Light Lab Quick Look: Fenix GL19R V2.0

Introduction

We reviewed the original Fenix GL19R back in September of 2022, but Fenix has recently released a second version of the light. This version has a longer bezel, different switches, and the new Luminus SFT25R LED. Let’s check it out.

Manufacturer Claims and Specs

Here’s the new Fenix GL19 V2.0, compared to the first version.

44,100 candela and 1,200 lumens sounds great. Let’s see if it makes those numbers.

Into the Lab: Lumens and Candela

Lumens

On their website, Fenix provides a runtime chart of their own. Let’s see how closely it matches mine:

Pretty close! My sample only ran for 44:56, even though Fenix claims 55 minutes. That said, I appreciate that Fenix supplies a chart that’s fairly accurate.

Let’s get a closer look at the first ten minutes:

According to the ANSI/Plato standard, this light produces 1,147 lumens.

Candela

Candela is a measurement of a light beam’s intensity.

Candela (30+ seconds)

41,000

This reading is better than

Beam Pattern

Where this light “shines” (pun intended) is by providing the combination of high candela in a large and well-defined hotspot, plus excellent lumen output. Fenix makes good lights, and has obviously put their expertise in LED emitters plus the reflector necessary. The flood area of this light is good, but the hotspot is a larger area than most of the “over 40,000 candela” lights.

Light Activation (Switches)

The GL19R v2.0 also improved the activation system greatly from the previous version. The new paddle switches appear to be electronic, but large. They appear to be a reimagining of the paddle switches on venerable TLR-1 and X300 style lights, but hinged so that pressing up or down is also a forward press. An upward press activates momentary, and a downward press activates constant.

I rather like the innovation. But I wish the switches were set up opposite, with momentary being down and constant being up. Or both directions being constant. When I draw my pistol, I prefer to roll my reaction side index finger middle knuckle over the switch in an upward motion to activate the light. This is the most convenient manner to activate constant when I’m building my grip. I can then easily deactivate by pressing down on the switch with my thumb. In the rare occasions I need to use momentary, I prefer that the switch doesn’t poke the tip of my thumb. These switches have a large paddle area for pressing down, which (for me) would be the preferred momentary direction.

Thanks Fenix for trying something different. I think these could be good switches with some more tweaking.

Mounting

Mounting is done via a single large lever on the right side. The amount of tightness or clamping force can be adjusted with a slightly recessed flathead screw on the left side. The light has easily removable & swappable rail keys on top. They’re small, but seem to function well. I haven’t tested the clamp system for durability, but it fit well on pistols around the shop.

Charging

The light has a USB Type C charging port on the right side. This makes charging convenient. I prefer to swap my battery and charge it separately, which I can do with the included 18350 battery, but it does not have an integrated USB Type C port to easily do so. I must place the battery on an external charger, which is fine.

Holsters

Leather and custom holsters may be available from a few manufacturers. Precision-fit holsters for your specific pistol with this light are more difficult to find. If you’re looking for a precision fit “Kydex” or “Boltaron” holster for this light, please leave a message in the comments. Werkz specializes in precision fit holsters for pistols with lights, and if there is enough demand, the company may consider designing for this Fenix.

Summary

This v2.0 of the GL19R brings Fenix closer to busting in to the pistol light market. Fenix knows how to make lights. This light provides both lumens and candela in a segment that usually compromises one for the other. The beam pattern is excellent. The mounting is solid, and the power source (18350) is good. The switches are innovative, but I would prefer momentary and constant activation to be switched. Or the light is set up to constant only either direction. Then the last piece is holster support.

Maybe Fenix will gain more traction with v2.1? Or v3.0? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.