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For quite a while now, Crelant has been a well respected name in high-end flashlights, their number one claim to fame being the 7G5. The 7G5 is an all-out thrower, one of the best that was available without an aspheric lens. Now, Crelant has updated the 7G5 to the 7G5CS U3, sporting a side switch and top of the line emitter.
Thanks to Crelant and MD-Lightsource for providing the 7G5CS U3 for review.
I'll be reviewing the 7G5CS U3 in two sections: first, I'll discuss the light objectively (the facts about the light itself), then I'll discuss the light subjectively (my impressions about the light's performance when used for specific applications). If you have any other specific applications you'd like the light tested for, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
3-Minute Overview
Below is a video "quick review" you can watch in just a few minutes, if you're not up for reading the full review right now:
This video is available in 720p HD, but defaults to a lower quality. To select the playback quality click the settings button (looks like a gear) after you've started the video.
Objective
Manufacturer's Specifications
Price: $100
Packaging
Plain-ish brown box, with the specs on a sticker on the side. Foam on the inside keeps the light safe and cozy.
Construction
The 7G5CS uses two 18650 batteries in series, which makes it long. It uses a large reflector, which makes it front-heavy. It's constructed mostly of aluminum, with black anodizing to prevent wear. Stainless stell rings on the bezel and tail prevent damage from impact.
The large, well-shaped smooth reflector is what gives the 7G5VCS U3 it's ability to throw light a long distance, and the Cree XM-L U3 emitter (currently the highest efficiency high-brightness emitter available) supplies the light to be thrown. A green glow-in-the dark o-ring merges style and function as it prevents water from entering behind the lens.
The 7G5CS U3 uses the side switch to change the brightness, you can see more details in the User Interface section.
The body of the light has the Crelent logo printed on one side, the model name on the other, and is otherwise covered with some shallow knurling.
The tail of the light has a removable rubber grip ring, some knurling, and a rubber tail cap switch. The tail switch is used to turn the light on and off.
Now, let's take the light apart!
For normal use, the 7G5CS U3 comes apart into three pieces: the head, body, and tail.
Both the head and tail use a spring to make electrical contact with the batteries. This helps to prevent damage to the light or batteries in the case of an impact, and also lets the light accept a variety of batteries (flat top, button top, various lengths).
The 7G5CS U3 can tailstand, but it's a bit unstable because of the large head.
The head can also be removed for a "candle mode", exposing the bare emitter.
You don't want to use it like this in situations where the emitter could get scratched or bumped, but it's useful to do a tail stand with and fill a room with light.
You also have the option of unscrewing the bezel, removing the reflector, and putting the lens and bezel back in place. This gives you a much floodier beam, though a significant amount of light is lost inside the head, and waterproofness suffers a bit.
Dimensions
Accessories
The 7G5CS U3 comes with a lobster claw lanyard, spare rubber switch cover, and two spare o-rings. The lanyard attaches to a small ring near the tail of the light.
User Interface
The 7G5CS U3 is an "infinitely variable" brightness light, controlled by the tail switch and the side switch. The tail switch turn the light on and off, and the side switch adjusts the brightness or turn the light to standby.
A half press to the tail switch will turn the light on momentarily, and it will remain on only until the switch is released. A full press will click the switch into the constant on position, and the light will remain on until the switch is clicked again. When turning on and off by the tail switch, the light always turns on in max brightness. It is worth noting that because of this, the momentary on function can only be used with max brightness.
When the tail switch is in the on position, the light has three modes: Variable 1, Variable 2, and Standby. A quick click to the side switch will advance to the next of those modes, in that order. Variable 1 and Variable 2 are brightness levels selected by the user. Variable 1 defaults to the Max brightness; Variable 2 defaults to a medium brightness. The two Variable brightness levels are remembered while switching modes with the side switch, but forgotten when the light is turned off by the tail switch. In Standby, the light is off but the Variable brightness chosen is remembered.
When on the Variable modes, the brightness is selected by holding down the side switch. When the switch is held down, the brightness will begin to decrease, pause at the minimum, then increase to the max and flash a couple times, then start back down (a full cycle takes about 17 seconds). At any moment, you can release the side switch and the brightness will stop changing, and the level will be set. You can pick any level you like for both Variable 1 and Variable 2.
