When Powertac contacted me about reviewing a flashlight, I honestly was a little hesitant. I shouldn’t have been! They sent out one of their E9R-G4 tactical lights. The E9 is the model, the G4 just means it’s the fourth generation of this light. This handheld light is way better than I expected. It’s also a very useful handheld light.
I’ll start with saying that the E9R has plenty of features. Some of these features even rival more expensive lights. High on the priority list, at least for me, is the use of an 18650 rechargeable battery. The E9 comes with one 3200maH high discharge 18650. On the battery note, it will also work with 2 CR123 batteries, but the max output will be limited. The light also comes with extra O-rings, a lanyard, and a magnetic USB charging cord. The magnetic charger cord is useful, since it just snaps on and starts charging. But, if you don’t like the magnetic, or you lose the cord, you can pop out the magnetic button and charge the E9 with a standard micro USB connector. There is also a charge indicator light, opposite the charging port. It shines red when charging and blue when fully charged.
Operation of the E9R is pretty easy and self explanatory. Push the tailcap button lightly and the light turns on momentarily. Pushing the tailcap button, until it clicks, gives you constant on. The last setting, you previously used, is what setting the light turns on at. The E9R has 6 adjustment settings. These settings are done with a button, on the side of the tail cap, when the light is on. If you push the side button, with the light off, it goes into the strobe mode, which is 1 of the 6 modes. That leaves 5 other modes for brightness. To cycle through the modes, turn the light on and then push the side button. The modes just cycle up from the lowest to the highest brightness settings. These settings are: “Firefly” at 0.64 lumens, “Low” at 71 lumens, “Medium” at 270 lumens, “High” at 1135 lumens, and “Turbo” at 2550 lumens. These are rated using the ANSI FL1 standard, a good article on the standard can be found HERE. Run time at the highest setting is 2 hours and goes up a lot on the lower settings! I found the E9 easily adjustable. I usually throw it in my pocket on the medium setting so I don’t blind myself when using it to look for stuff. Then if I need more light, it’s just a couple of taps on the side button. If using the light as a tactical light, I would leave it on the Turbo setting, but I use it as more of a task light. I also found the Firefly setting to be very useful as a super minimal task light.
Since the E9R is more of an EDC light, It has more of a flood pattern to it. That means that the beam is more spread out. At 9800 candela and 2550 lumens, I would expect that. The light doesn’t really have a “hotspot” either, which is also expected from this style of light. Inside, you can see a hotspot, but it’s nothing like a high candela rated light. This lets the E9 work well in enclosed spaces, like a house. It also has enough of a lumen rating to work well outside. Powertac rated the throw at 197 meters max, but we all know that at 197 meters, you will see light, but can’t make out what anything is. I would say the max usable distance for this light is around 100 yards. Even at 100yds, you wouldn’t be able to make out what someone is holding. It has a very “white” tint to the light, so getting through fog or smoke might be a bit difficult with the “Turbo” mode, but turn down the brightness to “low” and the light doesn’t reflect back near as much. For everyday use, I really liked the beam pattern of the E9R.
The E9R uses an aluminum body. This means that it is quite durable. Powertac also type 3 hard anodizes it for better durability. I’ve dropped it a few times onto concrete without any damage. The Bezel has aggressive cuts to use as an impact weapon. The lens is recessed back from the bezel to help keep it from getting damaged. The light is knurled extensively for good grip. I appreciate the knurling, as I can get a really good grip on it. The rear tailcap switch is slightly protected. The button actually sits up past the end of the light slightly. I don’t like this for two reasons. One, the light can turn on easier in your pocket, and Two, the light can't stand up by itself. Being able to stand the light up can be useful when using the light and having your hands free to do other stuff. I do carry the E9 in my pocket, but it does have a removable pocket clip. The pocket clip worked well, at least the few times I used it, but these type of clips are prone to getting pulled off if you catch it on something. I do find the E9 a little bit long for pocket carry, if it were about an inch shorter, it would be perfect, but I’m not sure that’s possible in an 18650 light. If you don’t like either of those carry options, Powertac includes a belt holster for the E9. It holds the light way too tight for it to be useful for me. It also comes with a lanyard, which is pretty decent compared to others I’ve seen.
I E9R isn’t without flaws. If the threads get dirty or oily, the light doesn’t want to go into Turbo mode. Just keep them clean by wiping them off every now and then, and you shouldn’t have problems. I also noticed that when the battery is getting lower, the E9 also doesn’t want to go into Turbo mode. It will default back to the High setting, similar to like it does when using CR123 batteries.
I was really surprised at how well I like the E9R-G4. The beam pattern works well for an EDC light, it is super bright, has good run time, and even has a super low “task light” function. The E9 is just a good all around EDC light. Powertac has a bunch of other lights also, after using the E9, I wouldn’t hesitate to go see what they have.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Rechargeable high output tactical handheld light
Target Market:
Every day carry
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Cree XHP50 White LED
18650 3200mAh Rechargeable Battery included
Optional CR123 use
Magnetic USB Charging
Plastic Holster
Spare O-Rings
Lanyard
Length: 138 mm (5.43”)
Bezel Diameter: 25.4 mm (1”)
Body Diameter: 23 mm (0.905”)
Weight: 85g - 3 ounces (without battery)
IPX8 waterproof (submersible to 2 meters)
2550 lumen max output
9800 candela
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Other flashlight models
What others are saying?:
5/5 stars on Amazon
Bright and Compact.
Perfect light for my duty belt, powerful yet compact, and easy charging. This is my second PowerTac flashlight, and just like the first it does not disappoint. The holster could be better engineered though, found it to difficult to get in and out in a hurry if needed. Bought an aftermarket holster that works better.
Link to other reviews:
Price point:
MSRP = $129.95
Retail = $90.97 with code “GGR”
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Aggressive knurling
Bright
5 brightness settings
CR123 compatible
Cons:
Longer than other 18650 lights
Holster is too tight
Score: 7.50 Good
Favorite Link: Walker Defense Research
