Olight S30R III Review

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
143
Location
Kentucky
8Zvqn7N.jpg

As much as I liked the Olight S1R flashlight, I found myself wanting more. Like most single 123 cell lights, it was designed to be more of a casual/emergency light. I loved the light modes, the magnetic tailcap, and especially the recharging system. I didn't love the small fiddly size, hard-to-use pocket-clip, and limited runtimes. Then Olight sent me their new third generation S30R Baton.

jWrkOZB.jpg

The S30RIII is a very compact light at a mere 4.5 inches. The extra size accommodates an extra CR123 lithium cell, allowing it to utilize an included, specialized 18650. The 18650 is merely a single rechargeable lithium-ion battery that mimics two stacked CR123s. They are heavily used by vaporizers due to the steady 3.7 volt output. This is what allows us to have the light at nearly twice the brightness of a 60watt bulb in our pockets but not break the bank. 123s can cost upwards to $5 a piece.

rAPoe0G.jpg
gxHNiqm.jpg

As the R implies this light utilizes the newest version of Olight's recharging dock. In this case, included is a micro-USB dock equipped with stability-enhancing suction cups and a single USB extension port. An LED shines red when charging, green signals full. The S1R and other rechargeable 123 or 18650 Batons are compatible with this dock. Likewise, the S1R's smaller recharging cable works fine for the S30R. Sadly, like the S1R, the S30RIII requires a specialized proprietary battery to function with Olight chargers. The 18650 version can be found for around $20. Since it is non-standard and wholly dependent on Olight to produce, buy extras now. After about 500 charges, it will need to be replaced.

yT8TedF.jpg

The LED is a very cool white tint. A neutral white version would be appreciated for the superior definition it produces. It is advertised to have a 188 meter throw. I found that it illuminated well about 200 feet out with a large cone of coverage. There are 3 main lighting modes plus a turbo, moonlight mode, and a strobe. High is a reasonable 500 lumens for over three hours and change. It has a decent throw and enough flood to let this be pushed into a lot more uses than its smaller brothers, such as search or security in a pinch. At medium, the light will run at 120 lumens for fifteen hours. This mode is pretty damn good for navigation. It will handily check most yards and from one end of a house to another without being insanely blinding for indoors use. The runtime could get you two full nights of useful illumination on a trail before needing a charge. Though if your head is under a sink, it might be a little much. The low 12 lumen mode is good for up close work in tight spaces, indoor navigation, and slow outdoor navigation. From a full charge, it can run for five days straight. The turbo mode is a pretty standard 1050 lumens. Runtime is very poor, only lasting a couple of minutes before stepping down to high due to heat. A ten minute minimum would have been acceptable, but two or three barely seems worth it. Moonlight features 0.5 lumen, if the manufacturer's numbers are correct, with a runtime of 100 days. It is useful for reading maps without totally ruining night vision or for navigating around sleeping family to hit the toilet. The strobe uses turbo mode, I imagine that it will take longer to step down, but am unsure of duration.

oRISIDd.jpg
O35JqrW.jpg

For carry, it comes with a deep pocket clip that is superior to the S1R and S10RIII. Within one week of carry, it was broken in enough to slide over pocket rims with little difficulty and still maintaining good retention. The light itself is slim for a 18650 light. The head is bigger and longer for increased throw and features heat-dissipating ridges that aid when drawing it. The button is also a bit larger and thus easier to find. The lanyard is the standard Baton style. It can be drawn closed around the wrist for retention and the weight is low enough to let it hang there while doing other tasks. The magnetic tail is also quite strong and flat. For hands free use, the S30R will stick to flat ferrous surfaces in any direction as well as acting as a candle on any flat ground. A higher visibility color would be nice. Black flashlights are especially hard to find when you need them in the dark.

The UI seems to be the standard used across the Baton series.


Off + single click = On

On + single click = Off

On + hold down click = Cycles Through 12/120/500 lumens

Off + hold down click = .5 lumens

On/Off + double click + release = 1050 lumens

On/Off + triple click + release = Strobe


This little light is an excellent EDC flashlight but perhaps it is even better as an all-around utility light. The power and runtime are functional for camping, security, and can be pressed into service for rescue search volunteers. That functionality mated with a magnetic tail makes it ideal for techs working deep in the night or in dark corners of their industries. It is incredibly portable yet not so compact as to be hard to keep in your hand. The charging dock is good persuasion for keeping the S30 in a central location. Here it can be found ready and charged for use. An empty dock will have the boss asking, “Hey did you make sure to put the light on the charge?” This makes it a really convenient light to keep at home, office, shop, store, or even school. Honestly, the only area I can't recommend this light in is for personal defense. Tail clicks are just so much faster and easier to put into action during a high stress situation. The Baton series UI just can't compete.


Overall this just a great little light. The S30RIII is right for so many people and circumstances. A rechargeable flashlight for the masses. While, it would be nice if Olight could make the charging system work with standard 18650s, like those found in service by Vapers, it isn't deal breaker for most folks. As for the neutral white LED, Olight released a version of the S1Rs with it, perhaps the S30R is next. This jack-of-all trades light was much more inline with what I wanted to see in an EDC light. I don't think I'm the only one.


Thanks to Olight for providing flashlight samples. Thanks to you for reading. Be safe out there.


http://www.olightstore.com/led-flashlights/all-flashlights/olight-s30r-baton-iii


https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable...9501833&sr=8-3&keywords=olight+s10r+baton+iii


http://www.olightstore.com/batterie...8650-3500mah-battery-for-s30r-ii-s30r-iii-s2r
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top