I was looking for a flashlight that I could carry on my keys, but was powerful enough to use for work around the house. I was looking for one with different modes, ideally with direct access, and I wanted a clicky rather than twisty (I already had an iTP N1, but it’s kind of annoying to pick out from between the keys and requires two hands to turn on and change modes).
I was considering Nitecore TIP in the lower price range, and Olight S1, S1 mini, and S1A, all more expensive. The Olights have a lot of advantages over the Nitecore, and the decision came down to cost — I decided to splurge. Because I was going to carry it on my keys, size was a factor, so I eliminated S1A due to size, and eliminated the mini since with the clip removed it can’t be attached to a keychain. The S1 also has the following advantages:
strong tail magnet
medium modes — I thought I’d like 8/80 better than 5/50 (S1A) or 15/60 (mini).
UI (e.g., moonlight not memorized)
keychain-attachable at the back rather than front
I’ve been carrying the S1 for some weeks now, attached to my keyring using the clip from the N1. My impressions so far and reflections on my decision:
Clicky is definitely better than twisty. Direct access to multiple modes is great. I’ve never had it go on in my pocket.
Quality is quite good, pictures of the TIP make it look like it’s not in the same league. Makes me feel better about splurging.
Magnet is strong, can be annoying since it sticks to the keychain clip, but I’d rather have it for when it’s useful than have a weaker magnet that doesn’t do the job.
I like the existing modes, but could use another mode between 80lm and turbo, maybe ~200lm.
I don’t actually like mode memory, I’d rather have one configurable default so the behavior is more consistent (i.e. so I don’t forget that the last time I used it I happened to use turbo, and when I turn it on expecting 8lm I get 500). Direct access somewhat eliminates the need for and reduces the benefit of mode memory. I’m glad moonlight is not memorized.
I use moonlight more than I thought I would.
Would prefer a more floody beam for most of my usage.
Size seems to be less of a factor than I thought, I carry it with the pocket clip even though I don’t use it much since it’s on my keychain. I probably could’ve gone with the S1A for the battery versatility and additional 200lm mode even though it’s slightly larger.
Overall, I’m happy with my purchase. If I were buying two flashlights, one for home use and one for my keys, I’d probably get the TIP for my keys for the floodier beam and slimmer case, and the S1A (or S2A) for home — magnet, tailstand, IPX8, longer run time. But as a jack of all trades, I think I made a good choice.
