Bright, Light & Portable: A Review of Olight's Warrior Mini 2 Flashlight

Contents

1 Power and Runtime
2 Introduction to the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Flashlight
3 Build Quality and Disassembly
4 Size and Comparisons
5 Retention and Carry
6 Olight Warrior Mini 2 Battery, Charging, and Runtimes
7 User Interface and Operation
8 Light Output and Modes
9 Pros and Cons
- 9.1 Pros
- 9.2 Cons
10 Conclusion
11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Flashlight Review

Power and Runtime

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is powered by a customized single lithium-ion cell. The appropriate cell is included – a customized 3500mAh 18650.

One great aspect that was retained from the previous Warrior Mini (and a massive improvement over previous iterations of this type of cell) is that the positive terminal is not recessed. This means the cell can charge in a bay-style charger! Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends: This customized type cell is required for operating the Warrior Mini 2. This is still a step forward, though.

And the cell goes into the light in the “normal” way – positive terminal toward the head. (This is in contrast to some of the other similar Olights like the S1R Baton II, a light that otherwise looks incredibly similar to the Warrior Mini).

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu has two ways of displaying its current power level. First, is a color status behind the e-switch. This glows red when the cell is low, and blue otherwise.

The second way is with the emitter itself. A quick click will show the emitter blinking once or twice, to indicate the cell’s current charge level.

Olight Warrior Mini 2 CU Flashlight Review

Introduction to the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Flashlight

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 has been a fan favorite among flashlight enthusiasts since it was first released. It has an impressive range of features and versions, making it a great option for everyone from experienced users to beginners. It is also surprisingly affordable, as you can find it on sale for just under $90.

The Warrior Mini 2 comes in multiple versions, including black aluminum, Mountain Sky blue-gray, desert tan, Regal Blue, and the newer copper edition which we are discussing here. You’ll particularly love the copper version if you’re a fan of copper! This version has the same emitter as its predecessors, the Luminus SST-40.

So what does the Olight Warrior Mini 2 have to offer? Read on to find out more about its build quality, size and comparisons, retention and carry, power and runtime, user interface, light output and modes, and pros and cons.

Build Quality and Disassembly

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is built from solid copper and looks great with its black accents. The patina on the copper is minimal, so it still has a shiny, penny-like look to it. The grip pattern is the same as the original Warrior Mini, providing excellent grip.

The head and tail of the light have anodized square-cut threads and only the head can be removed. The head also features both positive and negative contacts in its center, so mechanical lockout is not possible.

When the bezel and optic are removed, there is a small hole that goes through the shelf for the proximity sensor. There’s also an optic oring, bezel, and a glass lens between those two parts. This glass lens is an improvement over the original light, as it won’t be scratched as easily.

The pocket clip, which is attached at the factory, has been improved on this version of the Warrior Mini. It’s longer than before and has a slot on the tail end for easy bezel down carry. There’s also a groove on the tail end of the light which allows for snug attachment of the pocket clip.

Additionally, the half-moon keychain clip fits perfectly in the pocket clip area, unlike some other versions of the Warrior Mini 2. Finally, there’s also a lanyard included with the light, which is made fully from silicone.

Size and Comparisons

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is a medium-sized light, featuring a length of 4.65in/118mm and a head diameter of 0.98in/25mm. It also has a body diameter of 0.91in/23mm, and weights 194.6g including the included battery.

Retention and Carry

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu comes with a few different options for carrying and retaining the flashlight. The included pocket clip is a two-way clip that sits on either the head or the tail end of the flashlight, secured with a groove in the body. This allows for both head up and head down carry. There is also a small split ring on the tail end which allows for attachment of a keychain or lanyard. The lanyard provided is made of fully silicone material and can be used to secure the light to a variety of surfaces. A carabiner ring is also included which fits into the split ring for added security. All of these features mean that the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is designed for easy carrying and secure retention.

Olight Warrior Mini 2 Battery, Charging, and Runtimes

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is powered by a custom single lithium-ion cell. The appropriate cell is included – a customized 3500mAh 18650. This particular type of battery is unique to the Warrior Mini 2, and cannot be used in other flashlights.

The “custom” part of the battery refers to the fact that both positive and negative terminals are exposed on the positive end. This means that the cell can charge in a bay-style charger.

The battery must be installed in the “normal” way, with the positive terminal towards the head. To recharge the battery, it is necessary to use the included Olight MCC 1A/1.5A/2A charger which connects via a proprietary magnetic connection.

For full performance, Li-ion batteries should be charged no lower than 2.75V and no higher than 4.2V. A voltage reading of 3.6V indicates the battery is around 50% capacity, while a voltage reading of 3V usually indicates the battery cannot be safely used anymore.

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu has a claimed maximum output of 1750 lumens for up to two minutes, before dropping down to a lower level. At its regular output level of 300 lumens, the light can run for up to four hours. On the lowest setting of 5 lumens, the light can run for up to 100 hours. Runtime tests were conducted using the included 3500mAh 18650 battery.

