Olight Warrior X Review (XHP35 HI NW)

Preface

The Olight Warrior X (or Olight Warrior 10) is the latest generation of the venerable Olight M20 Warrior that came out a decade ago – where “X” is the Roman numeral for “10”. It also borrows some of the design cues of the head portion of the Olight M23 Javelot.

Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new generation Olight Warrior X model.

Note: There is a Olight M2T Warrior model that was launched in February 2018 as well.

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 on flashlights’ boxes.
• The threads and o-rings 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 provided clip is not reversible.
• Magnetic tail cap is able to bear the light’s weight when attached vertically (upside down) to a flat ferrous metallic surface only. The heft of the flashlight prevents it from being attached horizontally.
• Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs, as expected from Olight.
• 2 tactical ring styles are provided – a more conventional tactical ring (pre-installed from factory) and a Tactical Grip Ring (TGR). The TGR works without the clip only whereas the conventional tactical ring can work with or without the clip.
• No lanyard is provided, despite having a lanyard hole in the factory installed tactical ring.
• A premium holster is provided (similar to the Olight M20 Warrior’s holster) and should withstand day-to-day abuse without issue.
• The holster has a side stretchable battery slot to hold a spare 18650 battery.
• There is cutout in the bottom of the holster – a great safety precaution feature to have in case of (unlikely) accidental activation.
• Battery compartment is able to take a KeepPower 18650 3400mAh battery with barely much room to take a slightly thicker battery width. Fatter protected 18650 3500mAh batteries should be able to fit without issue as well.
• The provided non-proprietary Olight 18650 battery (ORB-186S30) will work in other flashlights as well.
• Scanning the QR code with your phone/tablet on the box’s bottom would bring up the Olight Warrior X’s product page.

Note:

• Before using the flashlight for the first time, remove the Insulation Film from the battery tube.
• Only Button Top Batteries can be used, Flat Top batteries will not work in this flashlight.
• Photos of the flashlight box below will show it in shrink wrap first followed by another photo without the shrink wrap.
• There are a total of 3 “firsts” claims by Olight on the flashlight box – all of which are true from all known flashlight models from Olight and other flashlight manufacturers that we are aware of.
  1. Tactical flashlight with 2000 lumens, 560m beam distance and 2m drop test rating.
  2. Vibrating battery power indicator.
  3. Magnetic-connected remote pressure switch.

Front:

Back:

Sides:

Top:

Bottom:

Box Contents:

Removing Insulating Film:

Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)

• Body Material: Black Aluminium
• LED: XHP35 HI NW (Neutral White)
• Battery Format: 1 x 18650 OR 2 x CR123A ONLY
• Output & Runtime (with included Olight 18650 3.6V/3000mAh battery):
  • Low (300 lumens / 4h 40min)
  • High (2000 lumens / 1min 30sec) -> (600 lumens / 1h 20min) – Temperature & battery-based stepdown.
• Max Beam Distance: 560m
• Beam intensity: 78,400cd
• Waterproofness: IPX-8 Standard
• Impact Resistance: 2m
• Dimension: 142mm (length) x 41mm (diameter)
• Weight: 218g (including batteries)
• Battery reverse polarity protection
• Accessories Included:
  • 1*Olight 18650 3.6V/3000mAh battery 15A HDC (Olight ORB-186S30)
  • 1*Magnetic Charging Cable (MCC)
  • 1*Pocket Clip
  • 1*Tactical Ring
  • 1*Tactical Grip Ring (TGR)
  • 1*Holster
• Optional Accessories:
  • Red Filter
  • Green Filter
  • Magnetic Remote Pressure Switch
  • Conventional Flashlight Mount
  • Magnetic Flashlight Mount
• MSRP: ~$130

Note:

• HIGH output is limited to 1000 lumens during the following situations:
  • When 2 x CR123A batteries are used (vibrating battery indicator may not work as accurately when CR123A batteries are used).
  • When flashlight is in an environment below 5°C.

Optional Accessories

As stated earlier, there are several optional accessories for the Olight Warrior X model. However, only the items we have on-hand shall be mentioned below.

Conventional Flashlight Mount (E-WM25)

The Conventional Flashlight Mount (E-WM25) is compatible for any flashlight that has a body diameter from 24.4mm to 27.4mm.

Here are some example of Olight models that will fit:

• Olight Warrior X (as reviewed)
• Olight M2T
• Olight M2R
• Olight M23
• Olight M3XS-UT
• Olight M20SX

There is another Conventional Flashlight Mount (E-WM21) but that will only fit slimmer flashlights with a body diameter of 19.0mm to 21.8mm (e.g. Olight M1T).

