I have several Olight torches.
This one is the best, so far.
Five stars.
There - that’s my review. Done and dusted. Short but sweet. No messing.
Well, okay then - a bit more.
I was given this S1R by Olight to review. Let’s get that out of the way.
This diminutive little torch packs a serious punch, thanks to the Cree XM-L2 emitter and a custom high-discharge RCR123A cell. Despite being just 64mm long and 21mm wide, the OS1R can put out up to 900 lumens, enough to light up the night!!
Here are a few pics of the package, contents, the size of this teensy torch and couple of outdoor shots
The torch is the successor to the (even more diminutive) S1 Baton which has a maximum output of 500 lumens. Admittedly, it is just a pinch longer than the S1B but those few millimetres have been put to very good use. Firstly, the head of the torch is a touch deeper. I suspect this may be extra heat-sinking to help cope with the much brighter light. I don’t know, but that’s my guess. At the back end of the torch, it is a little longer due to the very welcome addition of a magnetic charging element. Please note, this charging element is solely for recharging the included Olight RCR123A cell. If you use a different cell the magnetic charging cable will not operate. You are, of course, welcome to use whatever CR123A cell you like in the torch, be it a primary (non-rechargeable) cell or a different brand of RCR123A, but if that is the case you’ll have to charge it separately. This perhaps won’t trouble some people who get this torch as they may well already have a suitable charger - I know I have. Or they may have simply been gifted or purchased the torch as a “complete” package. After all, it has all you need. Torch, cell, magnetic charging cable, padded lanyard (with an easy-thread cotter pin) and a neat, attractive little suede effect drawstring bag to keep it all in, should you wish. It can also be used with the Olight OL2153 “micro-dok” charger base, available as an optional extra.
From the top, the torch has a TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens, which makes the head assembly more compact compared to a standard lens assembly and provides a nice floody beam but with a decent amount of “throw” (how far the beam usefully reaches). In my mind, it is a very decent compromise in terms of spread and throw. The top bezel of the torch is a beautiful, metallic blue, dipping into the deep bowl of the TIR lens. It has a nice, classy look to it, as have the other S series lights in Olight’s range. Lower down, there is a hexagonal area, one side of which houses the rubberised switch which has a fine bezel in the same metallic blue. Then the removable clip, which is reversible. The dimensions of the clip are okay if you want to reverse the light for head-down carry. Not perfect, but okay. In truth, against my better instincts I have found that the torch is better carried head-up in your pocket, where the clip position lets it sit very deep. The dished head/lens actually allow for a great point of reference if you’re blindly reaching into your pocket to use the torch in the dark. The main body and tail of the torch have the customary very neat Olight finish, with square knurling providing a reasonable amount of grip without being too aggressive. The whole torch is finished in almost matte black anodising, with just a hint of sheen. Nicely done. Right at the tail of the torch is the lanyard hole. The lanyard itself is slightly longer, by around two centimetres or so, than the Olight lanyards I have on my other torches. I had mentioned this to Olight in a previous review of one of their other models, stating the lanyard was just a touch too short for someone with a larger hand. Olight have responded marvellously by taking my comments on board and increasing the size just a tad. It certainly makes using the lanyard easier and more comfortable. Incidentally, the lanyard has an adjustable slider “lock” on it, to tighten it onto your wrist if needed. The bottom of the torch is magnetised and is very strong, allowing for the torch to be easily suspended on a suitable surface, even upside down if you like. The base of the torch, completely flat for stable tail-standing, also contains the element to allow it to connect to the included Magnetic Charging Cable to be charged from any normal USB socket. The cable itself is really neat. It is about 45cm long, not too short, not too long. It is a flat “noodle” style cable, so less likely to kink or tangle. The USB and Charger ends of the cable are finished in the same attractive blue of the bezel and switch. The Charger attaches to the base of the torch with a very firm, positive magnetic action. Plug it in and the little translucent plastic part where the cable enters the Charger glows either red to signify charging or green when charging is complete. It is a very cool and aesthetically pleasing touch. The innovative little touches don’t end there. The torch has a “lock-out” feature so that you can electronically prevent accidentally turning the torch on. From “off”, long press to enter “moonlight” mode but keep the switch pressed and after a couple of seconds the torch will turn off and can only be turned back on with a two second press of the switch, therefore reducing the possibility of it turning on by accident. Of course, if you want further assurance that precious cell capacity won’t be compromised, you can always rotate the clip so it physically covers the switch. Even more assurance needed? Twist the base a quarter turn to break the terminal contact. Even MORE assurance? Take the flippin’ cell out!!! Another lovely little touch is that the black rubber button actually has a small red LED ring sited beneath it which is completely invisible until it lights up. This LED only shows up when (a) your cell is dying or (b) the “lock-out” feature is enabled and you’re trying to turn the torch on. It is extremely subtle and I think it is a great touch.
Another is that on the higher modes the torch is configured so it delivers or cuts it’s power with a short ramp. So, click the switch to turn on or off for these modes and it takes a little over half a second to ramp up or down. This is meant to help prevent any stress on your vision. I just think it looks really cool.
The standard modes are low-med-high-turbo. Turbo mode (900 lumens of craziness) will ramp down to 300 lumens after a minute or so to prevent overheating and to help preserve cell life. There is, as stated earlier, a moonlight mode which is accessed by a long press from off. Press again and hold to cycle through the other modes. There is also a memory function and a two stage (three or nine minutes) timer. Finally, the torch has a strobe function too. I personally think this torch would be excellent as a bike light. Incredible performance for lighting up dark trails. Powerful strobe if you need to get noticed and stay safe in traffic. Extremely small and light with great run-times. Reasonably affordable too, for the very high quality that this torch is.
Here is a size comparison with a couple of Border Collies
I’m mindful of that marvellous Father Ted intro when Ted is patiently explaining perspective to Dougal……
Father Ted: Okay, one last time. These [he points to some plastic cows on the table] are small, but the ones out there are far away… Small, far away…….
[Dougal shakes his head in confusion]
Father Ted: Ah forget it…
Also a comparison with the S1 Baton
and finally a Victorinox Alox Farmer
I won’t hesitate to give this torch five stars. Olight are showing some real thought when it comes to the new features in their torches and they listen and act upon suggestions swiftly it would seem. This is an absolutely marvellous pocket-rocket and the extra few mm of length aren’t a detraction. In truth, the slightly smaller S1 Baton seems to me just a little too small whereas this allows for a slightly better grip.
I love it.
SP