User Interface and Operation

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu features a digital user interface that is operated by an electronic side-switch. The UI has ramping, which allows the user to adjust the light in small increments for greater control. To turn on the light, press the switch until it clicks and the light will turn on at its last used setting. From there you can double click to access turbo or triple click to access moonlight. For ramping simply press and hold the switch and the light will gradually cycle through all 6 settings from lo to hi.

To lock the light out, press and hold the switch for 3 seconds. The light will blink twice indicating it is now locked. You can unlock the light by repeating this process. Additionally, the Warrior Mini 2 Cu has a proximity feature where it will automatically step down the output for a few seconds when placed in your pocket or on a table so it won’t accidentally turn on. This increases the battery life and prevents any heat buildup.

The Warrior Mini 2 Cu also has an onboard charger, making it incredibly convenient to charge. To begin charging, attach the proprietary magnetic USB cable that comes with the light to the tailcap and plug into a USB power source. The blue LED indicator will turn on and the light will blink ubiquitously every two seconds to indicate it’s charging, and turn off when it’s finished. The charging time is approximately 3 hours.

Light Output and Modes

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is a powerful LED flashlight with a good range of output and modes for a wide variety of purposes. The light is powered by a Luminus SST-40 LED which offers up to 1,750 lumens of brightness on its highest setting. It’s also equipped with five total output/brightness levels and three special modes: strobe, beacon, and SOS.

The five output/brightness levels range from 0.5 lm (lowest) to 1,750 lm (highest). This makes the mini 2 a great option for both tactical and household use. It’s powerful enough for self-defense but also has a range of low output settings that are great for lighting up areas without blinding those around you.

It also has a range of special modes that can be used for signaling or self-defense. The strobe feature is great for disorienting an attacker while the beacon and SOS modes are useful for signaling for help in a pinch.

In terms of runtime, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu will run for about two hours on its highest output of 1,750 lm. On its lowest setting of 0.5 lm it can run for up to 72 hours, making it an ideal companion for your outdoor adventures.

Overall, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu offers a great range of output and features that make it a great option for a wide variety of uses. It has a good price point and is backed by Olight’s reputation for quality and reliability.

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is a powerful copper flashlight with a customized 18650 cell. It’s unique size and shape allows it to fit comfortably in the hand or pocket, and it’s designed with a two-way pocket clip for even more versatility. With a maximum output of 1750 lumens and a peak beam distance of 220 meters, this light has plenty of power to light up the night. The light also features an e-switch located near the bezel for easy access, as well as several other modes such as low, medium, high, and strobe. The Warrior Mini 2 Cu is also equipped with an intelligent memory circuit so you don’t have to reset the mode after every use. The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is an impressive piece of flashlights engineering that stands out from the competition with its superior build quality and excellent performance.

Pros and Cons

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu Flashlight offers plenty of pros and cons when compared to its earlier versions. The following outlines some of the more prominent ones.

Pros

The copper housing offers a sturdy construction and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
The flashlight boasts an impressive 1750 lumens, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.
The long lasting 18650 battery offers up to nearly 2 hours of runtime on high mode.
A two-way clip makes it easier to keep the flashlight accessible when needed.
The customized 18650 battery is designed to work specifically with this model.
The flashlight can be charged on board with the included magnetic charging cable.
The light is designed to easily fit in your pocket without adding unnecessary bulk.
The UI is simple to use and offers multiple modes from moonlight to turbo.

Cons

The flashlight only works with the included customized 18650 battery.
The short threads make mechanical lockout impossible.
The pocket clip and lanyard are small and could easily be misplaced.

All in all, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast in search of a lightweight but powerful flashlight. With its sturdy copper construction and impressive light output, it makes for a great addition to any EDC gear.

Conclusion

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 in copper is a fantastic flashlight with a unique style and plenty of features. Its copper body is sure to stand out among other flashlights and its impressive performance makes it a great choice for any flashlight enthusiast. The Warrior Mini 2 is an upgrade from the previous generation, with a more powerful LED, brighter output, and unique accessories like the pocket clip and lanyard. Its on-board charging feature makes it easy to use and keep powered up, and its user interface is simple to use. With its high output and robust construction, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 in copper is an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast or EDCer.

Whether you’re looking for a great EDC flashlight or a reliable and powerful outdoor companion, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 is an excellent choice. Its unique copper construction sets it apart from other flashlights and its top-notch performance make it a great investment. So if you’re looking for a light that will last through years of everyday use, the Warrior Mini 2 in copper is a great choice.

Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu Flashlight. We hope this guide helped you understand why this is a great addition to any EDC flashlight collection. From its unique copper design to its powerful output, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Cu is a great flashlight for a wide range of uses. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, outdoorsman/woman, or just need a reliable EDC light, the Warrior Mini 2 Cu will exceed your expectations.

We hope you found it useful and that it helps you find the perfect flashlight for your needs. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, and have a great time illuminating your world!