Review Olight S1 Mini (Newest Model)

I have one of the new 600lm. The centre of beam has some artefacts thats pretty ugly. The beam on the S1 500lm is much nicer and homogeneous.
Also the 600lm version is much wider beam diameter (bit floodier) while the s1 500lm is much smaller beam diameter and more thrower.
The tail magnet sucks, very weak. Almost cant handle staying on metal surfaces while the older version is much stronger.

On the sample I received , as mentioned in the review , “in the very center of the beam there is a very very small spot that is just barely brighter than the rest of the beam , to the point it is almost undetectable unless you are really looking for it.”

I actually have several of the smaller Olights with tighter beam such as the S10R III , and the S1 , I like that this one has the broader beam instead of being so similar to the others.

Also as mentioned in the review on the sample I received “I will say the magnet on my sample does not seem as strong as the other Olights I have with tail magnet , but it is sufficient to hold the light firmly , either vertically or horizontally , as long as the surface is smooth that it is being attached to.”

If you rotate the light you can easily see the centre beam. But this is more visible on a flat wall. Not so much outside.
Another thing I noticed is that it get hotter much quicker than the 500lm version.

To me the Positives of the new 600lm version:

  • Smaller than S1 500lm
  • 100lm more that almost makes no difference as its floodier beam
  • Nice design, nice different knurling
  • Includes rechargeable usb battery
  • Low Battery warning on switch
  • Remembers moon light mode in memory
  • Floodier beam goof for indoors

Negatives:

  • Gets hotter quicker
  • Center beam isn’t very pretty
  • Tail magnet just sting enough to hold it on a flat surface. Would fall off if not flat or if surface is vibrated (such as a car hood)
  • Does not remember turbo mode in memory
  • Floodier beam does not real long distances ar S1 500lm.

if you can get the S1 500lm at a good discounted price, its worth it more than the new 600lm at RRP.

Bruno ……….

I do these reviews on the sample I receive and I report what I find from that particular sample.
I am sure with pretty much any brand and from light to light there will be at least some small variances.

I agree with you on some points , although if you are not really close or white wall hunting with the sample I received , it does have a pretty nice beam , especially if outside. (not saying the beam is perfect)

I also do not expect such a small light to cover vast distances in most cases , as most of them just do not have the throw that a larger light with larger reflector will have and many times I prefer the more floody beam over the throwy beam , depending on what the light is being used for at the time.

As far as the price of the light and one being worth more than the other , that also is dependent on the buyer and what they prefer.
I am not reviewing the price or discount codes on these lights , as mentioned above , I simply review the sample I receive and give my findings as I see them on THAT particular sample.

I am also pretty sure if you asked 100 people what they think about this light , you would probably have many different opinions as some would like certain features while others may not like those same features.

I understand. I was just giving my opinions as I bought the new 600lm thinking it would be improvement. But found some small flaws. I just wanted to let people know the differences, in case someone has the old version and is thinking of doing the same upgrade. More of a comparison between them. Hopefully helps someone that is indecisive.

That’s an awesome little light Robo! They (at Olight) are sure packing the performance level into a small package, love seeing that! And they also seem to have an excellent grasp on what a small light needs in the TIR design, great beam profile for EDC use! Thanks for the review, Olight really is coming out with some groundbreaking lights these days. :wink:

OMG! I should know better…… I clicked the link… why do I do that?

High CRI available.

So close to Christmas.

I should have internet privilege’s revoked…

yeah, High Green CRI

click pick for maukka’s review

Always glad to do the reviews Dale.
Sorry about the somewhat slow reply….the last 24 hours or so I felt pretty rough , so I have hardly been up and about during that time.

I agree that Olight has done some really nice things as far as development of the lights lately , although some ideas have not been perfect , at least they are trying to make progress instead of following what everyone else has already done and most of their ideas have been positive ones.

As far as your internet privileges being revoked and you wanting one of the S1 Mini………well your a big boy so you will have to fight with that decision yourself………lol

The magnet is fixed or can I retire it? (I really do not like the magnets for my carried lights. Is ok for my Car lights but not for pure EDC)

according to Olight Engineer, you can heat up the tailcap to get rid of the magnetism. :innocent:

Thanks, I prefer retire the magnet, if is integrated,… is integrated. Is a nice light, but I will pass this time. I not use my Foursevens Atom AL for this, I like the option of magnets (but always must be a choice for the consumer use it or retire.

In all the Olight’s I’ve seen with a magnet in the tail cap it’s held there by a unique shape to the spring. Remove the spring and the magnet will fall out (or come with the spring)

Thanks for comment :beer: , I know this, but I would like that some one with the S1 mini confirm the information…best be sure before spend the money :slight_smile:

Regards.

No spring in the tailcap.

Maukka beat me to it , but yea the magnet is glued in around the center contact , just the insulator covering the magnet. Probably enough heat and some determination would get the magnet loose?

Thanks both for your help!
I am really tempted, I love the design, but I must think about this…. I really hate magnet in my pocket. But all mini Olight are really nice …ufff…

The S1Baton (removable magnet) and S Mini (no magnet) tailcaps are swappable,

so Im guessing the tailcap from your Thunder Grey S Mini (no magnet), or your S1 Baton, will fit your S1 Mini :slight_smile:

My Ti S1 Baton has the spring holding a magnet in, I see now that the S1 Mini is shorter, they made it differently.

I am practically convinced that I am going to buy it :smiley: , I will look at prices. Thanks for the comments, we will see if it goes well with the game of exchanging the tail!