Olight, which is currently celebrating their 15th anniversary with a flash sale, sent over a new Warrior 3S LED flashlight for review.
I have only been using the flashlight for a short time, but given that it’s included in their current promotion, I thought it would be best to hurry things along. I will continue to use the flashlight and will provide any updates should I learn more.
Olight markets the new Warrior 3S as a tactical light, and as with most other tactical-leaning LED flashlights, the Warrior 3S can also be used by civilians as an EDC (everyday carry) flashlight.
Meaning, you don’t need to treat this as a tactical flashlight, it’s fine for everyday types of uses.
However, as with Olight’s other standard form factor tactical flashlights, the Warrior 3S has a side button and tactical tailcap.
The side button can be used to cycle through the lower 3 brightness modes, while the tactical tailcap can be used for medium brightness when pressed halfway for “momentary” mode, or maximum brightness when fully depressed.
The way I use and have used Olight’s smaller Warrior and Warrior 2 flashlights, I use the side button for most tasks, and the tailcap when I want instant-on maximum brightness without having to cycle through any modes.
You can program the flashlight with a strobe mode as well, if you’d like.
This is not a small flashlight, but it’s also not very large.
The Olight Warrior 3S is about the size of a traditional 2x CR123A flashlight from Surefire and other brands. The 3S is powered by a 21700-sized rechargeable LED battery with 5000 mAh charge capacity.
As with other Olight flashlights, the Warrior 3S has a “customized” battery and conveniently charges magnetic tailcap and USB charging cord. A wall adapter is not provided.
The Warrior 3S comes with the same holster that was packaged with the M2R Pro Warrior.
Compared to the M2R Pro Warrior, the Warrior 3S has received a complete overhaul, with updated grip, pocket clip, control dial, and a much smoother and subtler crenellated bezel.
The user interface came as a surprise, but instantly won me over. There are two sets of 4 indicator LEDs. On the left, the LEDs indicate the current brightness level. On the right, the LEDs indicate the remaining charge capacity.
Compared to the Warrior Mini 2, the Warrior 3S is a distinct step up in size.
Warrior 3S Key Features & Specs
- 2,300 lumens max brightness
- 23,000 cd max light intensity
- 300 meters max throw
- 1.5m drop test
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Proximity sensor
- Programmable tailcap switch
- Direct turbo (default) or direct strobe modes
- Side switch for mode selection
- Moon, low, medium, high, turbo, strobe, lockout
- Magnetic tailcap charging
- Smoother crenelated bezel
- Nylon holster is included
- Includes customized 21700 5000mAh battery
The proximity sensor dims the light if it detects an obstruction, such as if you accidentally turn the flashlight on when it’s in your pocket. The flashlight also features a lockout mode, and you can also disable the proximity sensor dimming if necessary.
As with other high-power LED flashlights, the Warrior 3S steps down when in higher brightness settings, to help control temperatures.
According to the spec sheet, the flashlight can sustain 2,300 lumens for up to 2.5 minutes, 800 lumens for 160 minutes, and 250 lumens for 39 minutes. That’s for turbo mode. For high mode, it can sustain 800 lumens for 166 minutes, and 250 lumens for 39 minutes.
The flashlight can deliver 13 hours of runtime at medium brightness (200 lumens), and 130 hours at low (15 lumens).
At the time of this posting, the 3S is available in black and gunmetal grey.
Flash Sale Price: $87.47
Regular Price: $124.95
Flash Sale Ends at 11:59pm ET 4/25/2022
Thank you to Olight for providing the review sample.
Additional Opinions
I have not taken any measurements yet, but I would describe the beam output to be a broad spotlight. Many tactical LED flashlights have a very bright and focused spotlight. The Warrior 3S is focused, and it’s definitely bright, but its central spot is wider than the other tactical lights I have at my disposal.
The Warrior 3S also has less spill beyond its broader central spot, thanks to its TIR optic lens.
Its close-up usefulness will be limited unless you dial-back the brightness to one of the lower modes, but the broader central spot should make it more suited for work or outdoors-related illumination tasks.
I tend to prefer smaller flashlights for EDC use, but was surprised that the Warrior 3S is around the same size as my 2x CR123 lights. The 3S is a little longer than most, but with a comparable sized body and narrower lamp head.
The crenellated bezel is much less aggressive than on the M2R Pro Warrior, and the Warrior 3, which preceded this 3S model. If you’re not a fan of sharp crenellations, you’ll probably be content about this. If you were hoping for a sharp and aggressive bezel, you’ll be disappointed.
The upside is that the flashlight is a little easier and more comfortable to pocket-carry.
Olight says that the Warrior 3S is for hiking, camping, self-defense, and law enforcement. For everyday users, the clear benefits, in my opinion so far, is in the brightness, throw, and runtime.
Speaking personally, this is not well-aligned with my rechargeable LED flashlight preferences. I love the side switch and tailcap options, but for me the Warrior 2 is a more perfect size.
Once my testing period is complete, the flashlight will go to a train worker I know will take advantage of the flashlight’s brightness, throw distance, runtime, and durability, and I also know they will love the included holster.
The holster features a D-ring, quick-release closure flap, and two styles of belt loops. There’s a loop for passing your belt through, and also a button snap option, so that you can choose between quick or secure attachment.
That’s something I like about Olight. Not every product they release will suit my needs, but it seems they think things through and are constantly iterating.
The Olight Warrior 3S is an impressive next-gen tactical and EDC LED flashlight.
I’m not giving my test sample away so quickly, and will be putting some more miles on it.
Do you have any questions?
