To Infinity and Beyond!

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** January 30, 2009, 06:43:21 PM

Well ok, not quite beyond, but what else was I going to call this shoot out between Gerber's Infinity Ultra and it's predecessor, CMG's Infinity?

I'd heard that CMG's version was superior, and given some of Gerber's less than successful models in the past, I was inclined to believe it. That's not to say that the Gerber is a slouch- it's just old tech, with a not so bright bulb. Still, as anyone familiar with my rantings on lights can attest, I use my Gerber constantly and without mercy, so I figured if the CMG was better, it was going to be a hell of a light!

Supposedly, Gerber bought the rights to the Infinity, although I have no idea why. These two lights have almost nothing in common other than power source (1xAA battery) and the LED, which as far as I can see is the same type. The CMG has a solid machined one piece body with a removable head, while Gerber's one piece body opens with a screw on tailcap. This is a point in the favor of Gerber, because it means that there is a momentary on when you press in the tail. You can get the same effect with the CMG by pressing in the head, but it's not as convenient or natural. Another bonus for Gerber for having a better clip on it too- one that looks like it belongs on the light, and not stolen from some 80's era novelty pen.

There's a slight difference in the brightness, but that may be because the Gerber has seen extensive (ab)use, and the CMG is brand spankin new. Also, the battery in the Gerber is two years old and still kicking. It probably should be replaced, but as long as it's going, I'm willing to keep it working.

The Gerber is slightly "fatter" which I think equates a certain amount of strength, especially when you consider that the battery fits in it snugly, while the CMG's battery rattles around inside. This leads me to think the sidewalls of the Gerber are significantly thicker, as the weight difference would also imply:

Still, it's an insignificant difference overall, and given that the Gerber is easy to come by, and seems better designed, I am going to have to thumb my nose at the guys who think the CMG is superior. Gerber did something right, and you can't take that away from them.

Just to take a quick look at the score, Gerber wins on strength, design, availability and pocket clip, and the CMG may win by a small fraction on light output, but I'd really say that was inconclusive because of the battery and abuse issue. Even if that has nothing to do with it, the small increase in light output is pretty small, and you can only notice it when they are side by side.

But the CMG is green... that's got to count for something, right? Take that Gerber!

Def

donvito · **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:30:55 PM

I got my Gerber Infinity from edcdepot during the turkey day (month) sale, and must admit it's a very nice and powerful light in a small package.

Nice comparison Def

TY

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:35:19 PM

Yeah, I was a bit biased, since I really like the Gerber! When I saw the CMG listed I had to grab it, but boy was I disappointed!

Def

Teofilo · **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2009, 02:54:28 AM

I got one too boss, yours seems pretty well used, huh

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2009, 08:29:33 AM

Nice shot!

Yeah, mine has been around the block a few times. I really like the size and light output for work, and it's tough enough to last doing the things I do both on the job and off.

And, all that for under $20... what more could you want?

Def

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2009, 09:29:48 AM

Damn you boss, I've just ordered one

Benner · **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2009, 12:50:04 PM

Quote from: Micky d on January 31, 2009, 09:29:48 AM

Damn you boss, I've just ordered one

Oh dear Mike's a Jamie.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2009, 02:04:23 PM

Quote from: Benner on January 31, 2009, 12:50:04 PM

Quote from: Micky d on January 31, 2009, 09:29:48 AM
Damn you boss, I've just ordered one

Oh dear Mike's a Jamie.

No, no, really I'm not

, honest

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2009, 11:37:50 PM

For the price, order several! I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better value in a flashlight to be honest.

Def

jzmtl · **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:11:16 AM

How's brightness compare to fenix e01? I heard gerber upgraded it to either DS or GS but don't know for sure.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:29:50 AM

I don't have an E01, so I really can't say how they compare. However, I would venture out on a limb and say that it fares poorly (depending on your point of view) as it really isn't that bright at all. I like it for that reason, as I use it every night at the bar to check ID's, look at labels on Pepsi cylinders and perform odd jobs. I like the complete and utter lack of retina searing brightness since I work in a fairly dark environment.

If you are looking for an ultra bright light, this ain't it.

As for any upgrades or changes to the bulb, I really couldn't say on that either, since I probably have an older version.

Def

Teofilo · **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:56:27 AM

May I intrude boss, I have an eo1 too. The lights are almost the same, 9-12 lumens! But I prefer the Infinity, because of of it round spot, unlike the eo1, oval.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2009, 08:20:28 AM

You are not intruding- this is a forum! If you don't have your say, who will? Especially when adding information- can't fault you (or anyone!) for that!

Def

Teofilo · **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2009, 08:28:30 AM

Thanks Def.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2009, 08:38:42 AM

I kinda like the E01... I may have to pick one up sooner or later...

Def

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:08:34 AM

Quote from: Defender on February 01, 2009, 08:38:42 AM

I kinda like the E01... I may have to pick one up sooner or later...

