Olight is at it again bringing upgrades to their most popular models. This time releasing an updated Warrior Mini 2 for EDC and tactical use. It features several improvements over the original Warrior Mini and is available in black, desert tan, and mountain sky. MSRP for the black/desert tan is $89.95 and $94.95 for the mountain sky. There is a flash sale this weekend where you can get the new Warrior Mini 2 for 35% off.
Improvements/Updates
The biggest update seen in the Warrior Mini 2 is the proximity sensor. Purchasers of the original Warrior Mini complained about activating the light in their pockets which led to burnt clothes and minor injuries. To prevent this from happening, Olight created a new proximity sensor that reduces the light output when the light detects an object close to the head. If the sensor is blocked for more than 60 seconds, the light shuts off completely preventing injury and overheating.
Olight upped both beam distance and light output to 220 meters/1,750 lumens from 190 meters/1,500 lumens on the first model. The new Warrior Mini 2 has two different clip locations for bezel up or down carry options. There are a few minor improvements like the new refined strike bezel, and an updated lens design that are subtle but noticeable. One thing I really like about Olight as a company is they listen to their customers and use feedback in projects moving forward.
Specs
Light Intensity 12,300 candela
Light Output Levels:
Mode 1 (lumens) 1,750~500~200
Run-time LEVEL 1 4+206+40 minutes
Mode 2 (lumens) 500~200
Run-time LEVEL 2 218+55 minutes
Mode 3 (lumens) 120
Run-time LEVEL 3 19 hours
Mode 4 (lumens) 15
Run-time LEVEL 4 164 hours
Mode 5 (lumens) 1
Run-time LEVEL 5 45 days
Strobe Yes, 1,750 lumens, 13Hz
Max. throw distance 220 meters
Weight 4.3 ounces
Length 4.65 inches
Bezel Diameter 0.98 inches
Body Diameter 0.91 inches
Battery Custom Olight Rechargeable 18650, 3500 mAh
IPX8 Waterproof rating- Able to withstand continuous submersion in water
The Warrior Mini 2 comes with a battery, magnetic charging cable, lanyard, and a carabiner-style ring. The charging cable is the new MCC-3 and is capable of outputting 2A vs. the previous 1A version. The battery Olight uses is proprietary and features both negative and positive terminals on the top. Unfortunately that means your other 18650s won’t work in this light, but the battery can still be charged using a normal bay charger.
The host is made from high grade aluminum and features two activation switches – on the side and tail cap. A straight knurl pattern surrounds the body and creates a comfortable grip surface. The deep carry pocket clip can be moved towards the tail cap if you prefer a bezel down orientation. Both the tail cap and side switches feel solid are easily manipulated.
Operation/Use
A quick single press on the side switch turns on the light to whatever the previous setting was. Press and hold the side switch for 2 seconds to activate moonlight mode. A quick double tap activates turbo mode, and a triple tap will turn on the strobe. Holding for longer than 2 seconds activates “lock-out” mode and disables the tail switch and side switch until the side switch is held for an additional 2 seconds. Once in lock-out mode, the side switch will glow red. To cycle through the different light modes, hold the side switch for 1 second after turning on the light. The side switch also doubles as the battery indicator going from green > orange > red > flashing red as the battery runs down. Using the MCC, the Warrior Mini 2 took about 3.5 hours to charge.
The tail cap switch is two staged and can be programmed for different light settings. Half press activates medium mode, and a full press goes into turbo mode. Press and hold for momentary on or a quick press for continuous operation. You can also change the configuration to activate turbo mode on half press and strobe on full press. The strobe feature is truly disorienting, and I’d hate to be the target. The magnetic tailcap is useful for when you need to go hands-free, but it’s only strong enough to support it while hanging bezel down.
The LED color temperature is a cool white and appears to be around 6500K. Olight uses a TIR (total internal reflection) optic lens with a protective glass lens for optimal light distribution and control. The glass protective lens is another small but welcomed upgrade over the original Warrior Mini. The beam pattern is relatively tight with adequate spill to see your surroundings. This is a “flood” type pattern and not to be considered a thrower.
The Warrior Mini 2 has been well suited for my EDC tasks so far. The deep carry clip makes it disappear in the pocket and it doesn’t add much bulk to my setup. At first, I didn’t think the ring carabiner was a great idea, but it’s proven useful to clip on my bag for easy access. One of the edges on the lanyard clip is rough and has been scratching the coating around the body. It’s only cosmetic, but I wish it didn’t happen. The proximity sensor is a nice safety feature and only time will tell if it’s going to be a useful feature. A as of now, I haven’t had any accidental activations when it’s been in my pocket or bag. If this is something you’re truly concerned with, just use the lockout feature.
Conclusion
Even if you don’t carry a flashlight every day, the Warrior Mini 2 is an excellent choice for everyday life. The strobe feature offers a tactical advantage in defensive situations. My only gripe is with the proprietary battery. I always like to have at least one backup battery so now I’ll have to buy one from Olight. Overall, the size, output, and ease of use makes the Warrior Mini 2 an easy choice for anyone looking for a great flashlight.
Doubles as a road flair.
Looks like a good light but I’ll stick with my SureFire LED Defender. I’m still skeptical about rechargeable batteries for tactical accessories that may run down when you need them most and I refuse to buy any tactical accessory that requires a proprietary battery.
RK are you really trying to compare a 160 Lumen Fenix E12 V2.0 with this 1750 Lumen light – that’s 10 times more powerful? You get what you pay for.
$90??? Hard pass, way overpriced light. I’ll stick to my Fenix for $30 with lifetime warranty. No excuse for that price.
Which $30 Fenix has the output and features this one does? I can’t seem to find one even close to the specs the Warrior Mini 2 has. The closest one they have is the E30R at $70 and it’s still not as capable.
The “lifetime warranty” only applies to manufacture defects in materials and workmanship. It’s a standard 5 year warranty like everyone else has.