A Closer Look at the Powertac M5 GEN3 Flashlight 

I have been using the Gen 1 version for about nearly 5 years and I agree with he switches. It would have been great if they had added more functionality on that front switch, but I guess that would push the price up. It's not a deal breaker for me, but it does mean "switching between" utility and tactical modes and saving it in memory. I am upgrading to the Gen 3 because I want that extra lumens and candela. I also use the Mark Mini Gen2 weapon mounted light, so I am happy to stay in the Powertac ecosystem.

This is exactly what I’m looking for. I have a WOWTAC AS1V2 that I’ve had for about five or six years. I use it every single day for work. They don’t make that anymore, and this powertac has exactly the same features that I love. You cannot turn the flashlight on with the side switch, only the tail switch. That is very important to me, as I carry this flashlight in my pocket every day. I had a thrunight flashlight that was very similar to my wowtac, but it would turn on with the side switch, and it kept getting turned on in my pocket. I always use it on the turbo feature, and it burned my leg on many occasions. In my opinion, not being able to turn it on with the side switch is not a con, but a very big positive for me.

I don't call that button vs the actuator a con. I say thank goodness someone separated the 2 features! If you are using the same button, and you have to cycle through the button to turn if off, that is unnecessary battery usage. This way, you conserve a bit of energy on that battery. And I am very happy to see they don't have a bunch of LED lights on it and all that JUNK.

That knurling reminds me a lot of the knurling found on the old Surefire lights. Liked it a lot because of the great grip you had with it. Thanks for the review.

I’ve heard some people complain that the tail isn’t magnetic. But I honestly prefer to have a rear click button over a magnetic cap anyway/

I like this light Tim. The knurling looks cool and could be very functional. I also like the charging system on this which is similar to Olight. Like you I have no issues keeping my gear in check. Thanks for introducing us to this brand Brother! 🐐

Thank you for sharing. This is now my daily carry flashlight. I had the Powertac E9R, but really wanted to have a flashlight that can tail stand, and the M5 does very well. I also like the length of this light (4 7/8"). I was really used to the E9R tail cap with the selector switch on the end. This switch really made it quick to change modes. I have thought about getting a designated tactical output tail switch flashlight (maybe the Warrior Mini 3?). I got used to setting the E9R to the high or turbo mode, and leave it there if I felt I was going some place where I might have to have to blind someone. The M5 has a similar UI, except the selector switch is near the head. The E9R definitely has more tactile knurling than the M5, but I am very much liking the change. This one clips to my pocket w/far less resistance the E9R. I am moonlight mode fan, and I do use it every morning. I don't own more than a couple flashlight, not much of a collector, but seeing your videos and collection is me living vicariously, thank you.

Some of powertac's lights are a little pricey without the performance to justify the price, but this light (as well as the M6 and E11) offers a good value for what you're getting. I don't really care for any forward buttons, but if there is one then I prefer for the forward button to only change modes and not turn the light on; it's beneficial for preventing the light from being turned on in the pocket.

Great to see new products from other companies. Great quality and features, looks sharp! I'm a tail switch clicker so the side switch doesn't bother me. Looks like a versatile solid flashlight Brother 🤠🌲🍃

Looks like a quality light, it should be really nice on your rifle. Thanks for sharing Tim, be well my friend.

By the way, great review! Very thorough and informative. Thanks.

Yeah, that's a problem. Then again, I'm used to my Streamlight Stinger that has two switches. One on the barrel and one on the end cap. The light can be turned on from either switch and there isn't any variable power settings to deal with. Just one speed and that's the way I like it. But, it isn't what one would call a compact pocket light either. My weapon light is a Streamlight TLR-1HL.

I am happy to see a magnetic charger, i have so many issies with phones from the charge ports and this light will take a beating if its on my rifle, I push the limits when a train so it will get wet and it may get bumped going up to cover.

Good review personally In really don't care that you can't turn it on with the front button although it would be nice not a deal breaker for me I'd just set it to hi and leave it my mane thing is it portable, water prof, rechargeable & sturdy should I need to bash an attacker in the face at that price good enough for a god EDC

I have the gen 3 as well. On the highest brightness setting, it dims automatically after being turned on for 5 minutes. Is that Normal? Anyone experiencing this issue as well?

I think the magnetic port was removable with a micro USB underneath. Not anymore?

11:54 the UI sucks!