Pila planning world domination

lrp

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
1,095
I recently purchased from JSBURLY the GL-2 and was very surprised at the overall quality and the beam, it is built like a tank. Hard to believe it doesn't cost much more! I bought the Pila charger also and it is an excellent charger for all my LITH ION batteries.
 

dudemar

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
2,406
Location
Arnieland
Unfortunately the Codex didn't go over too well. I think me and Luigi have come to the consensus that we were very underwhelmed by it. I was expecting so much when I received it, and ended up disappointed by its functionality. There are current LED modules that easily serve half the functions of the Codex. For its size a much better CPU could fit in there. I'm sure this can be done by now, because computer chip technology becomes more affordable at a geometric rate, per annum. The Codex still makes for a good clubbing tool. Yes, good for strobe lighting at clubs, and for clubbing someone!:crackup:

Mr. Urs Baeumle (AKA Mr. Pila), we demand more from your awesome gizmos!!!:drool:

Dudemar
 

AardvarkSagus

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 14, 2006
Messages
1,474
Location
Lower Left side of the Mitten
Well I can't speak too much to the CODEX module but I believe it was announced that Pila is going to be offering 2 more versions of the Cree drop in. The P4 will replace the 120 lm version with 180 lm and an optional Q5 module bumps that to 250. Both with CODEX support. I'd be surprised if it doesn't work with the pressure switch because of the fact that Pila isn't including any special switch with the CODEX module.

I've spoken with Urs about the possibility of maybe looking at manufacturing something like a "CODEX Lite" module with less programmability but more instantaneous mode selection (and also smaller size), something like a twist to select/press to activate tailcap. I think that would go over very well around here.
 
Last edited:

greenLED

Flashaholic
Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
13,263
Location
La Tiquicia
Dunno, OF. I'm a big fan of their products, but for some reason they don't get as much "air time" as the new offerings here on CPF.
 

dudemar

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
2,406
Location
Arnieland
AardvarkSagus: Good news, the P4 and Q5 is now available and in stock at Pila-USA! I bought mine last Friday, I can't wait 'til it arrives at my door.:eek: Get one and enjoy it!:naughty::twothumbs

Solscud007:

The bad news:

I'm pretty sure the pressure switch works, but check with Pila first. The only problem with this is there's a slight delay to start up the Codex when you power the light on with the tailcap switch (or in this case, the tape switch). IMO this would be impractical, along with the fact the Codex combination makes the light huge.

My review pretty much sums up the extent of programmability for the Codex. In other words you can't program very much, so sadly it's very limited.:duh2: I think AardvardSagus has a great idea, but I think it's very possible to expand the programming capacity of the Codex (especially in this day and age of computers).

I believe the Codex's rate of strobe is 10 hz. The instruction manual states anything greater than that can induce nausea or epileptic seizures, so I'm assuming they stuck to 10 hz to avoid legal issues. The funny thing is the Streamlight Stinger (a US manufacturer) has a very high rate of strobe, so I don't see the big deal.

You might be better off mounting a Wolf-Eyes light with a Q5. I understand those LED modules have the strobe feature built in, but you might want to find out how to get in "strobe mode" before you buy it. I understand some flashlights require you to push the tailcap a number of times to get it into "strobe mode".

The good news:

The Q5 is incredibly bright, twice as bright as the current CREE drop in and brighter than the stock 200 lumen incan. This will give the Codex an edge (even if it is just 10 hz).:twothumbs

Why is it so hard to find Pila products?? I only saw one online store selling it...

There are quite a few dealers:

http://store.bugoutgearusa.com

http://www.flashlightz.com

http://www.fenixtactical.com

http://www.pila-usa.com

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com

http://www.optic-solutions.com

http://www.secure4me.com

There is a seller on eBay called Michele Bolling Galleries, I bought my GL3 w/Cree from him. He's a licensed dealer too. Lately he hasn't had much to offer, but I'm sure if you ask him he'll sell to you.

I'm sure there are a few others I forgot to mention, too!


Hope this helps,

Dudemar
 
Last edited:

dudemar

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
2,406
Location
Arnieland
I got my package from ESA tonight! I opened the package, peeled away the bubble wrap and was upset to find they mistakenly sent me a P4 instead of the Q5 I ordered.:( They screwed up my order.:sick2: I immediately called them and left a message, but I don't think I'll hear from them until Memorial Day weekend is over (Tuesday).:mecry: Unfortunately email communication was sluggish (they don't reply on weekends either), so that won't help much either.

Waiting a week was bad enough, I can only imagine waiting two more weeks.:popcorn:

This is definitely a bad thing for a flashaholic.:sick:
 
Top