Def

The plastic lens isn't to robust on them though, and not everyone likes the purple tinge $:-\$

Whoey · **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2009, 12:55:58 PM

I have one as well, and so far it's impressed me quite a bit. My brother-in-law saw it and asked where I got it as he's interested in getting one too...

The only strange thing I find is that the "reflector" is also black, thus probably killing some extra light it could produce (it only seems to actually "reflect" off about half the area available), and in that case why not make it smaller and use a AAA battery for and even more compact and lightweight design.

Neil · **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:31:01 PM

By using a AAA you'd probably halve the run time. That said a AAA version would be nice. I may have to get one of these, I didn't get on with the E01 due to purple light from it.

Neil

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2009, 03:08:14 PM

I got my matte grey one today, and it's quite a lot bigger than I imagined

, but seems well built and has a reasonable level of power too, but not so much that you couldn't read with it

Whoey · **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:04:04 PM

Mine has a blue/purple tint to the light... almost like a UV light actually... but I don't mind.

As for size... it's pretty much as small as they could make it with that AA in it... and I think the life on an AA is pretty near infinity (or so Def says...) so half of infinity ain't bad...

WhichDawg · **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2009, 10:41:06 AM

I have several Gerbers and a couple EO1s. the GIU is way fatter (robust is a good word)
but the EO1 is no wimp. I'm pretty sure the Gerber would outlast a truck run-over
(which I hear was done!), not the EO1.

One reason I heard the CMG was better than the Gerber was it will last longer on continuous out-put
(not that the boss will test this! mister 2 year battery) better guts!

The EO1 is like even longer lasting then both (continuous), which is very important to me,
but if you want to clunk someone over the head, Gerber/morning star wins!

Top 2 EO1
GIU
Farmer

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2009, 01:11:51 PM

Well, if and when this battery craps out on me, I'll be sure and put fresh batteries in both of them, turn them on and check on them every few hours to see which one is still going. Under regular circumstances I am certain that the CMG would last longer as I see the Gerber being more useful, and more likely to be carried! The unused battery in the CMG should last for years as a result!

Def

Black Rose · **Reply #22 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:10:15 PM

Quote from: Micky d on February 01, 2009, 10:08:34 AM

Quote from: Defender on February 01, 2009, 08:38:42 AM
I kinda like the E01... I may have to pick one up sooner or later...

Def
The plastic lens isn't to robust on them though, and not everyone likes the purple tinge $:-\$

The E01 doesn't have a lens...the LED is exposed like the Gerber Infinity Ultra.

I like both lights and want to get some more of the Gerbers. Unfortunately the store where I bought my other ones no longer sells them.

WhichDawg · **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:26:48 PM

Many places still have them, like our excellent banner members; https://edcdepot.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=27

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:33:47 PM

Quote from: Black Rose on February 20, 2009, 10:10:15 PM

Quote from: Micky d on February 01, 2009, 10:08:34 AM
Quote from: Defender on February 01, 2009, 08:38:42 AM
I kinda like the E01... I may have to pick one up sooner or later...

Def
The plastic lens isn't to robust on them though, and not everyone likes the purple tinge $:-\$
The E01 doesn't have a lens...the LED is exposed like the Gerber Infinity Ultra.

I like both lights and want to get some more of the Gerbers. Unfortunately the store where I bought my other ones no longer sells them.

Mine did

Black Rose · **Reply #25 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:42:08 AM

Did you buy it that way? Got a picture of it?

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #26 on:** February 21, 2009, 09:54:29 AM

Quote from: Black Rose on February 21, 2009, 05:42:08 AM

Did you buy it that way? Got a picture of it?

I bought it at Heinnies, I'll get a picture up later from there website, but my EO1 is residing with my Dad so it might be a while before I get to take a shot of it

peterxyz · **Reply #27 on:** June 09, 2009, 09:00:10 PM

my E01 from Fenix UK didn't have a lens either - it kinda put me off for rough-ish edc

JohnD · **Reply #28 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:35:41 AM

Hmmm, I got mine from Heinnie and mine has a lens, don't worry though as the LED is quite tough.

ringzero · **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:46:47 AM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on January 31, 2009, 11:37:50 PM

For the price, order several! I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better value in a flashlight to be honest.

Def

I missed this review until now, but feel obliged to agree with Def's statement here.

The Gerber Infinity in its various incarnations is a really superb "big bang for your buck" light.

Mine have never been taken apart, but I've seen photos of this light's innards on various threads over on CPF. Very well built and rugged light with potted electronics.

A very reliable light in all conditions according to some of the torture tests owners have posted on CPF: submersion, freezing in a block of ice, drop testing, etc.

To get a small light with equivalent reliability you'd have to spend considerably more for an Arc 1AAA, or something over a hundred bucks for a Surefire or Novatac.

.

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