Olight LED Torch

As technology gains momentum, an increasing number of enthusiasts are enjoying outdoor pursuits these days, armed with sophisticated kit to help at every stage. The humble torch has been elevated to new heights for sure, and the latest models are seen as must-have fashion accessories in certain circles. Whether camping, hunting, or in the security business, the applications for such a product are endless.

High end brands such as Maglight have of course led the way here, but with many more players in the market, the choice has never been greater. Forget the fashion statement though, for many of this new breed of high quality flashlights are made to exacting standards, and aimed at professionals who need top kit that they can rely on.

Respected Brand

When top shooting and outdoor gear specialists, Deben, take on a brand, you can bet that they’ve done their homework; and so it is with Olight. Here we have a specialist manufacturer offering a large range of torch/flashlights, designed to offer quality and features for a host of applications.

Under review here is the S65 Baton torch, which offers a powerful beam (derived from a super bright CREE XM-L LED), and a host of features, in a medium sized body. The Torch comes nicely presented and protected, in its own padded carry case; and enclosed inside, is the S65 Baton, a white diffuser head, belt mounted holster, and explanatory leaflet.

First impressions are of a nicely machined, high quality product. The sleek aluminium body is well shaped, and with subtle ribbing, the grip is enhanced and comfortable. The spec lists aluminium alloy with type III hard anodization, and all I can say is it feels highly durable and certainly looks the part. Where many torches can be oversized, the S65 just feels about right.

This model is quite weighty though, and since it requires 6x conventional AA batteries to function, it’s hardly surprising. Loading the batteries is simple, once the bottom section of the body is unscrewed. Batteries are just snapped into the carrier, which is then slid back inside the body. With rechargeable batteries becoming ever cheaper these days, along with charger packs, this route would obviously make sense over time.

Once assembled, three power levels are on offer, accessed by simply holding down the on/off button to toggle through the settings. The maximum setting throws the beam to around 250 metres, and this was born out on test I hasten to add. An additional function is the strobe light, which could be handy in an emergency, and this is accessed by double clicking the ‘on’ button.

Fit the simple push-fit white diffuser head, and the LED beam is instantly converted to a subtle general output, capable of a satisfying level of illumination at close quarters. Properly lighting a room for example.

The features list goes on, with a low voltage indication, built-in anti battery polarity reverse protection, Military spec to MIL-STD-810F, Intelligent Temperature Control (to prevent overheating), and water resistance to IPX-8 if you please!

In Conclusion

A little heavy, quite pricey, and juicy on power if left on main beam function. Negatives? Well this is all par for the course where this grade of high performance flashlight is concerned. Many cheaper alternatives exist, but few match the astonishing list of features and functionality on offer here. For this is a beautifully made, quality feeling flashlight - highly versatile and effective in use; and for those reasons, it comes highly recommended.

POWER DURATION:
Low 360hrs
Medium 5.3hrs
High 1.3hrs
Strobe 3hrs