Overview
Olight recently launched an update to their Warrior 3 with the “S” version. This light has a tailcap that includes both low and high activation, a side switch, and a proximity sensor. Utilizing a 21700 battery, this light should be a powerhouse. We obtained two of these lights, one in olive drab, and one in solid copper.
Key Light Specs
Both of our lights have the same specs, but it’s possible that due to more mass to take heat, and larger ability to dissipate heat, the solid copper version could perform better. Here are the specs:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Lumens | 2,300 |
| Candela | 23,000 |
If true, these values should make this light a good tactical handheld. In addition, the proximity sensor and side switch should allow for administrative tasks.
Lumen Results (10 Minutes)
I had to disable the proximity sensor for the integrating sphere. I did this by activating the sensor, then double tapping the side switch, putting the light back into turbo.
I had suspected the copper version might perform slightly better, with the additional mass and dissipation capability providing the ability to keep the light at a higher output for longer. It appears that this was indeed the case, with the copper version dropping significantly after 50 seconds versus 35 seconds for the OD version. This also helped improve the ANSI/PLATO FL-1 rating of the copper version.
Two Interesting Items:
You probably already know that the light has magnetic charging, but I want to call out two other interesting features:
- The tailcap switch has a good feel, and the ability to activate both a “low output” version, as well as the “turbo” high output setting. A short press (not all the way in) activates the lower output. However, pressing all the way in provides the highest output setting. This is particularly useful for those who need a tactical light that can also perform administrative tasks. Further, the side switch cycles between modes, allowing you to tune the output to your desired need.
- I’ve not seen this information elsewhere: The Thyrm Switchback DF fits on this light quite well. I’ve tested it, and activation is about what you would expect, with a hard press getting full output out of the Warrior 3S. If you’re one of those people who need the switchback to be on your tactical light, then the Warrior 3S does have that capability.
Measured Values
| Spec | Olive Drab Instant Max | Olive Drab ANSI / PLATO FL-1 | Solid Copper Instant Max | Solid Copper ANSI / PLATO FL-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumens | 2,793 | 1,658 | 2,776 | 2,030 |
| Candela | 23,820 | 22,520 | 23,810 | 22,620 |
Summary
If using instant max, Olight meets their specs of 2300 lumen and 23,000 candela. These two lights didn’t quite perform at those specs using FL-1 measuring definitions. I’m honestly surprised how similar the two lights performed. I would need a larger sample set to confirm, but it appears that Olight is doing a good job with product component selection to get consistent output in their products. It’s a strong performing handheld that can fulfill both admin and tactical tasks.
