Note: This review is of an early production of the G5, final retail version may have some changes implemented.

Up the front the G5 has a removable stainless steel crenellated bezel. It's easily unscrewed if you don't wish to have an aggressive looking front end. The threads at the front are machined on the inner side of the bezel so the head doesn't look naked with exposed threads. Behind the bezel sits an AR-coated glass lens padded with a rubber o-ring. The head houses a relatively large and deep smooth aluminum reflector which is smoothly polished overall, but did have some minor smudges. Though this could very well be due to previous testing done on this early sample. Upon visual inspection, the LED sitting at the bottom of the reflector cup seems well-centered. The exterior of the head has cooling fins machined throughout, apart for a band in the middle which has knurling providing grip for mode changes on the G5. The electrical contact point to the battery has a reverse polarity protection built in so flat-topped 18650 cells won't work without magnetic spacers.

The entire body of the G5 is finished in black Type 3 anodizing which is smooth and consistent throughout. There's a nice design touch at the front end of the battery tube which prevents batteries from dropping out even when the head is removed. Also, the battery tube has a 1-inch diameter which makes it easily mountable on many weapon mounts. Most of the tube is covered in textured knurling, with three flat faces machined where branding is printed on. Threads on either ends are cleanly machined as well, mating smoothly with no grinding of cross-threading. Threads on at the tail end are anodized as well, so the G5 can be effectively locked out by loosening the tail cap. There's also a pocket clip which can be removed by first unscrewing the grip ring. Unlike the Quark series, the clip on the G5 isn't as easily clipped on due to its larger head diameter. This four-point grip ring also works as an anti-roll feature when attached. The tail cap has a plain and familiar design which is clean and works well for most flashlights. It's mostly covered in knurling as well which provides good grip during battery changes. The rubber switch cap protrudes out quite a bit which means easy switch activation but thus isn't able to tail stand. The switching mechanism has average travel and a slightly stiff tension to it. Upon engaging, the switch provides a positive tactile and audible click.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.

The G5 provides 8 output modes, separated into two sets labeled Regular and Special. Switching between sets is done by repeated a loosen/tighten sequence of the head four times. In the Regular mode set, output levels available are High, Medium, Low and Moonlight. These levels are accessed by loosening its head to varying degrees. About every half-turn loosening of the head steps output down to its next dimmer level (i.e. loosening from its tightest position about two turns will cycle through all 4 modes in step). This method of mode switching may be easy and silent, but it lacks any tactile feel for the user to indicate a mode switch. Upon observation, the Low and Moonlight levels exhibit some pulsing, thought it doesn't really affect practical use. 4Sevens had mentioned that the G5 doesn't in fact use PWM for these low level, but I can only report what was observed. In the Special mode set the G5 has Beacon, S.O.S., Strobe and Max. The first three bring various strobe modes while Max being the brightest constant output level of the G5.

Beam profile produced by the G5 provides a tight spot with a soft mid-sized corona just along the edge of the hot spot. Spill beam is sufficient for navigation while outdoors or wide open environments. When used indoors or close quarters, the spot will certainly overpower the spill beam as with most narrow-beamed lights. Beam profile is free from artifacts and color temperature falls slightly on the cool side. As can be seen from the graphs below, the G5 does well in terms of regulation and runtime is slightly above average relative to its output. On most levels, regulation is maintained consistently on either 2x CR123 or 1x 18650 battery configurations. On the Max level though, output on 1x 18650 is about 15% dimmer than running on 2x CR123, and regulation is also lacking.

Note: Final production G5 has an advertised maximum output or 350 lumens, 50 lumens over initial samples.

The Good - Fit and finish is well done. Output switching user interface is simple with no multiple clicks and such required.

The Bad - Lacks tactile feedback or visual markings for mode switching.

The Relative - Beam has a slightly cool color temperature. Clean beam profile with no noticeable artifacts. Forward push button switch allows for momentary activation. Isn't able to tail stand.