Olight S1 Mini

Product Description:

Brand: Olight

Length: 2.13"

Head Diameter: 0.83"

Body Diameter: 0.83"

Weight: 1.52oz

Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy with Stainless Steel

Waterproof: IPX8

Modes: Moonlight (0.5 Lm/ 15 Days ), Low (15 Lm/ 30 Hours), Medium (60 LM/ 6 Hours), High (300 Lm/ 60 Minutes), Turbo (600 Lm/ 1 Minute), Strobe

Control: Side Button

Light Source: Cree XM-L2

Power Source: Rechargeable CR123A/RCR123A

Pocket Clip: Yes, Two directional

Additional Features: Magnetic Base, Lockout Mode

Price: ~$50

https://amzn.to/2R5VXVl

Opinion:

Pros:

Just like the Olight I3T EOS I reviewed here this light features a two way clip that I absolutely love. Also, just like the ThruNite T10 V2 here this light has a magnetic base and side switch, which I am increasingly preferring. I love the ability to attach my flashlight to something magnetic so that I can use both of my hands. It has taken some getting used to the size of the S1 Mini but I really like how well it fits in my pocket, and even in my hand I can still get a good enough grip so as not to feel like I am going to drop it. I have found that the clip actually gives me a little something extra to grip onto during use. The lockout mode is also very neat to me and I find myself using it daily so that I don't accidentally turn it on in my pocket like I have had happen to other lights. The last thing I want to point out is that while I think the user interface is a bit complicated with so many modes and the fact that the light will dim down I really like the inclusion of a moonlight mode.

Cons:

It takes a little while to get used to the user interface for this light as I just mentioned. I think a big part of that is the fact that there are five modes plus a strobe option. You can get comfortable with this but like I said it takes some practice to remember exactly what to do. I also dislike memory on flashlights, I prefer for them to always start at a low setting so that I can work my way from there. I like the fact that this is a rechargeable light, but the fact that you have to take out the battery to charge it is a hassle. As is the fact that it uses a CR123A battery. Obviously I knew this when buying the S1 Mini, it is just something I wish was different. The last thing I want to mention here is that at the higher settings this light does tend to warm up in your hand; it does not start to really burn you but you definitely notice the heat.

Conclusion:

The first thing I want to mention here is the Turbo Mode. The S1 Mini will stay at 600 lumens for a minute before dropping down to 300 lumens where it could stay for another 55 minutes. I personally do not see a ton of use for the turbo modes and have not really needed to activate it so I probably will not even have to worry about this in the future. Otherwise, I really like carrying the Mini; I keep it locked in my pocket and after getting used to the size I like that it is always in my pocket.

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