Some pics and comparisons of the S1 Mini and SR1 Baton 2. The “R” simply means rechargeable, in this case with a magnetic charger that attaches to the base of the torch. Both have a kind of double clip that allows for different carry, like hat brim or pocket. I don’t really like the clips, bezel down pocket carry isn’t as easy as the bezel up due to the design. I’ve had one ping off as I took off a layer of clothing, but this is a clip problem generally I suppose, I’ve had this happen with knives too. I’ve also accidentally activated the light by reaching in my pocket for change. On both torches is a lockout activated by holding the button from off to on, to off in one long press, so I tend to use the lockout mode now.
Sizewise, the Mini really is very small indeed, not much bigger than the CR123 that powers it. I’ll show you that bit of cleverness in a moment.
On the buttons are LEDs that show green, yellow, red as battery level indicators.
In hand.
So, both very small torches with very high output. How do they do it?
Key to the size is the type of optic used. We’re all used to seeing a mirror coated reflector, deep for beam throw, or shallow for a wider flood beam. These torches use a TIR which is a Total Internal Reflector, it maximises light output while remaining very shallow. Most standard reflectors scatter and lose some of the light emitted. The TIR uses all of it, increasing output by not losing light.
This is what the reflector end looks like, the LEDs are very close to the lens.
Now, I hope I haven’t overdone the science of it at all, but what we get is a silly small torch that punches out a lot of light because the lens captures and reflects more of it. This is brilliant on small torches and gives a wide bright beam. You’ll see from the bezels that these two are rated at 600 and 1000 lumen output, Olight tend to be accurate and not overstate output as many manufacturers do.
The S1Mini will take any CR123 battery, but will only run its turbo mode of 600 lumens using the Olight battery provided. This is no big deal, you’ll hardly notice the difference anyway. The battery it comes with has a micro USB for charging making it convenient for car use etc. It also has a magnetic tailcap for fixing to stuff. Here it is plugged in.
The SR1 Baton 2 is a bit different, you’ll see the magnetic charger connections on the tailcap, which is also magnetic. And no, you can’t spark wire wool by touching the end of the torch with it
This also takes any CR123 battery, but it won’t charge from the charger even if it’s a rechargeable, Olight battery only.
My preference of the two has to be the S1R. It’s just so convenient to bung it on the charger, I swear if I chuck the charger at the end of the torch the magnets just click it on, it’s briliant. The knurling is really lumpy and grippy, good for gloved hands. And it really does put out some light.
The Mini is lovely, very tiny and cute, and a perfect pocket edc. I can’t knock it at all, I drop it in my pocket all the time, it’s small enough not to get in the way of a set of keys if you needed a keyring torch.
One more product from Olight that is worth a look is this charger. It’ll charge anything from the 1.2v AA and AAA Eneloop type rechargeable, right up to the 3.7v Li-ion batteries with no problem. Double magnetic contacts just clip on, doesn’t matter which way round, and off it goes. Shows red light while charging, green when done. It’s very simple.
I like Olight at the moment, they’re thinking about practicality and outside the box. I’ve had a couple of their bigger torches and not really been astounded. Mind you, they were old stock by the time I picked them up cheap, but these pocket lights, especially the R range are impressive.
