If using the 3 Watt LED lamp assembly, which is a direct drop-in replacement for the incandescent lamp, you will simply see an LED in place of the bulb. Inside the LED lamp assembly is a driver circuit that allows it to be used with the two or three cell Pila GL lights.

The 3W LED Emitter accepts the following voltages:

• 3.7V (1x Pila 600P), 6V (2 x 123A) [GL2 Cavaliere],
• 7.4V (2 x Pila 300P) and 9V (3 x 123A) [GL3 Commendatore].

The 3W LED Emitter fits only the NEW Pila GL2 and GL3 models and cannot be used with the older Pila models.

The LED module has a regulator circuit inside to regulate output levels and maintain constant brightness as long as possible. Very nice!

Output: The light beam is a smooth spot and wide spillbeam. The color temperature of the LED is much higher than the incandescent bulb, heading much more toward a sunlight-white output. The real advantage of the LED is the longer runtime and the fact that LEDs are not fragile like incandescent bulbs and therefore can take much more abuse.

Beam at one meter at target center.

Runtime Plot:

2 x 123A cells:

Runtime completed with "Titanium" brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

3 x 123A cells:

Runtime completed with "Titanium" brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

1 x 600P Li-Ion:

this one came out different from the rest, possibly due to the lower voltage of the 600P cell compared to the rest (3.7v).

Runtime completed with Pila brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

2 x 300P Li-Ion:

Runtime completed with Pila brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: You must use the tactical clickie switch when using the LED main lamp. You cannot use the LED tailcaps. Note that the tactical clickie tailcaps are NOT interchangeable between the different Pila lights (shame on you, Pila!), so you will need to have a separate tactical clickie for your GL2 and GL3.

Seals / Water Resistance: n/a

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: n/a

Batteries: Two or three 123A cells or two Pila 300P or one Pila 600P Li-ion rechargeable will power the light. The manufacturer states that if using the 3W LED lamp assembly output will be the same with either battery type, but runtime will differ.

If using 123A cells, I would recommend Titanium brand cells for $1.00 each (here's a review) or BatteryStation or Surefire brand cells for less than $2 each. I would not recommend purchasing these cells at retail stores since they cost $10 a pair or more in most retail stores! Be aware that there are some inherent risks in using lights powered by multiple 123A cells, so take appropriate precautions.

To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity (Positive toward lamp!). Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.

Accessories: n/a

What I Liked: Tough/impact resistant, Regulated/long battery life, Bright

What I Didn't Like: None

Picky Little Things: Cannot be used in older Pila lights

Conclusions: Great upgrade for Pila lights if you want to replace that xenon bulb with a long lasting, longer running LED module. Great runtimes and very good regulation, especially with 123A cells makes this module a winner!

Quick Facts Table:

Item Reviewed..........................	Pila 3W LED Lamp
Review Date .............................	December 2006
Country of Origin ......................	Hong Kong
Case Material ...........................	Aluminum
Case Features ..........................	n/a
Case Access Type ....................	n/a
Switch Type .............................	n/a
Reflector Type .........................	Silvered, textured, metal
Lens Type ................................	n/a
Bulb Type .................................	3W LED
Beam Type ...............................	Spot
Beam Characteristics ...............	Smooth
Throw (Lux) at 1m (click for description)	see table above
Overall Output (click for description)	see table above
Battery / Power Type................	2 or 3 x 123A or 1 x Pila 600 P or 2 x Pila 300P Li-ion rechargeable
Battery Life (advertised) ...........	See table above
Battery Life (test results) ...........	See table above
Environmental Protection .........	n/a
Weight (oz.) with batteries .......	n/a
Special Items of Note ...............	n/a
Warranty ..................................	n/a
Retail Cost ................................	More information available from ESA