Pila GL3 questions

[BananaMan]

Hello , I don't know much about flashlights so if someone could help me .

- First of all , are pila flashlights good ? and the gl3 model in particular ?
is it really 250 lm ? do you know at what range goes the beam ?

- Can I use both rechargeable pila Li-Ion batteries and cr123 on the gl3 ?

- I need the remote switch , if I buy the version with it , I have to buy the tactical switch apart , or is it also included ?

- Is the codex module reliable ?

Thanks .

 

[AardvarkSagus]

I know a little bit about the Pila line. I personally have a GL2 with their first (120 lumen) LED Module. These lights are built like tanks. The Ano might start to wear after a little while, but they are nigh on indestructible other than that. I can't say about the 250 lumen module, but the 120 lumen led version was everything it proposed to be. I also have not yet had a chance to use the Codex module or review one yet, but if it is built as well as the rest of the light, I would expect it to be completely reliable.

The Pila line is designed around their rechargeable batteries so, yes, the GL3 will function equally well with 2x Pila 300P batteries or 3x CR123A batteries when you are using an LED module. The incandecent modules have a tendancy to grow slightly dimmer using the rechargeable battery options since the voltage is slightly different. The LED modules however will remain the same through superior regulation. According to information received directly from Pila the 2x300P version will have absolutely constant brightness throughout the life of the batteries before just switching off when the protection kicks in.

You can read my impressions of the GL2 HERE.

Lastly, WELCOME TO CPF! :welcome:

 

[BananaMan]

I know a little bit about the Pila line. I personally have a GL2 with their first (120 lumen) LED Module. These lights are built like tanks. The Ano might start to wear after a little while, but they are nigh on indestructible other than that. I can't say about the 250 lumen module, but the 120 lumen led version was everything it proposed to be. I also have not yet had a chance to use the Codex module or review one yet, but if it is built as well as the rest of the light, I would expect it to be completely reliable.

The Pila line is designed around their rechargeable batteries so, yes, the GL3 will function equally well with 2x Pila 300P batteries or 3x CR123A batteries when you are using an LED module. The incandecent modules have a tendancy to grow slightly dimmer using the rechargeable battery options since the voltage is slightly different. The LED modules however will remain the same through superior regulation. According to information received directly from Pila the 2x300P version will have absolutely constant brightness throughout the life of the batteries before just switching off when the protection kicks in.

You can read my impressions of the GL2 HERE.

Lastly, WELCOME TO CPF! :welcome:

Looks promising , I think I'm going to buy one
Thanks for the help ... and the welcome

 

[greenLED]

- First of all , are pila flashlights good ? and the gl3 model in particular ?
is it really 250 lm ? do you know at what range goes the beam ?

- Can I use both rechargeable pila Li-Ion batteries and cr123 on the gl3 ?

- I need the remote switch , if I buy the version with it , I have to buy the tactical switch apart , or is it also included ?

- Is the codex module reliable ?

:welcome: BananaMan

Good? Good? They're GREAT!! The GL3 is one of my favorite lights. For some reason Pila lights are not raved about on CPF as they should, but there's till a group of hard core Pila fans out here (ask dudemar). Their build quality is excellent, and the option of using rechargeables or primaries out of the box is neat to have. I am also a great fan of the LED tailcaps.

I haven't used the remote switch or the Codex module, but I'm pretty sure there's a couple of reviews on the Codex module in the Reviews section.

 

[AardvarkSagus]

One thing I have heard is that the LED tailcap switch isn't recommended for use with the LED modules however. I don't really know the reasoning behind this and I believe it is something I need to find out.

 

[tsask]

One thing I have heard is that the LED tailcap switch isn't recommended for use with the LED modules however. I don't really know the reasoning behind this and I believe it is something I need to find out.

I wonder as well. :thinking:
To me having that 250 lumen white LED with a GREEN LED tailcap would be very desirable if the green leds are the right shade of green, and not 'overdriven'.

 

[greenLED]

I wonder as well. :thinking:
To me having that 250 lumen white LED with a GREEN LED tailcap would be very desirable if the green leds are the right shade of green, and not 'overdriven'.

I obviously have a couple of those tailcaps. In one of them I can notice different tints on the green LED's.


IIRC, it has something to do with the polarity of the LED tailcap interacting with the polarity of the LED dropin. With the incan, it doesn't matter how you pluck the batts, the LA will always light up (but the LED tailcap requires a certain polarity... which is reversed between the old and new style lights).

 

[dudemar]

Did someone call me?:naughty:

As everyone has mentioned Pilas are amazing lights. I'd go as far as saying they're better in quality than Surefire.:devil: The Cree Q5 LED throws very far and is incredibly bright. Unfortunately you won't get the tactical tailcap when you order the GL3 w/ remote switch, but it can be had for really cheap anyways ($13 or so).

The Codex module is very robust, it's just as sturdy as the light itself. I've dropped my light a number of times and the electronics still hold up, so I'm very happy with it. When I first got the Codex I was a little disappointed with its limited programmability, but it has now grown on me.

You won't be dissapointed.

Oh, and :welcome: BananaMan!