So, in practice you can use the pre-set levels of maximum and medium brightness, or you can choose your own brightness levels for Variable 1 and Variable 2 and they will be remembered until you turn the light off with the tail switch (at which point they will reset to the defaults of max and medium).
Also, when the tail switch is in the on position, the light has two "hidden" modes: Strobe and SOS. When using any of Variable 1, Variable 2, or Standby, two quick clicks to the side switch will activate Strobe. From Strobe, a single click will turn the light to Standby, or two quick clicks will activate the SOS. From SOS, either one or two clicks will turn the light to Standby.
Action Shots
You can click on any of these shots to see them full size.
Light in Hand
White Wall ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 1/20"
BeamSlice
MugShot
Indoor Shots (Min, Medium, Max)
ISO 100, f/3.3, 1"
Outdoor Shots ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 2.5"
Long Range ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 5"
Performance
Submersion: I submerged the 7G5CS U3 under a foot of water for one hour, clicking both switches during that time. After the hour, I could find no evidence of water entering the light, and it continued to function properly.
Heat: When using the 7G5CS U3 on maximum output, the head gets very warm after about 10 minutes of use, but does not get too hot to hold. The overall mass and surface area of the light are large enough to do a good job of sinking and dissipating much of the heat.
PWM: I could not detect pulse-width modulation at any brightness level, or even while the brightness was being adjusted.
Drop: I dropped the 7G5CS U3 from a height of about one meter onto various surfaces (including grass, carpet, packed dirt, and wood), and could find no cosmetic or functional damage.
Reverse Polarity Protection: I could find no claims or evidence of reverse polarity protection, so I suggest inserting the batteries in the correct direction.
Over-Discharge Protection: The specs given by the manufacturer state a low working voltage for the driver at 5 volts, which would be 2.5V each when using two 18650 cells, which I consider to be lower than it's good to take lithium ion batteries on a regular basis. So, I do recommend using protected cells with this light, or being careful to charge unprotected cells frequently.
Spectral Analysis
All light that we see as white is actually made up of several different colors put together. The relative intensities of the different colors in the mix are what determine the tint of the white we see. For example, cool white LED's have a lot of blue, and warm white LED's have more red or yellow. This measurement was done on a home made spectrometer. The plot below the picture is corrected for the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. Note: the peak in the 900nm region doesn't really exist, it's a piece of the second-order spectrum that's showing up here because of the high intensity of the light source.
Output and Runtime
ANSI FL-1 runtime ratings are the time it takes for a light to fall to 10% of it's original output (counting from 30 seconds after turning the light on).
The vertical axis of the graphs below represents a relative brightness measurement using a home made light box. The horizontal axis is time in hours:minutes:seconds. Runtimes are stated in hours:minutes:seconds. These graphs may be truncated to show detail.
Mode Comparison
Max (Default for Variable 1)
Medium (Default for Variable 2)
Throwing Distance
ANSI FL-1 standard for stating a light's throwing distance is the distance at which the peak beam intensity (usually at the center of the beam) is 0.25 lux. I calculate throwing distance and candela (lux at 1 meter) by measuring peak beam intensity at five different distances and using the formula lux*distance^2=constant.
Peak Beam Intensity: 82,532 cd
Throw Distance: 575 m
Subjective Review
Quick break down:
+ Wow that's bright
+ Two memorized, user selectable brightness modes
+ Wide output range
+ Solid construction
+ Reliability
+ Side switch
+ Good heat dissipation
+ Well regulated on max brightness
+ Tight beam, great throw
+ Candle mode
+ Strobe and SOS are hidden
- Variable brightnesses not memorized when light turned off
- Standby mode cannot become a variable brightness mode
This light has a pretty obvious purpose, and that purpose is to be a long-distance thrower. That's always been the claim to fame for the 7G5, and because Crelant is keeping up with new tech as it's available, the 7G5CS U3 is still one of the best throwers to use a reflector. Undoubtedly, it can be out-thrown by many (but not all) lights that use an aespheric lens, but those often leave a lot to be desired on the distribution of light and the beam quality. Personally, I think that while aespheric lenses do have their uses, I prefer a well made reflector, because it will still have at least a little spill so you're not blind to the area near you. However, if you need all-out throw, you can also get an aespheric head for the 7G5 from Crelant (not reviewed here).
