REVIEW OLIGHT M2R WARRIOR.
PREVIEW
OLight has renewed its range of tactical flashlights of the M series with its new model M2R that also receives the denomination "mythical warrior" within the mark thanks among others to its famous M22. It is a model that promises, with electronic innovations, rechargeable, everything an XHP35 inside and why not comment, aesthetic details very attractive. On the website of the model we can see that it is also on sale in cold white or neutral white. In this case the model is cold white (which is typical Olight white, cold, but not in excess).
Olight has given me this model in order to make a review, without any other compensation than the flashlight, and with complete freedom to make the criticisms that it deems appropriate. In the next few lines, I will go over all that I consider relevant on the model, and we will see, from my modest opinion, if the promise is a reality.
PRESENTATION
The M2R comes in a dark colored satin carton with multiple full color prints and a very relevant amount of information about the model in white letters. We can find the complete technical specifications, construction characteristics, brand information, applications and an introduction about the model that gives us information that can be useful in analyzing if it is the type of flashlight we are looking for. It also includes a bidi web access code for the model.
While the overall look of the box is quite good, it draws much attention to how well it comes not only protected, but presented the flashlight inside the box. As I said in previous reviews Olight packages its products as the best brands of consumer electronics. The flashlight in addition to the protective foam comes under a plastic cover, in which we are also indicated some characteristics of use of the same among other information. When we remove that cover the flashlight is free and next to it there is another cardboard cover where all the accessories come.
The flashlight carries a good amount of accessories. We have a case that I particularly liked because it is made, its touch, and the fact that it carries a closure that we can use or not depending on the activity that we are doing. Another accessory is the Olight 3500 battery protected and button top, which apparently is a LG MJ1 3500mAh, certainly a good battery. We also find a complete instruction manual in several languages, a typical Olight lanyard, and a cable for the magnetic charge of the battery inside the flashlight. The only but real thing that can be put in terms of accessories is the absence of spare O'ring.
CONSTRUCTIVE ASPECT
We are faced with a model with the highest quality construction, unibody design made in Type III anodized aluminum, anti-reflective glass, metal tail, in short little to object in terms of its constructive quality. The flashlight is compact, with a similar thickness throughout its entire body. It has a clip that can be placed in two different positions in the slits designed for this purpose. Also admits tailslan without problems.
The head is cylindrical and ends in a blued steel bevel. The engravings of the mark, model and serial number appear. The base of the head has polygonal shape for a better hold, because it is located the side switch, and also prevents the flashlight roll in case we remove the clip. The push button has a very nice touch, and includes a led indicator of charge. It comes protected by a blued steel bezel.
The body of the flashlight is cylindrical and includes a rectangular box Knurlin that is not aggressive when carried by hand, but allows to hold the flashlight to perfection. In the tail part the flashlight has slots to facilitate the unscrewing of the Tail in order to access the battery compartment. The button of the tail is of silver metal and later we will describe the functions of use that it allows on the flashlight.
As for the threads are square, deep, and come perfectly clean and greased. In the part of the tail as they are designed many rechargeable Olight, we find the positive contact for the battery. The original battery comes inside the flashlight, isolated to avoid its discharge or short by means of a plastic insulation. In this sense indicate that the flashlight works with either protected, unprotected, button top or flat top batteries. In saying it works we also include the load function. For this need the M2R comes with a double body.
Under the glass lens we find an OP reflector that houses a Cree XHP35 HD cold tint in a white centering. Lens, reflector and led come immaculate and in perfect condition, as you would expect from a brand of this level.
SIZE AND WHEIGHT
The M2R measures 13 cm long by 2.54 wide (at its widest point). It is a content size especially considering that it includes a built-in charger. Below is presented in front of other popular models to have a clear reference of their size.
As for its weight I consider that 158 gr with the battery, clip and lanyard included is a very good number, taking into account the quality of its construction and its characteristics. Nothing to object in this aspect.
CHARGE FUCTION AND PROTECTION
Once the battery was removed for first time from the flashlight, the first thing I checked was if it came in storage mode, and it was. All right.
Later I began the loading process to analyze how it was the same. To do this, simply connect the USB cable to a charger and the magnetic connector to the tail of the flashlight. After the connection a red led will light up and charging begins. The highest charge value I got on my tester is 0.8 A, which is a not bad value but would appreciate a slightly higher value, especially when charging 3500 mAh (1000 mAh would be great) .
As the battery reaches full charge, the charge reduces its current to minimum levels. Once the charge is complete, the led changes to green, and the charge stops. The charger, in both its original battery and unprotected batteries, cuts to 4.20 volts, although at least in my multimeter the third figure is above. Posts to choose from I prefer 4.19 than 4.21.
After performing the complete discharges of the batteries, once again we see how a modern and quality protected battery is not only able to deliver high discharge rates, in addition its discharge ends in the recommended limit of the used cell.
USER INTERFACE
The MR2 has two IUs, a standard mode for a common use of the flashlight controlled from the side switch, and two tactical modes, which are handled from the Tail. We will describe them in more detail.
Standard mode: from the side switch
Switch on or off: Press the side switch.
Changing modes: With the flashlight on, press and hold the Lo-Mi1-Mi2-Hi cycle. As the flashlight has mode memory in this UI, it will turn on the last one we used
Moonlight access: With the flashlight turned off, we will hold the side switch and turn it on in ML mode. If you turn off with the ML mode activated, pressing again will normally access the.
