache cases.

I should have said I only need 4 lights to get my jobs done.

If you either need or want more that is your financial decision.

But where do you start limiting the sheer volume of lights when you are a FLASHAHOLIC?

Long live my Thrunite TN31!!!!!



Cheers

 

[JudasD]

I should have said I only need 4 lights to get my jobs done.

If you either need or want more that is your financial decision.

But where do you start limiting the sheer volume of lights when you are a FLASHAHOLIC?
Cheers

The answer is easy. Every flashaholic can figure out how many lights they either need or will eventually own by applying the simply equation N+1.

JD