Once upon a time, I wanted a new pocket carry tactical flashlight. I liked the Powertac light that they had previously sent for review, but it was physically longer than I wanted. Then, Powertac came out with their M5-G2. This was almost exactly what I wanted in a handheld light. High lumens, good candela, and a shorter package. So I purchased one. A few months later, I received another one because of Powertac’s affiliate program.

The M5-G2’s normal functions are pretty intuitive. The tail cap button turns it on or off. It also has momentary on, if you just push the button down slightly. The button is recessed into the tail cap. I’m really glad that Powertac did this over the E9. It allows the flashlight to stand on end with the light going up and out. This way you can light up a whole room by setting the light on a table or floor without it falling over. When I say the button is recessed, there are still cutouts on each side, so that you can have easier access to the button.

I also want to say that this light is bright. On “turbo”, which is the highest output mode, it produces 2030 lumens with 27,225 candela. Because of the candela, the beam on this light is pretty focused. This is good for lighting things up at longer distances. It also produces a noticeable “spot” in the beam pattern. I really like the beam pattern as I like to see what the flashlight is pointed at. Because of how bright the beam is, it does still supply plenty of light spill outside the “spot”. It will definitely light up a room.

Along with the “turbo” mode, the M5-G2 also has 4 other brightness modes. All the brightness modes can be cycled through using the side button. This is, of course, after the light has been turned on using the tail switch. The side button is located at the front of the flashlight. Just push it once for every time you want to increase the brightness, from “firefly” to “turbo”. Whatever brightness you have the light set on when you turn it off, is what brightness it turns on at. The strobe function also uses the side button. Just hold the button down for about 1 second and the light starts strobing. When you want to turn the strobe function off, just tap the side button and it will return to the regular light.

As mentioned, the Powertac M5-G2 has 5 levels of brightness. These levels are using the supplied 18650 battery. 2-CR123’s can also be used. See the chart below for these runtimes and settings. I found the “firefly” mode to actually be very useful in full darkness. It gives me just enough light to see what I’m looking for, but not too much to be blinding. It may also work as a good task light under night vision. I usually end up using the “medium” setting for everyday use. I usually turn it to the “turbo” mode before turning the light off, just in case I actually need the light for identification. I never use the strobe function, but some might.

The M5-G2 comes with a lot of standard EDC light features. First off, it has a removable and swappable pocket clip. It can be swapped from top to bottom for either light up or light down carry. I’m not keen on the pocket clip as it is a little flimsy. If you catch it on something, it can either bend or pull off of the light completely. It’s a good thing I don’t use the pocket clip. In the box is also a wrist lanyard that hooks into the tailcap. If you like lanyards, this one is pretty decent. I like that the M5-G2 uses a 18650 battery and that it is included. To charge the light, Powertac includes a magnetic charger cord. This cord plugs into a usb on one end and then snaps onto the magnetic charging port at the front of the flashlight. The charging port is on the opposite side of the mode button. When charging, the mode button turns red. When finished charging, it turns blue. The M5 is also waterproof down to 2 meters. So yes, it does actually work underwater. But probably more important is that it will work in rain and snow.

At a little under 5”, the Powertac M5-G2 is a good size. The smaller size, of this light, is exactly what I wanted. At 1” in diameter, at its largest part, it is extremely narrow also. To top it all off, it only weighs a hair over 4 ounces with the battery and pocket clip!

As you can tell, Powertac did a really nice job with the M5-G2. It is everything needed in a good pocket EDC light. It’s bright, has good light throw, and is lightweight. Did I mention it’s only 70 bucks. If you’re looking for a good edc light option, definitely go check out Powertac lights and the M5-G2.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Small, bright EDC flashlight

Target Market:

Anyone needing a good EDC flashlight

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

2030 lumen max output
27225 max candela
330 meter throw
Magnetic charging
2.5+ hour runtime on high
Optional CR123 use
Tail Switch Provides Both Momentary And Continuous Modes
Integrated Side Switch For Quick Access Of Different Modes
6 Different Settings That Include 5 Levels Of Brightness Plus A Strobe
Anti-Slip Knurling And Matte Style Finish For Firm Grip
Removable Pocket Clip
Auto Memorization For All Settings
Reverse Polarity Protection Protects From Improper Battery Installation
Machined From Aircraft Grade Aluminum With Type Iii Anodized Finish
Tempered Glass To Resist Breaking And Scratching Upon Impact
Mountable With Optional Remote Pressure Switch
IPX8 Waterproof Submersible Up To 2 Meters Under Water
Length: 124 mm or 4.88”
Bezel Diameter: 25.4 mm
Body Diameter: 23 mm

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Other models available

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Amazon

Solid made and powerful light!

I use this light for night time jogging or checking backyard woods. The throw distance is awesome and you can see all details clearly in the dark! It comes with magnetic charging as well! It is a durable, powerful, solid built light! Definitely will recommend this light to friends!