Review: Gunshack G2 flashlight

I recently had an opportunity to purchase two(2)  Helotex G2 flashlights through Amazon.com at a really good price. I love flashlights in my preparedness system I can’t have too many (along with batteries of course). Over the last decade technology has lead to flashlights getting brighter, smaller, and less expensive.  Most of my lights run off of either AA alkaline or CR123 batteries. Unique to the Helotex G2 is that it can run off of either – which I really like.

The G2’s arrived each individually boxes with instructions. One of the first things I noticed while briefly looking over the paper was that there is a large warning that putting in batteries backwards could DESTROY the flashlight. Inside the battery tube is an illustrated diagram showing proper battery illustrated. Not a big deal but worth noting – just don’t screw it up.

 Appearance-wise the G2 has a very tactical look. Made of aluminum – up front, it sports a protective shroud around the lens. That shroud contains sharp ridges and edges that would be very useful in an unarmed defensive situation.

Initial testing involved installing a single CR123 battery -which was simple enough and does not require details. Yes – I installed it correctly. After the installation a single click powered the G2 and I shined the light around my garage. The beam is fairly concentrated to a single spot – which I like. I figured that once the sun goes down I would take it outside and see what it can do.

Since I had tow of these – I set one up with a AA alkaline battery and one with the CR123.  Again – simple enough other than when running the CR123 the flashlight is a little shorter(3.6″ inches) and more compact as there is an internal plastic ring which is removed. I actually like the light in the original, longer(4.2″ inch) set up – but that is just me.

The unit is turned on/off via a button on the end cap. Light pressure can momentarily turn on the light, while a full click will turn it on fully. I am not overly in favor of having 50 million options within a flashlight. I want the thing to turn on and off and that is it. With that said – this light does have several options available however it was very easy to turn it on……and off again.

There are 3 main power options – low, high, and strobe. On high the beam shines at a reported 130 lumens. 130 lumens is a very respectable level of light – especially when its concentrated. I have a Steamlight PolyTac which shines with 120 lumens – and the G2 does indeed appear to be a tad brighter. 

 

 Well  – darkness engulfed my little corner of the planet and I ventured outside to see how the Helotex G2 would perform. I went on the side of my house and clicked on the end-cap and the beam shot out at approx 186,000 miles per second (yup – that’s true!). I was impressed by the brightness of the G2. I was standing back close to 45 feet and the beam lit up my fence and yard area with no problem. The spotlight effect is very pronounced.

Next – I shined the light across the street on a neighbors house approx 50 yards away. The side of their house was totally dark as you can see in the picture above.

Once the Helotex G2’s beam hit the house – I was really impressed. This is why I like spotlights versus flood beams so much. If my neighbor called and told me that she suspected that there was someone outside her house prowling around – this light would work great for that application. The entire side of the house as well as the yard between myself and the house was illuminated.

Excellent.

I am looking to pick up a few more of these lights. Currently they are on sale for $25.00 each – a great deal. I hope they stay at that price for a while longer.

For more information click HERE.

 – Rourke

 


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5 thoughts on “Review: Gunshack G2 flashlight”

  1. Does it have a “memory” mode? i.e. will it remember the last mode you used or do you have to cycle through all the modes to get the one you want?

    Tex

    Reply
  2. I like the dual battery capability. I have a Surefire headlamp with the same.

    If battery polarity is an issue, sounds to me like the electronics might be vulnerable to EMP. Likewise for my beloved Surefires.

    Being old school, I keep a few mag lights on hand with the super bright semiconducting LED. Safely in the butt cap of each is an old style incandescent bulb.

    PR

    Reply
  3. Very nice. I’m in line with what Rourke is saying on this light. I like it’s small compactness, looks extremely rugged, and simple modes. Also, in an affordable price range for most of us. Your pics make the 120 Lumen look pretty bright for such a small light. I’m in for maybe two of them. I think the G2 is just right for everyday carry. I went with the another brand for my main tactical light and will share it with you guys in case your looking for something a little more stout. Let me just speak to Rourke’s point again by saying I think the flash light he linked is really good for the price.

    My main tactical light unfortunately has a billion light modes. It is meant to be my main tactical light so I wanted something like this. I went with a German maker called LED. This thing is way to expensive for most of us, but I’m sure one can find a good deal if you decide you want one. The only reason I bought a few was because they were on sale for $29.99 on Woot.com one day. Gotta surf those sites daily to find the good deals, you know? Here are a few links to the product. Let me say that unlike in the company video for the flash light. Strobe mode for criminals when their breaking into your car will Not scare them away..lol You will only get a middle finger as they rip out your stuff and run away.

    Detailed Review: Coast LED Lenser MT7

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF9uYMlcnwA

    Reply
  4. LOL….that’s a serious light, but I thought we were only talking about small hand held lights? Not to mention the Maxa costs about $1,500 ;o)

    Looks like a great light to have during current times and to use on a large property. I mentioned this before in another post about re-chargeable items and smart phones. ‘m going to use this to see in the night:

    http://www.thermal.com/

    This plugged into a smart phone + plus a Mil-spec case on the phone + mount for head gear. $199 for thermal as opposed to $3K to $6K.

    Therefore, I wanted a smaller, light weight flashlight, that’s really bright, and I can carry it with me for when I do need one.

    Reply

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