So, one thing I really like about the 7G5CS U3 is it's two user-defined Variable modes. It's my practice when reviewing to use the light for a while without reading the instructions first, to get an idea of what it's like to try to figure the light out, so for this one it took me a while to realize that both modes were variable. I like the presets it defaults to (max and a medium), but I find it extremely useful to be able to choose two brightness levels for my task and have them remain memorized while I work. However, this is the one area that I see as a major space for improvement. Ideally, the variable brightness would be adjustable from maximum all the way down to off (no light), and the Standby mode would become another variable mode that just defaults to off. That, plus mode memory when turned off by the rear switch would perfect this UI in my eyes.
It's worth noting that while many fancier user interfaces sometimes have trouble performing exactly how they ought to each time, I haven't found any flaws the the repeatability and reliability of the 7G5CS U3's performance. I really appreciate a light that I can count on to perform how I expect it to, without flashes or flickers or failures.
As with all dedicated throwers, you do have to be careful of "tunnel vision", where the extreme brightness down a narrow line makes it hard to see things in your peripheral vision. However, the 7G5CS U3 does have a good bit of spill, so in practice I find it's enough to get by.
Another plus is the candle mode that's available. It's nice to be able to carry the single light that can throw but also do flood in a pinch, especially in hiking/camping or similar situations. You don't want to use candle mode in situations where the emitter is likely to scratched, bumped, or otherwise damaged, but it's handy to have it as an option.
Finally, I'll highlight the Strobe and SOS modes. They are "hidden", which means they aren't part of the normal mode sequence. In the 7G5CS U3, the flashy modes are quick to get to when you want them, but rarely activate by accident when you don't, which is just as it should be.
Overall, the 7G5CS U3 should be in the top of your list if you're considering a dedicated thrower. It's reliable and has a wide output range, so if you need a thrower and like the user interface, this would be a great choice.
Long Term Impressions
I'll fill this part in after carrying the light for a while. If nothing get's added here, either I find nothing else worth noting about the light, or I end up not using it often.
For quite a while now, Crelant has been a well respected name in high-end flashlights, their number one claim to fame being the 7G5. The 7G5 is an all-out thrower, one of the best that was available without an aspheric lens. Now, Crelant has updated the 7G5 to the 7G5CS U3, sporting a side switch and top of the line emitter.
Thanks to Crelant and MD-Lightsource for providing the 7G5CS U3 for review.
I'll be reviewing the 7G5CS U3 in two sections: first, I'll discuss the light objectively (the facts about the light itself), then I'll discuss the light subjectively (my impressions about the light's performance when used for specific applications). If you have any other specific applications you'd like the light tested for, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
3-Minute Overview
Below is a video "quick review" you can watch in just a few minutes, if you're not up for reading the full review right now:
This video is available in 720p HD, but defaults to a lower quality. To select the playback quality click the settings button (looks like a gear) after you've started the video.
Objective
Manufacturer's Specifications
Price: $100
Packaging
Plain-ish brown box, with the specs on a sticker on the side. Foam on the inside keeps the light safe and cozy.
Construction
The 7G5CS uses two 18650 batteries in series, which makes it long. It uses a large reflector, which makes it front-heavy. It's constructed mostly of aluminum, with black anodizing to prevent wear. Stainless stell rings on the bezel and tail prevent damage from impact.
The large, well-shaped smooth reflector is what gives the 7G5VCS U3 it's ability to throw light a long distance, and the Cree XM-L U3 emitter (currently the highest efficiency high-brightness emitter available) supplies the light to be thrown. A green glow-in-the dark o-ring merges style and function as it prevents water from entering behind the lens.
The 7G5CS U3 uses the side switch to change the brightness, you can see more details in the User Interface section.
The body of the light has the Crelent logo printed on one side, the model name on the other, and is otherwise covered with some shallow knurling.
The tail of the light has a removable rubber grip ring, some knurling, and a rubber tail cap switch. The tail switch is used to turn the light on and off.
Now, let's take the light apart!
For normal use, the 7G5CS U3 comes apart into three pieces: the head, body, and tail.
