4Sevens Maelstrom G5 *SHIPPING VERSION* Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS +

[4sevens]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

If i understand correctly, there is no way to know what mode the light is in other than turning it on ? This also implies that it will be a bit difficult to select a mode when the light is turned off, am i correct ?

The primary and secondary modes (tightened and immediately loose) can be selected easily while off. We're counting on Max/Strobe and High/medium being used 90% of the time. The others (aux1 and aux2) are just bonus outputs 🙂

This is a tactical light. Meaning once you set it up, it's mean to just operate in a tactical scenario - the light should just be used on/off. One's attention should be focused on the situation and the light should not be a distraction. At the MOST two modes are needed Max and Strobe. Hope this helps.

 

[4sevens]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

For this reason, and the reasons I stated previously, I humbly suggest removing the moonlight mode and adding in a medium-high mode to the standard interface.

This first run is already in the states being assembled. The second run is being produced as we speak. The UI is done. The medium mode is brighter than you think. Once you play with it you'll see that the levels are rather space out nicely. We spent a considerable amount of time fine-tuning the spacing.

 

[snala]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Fair enough.
Why not Turbo rather than Hi in the non tactical options though?
The 40 mins extra run time is nice but so is potential maximum output with the selectable lower options within easy reach too?

 

[ti-force]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Fair enough.
Why not Turbo rather than Hi in the non tactical options though?
The 40 mins extra run time is nice but so is potential maximum output with the selectable lower options within easy reach too?

The quote below sounds like a pretty good reason to me, and the reason for having Max and Strobe beside each other in the same mode set has already been explained:

the main problem I see is if Turbo is on both subsets, you don't know which subset you are on, which would be very bad for a police officer who wants strobe, but gets medium instead.

 

[sfca]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

The quote below sounds like a pretty good reason to me, and the reason for having Max and Strobe beside each other in the same mode set has already been explained:

The question also is would you even be able to tell the difference between 200 and 350 lumens without having to check the mode on the left?

If not - then 200 is more then enough. Extra runtime is just icing on the cake! As for the other modes available, yes I agree. Strobe isn't my favourite-test.. hopefully one day it'll be left out by all manufacturers. Medium fo' sure!

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

The medium mode is brighter than you think. Once you play with it you'll see that the levels are rather space out nicely. We spent a considerable amount of time fine-tuning the spacing.

A fair comment about the Med mode. I highlighted it in my review only because it is lower than typical in absolute terms (i.e. lumens, or overall output).

But in subjective terms, it still *seems* fairly bright. I suspect the reason for this is that the light is such a dedicated thrower - the hotspot still looks relatively bright, even at lower output, fooling your eye/brain into thinking it is brighter overall.

 

[romteb]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

The primary and secondary modes (tightened and immediately loose)...Hope this helps.

Sure i (stupidly) thought one had to turn the head past 90° to access the second setting, immediatly loose is much better.

 

[snala]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

The quote below sounds like a pretty good reason to me, and the reason for having Max and Strobe beside each other in the same mode set has already been explained:

Originally Posted by gnef
the main problem I see is if Turbo is on both subsets, you don't know which subset you are on, which would be very bad for a police officer who wants strobe, but gets medium instead.

Yep completely agree and understand why on the tactical interface it's grouped together with strobe for professional use.
But really, "using the Hi mode is just about the same as turbo" as reason enough not to have Turbo is a silly justification. Also the reason above only makes sense if you are admitting there is a discernable visual difference between the two outputs which counters that argument? Surely too with the post pre evaluation models having more output the difference will be even more exaggerated as well.
If you want the best thrower you can have then you want the highest output obtainable as well not a % of it surely. The differences might appear minimal up close but looking at targets through a scope at a distance they will be quite apparent
I'd be gun mounting this to get the most throw I can on targets while using optics to enhance it. I wouldn't want to be having to turn the head on the light whilst mounted back and forth 4 times while holding the weapon just to get to a lower output rather than just the normal 90 degrees to get to a lower output mode instead.
That's why I was interested in hearing why 4 sevens decided not to spec turbo on both interfaces as I don't think your answers are possibly the same as theirs based on the LEO user research they would have done?

Just my guess but I'd say if you asked most people here they would prefer to have Turbo rather than Hi in the non tactical interface top slot?

 

[TwitchALot]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

I admit I was once on the strobe bandwagon but I hope that in the future manufacturers will be pragmatic and let go of the strobe - unless the military/LEO market find a way to make it a necessity. Otherwise, it's a gimmick (for this use). Beacon I can see the use for - as well as SOS.

Well, strobe mode does make it harder to tell how many lights there really are and the exact position of the user. It can also be disorientating. That said, not having it is not a dealbreaker, but it's nice having the option anyway.

Also, since this was intended to be a tactical light there should be a recoil spring behind the head, shouldn't there? This is a pre-production light so understandable that it's not there.
Gun users - how would this light fair in use?

Edit: I see 4sevens post. Thanks for posting guys! :thumbsup:

The design already seems to limit battery movement, perhaps making it unnecessary or redundant. That said, this doesn't mean that there isn't some sort of spring system inside the head for the pins.

quote, moreover I'd also like to change the "high" to "turbo" on standard interface. The two interface should be something like:

turbo - 80 lumens - 24 lumens - 4 lumens for normal mode
turbo - strobe - beacon - SOS for tactical mode

I'd rather have the high and full regulation on 18650 than turbo and "okay" regulation on 18650, TBH. Plus, it's a decent step from the medium mode as is, and should be plenty bright enough for most purposes.

