Let me get the required stuff out of the way…
This light was provided for review by The OlightStore.com and can be purchased at the aforementioned link.
Manufacturers specs:
GENERAL DATA
Beam Distance (ft) 682
Beam Distance (m) 208
Max. Performance (lumens) 1500
Charge type Magnetic USB charge base
Compatible Batteries 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A
Light Intensity (candela) 10880
Light Form Compact/tight focused hotspot. Ultimate beam distance.
Lens / Reflector Type Smooth reflector (central area and flood area)
Mode Operation Dual Switch
Form/Size Factor Medium size (Permanent Marker)
Series Series M (Tactical, Military)
Unique Characteristics
High voltage 3500mAh 18650 lithium ion battery included, delivering a maximum output of 1,500 lumens.
Comfortable and firm grip with ergonomic knurling allowing the user to operate the tail switch naturally without even looking at it due to it’s smooth, barrier-less tail cap.
Aside from momentary or constant turbo from the standard operation mode, the light also features an enhanced tactical mode for one click instant access to strobe.
Compatible with all conventional 18650 batteries.
Rechargeable through the included 5V 750mAh OLIGHT USB magnetic charging cable or the optional OLIGHT Micro-Dok (II or above).
LIGHTING LEVELS
LEVEL 1 (lumens) 1500
Run-time LEVEL 1
1050 lumens (~700lm);
Run-time Level1 (3m) + 1h50m (700 lumens).
LEVEL 2 (lumens) 700
Run-time LEVEL 2 2h.
2h.
LEVEL 3 (lumens) 250
Run-time LEVEL 3 6h15m.
6h15m.
LEVEL 4 (lumens) 60
Run-time LEVEL 4 20h.
LEVEL 5 (lumens) 15
Run-time LEVEL 5 70h.
LEVEL 6 (lumens) 1
Run-time LEVEL 6 25 days.
Strobe Yes
SOS / BEACON No
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Waterproof IPX8
Weight (g / oz) 149 / 5.26
Length (mm / in) 130 / 5.12
Head Diameter (mm / in) 25.4 / 1.00
Body Diameter (mm / in) 24.4 / 0.96
Led Cree XPH 35 HD
Packaging Carton box
Use Standard hotspot diameter with impressive distance. The perfect all-around beam profile.
Package Contents
Olight M2R flashlight x 1
Double Direction Stainless Steel Pocket Clip x 1
10A HDC 3500mAh 18650 Battery x 1
USB Magnetic Charging Cable x 1
Lanyard x 1
Holster x 1
user manual x 1
Alright, lets see what it looks like!
So, typical Olight box. Good stats on the back.
Notice the yellow plastic cover? Remove the battery protection tab and basic how to change from standard to tactical mode.
The light is a very attractive light, pretty typical of Olight. It is fairly long, not crazy about that. It has a very good solid pocket clip and a blue bezel with mild crenelations. Notice the tail switch??? This tail switch serves many purposes, depending upon mode group selected. In standard mode a half press gets momentary turbo and full press locks turbo. In tactical mode a half press gets turbo and a full press get strobe.
The LED? XHP35-HD in neutral white! Well centered within an orange peel reflector.
It is a big light, this is an 18650 Zebralight for comparison. Maybe an unfair comparison since the Zebra does not have a tail switch and is one of the most compact 18650 lights out there, I will add a couple more for comparison.
Lets look at the tail cap in more detail. This tail cap is also the interface to the normal Olight magnetic charging system. There appears to possibly be some electronics in the tail cap, but not 100% certain of that. The center and the outside silver ring to appear to expose battery voltage. I am not sure if it is a direct path to the battery or if there is something that eliminates the possibility of a full current short. I am trying to figure out how to test that in a non-distructive manner. Maybe a light gauge wire that will act as a fuse if there is full current. Also notice that batt+ goes toward the tail cap of the light! I did a reversed battery test with no ill effects. It also works fine with any 18650 that I placed into it!
On to the battery tube. I noticed right away that the battery tube is sleeved. I was not able to test current draw, because I was not able to jumper and activate turbo. I will try this again. I assume that this is so there will be a current path to the tail switch when the side switch is off. Also, notice the very well machined square threads at the tail! They should last forever. Also note the light has 2 springs on the batt+ to carry more current without failing. There are also dual springs in the head.
This light comes with a few extras such as a “High Drain” protected 3500mAh cell, magnetic USB charging cable (750mAh), basic lanyard and a really nice holster! The battery is very long, any cell you own should fit and work. This light will charge any 18650 internally as well. The Samsung 30Q flat top worked very well in the light. Please keep in mind that Olight does recommend a protected cell with this light.
Beamshots in order from low to 1500 lumens!
Closing observations and personal thoughts
This light is a large deviation from the normal Olight fare, with the new tail switch and new operating modes.
The addition of the tail switch allows for the light to be gun mounted with easy access to the switch during operation. If the light is in standard mode, you can have momentary or locked on access to 1000 lumens. If in tactical mode, you have access to momentary 1500 lumens or locked on strobe. The side switch operates as expected in either mode. This light has electronic lockout via the side switch, from off hold the switch until moon comes on and goes back off. To unlock it, hold the side switch until moon comes back on. While in lockout the tail switch is also locked out. The side switch lights up red to indicate lockout when either switch is pressed. If the light is on and the tail switch is pressed and released the light will revert to off, so the tail switch will not provide a bump in output and return on the last used level. The light does have mode memory and will remember moonlight mode. Memory works regardless of how the light is turned off. Memory is cleared if the battery is removed.
Pros:
Very bright.
Standard cells will work with charging system.
Charging system terminates as it should.
Great hand feel.
Easy to find tail switch and side switch.
Moonlight mode memory.
Electronic lockout.
Cons:
Tail switch locked out on a tactical light
Tail switch half press and release turns off light, would be nice for a bright bump returning to last mode.
Battery goes in backwards, at least compared to many tube lights.
Physically very long for single 18650 light.
I like it. For a first generation tail switch tactical it is a good light. I would like to possibly see some consideration or discussion around locking out the tail switch. I personally think this is a bad move for a tactical light. The tail switch is recessed and tough enough that I do not think it could be accidentally locked on. I would like to see a remote switch for this light, would be a great light for a shotgun or AR. I love the new clip when it is mounted on the tail of the light, not so much when mounted forward. It provides and extremely deep pocket carry when mounted to the rear. I would expect this light to be very durable as Olight is good at making tough lights.
So, good first generation tactical light! Generation 2 should even be better and I am glad to see them venturing into this market.
Thanks for looking!
Matt