Manufacturer Specifications

Here are the specification of the E-WM25:

• Material: Aluminium alloy and PC (Polycarbonate)
• Dimension: 79mm (length) x 31mm (width) x 35.5mm (height)
• Weight: 47g
• Compatibility: MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) Rail

Installation Instructions

The following steps has to be carried out, to install the flashlight onto the mount and Picatinny rail.

1. Remove flashlight tailcap, tactical ring & clip.
2. Pull dial of Conventional Flashlight Mount outwards till the dial is disengaged from the gears.
3. Rotate the dial anticlockwise till the flashlight can be fitted into the mount.
4. Place the Conventional Flashlight Mount over the Picatinny rail and repeat Step 2.
5. Rotate the dial clockwise till the Conventional Flashlight Mount is fully tightened and secured.
6. Push dial of Conventional Flashlight Mount inwards till the dial is engaged with the gears.

Note: When needed, replace the inner rubber grip of the Conventional Flashlight Mount with the spares provided.

Here are the photos of the Conventional Flashlight Mount (E-WM25):

Magnetic Remote Pressure Switch (RWX)

The 3rd world “1st” mentioned by Olight – the ability to magnetically connect a Remote Control Pressure Switch.

This works surprisingly well with the strong magnet holding the Magnetic Remote Pressure Switch firmly attached to the Warrior X and the Pressure Switch has been working reliably (even when the RWX sits slightly off-centre from the tail switch).

Manufacturer Specifications

Here are the specification of the RWX:

• Dimension (Coiled Cable): Stretches from 25.5cm to 31cm.
• Low Click Noise with Long Life Electronic Switch.
• Compatibility: Olight Warrior X.

Installation Instruction & Usage

The following steps has to be carried out, to install the RWX onto the flashlight.

1. Place the magnetic tailcap of the RWX close to the flashlight tailcap to connect – the RWX is now successfully connected.
2. 1 Press (Remote Switch) – Light will switch ON in TURBO or MOMENTARY STROBE (depending on Configuration 1 or 2 settings). 1 Press (Remote Switch) again to switch OFF, if in TURBO mode.
3. HOLD (Remote Switch) – Light will switch ON in MOMENTARY TURBO or MOMENTARY STROBE (depending on Configuration 1 or 2 settings).

Note: there is no 1/2 Press option when using the RWX.

Here are the photos of the Magnetic Remote Pressure Switch (RWX):

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 electronic switch on the light, so momentary activation is possible.

Note:

• Configuration 1/Standard Mode 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 (Configuration 1/Standard Mode – LOW & HIGH)

From OFF:

• 1/2 Press – Direct access to LOW.
• 1 Press – Direct access to HIGH.
• HOLD (1/2 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY LOW; HOLD (1 Press) to switch to MOMENTARY HIGH mode.
• HOLD (1 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY HIGH.

From ON (LOW):

• 1/2 Press – Light will switch OFF.
• 1 Press – Mode change to HIGH mode.
• HOLD (1 Press) – Direct access to MOMENTARY HIGH.

From ON (HIGH):

• 1/2 Press OR 1 Press – Light will switch OFF.

Normal Operation (Configuration 2/Enhanced Tactical Mode – HIGH & STROBE)

From OFF:

• 1/2 Press – Direct access to MOMENTARY HIGH.
• 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/Enhanced Tactical Mode has MOMENTARY modes only.

Switching Settings (Configuration 1/Standard Mode ⇔ Configuration 2/Enhanced Tactical Mode)

The following steps has to be carried out to switch Settings between the 2 configurations.

1. Loosen Tailcap 1/4 Turn.
2. HOLD (1 Press) down switch and tighten Tailcap.
   1. If MOMENTARY HIGH is seen, Configuration 1/Standard Mode has been activated.
   2. If MOMENTARY STROBE is seen, Configuration 2/Enhanced Tactical Mode has been activated.
3. Release switch to exit configuration mode.

Power Indicator

There is only 1 type of Power Indicator for this flashlight with a very unique vibrating function.

From ON, the flashlight will vibrate based on the current battery charge:

• Every 5 mins = 1 Vibrate – Power is <30%.
• Every 1 min = 1 Vibrate – Power is <10%.
• Every 1 min = 6 Vibrates – Power is <5%.

The vibrating is fairly mild but audible; and is comparable to a single vibrate from a handphone in silent mode. While this may seem both innovative and gimmicky, it works well in the tests we have carried out and hope that Olight will extend this technology into its other models as well.

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 surprisingly 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 grooves & fins on the flashlight enable it to be sufficiently “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves.

Due to the flat tailcap switch, the flashlight is able to tail-stand perfectly without the slightest wobble.

As mentioned earlier, there are 2 tactical rings for this flashlight – a conventional tactical ring (can be used with or without the pocket clip) OR a Tactical Grip Ring – TGR (can be used without pocket clip). The Tactical Ring is removable where needed but removing it will expose the o-ring area where it usually fits/sits. Hence, we recommend leaving either the conventional tactical ring or TGR, on for this flashlight.

