Preface
The Olight Perun 2 is the updated model from the original Olight Perun model.
It features an updated built-in infrared distance sensor (Proximity Protection Function) and runs on a 21700 battery.
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new generation Olight Perun 2 model.
Note: At the point of writing, the Olight Perun 2 comes in both Black and Orange (Limited Run color).
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the light will come with as shown below.
- The shrink wrapped packaging with its magnetic opening flap looks premium – something not commonly found with flashlights’ boxes.
- The threads and o-rings were lightly lubricated. Threads were smooth and clean (no gritty feeling).
- The head electronic switch requires a rather firm and deliberate press to activate and helps in preventing any unwanted activation of the light.
- The proximity sensor works noticeably better on lighter color surfaces as compared to darker color surfaces.
- The clip comes pre-installed from factory.
- Clip is not reversible. However, the dual-direction clip enables for a fairly deep pocket carry option, with bezel up carry.
- Magnetic tail cap is able to bear the light’s weight when attached horizontally and vertically (upside down) to a flat ferrous metallic surface, despite its larger size due to the 21700 battery used.
- Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs, as expected from Olight.
- The provided lanyard provided comes with a useful lanyard attachment pin tool to help thread into the lanyard hole.
- The lanyard is able to support the full weight of the light and should hold up to the test of time.
- Headband provided is of good quality and should withstand day-to-day abuse without issue.
- No holster is provided/included.
- The provided proprietary Olight 21700 battery (ORB-217C40A) will not work in other brands’ flashlights or external chargers.
- Battery compartment can take other Button Top 21700 batteries that have a slightly thicker battery width.
- Scanning the QR code with your phone/tablet on the box’s bottom would bring up the Olight Perun 2’s product page.
Note:
- Before using the flashlight for the first time, remove the Lens Protection Film from the lens and Insulation Film from the battery tube.
- Battery is inserted into the battery tube with the Positive end (+) in first.
Front:
Back:
Sides:
Top:
Bottom:
Box Contents:
Removing Lens Protection Film:
Removing Insulating Film:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Aluminium
- Body Color Option:
- Black
- Orange (Limited run edition)
- Clip Material: Stainless Steel
- LED: Cree XHP50.2 CW (Cool White)
- Battery Format: 1 x 21700 ONLY
- Output & Runtime (with included Olight 21700 3.6V/4000mAh battery):
- “Moonlight” (5 lumens / 12days 12h)
- Low (30 lumens / 2days 18h)
- Mid (120 lumens / 18h)
- High (500 lumens / 4h) → (270 lumens / 30min)
- Turbo (2500 lumens / 2min) → (800 lumens / 2h 10min) → (500 lumens / 45min)
- SOS (2500 lumens)
- Max Beam Distance: 166m
- Beam intensity: 6,889cd
- Waterproofness: IPX-8 Standard (2m)
- Impact Resistance: 1.5m
- Dimension: 120mm (length) x 28.6mm (diameter)
- Weight: 161g (including batteries, excluding headband)
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Accessories Included:
- 1*Olight 21700 3.6V/4000mAh battery (Olight ORB-217C40A)
- 1*Magnetic Charging Cable
- 1*Pocket Clip
- 1*Headband
- 1*Lanyard
- 1*Lanyard Attachment Pin Tool
- MSRP: ~$100
UI (User Interface)
UI for this light is good for Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is rather straightforward to use.
Switching ON and OFF is done by the head electronic switch on the light, so no momentary activation is possible.
Normal Operation
From OFF:
- 1 Click – Last brightness level (all modes except TURBO & SOS are memorized only) is activated.
- 2 Click – Direct access to TURBO; 1 Click to switch OFF or HOLD down to switch modes.
- 3 (or more) Click – Direct access to SOS; 1 Click to switch OFF or HOLD down to switch modes.
- HOLD (~1 sec) – Direct access to “MOONLIGHT”.
From ON:
- 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
- 2 Click – Direct access to TURBO; 1 Click to switch OFF or HOLD down to switch modes.
- 3 (or more) Click – Direct access to SOS; 1 Click to switch OFF or HOLD down to switch modes.
- HOLD – Mode change (light cycles through LOW, MID & HIGH only; MOONLIGHT & TURBO is not part of the sequence).
Notes:
- TURBO mode is memorized as HIGH mode.
- If memorized mode is HIGH mode, after 2 Clicks to enter TURBO mode – an additional 2 Clicks will return light to MID mode instead of previous mode (HIGH).
- When the battery capacity is less than 60%, TURBO mode will be disabled and the highest mode available will be defaulted to HIGH mode only.
- There is 1 blinky mode for this light (SOS only) and no STROBE modes.
Proximity Protection Function
This right angle flashlight/headlamp comes equipped with built-in infrared distance (proximity) sensor. It is an upgraded one that is present in the original Olight Perun model.
When in HIGH, TURBO or SOS modes, the sensor will detect if there is any obstruction nearby (approximately ~50mm) and automatically switch to MID (when in HIGH or TURBO) or MID-SOS (when in SOS mode) mode. Once the obstruction is no longer present, it will return to the previous mode.
Probably the best benefit of this function is, if the obstruction is present for longer than 1 min, the light will switch OFF. This works best for accidental activation when in an enclosed area (e.g. bag, pocket or etc.).
The aforementioned functions works in HIGH, TURBO or SOS modes only. When in “MOONLIGHT”, LOW or MID modes, the Proximity Protection Function is deactivated.
On the original Olight Perun model, the Proximity Protection Function is deactivated when in “MOONLIGHT” mode only and it will automatically switch to LOW mode when there are obstructions.
Hence, this upgraded Proximity Protection Function in the Olight Perun 2, has some tweaks and we hope to see more options (perhaps being able to switch OFF/ON of this function entirely) in future models.
Notes:
- The sensor tends to be more sensitive (or work better) when detecting obstructions that are light colors, as compared to dark colors.
- In order for the sensor to work effectively, do ensure that the black portion (where the sensor is situated – see below photo) of the lens is clear of stains/smudges at all times.
Timer Configuration
There are 2 types of Timers – Short (3 min) and Long (9 min). Light will switch OFF once the timer ends.
From ON:
- 2 Click & HOLD – 1 Blink indicates Short (3 min) timer is activated. Repeat 2 Click & HOLD to activate Long (9 min) timer – 2 Blinks.
Power Indicator
There is only 1 type of Power Indicator for this flashlight with a rather unique vibrating function.
It can be considered as an entry level version as compared to the Power Indicator found in the Olight Warrior X.
From ON (in all Modes except “MOONLIGHT”), the flashlight will vibrate based on the current battery charge:
- 1 Vibrate Every 30 seconds – Power is <10%, do recharge or replace the battery immediately.
Electronic Lockout
From OFF:
- HOLD (till “MOONLIGHT” is activated & deactivated) – LOCKOUT mode is enabled; HOLD (till MOONLIGHT is activated) – LOCKOUT is disabled.
When Electronic LOCKOUT mode is activated, any button presses will cause the MOMENTARY “MOONLIGHT” mode to be activated.
Form Factor
For flashlights that are intended to use on a daily basis (EDC) and for possibly a long period of time, form factor is extremely important.
This light feels relatively well balanced (not head/tail-heavy) and the body portion easily fits in a clenched medium sized hand, leaving the thumb to fall onto the angled head switch for easy activation. The removable dual direction (2-way) clip can rotate fairly easily in its groove, to allow for easier orientation of the flashlight when attached to a cap, pocket or other gears.
As a marked improvement when compared to the original Olight Perun model, this headlamp actually comes with the headband. It is good knowing that Olight does listen to their customers’ feedback.
For headlamps, it is usually more of test of comfort whilst it’s on your head. The Olight-branded headband held the light sturdily even when doing more vigorous activity (e.g. jogging/running), at no time did the light feel like it was about to fall off. The slight curvature of the headlamp’s head mounts helps ensures that it does not leave any marks on one’s forehead after prolonged usage.
Due to its fairly hefty weight (for a headlamp), it is crucial to get a proper fit on the headband. After a period of usage, the weight and size will be less noticeable and one would grow more accustomed to it. That said, we would avoid using this light for extended night runs and in circumstances whereby any additional weight is considered an issue.
The newly designed raised knurling with twists makes the light extremely “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves but not overly aggressive (i.e. still fabric and pockets-friendly).
Even with the lanyard attached, it is able to tail-stand perfectly without the slightest wobble.
Note: Before using the headband, do remove the pocket clip first to enable ease of installation and subsequent removal.
Headband Installation:
Charging Process
With the provided Magnetic Charging Cable, the battery was charging at ~1.77A.
The light is capable of operating on all modes when charging (at the expense of a slower charging rate). However, it is recommended to use “MOONLIGHT” or “LOW” only, to ensure that the battery does get charged.
Solid RED indicator on the TAIL part of the MCC Charger depicts charging in progress.
Solid GREEN indicator on the TAIL part of the MCC Charger depicts charging has completed.
Notes:
- The MCC3 will charge the proprietary battery (ORB-217C40A) only, it will not charge battery from other brands’ 21700 batteries.
- Charging will not disable the Electronic Lockout mode.
Beam Style/Beamshots
For this light, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optic used. The LED is clearly visible despite having the Clear TIR optic. Hence, the beam has both “throw” and soft flood for recognizing items in the up-close to near range distance.
The above beam profile is a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The beam has a fairly wide circular hotspot with some slight corona and squarish wide spill (most of the beam produced is focused into the hotspot). There are some beam artifacts in the beam when whitewall hunting but not visible in real world usage.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (“MOONLIGHT”: 1.6sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, LOW: 0.6sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 1/4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH: 1/10sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and TURBO: 1/25sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB).
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.
Control shot:
“MOONLIGHT” (5 lumens):
LOW (30 lumens):
MID (120 lumens):
HIGH (500 lumens):
TURBO (2500 lumens):
Mode (Output) Spacing
Mode spacing appears to be progressively brighter to the eye and the modes are well spaced enough to be able to know which mode one is currently in. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).
We were hoping that in this upgraded Perun 2 model that Olight will return their true MOONLIGHT mode of under 1 lumen in this flashlight/headlamp model. Unfortunately, the “MOONLIGHT” mode is still at 5 lumens which is too bright for bedtime night snack runs or with night-adjusted eyes. However, it is better suited for other up-close tasks in day-to-day usage.
On a side note, the HIGH mode (500 lumens) is just about perfect to ensure the light can operate at a cooler temperature as well as have an increased runtime, when compared to a 800 Lumens – HIGH mode.
Tint & CRI
Olight did not disclose the tint (color temperature) and/or the CRI (Color Rendering Index) for the LEDs used in their light. For this light, a guesstimate would be in the 6500K and 70CRI ballpark.
However, there are tint shifts throughout the beam profile. The hotspot is a cool white tint whilst the corona possess a slight yellowish green tint; and the spill having a slight purple tint.
This is still slightly noticeable in real life usage.
Waterproofness
The light was subjected to warm water submersion, followed by cold water submersion and left under room temperature running water tap whilst running on TURBO.
No signs of water intrusion in the head, switch or body was seen.
Note: During our water tests, the Proximity Protection Function sensor will intermittently step down to MID mode when placed directly under running tap water.
Lockout Capability
Electronic lockout and mechanical lockout are possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.
A quarter turn (anti-clockwise) of the tail portion of the light will enable Mechanical LOCKOUT.
For Electronic lockout, see above “Electronic Lockout”, on how to activate and deactivate LOCKOUT.
Quick Comparison (Olight Perun 2 vs Olight Perun)
| Description | Olight Perun 2 | Olight Perun |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output & Runtime | 2,500 Lumens (2min) | 2,000 Lumens (2min 30sec) |
| Min Output & Runtime | 5 Lumens (12 days 12h) | 5 Lumens (10 days) |
| Colors Available | Black & Orange (Limited Run) | Black & Blue (Limited Run) |
| Max Beam Intensity | 6,889cd | 3,600cd |
| Max Beam Distance | 166m | 120m |
| Proximity Protection Function | Yes (when in HIGH, TURBO and SOS only) | Yes (when in MID, HIGH, TURBO and SOS only) |
| Proximity Protection Function Option | Changes to MID mode | Changes to LOW mode |
| Headband Included | Yes | No |
| Included Battery & Capacity | 21700 (4,000mAh) | 18650 (3,500mAh) |
| Weight (with Battery) | 161g | 120g |
| Length | 120mm | 112mm |
| Diameter | 28.6mm | 26mm |
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same light for our own EDC or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this light, it is a YES, if the lack of a true Moonlight mode is not an issue for your usage.
The inclusion of the headband, longer runtimes (mostly due to the 21700 battery used) straightforward UI with Direct Access to “MOONLIGHT”, TURBO & SOS from OFF, improved Proximity Protection Function, stronger magnet in the tailcap, inclusion of the lanyard attachment pin tool, vibration for low battery power indicator function and faster Magnetic Charging Cable charging speed capability are all plus points for this flashlight/headlamp.
That said, we do hope that a true moonlight mode will be retained for future Olight models for future headlamps and to perhaps include a 21700 5000mAh battery like the other Olight 21700 flashlight models such as the Olight Warrior X Pro.
Here is a bonus size comparison with some of the other similar sized flashlights we reviewed previously.
From Left to Right: Olight Perun Mini, Olight Warrior Mini, Olight Baton Pro, Olight Perun, Olight Perun 2 and Nitecore E4K.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Light was provided for by Olight (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.
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Olight Perun 2
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