The G&P Scorpion, made in Hong Kong, is a rechargeable
500 Lumen (advertised) high intensity flashlight. What
really makes this flashlight unique is the charging
method - you plug the charger directly into the flashlight!
Apparently the folks at G&P are really into airsoft
guns, and it states on the package that this light is
for use with airsoft toy guns only.
Body: The body is anodized aluminum. I can't
be sure if it's type II or type III, but reports are
that it is probably type II. Below the head are some
cooling fins, beneath that is a flange followed by a
square area with the mfgr's logo, and then a round portion
followed by the tailcap switch. Overall machining seems
to be excellent. Likewise for fit and finish.
Bezel/Head: The head of the light is quite large
in diameter relative to the rest of the light. I believe
the lens is plastic, but the reflector is metal and
is textured to smooth out the beam. The bulb assembly
is screwed in to the reflector from behind, so no worries
about the bulb separating and dropping into the reflector.
The bezel is crenelated, so you can see if you left
the light on when you set it face down.
Output: This thing is bright! It may not quite
be up to the 500 Lumens that the manufacturer advertises,
but it is a scorcher. My numbers, which may be off by
a bit, show closer to 400 Lumens at start. The light
beam is the typical incandescent "white" with
a strong yellowish presence.
Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge
to show spillbeam.
Runtime Plot: The lithium-ion cell inside does
a pretty good job of maintaining the high output of
the light. It drops to about 50% starting output in
46 minutes, which is a little shy of the 1 hour that
many have come to expect from a tactical light.
Runtime
completed with internal rechargeable batteries. More
information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is the tailcap, and it's
big and chunky. No fumbling here! Twist for constant
on, press for momentary.
Seals / Water Resistance: There are O-ring seals
in all the right places, so it should be splashable
at a minimum.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Balance is good for normal use,
but it is a little awkward to hold in the "tactical"
position due to the weight of the front of the light.
Operation is very easy and simple.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Inside the light is a 2200 mAh Li-ion
rechargeable cell. To charge it, look for the ring below
the head that says "DC in".
Grasp that ring and give it a few twists
to the left:
Bingo! There's the charging port! Now
just plug in your flashlight with the included charger.
When the light on the charger changes from red to green,
it's done. The flange that twists is protected by O-rings
on either end, so when properly closed the charging
port should be waterproof. For those of you who may
be concerned, a protection circuit is built into the
battery pack for the Li-Ion cells.
Accessories: You can get replacement batteries
(I couldn't get mine out...), replacement reflector
assemblies, replacement lamp assemblies, and a 12V charging
cord.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
OK battery life, Very Bright, Rechargeable
What I Didn't Like: Nothing really.
Picky Little Things: Couldn't get
the battery out - it's stuck in there pretty good!
Conclusions: I'm not sure why,
other than possibly for legal reasons, G&P only
wants this light used with Airsoft guns. It's super
bright, easily rechargeable, and seems very solid. I
would put it high on the list for one of the first lights
to grab to investigate something that "goes bump
in the night". When you hit the switch the output
is instantaneous and spectacular, especially if you
are on the receiving end. The fact that it's rechargeable
means that it's a bit easier on the wallet and the environment.
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