G&P Scorpion Series R500

 

The G&P Scorpion, made in Hong Kong, is a rechargeable 500 Lumen (advertised) high intensity flashlight. What really makes this flashlight unique is the charging method - you plug the charger directly into the flashlight! Apparently the folks at G&P are really into airsoft guns, and it states on the package that this light is for use with airsoft toy guns only.

Body: The body is anodized aluminum. I can't be sure if it's type II or type III, but reports are that it is probably type II. Below the head are some cooling fins, beneath that is a flange followed by a square area with the mfgr's logo, and then a round portion followed by the tailcap switch. Overall machining seems to be excellent. Likewise for fit and finish.

Bezel/Head: The head of the light is quite large in diameter relative to the rest of the light. I believe the lens is plastic, but the reflector is metal and is textured to smooth out the beam. The bulb assembly is screwed in to the reflector from behind, so no worries about the bulb separating and dropping into the reflector. The bezel is crenelated, so you can see if you left the light on when you set it face down.

Output: This thing is bright! It may not quite be up to the 500 Lumens that the manufacturer advertises, but it is a scorcher. My numbers, which may be off by a bit, show closer to 400 Lumens at start. The light beam is the typical incandescent "white" with a strong yellowish presence.

   

Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge to show spillbeam.

Runtime Plot: The lithium-ion cell inside does a pretty good job of maintaining the high output of the light. It drops to about 50% starting output in 46 minutes, which is a little shy of the 1 hour that many have come to expect from a tactical light.

Switch: The switch is the tailcap, and it's big and chunky. No fumbling here! Twist for constant on, press for momentary.

Seals / Water Resistance: There are O-ring seals in all the right places, so it should be splashable at a minimum.

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: Balance is good for normal use, but it is a little awkward to hold in the "tactical" position due to the weight of the front of the light. Operation is very easy and simple.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: Inside the light is a 2200 mAh Li-ion rechargeable cell. To charge it, look for the ring below the head that says "DC in".

Grasp that ring and give it a few twists to the left:

Bingo! There's the charging port! Now just plug in your flashlight with the included charger. When the light on the charger changes from red to green, it's done. The flange that twists is protected by O-rings on either end, so when properly closed the charging port should be waterproof. For those of you who may be concerned, a protection circuit is built into the battery pack for the Li-Ion cells.

Accessories: You can get replacement batteries (I couldn't get mine out...), replacement reflector assemblies, replacement lamp assemblies, and a 12V charging cord.

What I Liked: Water resistant, OK battery life, Very Bright, Rechargeable

What I Didn't Like: Nothing really.

Picky Little Things: Couldn't get the battery out - it's stuck in there pretty good!

Conclusions: I'm not sure why, other than possibly for legal reasons, G&P only wants this light used with Airsoft guns. It's super bright, easily rechargeable, and seems very solid. I would put it high on the list for one of the first lights to grab to investigate something that "goes bump in the night". When you hit the switch the output is instantaneous and spectacular, especially if you are on the receiving end. The fact that it's rechargeable means that it's a bit easier on the wallet and the environment.

R500S 1.900.000 (small)

R500 1.900.000

Quick Facts Table:

Item Reviewed            :    G&P Scorpion R500 Review Date            :    September 2006 Case Material            :    Anodized aluminum Case Features            :    Cooling fins behind head, easy grip tailcap Case Access Type        :    Unscrew tailcap Switch Type            :    Tactical twist/press Reflector Type            :    Aluminum textured Lens Type            :    Plastic (?) Bulb Type            :    High pressure xenon Beam Type            :    Medium spot with spillbeam Beam Characteristics        :    Very smooth, slightly oblong spot Throw (Lux) at 1m        :    ~ 13000 at beam center. (114.02 Comparison Chart equivalent) Overall Output            :    ~ 25000 (250.00 Comparison Chart equivalent) Battery / Power Type        :    2200 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Life (advertised)    :    40 min Battery Life (test results)    :    46 min to 50% starting output Environmental Protection    :    O-ring seals throughout Weight (oz.) with batteries    :    12.9 Special Items of Note        :    Charger port on light itself