Review: Olight S15 baton (1/2/3*AA / 14500)

I don't have the oLight wand, but I have the similar Nitecore and Nitecore knockoffs, along with some silicone diffusers.

The Xeno wand just does a really good job of providing even light output. Even when you look at the diffuser, you don't see a hotter spot like you do with other wands. It's kind of like a fluorescent tube in the way it glows evenly. If I was going to spend a lot of time in a tent, like often happens in winter camping trips, I'd want to a light that works with the Xeno wand so I can use it as a lamp for my tent.

Which reminds me of a ton of different diffusers I bought a long time ago to do a comparison between all of them.. there is definitely a huge difference in the way they work...

I didnt, and still don`t feel the urge to do the comparison... too much work ;)

Too bad you're in Tokyo. If you were in the USA, I'd be tempted to make an offer even though have most of those.

Call me crazy, but I still like to keep them ;)

I don`t use them often, except for the rubbery white one from Fasttech (the one that is about 35-40mm).
That one is stuck on my Paisen Z6 U2, and is used around the house, or used as a bed stand light.

And the Fenix AD 101W is quite nice..as it still makes a hotspot (so you can point at something in front of you, and not only see on your sides).
The hard plastic, transparent Fenix ones are handy if your would hang up your light in a tent or something.

So the Xeno wand does fit the S15/S20? Because the heads are about 1.5mm larger than the Xeno head.

I guess I should get the Xeno wand anyway, although it doesn’t have a low mode that’s low as the Olights I could use the wand with my E03 without removing the clip, since the clip is mounted near the tail.

That clear hard plastic “camping” one is interesting.

Seems like a wand could be useful on these Olights because of the magnetic tail feature.

Thanks for the tips, I’m going to put some wands on my want list.

I’ve got an S10 and really like it - it packs a punch for a 16340 torch, the S20 and S15 seem a bit under driven by comparison.

The new UI with the instant access to moonlight and high is great.

The biggest issue with this line of lights is that they are too easy to switch on accidentally.

I’m not sure how many amps they’re pulling comparatively but the S20 is rated a higher max output than the S10 (550LM vs 400LM)
www.olightworld.com EDC
Am I correct if the S20 is driven lower that’s a good thing if its output is 150LM brighter than the S10? (less heat, longer runtime?)

AFAIK the access to moonlight and high hasn’t changed with the new UI: On my S15 the access to moonlight and high is the same as previous models in the series. (hold switch for 1 sec. for moonlight / double click for high) Both my new S15 and my old version S20 work that way.

True, but the new UI is great because it provides for much quicker access to use the lockout mode (hold switch for 2 sec. to activate / 1 sec. to deactivate) On my (old version) S20 I pretty much never used the lockout mode because it was way too hard to activate/deactivate. Again, kudos to Olight for the upgrades.

Also on both my S15 & S20 a mere 1/16 the of a turn of the tail cap locks out the light manually and prevents parasitic drain as well. Although it has happened several times, the occurrence of accidental activation has been quite rare for me. It is however very easy to lockout manually (or electronically on the new model)

.
S10/S20 selfbuilt video overview/comparison
The improvements Olight has made on the new 2013 version (black switch cover) are too hard to resist anymore. Looks like I’ll be upgrading to the newer version S20 soon

For a 18650 torch, 550lm is so/so for me. The difference between my old XM-L S20 and the XM-L2 S10 was not significant - I don’t use high that often, but if I do I want it to pack a punch.

The original S10 had a different UI to the rest of the range, the updated version brings it inline with the rest. I like the UI, it’s practical. The updated access to the soft lock out is good, and I agree that a hard lockout is not difficult - however I do think some consideration should be made to redesigning the switch to make it less likely to activate.

The S20 is plenty bright for me on high but I’d be interested is something that was “insanely bright” on high in a similar size package. What light can you recommend that will pack a better punch on high that is comparable in size and price to the S20?

prefer one with a pocket clip
No twistys

I’ve been considering this one:
Roche F12 Cree XM-L T6-4C 886-Lumen / 8*AMC7135 2800mA

Cons are its about 10mm longer and no side switch, But for the price I’m game if its a real “pocket Rocket” (for short bursts) on high compared to the S20. (not sure if the 866LM is “Chinese” lumens or not)
I think I can also get a clip for it from fasttech.

I really do like the features of the S20/S15: compact size / side switch / mode arrangement / magnet tail / deep carry clip / run on primary’s option. I don’t think there is anything else comparable out there with those same features in the same price category.

Yes I agree, it should be more recessed.

That F12 will not fit most Protected batteries.It's too short. I had to remove the spring on the driver and replace it with a blob solder and it still dented the button on my shortest 18650.

The S20 fits all my batteries and it runs off cr123's as well.

Check out the Nitecore PD12; they claim 950 Lumens on High Mode

Hammer can you provide a link? I google’d Nitecore PD12 and couldn’t find it, also checked BatteryJunction but no go there either. I did find a Fenix PD12 but that one is only 360 lumen (CR123A) and cannot run on Li-ion.

I forgot to specify in my last post 18650 powered as one of the requirements.

Thanks

I have a Sand-color Rocher F12, modded it with the Qlite (Nanjiq 4 mode-revision with Firefly) 3.04 AMP driver, and a Dedomed XM-L2 N/W, and modded the tube and cap to fit protected 3000 mah Litiums, and now this tiny light is a real barn-burner on high. Its brighter than my Modded Nitecore P25 with an XM-L2) im guessing the F12 i have reaches or exceeds the 1000 lumen mark. it beats my S20 ( and all my other small-form-factor single 18650 lights) very noticibly.
The total cost of the modds were still less than the price of the stock S20.

I Apologize beam0, old age is a bitch sometimes; the PD12 IS a Fenix light; the light

I was Trying to tell you about is the Nitecore P12

Here’s the Link: http://www.nitecore.com/productDetail.aspx?id=96

My apologies !

I got an S15 for Christmas and like it a lot - it works as described in the review.

My other light is a SK-68 so I haven’t had experience with double clicking previously. With the S15 I’m having difficulty going from OFF to High by double clicking. It takes a very fast double click, I can click fast enough to get High about one time in 3. More often I get just a very brief flash. Double clicking when On changes to Strobe and this is easy to do — seems like the clicks need not be nearly as fast.

Has anyone else noticed this? Or do I have a really slow thumb…

I don't have mine anymore, so can't tell for sure.

But by memory I think I didn't have any trouble..hopefully others will tune in and tell what their S15 does.

It is SO EASY to do a slight turn of the tail cap to lock out the S10. I don’t see any real need for a soft function to do the same, but I guess it’s nice to have the option. If there’s one thing I do like about the new UI is the ability to launch into high mode from OFF. An extra 20 lumens is not going to be noticeable, though. Frankly I’d rather have the same output but slightly longer runtime.

I’m very interested in the S15. I think it could be an economic contender to the Zebralight SC52. Plus, the ability to add extension tubes is VERY cool.

Is there a coupon code for s15 at banggood?

don`t know just for the S15, but at least you could use BLF... for 8% discount

You can get it just as cheaply off of eBay these days and you don’t have the hassle of something being shipped from Asia.

I just got my S15. It’s like having a slightly larger and thinner S10. Terrific little light. Hands down, I think it’s one of the best AA values around. What other light has the capability of handling AA, AAx2, and AAx3 all from one head, for under $35? And still put out over 300 lumens on high.