The conventional tactical ring is great for users wanting a more common tactical edc style flashlight that can have a pocket installed and the TGR is best used for those requiring a proper Rogers/SureFire hold.

Note: When removing and reinstalling the conventional tactical ring, there is a groove on the flashlight body & tactical ring to slot the pocket clip in place.

We found it a little interesting that Olight placed a GITD (Glow in the Dark) o-ring/pigment under the lens on a tactical flashlight. Thankfully, the GITD does not last long.

With Clip & conventional tactical ring:

With Clip but no conventional tactical ring:

Without Clip & conventional tactical ring/TGR:

With TGR Installed:

Other pictures of the Olight Warrior X:

Charging Process

With the provided Magnetic Charging Cable (MCC), the battery was charging at ~0.75A.

The light cannot be operated when charging.

Solid RED indicator on the TAIL portion of the MCC Charger depicts charging in progress.
Solid GREEN indicator on the TAIL portion of the MCC Charger depicts charging has completed.

Beam Style/Beamshots

For this light, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the fairly deep Smooth Reflector. Hence, the beam is more “throw”-orientated for recognizing items in the mid to slightly further range distance.

The above beam profile is a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.

The beam has a fairly distinct hotspot with some slight corona and a fairly wide usable (perfectly round) spill. It also helps that the LED is perfectly centred in this sample. There are no rings in the beam when whitewall hunting and in real world usage.

All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (LOW: 1/4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, and HIGH: 1/6sec, 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:

LOW (300 lumens):

HIGH (2000 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).

There is no moonlight level (sub-lumen or 1 lumen) option available as the LOW mode comes in at 300 lumens. However, since this light is primarily targeted for those looking for a “throwy” tactical flashlight, it is understandable why Olight may have thought otherwise.

On a side note, the LOW mode (300 lumens) could use a slightly lower output of say 250 lumens to ensure a cooler & longer runtime – as the difference in output is almost imperceptible to most human eyes.

Note: Operating the flashlight for an extended period in warmer temperature areas (e.g summer period), will cause it to be slightly warm.

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 5000K and 75CRI ballpark.

However, there is slight tint shift in the beam profile. The hotspot is a neutral white tint whilst the corona possess a slight yellowish green tint; and the spill having a neutral 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 water tap whilst running on HIGH.

No signs of water intrusion in the head, switch or tail was seen.

Lockout Capability

No electronic lockout but mechanical lockout is possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.

A quarter turn (anti-clockwise) of the tailcap will enable mechanical LOCKOUT.

Quick Comparison to First Generation

Description	Olight Warrior X	Olight M20 Warrior
Highest Output	2000 Lumens	250 Lumens (R2 LED) / 230 Lumens (Q5 LED)
Max Beam Distance	560m	250m
Mode Options	LOW, HIGH & STROBE	LOW, MID, HIGH & STROBE
Mode Selection	Electronic Tail Switch	Mechanical Tail Switch and Twisty Head
Low Battery Indicator	Vibration Type	Flashing LED
Battery Magazine (for 2 x CR123A Batteries)	No	Yes
Tail-stand Capability	Yes	No
Magnetic Charging	Yes, 1A Charging	No
Tactical Ring	Conventional Tactical Ring & Tactical Grip Ring (TGR)	Conventional Tactical Ring Only
Accessories (Lanyard, Spare O-rings)	No	Yes
Reflector Type	Smooth Only	Smooth or Orange Peel

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 GITD is not an issue for your usage.

The straightforward UI with Direct Access to LOW, HIGH or STROBE from OFF (depending on configuration), simple 2 modes interface, ease of switching between the 2 configurations, almost silent electronic tail switch, Magnetic Charging Cable (MCC) capability, quick magnetic attachment with the RWX, vibration for low battery power indicator function and relatively compact size for a “thrower”-style flashlight are all plus points for this flashlight.

Here are 2 bonus size comparisons with some of the other 18650 flashlights & Olight flashlights we reviewed previously.
From Left to Right: Olight 18650 Battery (ORB-186S30), Olight S2R II Baton, Oveready TorchLAB BOSS 70, Olight M2T Warrior, Olight Warrior X, Klarus XT2CR and Nitecore P12GTS.

From Left to Right: Olight 18650 Battery (ORB-186S30), Olight S1R II Baton, Olight I3T EOS, Olight M1T Raider, Olight S2R II Baton, Olight M2T Warrior and Olight Warrior X.

As with all gears, two is one and one is none.

Stay safe,
The Lite Review

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Disclaimer: Light was provided for by Olight (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.

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Olight Warrior X

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