Flashlights are amazingly useful tools, which is why I’m always checking new ones out. Today we’ll be looking at the Surefire G2X Pro flashlight. Let’s check out its capabilities and see how it stacks up in today’s market.
What is the Surefire G2X Pro Flashlight good for?
I’ve gone through a lot of security checkpoints in my time, both in law enforcement and otherwise. Occasionally, someone will pick up the light, turn it on, and ask, “Why do you need a flashlight?”
To which my reply is always the same: “So I can see in the dark.” Every time I say that the person questioning me pauses, considers the answer, often thoughtfully nods, and then moves on.
Beyond that basic explanation, though, the G2X offers some specific-use applications.
EDC Flashlight — Two Settings
For my purposes, I classify this light as primarily an EDC light. Why? Because its initial output is Low (15 lumens). This setting is great for navigating around an area where you don’t necessarily need to unleash the sun. It’s plenty of light to reach out a couple of yards for normal, everyday tasks.
The second push of the button gets us a blindingly bright light, which is good for blinding attackers, identifying threats, or hunting, among other things.
The reason I say it’s primarily a good EDC light is because we get that Low power output first.
Combat / Defense
For defensive purposes, it’s important to have a hand-held tactical light, even if we have a weapon-mounted light. The reason is, we search with the hand-held unit. Searching with a weapon light will have us covering possible friendly targets with a loaded weapon, which is not cool. We only use the weapon light if a hostile target is identified.
Could this light be used for combat and/or defense? Sure! It’s not optimal for that because, as mentioned, the first output is Low, and for a dedicated combat-type light, we’d ideally like the initial output to be High in order to dominate the situation, identify threats, and possibly blind opponents or attackers.
And this light definitely will blind an attacker. I tried it — in daylight — and was, indeed, blinded. This sucker is definitely bright!
Is it the end of the world that the initial output is Low? Not really, it’s just not ideal for that purpose. But if the user trains themselves to hit the switch twice quickly, they will get that blinding light.
Are there any other uses for the flashlight?
Beyond the simple operation of the light, it is definitely stout enough to use for self-defense as a striking instrument against an attacker(s). It will not break. And these days, with weapons being more and more restricted in areas, having something that we can strike with is an attractive option.
There is no sharpened bezel or anything offensive about this flashlight. Consequently, it will not likely be viewed as a weapon by most entities, so we should be able to take it to most places. The fact that this light is not huge and heavy is also a point in our favor.
If you really want to step it up in the “non-threatening-looking” realm, get the yellow one. It’s a happy color that most people will remark on as being “pretty”, i.e., non-threatening.
Surefire G2X Pro Specifications
The G2X Pro is not a huge light, coming in at 5.2 inches long with a 1.25-inch bezel diameter. Weight is 4.4 ounces, so it’s light in weight. These days, I have enough crap dragging my pants down, so lightweight items are appreciated.
The flashlight uses an LED, which maximizes battery life. More on that in a moment.
I mentioned run time. For the low output, the light will run for 52 hours. On high, it will go for 1.5 hours. That’s very good, considering the outputs. Two lithium 123A batteries run this light.
I recently got two sets of Surefire rechargeable CR 123A lithium batteries, and they’re the cat’s pajamas! I can be using one set while I’m recharging the other set, for a basically infinite power source which saves me from having to constantly purchase new batteries. These things are wonderful! They’re not expensive and represent a very cost-effective way of running your lights. In time, I plan on picking up a few more sets (they’re sold in sets of two) for the rest of my lights. With a slew of batteries and a charger on hand, you’re ready to light up the world!
To replace the batteries, merely unscrew the tail cap, dump out the old batteries, and insert fresh ones. The positive terminals face forward.
There is a lockout tail cap, so you can make sure the light isn’t accidentally activated. Both from an operational security standpoint, as well as a fire standpoint, this is a good thing. To lock out the tail cap, rotate it counterclockwise until it stops and the light will not activate.
As mentioned previously, there are two outputs: Low, which is 15 lumens, and High, which puts out 600 lumens. The peak beam intensity is 8,700 candela for a beam distance of 187 meters. The first push of the tail cap button gets you the Low power output. If you push lightly, the light stops when your thumb releases the tail switch. If you push in harder, it clicks and will stay on.
When you push the tail switch a second time quickly, you will get High output (600 lumens). Just like with the Low output, if you push the switch hard, it will click and the light will stay on. In this manner, you can cycle between the two outputs and choose one to stay on.
The light’s reflector helps to gain the high lumen output; it’s very efficient at reflecting and focusing the light.
Construction
To keep weight down and durability very high, the light’s body is constructed of polymer. The bezel (or head), which contains the LED emitter, is aerospace aluminum that is mil-spec hard-anodized and very durable. My particular light came in tan color, but there are other colors as well, including black, OD green, and yellow.
Performance — The Beam
As with other Surefire lights, the beam on the G2X is excellent. It has a hot spot in the center, which is great for reaching out there (remember, 187 meters) and also for blinding attackers. Additionally, it also has a nice, wide flood, which helps if you’re searching an area. It lights up the surroundings, which is great for searching for items or alerting us to any threats that might be off to the side.
Overall, the beam is useful for a multitude of tasks and is a great working beam.
There are lights on the market that offer more lumens, it is true. However, Surefire gets it right in the department of blending a good reach to illuminate far-off objects while still supplying a nice flood to light up the periphery. It makes for a great overall performing beam.
How do I like the G2X Pro?
I’m pleased as punch!
The G2X Pro is robustly built, will be able to withstand gross neglect and abuse (as with all Surefire products), is great at illumination, has a long battery life, and is not overly expensive. That’s another point — the flashlight, at the time of writing, goes for $80.99 at GunMag Warehouse. For a light of this quality, that’s a very fair price. Especially considering Surefire’s reputation and the way they stand behind their products.
Yes, you can spend hundreds of dollars for a good, quality light. But you really don’t need to. Just get this one. Better yet, get a few. And when your wife sees the yellow one, she’ll have to have one as well!
