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Pila products have been on the market for a while and
are fairly well known for their rechargeable
batteries which work in multiple-123A cell lights.
These batteries are only part of the story. Pila makes
their own flashlights (for which the batteries are intended)
and these lights have recently undergone a redesign.
I have received one of the new GL2, two cell 123A lights
for review and I can tell you that it is not only a
very nice light, but a rather nice design as well. The
particular light I received came with a xenon 6V bulb
and a 4 white LED tailcap switch, but there are a host
of different options including the Pila rechargeable
battery system, a 3W LED lamp assembly to replace the
xenon lamp, different colored LEDs in the tailcap, and
a variety of switch types.
Body: The body of the GL2 is hard anodized aircraft
aluminum. The head has 6 fluted notches and gently tapers
down to the body tube. Below that are three grooves
and two flat panels on the body tube for grip. The tailcap
flares back out from the body tube and has 6 fluted
notches as well. The result is a very sleek design that
doesn't really look like a flashlight at all.
Bezel/Head: At the front of the light is the
slightly recessed tempered glass lens. Behind that rests
the lamp assembly which includes the reflector, bulb,
and contacts. The reflector is metal with a bumpy texture
to smooth out imperfections in the beam. The xenon bulb
sits in the center of the reflector.
If you get the 4 LED tailcap, you can optionally use
the 4 LEDs as your lighting source. These four LEDs
can operate independently from the main lamp and provide
low level area lighting for extended periods. More about
it's operation when I describe the switch, below.
 
Main xenon bulb lamp assembly, LED tailcap
Output: The main lamp is quite bright. Great
output and a very smooth beam.
The white light produced by the xenon bulb is a typical
incandescent white which is a relatively low color temperature
and appears slightly yellowish when compared to a daylight
white light source, which is normal. In practical use
it appears as a pure white light. The beam has a bright
central spot which blends into the corona , followed
by a wide dimmer spillbeam.
The four LED tailcap produces a bluish wide spot of
light which is sufficient for illuminating your way
in the dark. The runtime of the LEDs is advertised as
over 50 hours on two new 123A cells.
Main beam at one meter at target center, LED tailcap
output shown at right
(Color is a bit off in the LED light picture. It is
white with a light bluish tint).
Runtime Plot: The manufacturer advertises the
light as having a 60 minute runtime, and the test confirmed
this since I had put about 2 minutes run on the light
messing around taking readings, etc. Panasonic brand
123A cells were included with the light and were used
for this test.
Runtime
completed with included Panasonic brand batteries. More
information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: Only one type of switch came with the
light for testing - the LED tailcap switch. As you start
to twist it down, the LEDs come on. Pressing in on the
central clear plastic piston will now cause the LEDs
to turn off and the main lamp to turn on in the "momentary"
use position. Releasing again allows the LEDs to turn
back on as they were before. Continuing to twist the
tailcap will cause the LEDs to turn off and the main
lamp to turn on.
If you back off from the LEDs "on"
point just a little, you can use the central pressure
switch to go directly from "off" to the main
lamp "on". However, you'll get a flash from
the LEDs as the switch crosses the LED "on"
point, which can be a little startling if you are an
idiot, like me, and have the tailcap pointed toward
your face when you press it.
If you aren't going to be using the light
as a strictly "tactical" light I can really
see the LEDs as being very useful for most folks. If
you use the light with the LEDs on and pointed outward
from your hand, you can quickly snap the light up to
a tactical position and press the LED switch with your
thumb to turn on the main lamp.
Seals / Water Resistance: The light is advertised
as watertight two 2 atmospheres, but it is not intended
for diving. It has O-rings and rubber seals in all the
right places.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's petite, it's lightweight, and
it's very comfortable to hold and use. The LED tailcap
switch may take a little work getting used to, but after
a couple of practice uses it will become second nature.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Two 123A cells or one Pila 600P Li-ion
rechargeable will power the light. The manufacturer
states that the when using the xenon lamp with the rechargeable
cell, output will be about half that of primary 123A
cells, but will run for about twice as long. If using
the 3W LED lamp assembly (not tested) output will be
the same with either battery type, but the 600P will
provide 6+ hours of use instead of 4+ that is seen with
primary 123A cells.
If using primary 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!
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity (positive first). Reattach the tailcap and
you're ready to go.
Accessories: There are a bunch of different
accessories available including rechargeable cells,
different colored LED tailcaps, LED
replacement for the main lamp, holsters, tactical
and weapons switches, etc. The unit received for testing
included the main xenon lamp assembly, 4 white LED tailcap,
two 123A cells and a very nice nylon holster with velcro
flap, Velcro/snap/loop belt attachment, and mesh spare
battery pocket on the side.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Very bright, LED tailcap is very handy for general lighting,
Smooth beam, Compact size, Seems to be well made.
What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant
Picky Little Things: LED tailcap
flashes when pressing the switch to go from off to main
lamp on
Conclusions: The Pila GL2 isn't
just a flashlight, it's part of a whole system of different
components that can be mix and matched to make almost
whatever kind of flashlight you like. Want a 3 Watt
LED main lamp and red low-output LEDs for aviation use?
A xenon bulb with a tactical talicap and rechargeables
for duty use? How about the 3 Watt LED shock-resistant
main lamp with a tape switch for firearm mounting? These
are all just a few of the possibilities.
I am giving the GL2 "4 Stars"
as received. However, due to the number of possible
accessories, and rechargeable cells that are available,
in addition to its good design and operability, it will
probably receive a ½ Star increase after testing
is done with the 3 Watt LED main lamp (one should be
coming soon!) in combination with the rechargeable cells.
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