I remember the day I added the Olight S1R Baton to my everyday carry (EDC) collection. I was in my local clothing and sales shop on base in Germany and had zero intention of adding this light to my cart that day. I had read rave reviews and watched a few videos, each touting its compact size, powerful output, and overall versatility. At the time, I was looking for a reliable, pocket-sized flashlight that wouldn’t just be another gadget, but something I could genuinely rely on in various situations. Reflecting on my years with the S1R Baton, I realize it is the flashlight I have carried with me the most.
The Olight S1R Baton was independently purchased by myself and Olight has not been allowed to preview this Review. I have been using this light for the past 4 years for EDC tasks as it goes into my bag every day.
First Impressions – Olight S1R Baton Flashlight
Despite its small size—barely larger than my thumb—it felt sturdy and well-crafted. The body was made of aircraft-grade aluminum, with a matte black finish that exuded a sense of durability and stealth. The knurling on the body provided a good grip, which I found especially useful during wet or cold conditions.
The light came with a handy rechargeable RCR123A battery and a magnetic USB charging cable. I appreciated this feature, as it eliminated the need to constantly replace batteries. The magnetic charger snapped onto the tail cap with a satisfying click, and I could easily connect it to any USB port to top up the battery. This feature alone may seem kind of gimmicky but it’s a real-time saver in the end. The user interface was straightforward—a single side switch controlled everything, from turning the light on and off to cycling through the different brightness levels. The simplicity of this design made it easy to use right out of the box, which was a plus.
Performance and Everyday Use – Olight S1R Baton Flashlight
Over the years, the S1R Baton has proven itself in various scenarios, from mundane tasks to more demanding situations. One of the standout features of this flashlight is its output. With a maximum output of 900 lumens on turbo mode, it punches well above its weight class in terms of output, and that’s from a light that is significantly older at this point. The beam is wide and well-balanced, with a good mix of throw and flood, making it good for close-up tasks but it falls short when you try to use it at any real distance.
In everyday use, I found myself frequently using the lower brightness settings. The moonlight mode, which outputs a mere 0.5 lumens, was perfect for tasks like reading in bed or checking on something in the middle of the night without disturbing others. The medium and high settings were more than adequate for outdoor use, whether I was walking the dog at night or working on a project in the garage. The clip system is ingenious and allows it to be easily attached to a ball cap or even a helmet. This means you can go hands free while hiking or walking your dog whenever you want.
Limitations and Drawbacks – Olight S1R Baton Flashlight
While the Olight S1R Baton has many strengths, it’s not without its limitations. The most noticeable drawback for me was the size of the side switch. Given the flashlight’s compact design, the switch is quite small, and I occasionally found it difficult to locate by feel, especially in the dark. There were a few times when I fumbled with it, trying to turn the light on or change the brightness level.
The magnetic charging cable, while convenient, was also a bit of a double-edged sword. The proprietary nature of the charger meant that if I lost or damaged it, I couldn’t easily replace it with a standard cable. Fortunately, the charger has held up well, but it’s something to consider if you’re prone to misplacing accessories.
Wrap Up – Olight S1R Baton Flashlight
Looking back on my time with the Olight S1R Baton, I can confidently say it has been a valuable addition to my EDC lineup. Its compact size, powerful output, and build quality make it a reliable tool for a wide range of situations. While it has its minor flaws, the overall performance and durability far outweigh any drawbacks. For anyone considering a small yet capable flashlight, the Olight S1R Baton is a solid choice I’m sure that they are on the 4th generation of this light and it has many improvements of the gen 1 iteration.
