The Warrior 3 has been a favorite ever since it was released late last year as the successor to the extremely popular M2R Pro. Olight just released an update to the Warrior 3, the Warrior 3S, and while the updates appear minor, they improve the usability and safe operation of this tactical light significantly. The new Warrior 3S tactical flashlight is a highly capable light for any situation, whether it is routine everyday carry activities or in a high stress, tactical situation.
Smart Proximity Sensor
Like the WM2, the Warrior 3S uses the same magnetic tail for charging. Care must be taken to prevent accidental and unintended activation of the light while in a pocket or packed away. As a safety improvement, the Warrior 3S now includes a smart proximity sensor to ensure that it does not inadvertently overheat any objects that come too close to the light source while it is on high or turbo mode. The sensor will prevent overheating by automatically dimming the LED and turning it completely off after 1 minute if the lens is obstructed. Please note that the sensor is just installed in the lens. It is also very important to learn and use the “lock-out” feature to further guard against accidentally activating the light. The overall safety performance has been greatly improved by the addition of the smart proximity sensor.
EDC options
The clip design is excellent, allowing for several different carry options. Like the new Warrior Mini 2, the Warrior 3S allows for the clip to be attached to either the head or the tail, enabling the user to choose either bezel up or bezel down carry, depending on their own personal preference and typical use scenarios. One of the changes that Olight implemented with the Warrior 3S is a less aggressive bezel, pockets rejoice! The less aggressive bezel will mean fewer opportunities to snag on pockets or fabrics. Also included with the light is a premium holster that can be attached directly to a belt or pack, allowing for rapid access to the light.
Tactical by design
But what makes this light “tactical”? First, it is bright, very bright. It delivers an intense 2,300 lumens for two and a half minutes before stepping down to 800 lumens. This is more than enough to disorient someone with undesirable intentions. All those lumens won’t matter, however, if you are fumbling in the dark during a high-pressure situation searching desperately for the switch. The Warrior 3S eliminates that concern because it has dual switches, with one on the body and one on the tail end of the light. This tail switch is situated perfectly for rapid access. Finding it, even in the dark, is simple and almost automatic. A quick press of the tail switch activates the full brightness of the Warrior 3S. Pressing and holding the tail switch momentarily will give you an instant burst of light but will shut off once released. What’s more, using the side switch allows you to configure the tail switch set to your most desired configuration, either full turbo or activation of the strobe mode. Activating the strobe mode will further disorient an individual with ill intentions, allowing you time to react or remove yourself from that situation. Configuring the tail switch for strobe use is a fairly simple process. While pressing and holding the tail switch, press the side switch. The Warrior 3S should immediately activate the strobe function, then you can release both the tail and side switches. Now your tail switch is configured for strobe mode when you fully press and hold the tail switch.
A half press of the tail switch in this configuration will activate turbo mode momentarily. Switching it back is as simple as repeating the process. You can also activate the strobe function by quickly pressing the side switch multiple times in a row. Adding to the tactical nature of this light is the crenulated bezel. If the situation warranted it, using the bezel to strike someone or something could be useful as a defensive option.
Weapon mounted option
Another great option for the Warrior 3S is that this light can be mounted to a weapon using compatible Olight hardware, the E-WM25 mount. Olight also offers an optional dual-button remote switch that attaches to the tail of the light and allows for low and high mode activation with a simple press of a button. The dual-switch coupled with the E-WM25 weapon mount makes this a powerful option for weapon use.
Toughness and reliability
The overall build quality of the Warrior 3S is also fantastic. It has an IPX8 waterproof rating which means it can withstand being completely submerged underwater and still function as designed. Dropping the Warrior 3S from heights of a couple of feet can occur without any issues. Simply put, this thing is built like a tank. You should have no worries or fears about the continued reliable performance of this light in any situation or circumstance.
Finally, the following features of this light are greatly appreciated. It has fast and effortless charging via the included magnetic charging cable. You simply “snap” the end of the charging cable to the base and plug the other end into a USB charger and you are good to go. You can even use the Olight Omino charging base, but with a lower overall output, it can take a little longer to fully recharge the Warrior 3S. Also handy are the side switch LED indicators for both the battery level as well as the brightness levels.
Pocket friendly
As a handheld everyday carry (EDC) light, the Warrior 3S is fantastic. It is extremely powerful, throwing a beam out to almost one thousand feet, which is incredible given its relatively small size. But this light isn’t just a one-trick pony with impressive throw only. It has a great balance of flood, which is perfect for everyday activities like walking the dogs or checking the backyard at night. By keeping one on a charging base close to any doors of your home, you can ensure that it is always ready whenever it is needed. Additionally, attaching it to a pack while on camping or hiking trips is very convenient, giving one quick and easy access to a light that can illuminate everything around and in front of you. The maximum output on the turbo is extremely bright, however, for use around the house or the campsite, the medium setting that delivers a constant 200 lumens for up to 13 continuous hours is generally more than enough for routine tasks and activities.
What is included in the box
● Warrior 3S (Battery Included) x 1
● Pocket Clip x 1
● MCC3 USB Magnetic Charging Cable x 1
● Holster x 1
● User Manual x 1
Conclusion
The Warrior 3S is a great light for everyday carry (EDC) situations. Because of its great balance of flood and throw, as well as its relatively small size, it is a go to light for use around the house, in the yard, walking the dogs, and for camping and hiking trips. It is very useful in a variety of situations. Although it is bigger and heavier than the Warrior Mini 2, the additional lumens and longer throw can be more useful in certain circumstances. Do not misunderstand though, the Warrior Mini 2 is also a fantastic light and has the benefit of a smaller size and less weight, therefore it is more easily pocketable, and for some, this is a higher priority for EDC applications. The Warrior 3S also has numerous carry options with a clip that can be positioned at the head or at the tail and it even includes a pouch that can be clipped to a belt or pack.
The optional accessory to convert this to a weapon mounted light is nice for those that need or want that functionality. The availability of a remote switch that has the capability to utilize either high or low mode is also a great add-on to the weapon mounted use.
As a tactical light, the Warrior 3S is very well suited for most high-pressure situations. It has dual switches, with the tail switch being easily accessible, even in the dark. Additionally, it is great having the ability to change the mode of the tail switch to your personal preferences. A full 2,300 lumens on the turbo is plenty bright for any situation, and it is impressive that one can get a full two and a half minutes on the turbo before it steps down. If you are looking for a great tactical light, with lots of lumens and a good mix of flood and throw, look no further than the newly released Warrior 3S.
