Okay, so Olight didn’t released this one yet but send me a sample for reviewing purpose.
I get the light for free with no other compensation than keeping it after having reviewed it.
So, after the M2R and M2T which are 2 double switch tactical-oriented flashlight based on 18650 batteries… Olight is releasing a 16340/CR123 tactical light.
Let’s have a look at the aesthetics :
Classic black anodized aluminum and blue bezel from Olight
Totally new innovative double helicoidal knurling. Really good grip even with gloves.
Forward mechanical rubber tail switch, no tailstanding is possible of course but accessibility is the key here.
TIR optic from the S-baton series, identical to S1 S2 and so on…
The LED is a Luminus SST40, well-known for its great efficiency (and cool white tint of course)
Really good finish overall, anodization is constant, machining is as good as it can be.
Power source : CR123A or 16340. The modes are identical but a CR123 primary lithium will give twice the autonomy !
This last point is the key : this is a true backup light.
Why ?
Well, it has only TWO modes : Low (5 lumens)and High (500 for 5 minutes then 300 lumens).
There’s no memory, it always starts on LOW so if this is enough light you don’t waste energy.
It has an easily accessible button, even with gloves.
You have a baseball cap ? Clip it on the visor thanks to the reversible pocket clip and you got a headlamp.
For me, it’s the light that you keep in a BugOut Bag for when SHTF and you don’t want to remember that fancy UI that you had to learn during two hours.
This is one simple reliable light, stick a primary cell in it, put it in a bag, forget it and when you’ll need it in 3 years you’ll know how to use it in a second and there will still be enough capacity in the cell to last a hundred hours on Low mode.
I will not show some beamshots, because they’re quite identical with any other XM-L2 + TIR from Olight.
You get a nice round spot with a little dim spill around it. Period.
I don’t know how much they will sell it, and TBH I hope that it will not be more than 40 bucks.
It’s somewhat a basic light, with a limited application but good execution.