Which one should I get?

You can see the archived poll results on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221220093741/https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/72916

I do understand why people recommend fenix instead of olight (probably mostly proprietary battery in the olight). But the main difference to me personally is that the warrior mini has two independent switches. You can turn the light on and off with either, and the tail switch allows for two brightness levels to be selected. The fenix can only be turned on/off via the tail switch, and brightness modes can only be selected via the side switch. This way you'll always have to change how you hold the light between turning it on/off and changing brightness. So I'd prefer the olight, at least when buying it during one of olight's sales. Otherwise olight is too expensive. But they generally make high quality products, just with very cold emitters and proprietary batteries. But the 18650 from olight isn't quite as ridiculously priced as their proprietary 21700.

These lights are for different segments.

The Olight is compact with magnet on the end.
The Fenix is an EDC almost all purpose light.

If you want small size but overheat easily get the Olight, if you want a fancy Convoy S2 get the Fenix.

For indoors the Olight will be nice, stick it to the fridge or metal table leg and its lots of flood, outdoors the Fenix should have more throw and heft.

I have the Olight Warrior Mini 2 and it is a nice light, but just like the gen 1 version of the light, it has a tendency to turn on inside pockets with considerable frequency. The new version has the proximity sensor and it is an absolute necessity. This is the only light I have ever carried that has managed to turn on in my pocket after being place in lockout. Because of this, I no longer carry it and it sits unused.

I also have an M2R Pro which uses the same electronic tailswitch and sideswitch UI and I have never had this problem with that light.

I really want something that is powerful, pocket friendly(~5 inch) easy to use, middle of flood and spot type light,and able to buy on Amazon. I got gift cards to Amazon. I am thinking the pd35 v3 and warrior mini 2 is similar by output and has 2 switches. But I know pd35 v3 is more spot light than flood. I know the tail switch is also the only way to turn it on. It is also longer than the warrior mini 2.but that throw on the pd35 v3…over 300 meters!

I say go for the PD36 Tac. It’s a fantastic light.

Be aware that replacement batteries for the olight are $18 rather than the $5-$10 range of other 18650 cells. The customized batteries are to support the magnetic charging but I still think the cost is inexcusable.

Yep…branded batteries are uber expensive for all the higher end brands. $20 for a 21700 (Acebeam) and 18650 (Fenix). Robbery, but people pay that and your battery comes with a warranty. Plus, you’re guaranteed very accurate factory ratings using their cells.

Yeah, that is what the biggest con on buying this warrior mini. They are on sale on Amazon right now. I don’t like the magnetic charger… another cord to keep up with. Any suggestions on a torch that is 5 inches or less with tail switch and side button that is powerful as the 2 in the poll? Easily obtainable on Amazon as well. I currently have a fw3el, wurkkos fc11, night provisions tx8.

It’s a little bigger but the Fenix tk16 v2 is very nice.

For a great all around light…Sofirn SC31 Pro or SP35 (21700) or SC31T.

Interesting, I’ve been carrying mine for awhile now. I don’t think it has ever turned on in my pocket, if it has it was only once. I really like it. I was carrying a Baton 3, but I don’t like how tight the hotspot has gotten on those. The original baton had the best beam, just one huge hotspot. The 2 and 3 have a tight hotspot with a spill that is too dim. The Warrior Mini 2 has a much better beam, but still not as good as the original Baton.

I’d get the Acebeam EC35 Gen II or T36 (4000K version of either from Killzone Flashlights if possible) over either of these in a heartbeat.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess olight direct on Amazon must have seen this because the warrior mini 2 was on sale. I ended up buying it. It’s about as big as the wurrkos fc11. Hope I don’t lose the charger and no other battery works with this thing. It’s plenty bright snd just the right size. Just got it this morning and bought it last night. Charged in about 3 hrs.

The Fenix has an sft40, the Olight has a 6500k sst40 (which IMO is one of the worst 6500k emitters on the market for tint).

my vote on that factor alone goes to the Fenix.

both companies make solidly constructed lights with good drivers. So emitter plays a big part, beside aesthetic of course.

Yeah, the sale made my decision. One thing I don’t like about the fenix is the operation for off/on and output selection but the sft40 really caught my eyes

Yea that is the same operation as the new wurkkos fc12 with sft40, and I don't love it either. But I could get used to it

The fenix is still on my radar down the road for the collection. I wish the fw3el e switch wasn’t so easy to turn on. I would be carrying that instead. FW3EL doesn’t have a lockout. It’s the simplified version of the fw3 sold on Amazon.

Interesting, i have never heard of this FW3el. i will check it out, is it any cheaper? any discount?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9GCGYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JEFTWBR3SZTMRC5MYCTT
Here is a link.lol, no cheaper. I bought it on a flash sale on Amazon. I’m sure they will be on sale again. Great light to gift someone as long as they don’t wanna edc it or 1/4 turn the tailcap

good to know, thanks!