Turbo access: With a double and fast press we will enter turbo mode 1000. If we press another two times we will enter the turbo 1500 mode.
Strobe: Triple pulsation
Lock: Press and hold for more than two seconds to lock / unlock the flashlight. If the flashlight is blocked the red LED of the side switch will warn us.
Tactical mode: The tactical modes have to be pre-selected according to our preferences. The key question we have to ask ourselves is whether we want turbo only or turbo and strobo.
Tactical mode 1: This mode gives us access to the turbo mode of 1000 lumen, is configured by default and allows us by the gentle pressure of the tail to use the turbo temporarily or lock it permanently if we press until the end of tail.
Tactical mode 2 o avanzado: This mode gives us access to the 1500 lumen turbo mode and strobe, we have to configure it and it allows us by the soft pressure of the tail to use the turbo of 1500 lumen or the strobe if we push to the bottom. But neither is blocked. That is to say, if you press soft as a butt, the tail is not locked, contrary to what happens in tactical mode 1 if you press until the end.
How to change tactical mode 1 to 2 ?. There are two ways that we can use if we have both or only one free hand. With both hands press the tail butt, and then a normal push to the Switch. With one hand hold the switch until you make three complete cycles of mode change. The flashlight will alternate between fixed and stroboscopic light. If we release the switch in the fixed light we choose mode 1, if we release the switch in the strobe, we choose mode 2.
In general both the generic and the tactical UI in both versions seem very good. If I have to say that due to its characteristics, it is convenient to get accustomed to the touch of the Tail, as it has nothing to do with a more ordinary Tail, and especially if you will give tactical use. Once habituated, everything will go like silk.
In addition to the mentioned the flashlight uses the same led red of the switch like warning of low battery.
DISTRIBUTION OF MODES, POWER, RUNTIME, THROW AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT
Then we will proceed to contrast the announced specifications. I want to point out that the latest Olight models are not reflected if they follow the Ansi / Nema FL1 criteria. At first we proceeded to check if the modes conform to the specifications. The data obtained show that the distribution of modes, despite being slightly higher values than specified in the manual, except for turbos, is very good, with clear lighting jumps, and levels for all needs.
The next step was to check if the runtime of the two turbos modes, high and medium high conformed to what was specified. The test was performed without forced ventilation until 55º, at which time it was activated to check the operation of the electronic thermal management system beyond the step of the turbos at 3 minutes. I have to say that although of no real importance, it seems to me a bad detail by Olight to specify the same duration in the two turbos (3 + 120 ') when the power difference affects the battery, and even more to specify that the high mode hard 120 'to dry (less than turbos). As you can see in the graph that is not so, you can notice the turbo 1500 on the 1000 and something is also noticeable on the Hi mode. The data are close to 120 '. Although they do not arrive, it is likely that Olight did not use ventilation, and the power difference when cooling shortens the final duration by a few minutes (keep in mind that the flashlight does not go out but continues for several minutes at low intensity) .
On the other hand has proceeded to verify that happens after the step after 3 minutes, could re-activate the turbo modes. If you can, and this can be important in tactical use mostly.
The next graph is on the one hand a zoom of the previous 90 'in which also includes a subgraph of temperature until the assisted ventilation is activated, and another graphic with a 10' zoom.
I have always thought that monobateria models should not have led a priori designed to be fed to more voltage, because even if they deliver more power for a few minutes, they would lose efficiency. The following graph shows me that I am wrong. It is compared to high-level models of other brands with LED XPL-Hi, and the result is that it is so efficient, more powerful, and the moment I activated the forced ventilation in that test (50º), the performance of the same except in the TK32 already much inferior and in many less minutes (and are models with much more size and mass to dissipate, mainly the TK32). This in addition to electronics speaks pretty well of the unibody design. Full graph and zoom are presented.
Finally we compare with other reputed Olight models. The data speaks for itself. It is an important step forward.
Finally regarding the launch figures we find a maximum very similar to that obtained by Olight. The data obtained in each mode are presented.
PROJECTION
This is a model of tactical use, especially in situations of short-medium distance. Its ideal use is around 100-125 meters maximum, behaving very well indoors. It is not suitable for mounting on a hunting shotgun, but is the ideal companion of a security guard in warehouses, ships, and exteriors around the distance recorded.
To compare it I have chosen two very popular models, with XPL, vitaminadas with a driver BLF A6. One is the BLF A6 itself and the other a S3 convoy (noctigon). The S3 is a rather warm dye and the A6 is more neutral.
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Projections on the wall ove angles.
Proyecciones en pasillo de garaje. 6 metros de ancho, 4,5 de alto y 95 metros de largo.
Outdoor projections.
CONCLUSION
A magnificent lantern by Olight. It's that simple. I think it's going to be one of the benchmarks in the compact tactics segment. The fact that you charge and use 18650 common batteries is a plus point. Top quality, good regulation and thermal control and with good accessories. Besides, it is a good idea to choose between cold and neutral colors.
What should be better ?. Well, could still be better, even though I can not get enough of them. Among them I do not understand the absence of spare O'ring, that the charger could be a little faster, and should cut the load a little earlier than it does to lengthen the life of the batteries.