Both the head and tail use a spring to make electrical contact with the batteries. This helps to prevent damage to the light or batteries in the case of an impact, and also lets the light accept a variety of batteries (flat top, button top, various lengths).
The 7G5CS U3 can tailstand, but it's a bit unstable because of the large head.
The head can also be removed for a "candle mode", exposing the bare emitter.
You don't want to use it like this in situations where the emitter could get scratched or bumped, but it's useful to do a tail stand with and fill a room with light.
You also have the option of unscrewing the bezel, removing the reflector, and putting the lens and bezel back in place. This gives you a much floodier beam, though a significant amount of light is lost inside the head, and waterproofness suffers a bit.
Dimensions
Accessories
The 7G5CS U3 comes with a lobster claw lanyard, spare rubber switch cover, and two spare o-rings. The lanyard attaches to a small ring near the tail of the light.
User Interface
The 7G5CS U3 is an "infinitely variable" brightness light, controlled by the tail switch and the side switch. The tail switch turn the light on and off, and the side switch adjusts the brightness or turn the light to standby.
A half press to the tail switch will turn the light on momentarily, and it will remain on only until the switch is released. A full press will click the switch into the constant on position, and the light will remain on until the switch is clicked again. When turning on and off by the tail switch, the light always turns on in max brightness. It is worth noting that because of this, the momentary on function can only be used with max brightness.
When the tail switch is in the on position, the light has three modes: Variable 1, Variable 2, and Standby. A quick click to the side switch will advance to the next of those modes, in that order. Variable 1 and Variable 2 are brightness levels selected by the user. Variable 1 defaults to the Max brightness; Variable 2 defaults to a medium brightness. The two Variable brightness levels are remembered while switching modes with the side switch, but forgotten when the light is turned off by the tail switch. In Standby, the light is off but the Variable brightness chosen is remembered.
When on the Variable modes, the brightness is selected by holding down the side switch. When the switch is held down, the brightness will begin to decrease, pause at the minimum, then increase to the max and flash a couple times, then start back down (a full cycle takes about 17 seconds). At any moment, you can release the side switch and the brightness will stop changing, and the level will be set. You can pick any level you like for both Variable 1 and Variable 2.
So, in practice you can use the pre-set levels of maximum and medium brightness, or you can choose your own brightness levels for Variable 1 and Variable 2 and they will be remembered until you turn the light off with the tail switch (at which point they will reset to the defaults of max and medium).
Also, when the tail switch is in the on position, the light has two "hidden" modes: Strobe and SOS. When using any of Variable 1, Variable 2, or Standby, two quick clicks to the side switch will activate Strobe. From Strobe, a single click will turn the light to Standby, or two quick clicks will activate the SOS. From SOS, either one or two clicks will turn the light to Standby.
Action Shots
You can click on any of these shots to see them full size.
Light in Hand
White Wall ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 1/20"
BeamSlice
MugShot
Indoor Shots (Min, Medium, Max)
ISO 100, f/3.3, 1"
Outdoor Shots ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 2.5"
Long Range ()
ISO 100, f/3.3, 5"
Performance
Submersion: I submerged the 7G5CS U3 under a foot of water for one hour, clicking both switches during that time. After the hour, I could find no evidence of water entering the light, and it continued to function properly.
Heat: When using the 7G5CS U3 on maximum output, the head gets very warm after about 10 minutes of use, but does not get too hot to hold. The overall mass and surface area of the light are large enough to do a good job of sinking and dissipating much of the heat.
PWM: I could not detect pulse-width modulation at any brightness level, or even while the brightness was being adjusted.
Drop: I dropped the 7G5CS U3 from a height of about one meter onto various surfaces (including grass, carpet, packed dirt, and wood), and could find no cosmetic or functional damage.
Reverse Polarity Protection: I could find no claims or evidence of reverse polarity protection, so I suggest inserting the batteries in the correct direction.
Over-Discharge Protection: The specs given by the manufacturer state a low working voltage for the driver at 5 volts, which would be 2.5V each when using two 18650 cells, which I consider to be lower than it's good to take lithium ion batteries on a regular basis. So, I do recommend using protected cells with this light, or being careful to charge unprotected cells frequently.