This first run is already in the states being assembled. The second run is being produced as we speak. The UI is done. The medium mode is brighter than you think. Once you play with it you'll see that the levels are rather space out nicely. We spent a considerable amount of time fine-tuning the spacing.

Well, nothing you can do there. Not cost-effective to make that kind of change even if it might be a good idea. Understandable.

Sure i (stupidly) thought one had to turn the head past 90° to access the second setting, immediatly loose is much better.

That's the impression I got. :shrug:

 

[ti-force]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Yep completely agree and understand why on the tactical interface it's grouped together with strobe for professional use.
But really, "using the Hi mode is just about the same as turbo" as reason enough not to have Turbo is a silly justification. Also the reason above only makes sense if you are admitting there is a discernable visual difference between the two outputs which counters that argument? Surely too with the post pre evaluation models having more output the difference will be even more exaggerated as well.
If you want the best thrower you can have then you want the highest output obtainable as well not a % of it surely. The differences might appear minimal up close but looking at targets through a scope at a distance they will be quite apparent
I'd be gun mounting this to get the most throw I can on targets while using optics to enhance it. I wouldn't want to be having to turn the head on the light whilst mounted back and forth 4 times while holding the weapon just to get to a lower output rather than just the normal 90 degrees to get to a lower output mode instead.
That's why I was interested in hearing why 4 sevens decided not to spec turbo on both interfaces as I don't think your answers are possibly the same as theirs based on the LEO user research they would have done?

Just my guess but I'd say if you asked most people here they would prefer to have Turbo rather than Hi in the non tactical interface top slot?

It doesn't really matter why Max isn't available on both mode sets. It is what it is, and won't be changed anytime soon (just saying). We are a big part of 4sevens market, but this light is made as a Tactical light. 4sevens has been successful enough that I'm sure they know what will sell and won't sell. Apparently they see a huge market for this light so.....

As far as you using this light weapon mounted with the most throw possible tells me you will probably be using this as a hunting light. If you're using optics you're probably planning on 50+ yard shots. Set the light on Max and don't worry about it. This mode would work well at 20 or 30 yards also. If you're any closer than that, pull your knife out 😀 j/k btw

 

[LG&M]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

This looks like a great light but it's not for me. I am posting to say thanks for a great review and Wow. I looked at the list of light you have reviewed. A very impressive body of work. I am sure each one take a good deal of time and effort. :twothumbs
I would give you a list of light I would like to see you review but I am sure your list is long enough. Again thanks.

 

[Xak]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Sounds like a great light, unfortunately I have an M20 already mounted on my AK and can't afford another tac light right now. The plus is by the time I can afford it all the bugs (if any) should be worked out and perhaps I can get one in neutral white!

What is the pressure switch like? On my M20 it is momentary only. Is this the same?

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Review updated with additional specs from 4Sevens website. 🙂

FYI, these are now up for sale here.

I believe there is a CPFMP thread with an additional discount over the usual CPF discount on 4Sevens.com, but the CPFMP site is down at the moment.

 

[MichaelW]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

But can you apply the standard 4sevens :CPF8 8% discount on top of the :G5INTRO introductory price of $127.46?
$117.26 isn't bad, even if it is cool-white. 😉

 

[Machete God]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

But can you apply the standard 4sevens :CPF8 8% discount on top of the :G5INTRO introductory price of $127.46?
$117.26 isn't bad, even if it is cool-white. 😉

Been there, tried that 😉

You cannot. It's one or the other 😀

 

[ti-force]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Been there, tried that 😉

You cannot. It's one or the other 😀

But can you apply the standard 4sevens :CPF8 8% discount on top of the :G5INTRO introductory price of $127.46?
$117.26 isn't bad, even if it is cool-white. 😉

Now that's just getting greedy😀 j/k. I'm guilty myself; I tried the CPF8 during the "Garage sale" and found out very quickly that wasn't going to happen. I had to try though 😀.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

the :G5INTRO introductory price of $127.46?

Since CPFMP is still down, thanks for posting the 15% off G5INTRO code (as others have pointed out, it replaces the standard CPF8 code).

Frankly, I think this is a fairly good price with the discount, given the output, regulation and throw of the G5. :thumbsup:

 

[henry1960]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Since CPFMP is still down, thanks for posting the 15% off G5INTRO code (as others have pointed out, it replaces the standard CPF8 code).

Frankly, I think this is a fairly good price with the discount, given the output, regulation and throw of the G5. :thumbsup:

Put My Order In This Morning And It`s Been Shipped!!!! :twothumbs

 

[jirik_cz]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Great review and surprisingly good throw for XP-G light. :twothumbs
The price tag seems little bit high though.

 

[henry1960]

Re: 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 Review (XP-G R5) - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, and more!

Great review and surprisingly good throw for XP-G light. :twothumbs
The price tag seems little bit high though.

You Want A Great Product It`s Worth Paying A Little More. (You Get What You Pay For) :tinfoil: