Preface
The Olight Warrior Mini is “Mini” version of the Olight M2R Pro Warrior / Olight M2R Warrior model and is the smallest flashlight from the Warrior lineup.
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new generation Olight Warrior Mini model.
Update (03 January 2021 & 12 January 2021):
- If you have purchased through Olight Store (SG & MY), click this LINK to read your full options as summarized below (Item 3 & 4).
- For those who have purchased from other places besides Olight Store, feel free to read the above link as well. Do contact Olight’s after-sales using one of the email addresses found in this LINK.
- Olight had received several reports of the Warrior Mini switching ON in an enclosed area (e.g. pockets, bags and etc.) which caused the lens to melt and are starting a worldwide recall of the Warrior Mini.
- The recall process involves several options (subject to finalization, we will update once we have further information):
- Refund and return with paid shipping
- Keep the Warrior Mini and get the following items free:
- Silicone Gel Protector (helps prevent accidental activation) – see below for sample picture [courtesy of Olight] and
- Limited Edition Olight Obulb model
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the light will come with as shown below.
- The threads and o-ring were lightly lubricated. Threads were smooth and clean (no gritty feeling).
- The (almost silent) tail electronic switch requires a fairly firm and deliberate press to activate and helps in preventing any unwanted activation of the light.
- The side electronic switch requires a firm and deliberate press to activate and helps in preventing any unwanted activation of the light.
- The provided dual-direction clip will provide for a decent pocket carry (bezel up).
- The clip has sufficient tension to ensure that the light will stay clipped to any material to prevent the light from falling out.
- It is also compatible with Olight’s magnetic remote pressure switch (Olight RWX).
- Magnetic tail cap is able to bear the light’s weight when attached vertically (upside down) and/or horizontally to a flat ferrous metallic surface.
- Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs, as expected from Olight.
- The provided lanyard provided does not come with the thin metal to help thread into the pocket clip’s lanyard hole.
- The lanyard is able to support the full weight of the light and should hold up to the test of time.
- No holster is provided.
- The provided proprietary 18650 battery (Olight ORB-186C35) will work in other flashlights but Olight advises that it should only be recharged inside this flashlight (do not use other external chargers to recharge).
- Battery compartment does not work with other types of 18650 batteries.
- Scanning the QR code with your phone/tablet on the box’s bottom would bring up the Olight Warrior Mini’s product page.
Note:
- Before using the flashlight for the first time, remove the Insulation Film from the battery tube.
Front:
Back:
Sides:
Top:
Box Contents:
Removing Insulating Film:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: HAIII Aluminium
- Body Color Option:
- Black
- Desert Tan
- Camouflage (Limited run edition)
- LED: Luminus SST-40
- Battery Format: 1 x 18650 ONLY
- Output & Runtime (with included Olight 18650 3.6V/3500mAh battery):
- Moonlight (1 lumen / 45days)
- Low (15 lumens / 6days 6h)
- Mid (120 lumens / 18h)
- High (500 lumens / 3h 38min) → (170 lumens / 50min) – Temperature-based stepdown
- Turbo (1500 lumens / 4min) → (~500 lumens / 3h 25min) → (~170 lumens / 55min) – Temperature-based stepdown
- Max Beam Distance: 190m
- Beam intensity: 9,025cd
- Waterproofness: IPX-8 Standard
- Impact Resistance: 1.5m
- Dimension: 106.5mm (length) x 23mm (diameter)
- Weight: 105g (including batteries)
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Accessories Included:
- 1*Olight 18650 3.6V/3500mAh battery (Olight ORB-186C35)
- 1*USB Magnetic Charging Cable (MCC3)
- 1*Pocket Clip
- 1*Lanyard
- MSRP: ~$80
UI (User Interface)
UI for this light is suitable for both Every Day Carry (EDC) and tactical usage as it is simple and straightforward to use after the initial learning curve.
Switching ON and OFF is done by the tail or side electronic switches on the light. Momentary activation is possible with the tail electronic switch only.
Note:
- Configuration 1 for the tail electronic switch is the default mode from factory.
- The tail electronic switch functions similarly to an auto-focus button (1/2 Press) on a camera and the same button that takes a photo shot (1 Press).
- There is 1 blinky mode for this light (STROBE only) and no SOS modes.
Normal Operation – Side Switch
From OFF:
- 1 Click – Last brightness level (all modes except TURBO & STROBE 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 STROBE; 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 STROBE; 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:
- 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).
- Any 1/2 Press or 1 Press on the TAIL switch will activate the corresponding MOMENTARY mode and letting go of the TAIL switch will switch the light OFF. In general usage, this would seem like a UI flaw but seeing this is marketed as a tactical light; it is an understandable decision made by Olight to make it more tactical-orientated.
Normal Operation – Tail Switch (Configuration 1 – MID & TURBO)
From OFF:
- 1/2 Press – Direct access to MID.
- 1 Press – Direct access to TURBO.
- HOLD (1/2 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY MID; HOLD (1 Press) to switch to MOMENTARY TURBO mode.
- HOLD (1 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY TURBO.
From ON (MID 1):
- 1/2 Press – Light will switch OFF.
- 1 Press – Mode change to TURBO mode.
- HOLD (1 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY TURBO, release to switch OFF.
- 1 Press (SIDE) – Light will switch OFF.
- HOLD (SIDE) – Mode change (light cycles through LOW, MID & HIGH only; MOONLIGHT & TURBO is not part of the sequence).
From ON (TURBO):
- 1/2 Press OR 1 Press – Light will switch OFF.
- 1 Press (SIDE) – Light will switch OFF.
- HOLD (SIDE) – Mode change (light cycles through LOW, MID & HIGH only; MOONLIGHT & TURBO is not part of the sequence).
Normal Operation – Tail Switch (Configuration 2 – MOMENTARY TURBO & STROBE)
From OFF:
- 1/2 Press – Direct access to MOMENTARY TURBO.
- 1 Press – Direct access to MOMENTARY STROBE.
- HOLD (1/2 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY HIGH; HOLD (1 Press) to switch to MOMENTARY STROBE mode.
- HOLD (1 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY STROBE.
From ON:
- Not Applicable – Configuration 2 has MOMENTARY modes only.
Switching Settings (Configuration 1 ⇔ Configuration 2)
The following steps has to be carried out to switch Settings between the 2 configurations.
- HOLD (1 Press) down Tail Switch & 1 Press (Side Switch).
- If MOMENTARY TURBO is seen, Configuration 1 has been activated.
- If MOMENTARY STROBE is seen, Configuration 2 has been activated.
- Release Tail Switch to exit configuration mode selection.
Power Indicator
There is only 1 type of Power Indicator for this flashlight.
From ON (in all Modes except “MOONLIGHT”), the Side Switch LED will glow one of the following colors:
- GREEN – Power is >60%.
- ORANGE – Power is between 10% – 60%.
- RED – Power is between 5% – 10%, do recharge or replace the batteries.
- BLINKING RED – Power is <5%, do recharge or replace the batteries immediately.
Note: When using “MOONLIGHT” mode, the Side Switch LED will be activated only (BLINKING RED) when the power is <5%.
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 RED LED on the switch button to activate for about 2 sec.
Form Factor
For flashlights that are intended to use on a daily basis (EDC)/tactical EDC and for possibly a long period of time, form factor is extremely important.
This light feels well balanced in a medium sized hand (not head/tail-heavy). Switching between overhand and underhand holding method is easy with its form factor.
The raised “knurling”/grooves on the flashlight provides ample grip without sacrificing on being overly aggressive (i.e. still fabric-friendly). The light is extremely “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves.
Even though the tailcap switch is protruded, the 3 crenulated-style prongs at the tail switch enables the flashlight to tail-stand perfectly without the slightest wobble, whilst still providing quick access for easy switch activation.
Note: We do not advise using a flashlight as a defense tool. However, for those who dislike the more aggressive crenulated stock bezel found on the Olight M2R Pro Warrior, would be happy to know that this Olight Warrior Mini comes with has a significantly less aggressive stock bezel.
Charging Process
With the provided Magnetic Charging Cable 3 (MCC3), the battery was charging at ~1.37A.
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 portion of the MCC3 Charger depicts charging in progress.
Solid GREEN indicator on the TAIL portion of the MCC3 Charger depicts charging has completed.
Notes:
- For this flashlight, the MCC3 requires a minimum power source with 5V 1.5A, to function at its optimum charging speed.
- Charging the flashlight will not automatically deactivate Electronic LOCKOUT.
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 partially covered under the TIR optic (with slight frosting in the middle). Hence, the beam has both “throw” and soft flood for recognizing items in the near to mid-range distance.
The above beam profile is a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The beam has a wide circular hotspot with some slight corona and 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: 3.2sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, LOW: 0.8sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 1/5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH: 1/10sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and TURBO: 1/20sec, 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 (1 lumen):
LOW (15 lumens):
MID (120 lumens):
HIGH (500 lumens):
TURBO (1500 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 are very happy to report that the MOONLIGHT mode is perfect for those bedtime night snack runs or with night-adjusted eyes, especially since there is a Direct Access option from OFF.
With the exception of perhaps the TURBO mode, this Olight Warrior Mini has by far one of the best output spacing from Olight. The well-thought-out outputs benefit both added runtime and improved heat management.
Tint & CRI
Olight did not disclose the exact 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 6000K and 70CRI ballpark.
However, there is slight tint shift in 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 white tint.
This is not 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 tap water whilst running on TURBO.
No signs of water intrusion in the head, switches or body was seen.
Lockout Capability
No Mechanical lockout but Electronic lockout is possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.
For Electronic lockout, see above “Electronic Lockout”, on how to activate and deactivate Electronic LOCKOUT.
Note: Charging the flashlight will not automatically deactivate Electronic LOCKOUT.
Quick Comparison to Olight M2R Pro Warrior
| Description | Olight Warrior Mini | Olight M2R Pro Warrior |
|---|---|---|
| LED Used | Luminus SST-40 | Cree XHP35 HI |
| LED Tint | Cool White (CW) | Neutral White (NW) |
| TURBO Mode Output | 1500 Lumens | 1800 Lumens |
| No. of Mode Outputs (excluding Strobe) | 5 | 6 |
| Beam Distance | 190 meters | 300 meters |
| Beam Intensity | 9,025cd | 22,400cd |
| Weight (including Battery) | 105 grams | 179 grams |
| Length of Flashlight | 106.5 mm | 136.5 mm |
| Width of Flashlight | 23 mm | 29.5 mm |
| Battery Included | 18650 (3500mAh) | 21700 (5000mAh) |
| Holster Included | No | Yes |
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/tactical usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this light, it is a definite YES, if the lack of Mechanical Lockout is not an issue for your usage.
The compact form factor (for Warrior series), straightforward UI with Direct Access to MOONLIGHT, TURBO or STROBE from OFF, simple 2 modes interface from the TAIL switch, option of using either the SIDE or TAIL switches for different UI selections, configurability of the TAIL switch, almost silent electronic tail switch, easy access to the tail switch whilst still retaining tail-stand capability, usage of the faster charging Magnetic Charging Cable 3 (MCC3), strong magnetic tailcap, compatibility with Olight’s magnetic remote pressure switch and raised knurling style (but not overly aggressive) are all plus points for this flashlight.
That said, it would be nice if Olight had retained the Mechanical Lockout as found on most of its Warrior series and allowed for the usage on non-proprietary 18650 battery (for emergency backup).
In short, if you are after a flashlight that is a “Mini” version of the Olight M2R Pro Warrior or the discontinued Olight M2R Warrior even (basically, in a similar form factor as the Olight Baton Pro) with Cool White (CW) tint, with output of 1500 lumens, shorter beam distance and runs on a proprietary Olight 18650 battery; this is the flashlight for you.
Here are a bonus size comparison with some of the other similar sized flashlights.
From Left to Right: Olight Warrior Mini, Olight Baton Pro, Olight Perun, Nitecore E4K, Olight Seeker 2 Pro, Olight M2R Pro Warrior and Olight Warrior X Pro.
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 Warrior Mini
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