Spectral Analysis
All light that we see as white is actually made up of several different colors put together. The relative intensities of the different colors in the mix are what determine the tint of the white we see. For example, cool white LED's have a lot of blue, and warm white LED's have more red or yellow. This measurement was done on a home made spectrometer. The plot below the picture is corrected for the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. Note: the peak in the 900nm region doesn't really exist, it's a piece of the second-order spectrum that's showing up here because of the high intensity of the light source.
Output and Runtime
ANSI FL-1 runtime ratings are the time it takes for a light to fall to 10% of it's original output (counting from 30 seconds after turning the light on).
The vertical axis of the graphs below represents a relative brightness measurement using a home made light box. The horizontal axis is time in hours:minutes:seconds. Runtimes are stated in hours:minutes:seconds. These graphs may be truncated to show detail.
Mode Comparison
Max (Default for Variable 1)
Medium (Default for Variable 2)
Throwing Distance
ANSI FL-1 standard for stating a light's throwing distance is the distance at which the peak beam intensity (usually at the center of the beam) is 0.25 lux. I calculate throwing distance and candela (lux at 1 meter) by measuring peak beam intensity at five different distances and using the formula lux*distance^2=constant.
Peak Beam Intensity: 82,532 cd
Throw Distance: 575 m
Subjective Review
Quick break down:
+ Wow that's bright
+ Two memorized, user selectable brightness modes
+ Wide output range
+ Solid construction
+ Reliability
+ Side switch
+ Good heat dissipation
+ Well regulated on max brightness
+ Tight beam, great throw
+ Candle mode
+ Strobe and SOS are hidden
- Variable brightnesses not memorized when light turned off
- Standby mode cannot become a variable brightness mode
This light has a pretty obvious purpose, and that purpose is to be a long-distance thrower. That's always been the claim to fame for the 7G5, and because Crelant is keeping up with new tech as it's available, the 7G5CS U3 is still one of the best throwers to use a reflector. Undoubtedly, it can be out-thrown by many (but not all) lights that use an aespheric lens, but those often leave a lot to be desired on the distribution of light and the beam quality. Personally, I think that while aespheric lenses do have their uses, I prefer a well made reflector, because it will still have at least a little spill so you're not blind to the area near you. However, if you need all-out throw, you can also get an aespheric head for the 7G5 from Crelant (not reviewed here).
So, one thing I really like about the 7G5CS U3 is it's two user-defined Variable modes. It's my practice when reviewing to use the light for a while without reading the instructions first, to get an idea of what it's like to try to figure the light out, so for this one it took me a while to realize that both modes were variable. I like the presets it defaults to (max and a medium), but I find it extremely useful to be able to choose two brightness levels for my task and have them remain memorized while I work. However, this is the one area that I see as a major space for improvement. Ideally, the variable brightness would be adjustable from maximum all the way down to off (no light), and the Standby mode would become another variable mode that just defaults to off. That, plus mode memory when turned off by the rear switch would perfect this UI in my eyes.
It's worth noting that while many fancier user interfaces sometimes have trouble performing exactly how they ought to each time, I haven't found any flaws the the repeatability and reliability of the 7G5CS U3's performance. I really appreciate a light that I can count on to perform how I expect it to, without flashes or flickers or failures.
As with all dedicated throwers, you do have to be careful of "tunnel vision", where the extreme brightness down a narrow line makes it hard to see things in your peripheral vision. However, the 7G5CS U3 does have a good bit of spill, so in practice I find it's enough to get by.
Another plus is the candle mode that's available. It's nice to be able to carry the single light that can throw but also do flood in a pinch, especially in hiking/camping or similar situations. You don't want to use candle mode in situations where the emitter is likely to scratched, bumped, or otherwise damaged, but it's handy to have it as an option.
Finally, I'll highlight the Strobe and SOS modes. They are "hidden", which means they aren't part of the normal mode sequence. In the 7G5CS U3, the flashy modes are quick to get to when you want them, but rarely activate by accident when you don't, which is just as it should be.
Overall, the 7G5CS U3 should be in the top of your list if you're considering a dedicated thrower. It's reliable and has a wide output range, so if you need a thrower and like the user interface, this would be a great choice.
Long Term Impressions
I'll fill this part in after carrying the light for a while. If nothing get's added here, either I find nothing else worth noting about the light, or I end up not using it often.
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