*NOTE: The rating for this light is given for the Xenon bulb equipped GL3 only. The LED module is an optional accessory.

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 undergone a redesign. I have received one of the new GL3, three 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 9V bulb and an optional 3 Watt Luxeon LED lamp assembly, but there are a host of different options including the Pila rechargeable battery system, low light LED tailcaps, different colored LEDs in the tailcap, and a variety of switch types.

Body: The body of the GL3 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.

Main xenon bulb lamp assembly

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 optional 3 Watt LED lamp produces about half the light, but more than double the runtime of the incandescent bulb on a set of cells.

   
Beam at one meter at target center

Runtime Plot, Xenon: The xenon bulb runtime is just about what is expected by the manufacturer. The Pila 300P rechargeable cells outperform standard 123A cells for both brightness and runtime, as well as for cost effectiveness!

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 tactical clickie tailcap switch. As you start to press it down, the light comes on in the "momentary" use position. Continuing to press causes it to click on. Click again for off.

If you aren't going to be using the light for a while, or will be packing it, you can unscrew the tailcap a bit to lock out the switch functionality thereby preventing accidental activation

Seals / Water Resistance: The light is advertised as watertight two 20 meters with the tactical click switch, 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 not heavy and it's very comfortable to hold and use. The switch is easy to activate, but you really have to press in far for it to click on.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: Three 123A cells or two Pila 300P Li-ion rechargeable will power the light. The manufacturer states that the when using the xenon lamp with the rechargeable cell, output will be the same as with primary 123A cells and the runtime will be about the same. If using the 3W LED lamp assembly output will be the same with either battery type, but the 300P will provide 3+ hours of use instead of 7+ 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, 3 Watt LED lamp, three 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 lamp is shock resistant and gives longer runtimes, Smooth beam, Compact size, Seems to be well made.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant

Picky Little Things: Nothing significant

Conclusions: The Pila GL3 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. The GL3 feels very stout in the hand and has some heft to it. I think the new design with the flared ends really suits this light.

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