First Impressions:
    The Maelstorm G5 reminds me alot of my old Surefire U2, and I started thinking of it in terms of a U2 replacement. I say this because it can take an 18650 cell, has a rotating UI and is roughly the same size. I am a sucker for a light that uses a twist collar to select the output levels. The G5 works a bit differently, you turn the entire head to select the level you want. This is not a totally new concept, many lights, such as some Fenix light have done this in the past. But they typically only change between two operating modes. The G5 has 4 output levels, that step down in brightness as you loosen the head more and more.
    I prefer an actual rotating collar over twisting the entire head. It makes one hand operation easier, and it keeps the head from getting a loose wiggly feeling. So the U2 wins in that department. But this adds to the cost and complexity of a light. The G5s head can feel a bit loose on the dimmest output level, but its not bad at all. They did a great job at keeping the threads tight and smooth. The contact point is also spring loaded, so it keeps some tension on the head at all times. In terms of sheer output, the G5 completely destroys the U2 in lumens and throw.

Size/Weight:
    The Maelstorm G5 is a nice medium sized light, and on par with other 2x123 or 18650 cell lights. The head is slightly larger than some others, due to the rotating contacts and the nice deep reflector.

Grip/Handling:
    The G5 feels pretty good in my hand. Its possible to operate the rotating head with one hand, but it can be a be cumbersome. There is however a nice knurled section on the head to help you get a grip on it.
    There is a "cigar hold" ring between the body and tailcap, which is removable. I usually like this feature, but I found myself just thinking this one didnt feel quite right. I actually tried to flip it around backwards with the curved side forward, which I think would feel better in my hand. Sadly, that will not work, it prevents the tailcap from being tightened down all the way.
    The pocket clip is also removable it you choose not to use it. Which by the way, is a nice stiff clip with good retention.
    One option I would really like to see is a recessed tailcap switch, so that the light can also tail stand. This also helps prevent accidentally activating the light. You can however, loosen the head all the way, which will lock out the light, preventing the tail switch from working.

Build Quality:
    I felt the build quality of the Maelstorm G5 to me quite satisfactory. The threads are tight and smooth, preventing the head from feeling too loose when its unscrewed for the lower output levels. The pocket clip is nice and stiff, and all machining is precise and smooth.

Features:
    The main feature of the G5 is how the output levels and modes are controlled. There are 5 brightness levels, Moonlight, Low, Medium and High are accessed in its normal mode. With the head tightened all the way, the light is on High output. As you unscrew the head of the light it will step down to the other 3 lower levels. The tailcap switch is a "forward clickie" used only to turn the light on and off. Twisting the head back and froth from tight to loose four times quickly will set the light into the strobe and signal modes. Now instead of 4 output levels, there are 3 signal modes and the Max output level. Beacon, SOS, Strobe, Max Output Level.
    I like the fact that the special strobe and sos modes are kinda hidden, and not part of the regular output levels. This prevents you from accidentally setting the light into some sort of strobe instead of selecting the output level you want. I find that to be a very frustrating problem with other lights.
    I would like to see some sort of marking on the light, showing what position the head it turned to, but this isnt a big issue, and the light is easy enough to operate.

Output & Runtime:
    The Maelstorm G5 has a Very Tight hotspot, dare I say, almost too tight. I found it a bit too tight for casual indoor use. It tends to create that tunnel effect, where you focus just on the small hotspot. The flood is fairly wide for a light with this focused of a hotspot though, which helps some. Outdoors its a great beam pattern though with killer throw. Once you start shinning it on things over 50 feet away you really start to appreciate the tight spot.
    I was very happy with the separation of the 4 output levels. Some lights have an uneven jump in outputs, or not enough separation of difference between levels. Not the case with the G5. I thought the levels were perfectly spaced apart, and low was a nice level that was easy on night adjusted eyes.

Heat Issues:
    I experienced no heat issues with the G5, the head has nice deep fins that help it dissipate the heat.

Pros:
Excellent throw with its tight hotspot
4 well spaced output levels
Strobe and sos modes that are not accidentally selected
18650 cell compatible
Removable good quality pocket clip

Cons:
Hotspot can be too tight for some close range uses
Not able to stand on tail
Cigar hold ring could be a bit better shaped or positioned

Conclusion:
    I really liked the Maelstorm G5 overall. It reminded me of a new and improved Surefire U2 on steroids. I like the fact that it can use an 18650 cell, which is my favorite lithium cell. I loved that for once someone got the output levels spaced out just right. The hotspot is a bit too tight for my taste, as I like a light to be useful in all applications, including close indoor lighting. Outdoors though, the light has great throw, and would be an excellent choice for anyone wanting a light used primarily outdoors. I would love to see some other reflector options for this light with larger hot spots. Add a recessed switch tailcap and I think this light would be perfect.

These lights and more can be found at www.4sevens.com