Non replaceable batteries are a no-go for me on a flashlight. I heard Sean at Olight defending the non replaceable batteries as the same as cellphones. Cellphones used to have replaceable batteries & the phone manufacturers wanted you to buy a new phone, not just a battery. So they made phones with non replaceable batteries, with the excuse it was for water protection. Non replaceable batteries are fine on an inexpensive keychain light. It's not great on an expensive light.
I tend to agree with you on that. The Arkfeld is a solid flashlight. I just wish the user could service the battery. Maybe on future generations this can change 🤞
@Pardon My English I agree, that would make the light much better. I hate planned obsolescence, and I want the right to repair something I bought, or at least be able to replace a battery.
Thank you for a well thought out comparative review, I am just waiting for my W2 to arrive, I can see now that I might like both these guys! I look forward to more of the same. Greetings from the England, cheers, Peter
I agree with your point about the non-replaceable battery. It is a huge con of the Arkfeld. It’s not my biggest issue though. I’m not a fan of the Arkfeld’s lack of texture/knurling. If you’re working horizontally, the clip is useless and just slides out of a pocket because there is nothing to grip clothing. It needs texture underneath the clip and I’d like to see it added to the sides as well for general handling. Also, not a fan of the laser. I feel a red emitter would be more useful. I do enjoy the form factor. It is comfortable. I just feel the negatives ruin the carry experience for me. Perhaps a revision will address these issues.
Yes, texture under the clip is a good idea. Adding a red emitter or more throwing oriented lens in place of the laser would also be cool but that’s just my opinion. I know some people find the laser useful so I’m sure it would be a controversial move if Olight removed it. Ability to replace the battery would be excellent, even if it were a proprietary battery. Proprietary batteries aren’t my favorites generally but I think Olight makes some of the best.
Just an update, I did try the new Arkfeld UV. I wanted to add that I am impressed with the improvements addressing grip and clip retention. While I do still feel there is room for improvement (more locations & more aggressive knurling), the changes are so good that I would carry this with confidence now. Kudos to Olight on that aspect of the redesign.
Good question. Unfortunately I do not have experience with the Baton lights. My understanding is that they have an excellent floody beam, while the WM2 might have a bit more throw. Not 100% sure about that though….
If you'd like to support my channel, you can use my affiliate link to the Olight Store in the description, then search for the i3E clip. Otherwise here is the direct link: www.olightstore.com/i3s-eos-clip-diy-bundle.html
i would never purchase a torch that you cannot change a battery on.....the Arkfeld is a house torch only , cannot be relied on out in the bush if the battery was to go.
sub'd today TY good intel & video ! As a $$ poor DAV so wannna-needa-good flashlite now. Still use my 3C battery Kellite I used as GI! they seem 2 last 4ever? Sadly need a EDC type flashlite 4 nite trips 2 DMZ-wlmart @ nite LOL
Haha, yes! You never can tell these days. I’m on a quest of sorts to see which options work best for me too. Trying not to break the bank but there are so many flashlights that seem worth checking out. The WM2 is excellent in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
Non replaceable batteries are a no-go for me on a flashlight. I heard Sean at Olight defending the non replaceable batteries as the same as cellphones. Cellphones used to have replaceable batteries & the phone manufacturers wanted you to buy a new phone, not just a battery. So they made phones with non replaceable batteries, with the excuse it was for water protection. Non replaceable batteries are fine on an inexpensive keychain light. It's not great on an expensive light.
I tend to agree with you on that. The Arkfeld is a solid flashlight. I just wish the user could service the battery. Maybe on future generations this can change 🤞
@Pardon My English I agree, that would make the light much better. I hate planned obsolescence, and I want the right to repair something I bought, or at least be able to replace a battery.
Indeed. Planned obsolescence isn’t cool. Tired of my phone mysteriously getting worse when the newer models come out.
Thank you for a well thought out comparative review, I am just waiting for my W2 to arrive, I can see now that I might like both these guys! I look forward to more of the same. Greetings from the England, cheers, Peter
Thank you, Peter! You will really enjoy the WM2. One of my personal favorites.
Completely agree, Warrior Mini 2 for my money as well.
I agree with your point about the non-replaceable battery. It is a huge con of the Arkfeld. It’s not my biggest issue though.
I’m not a fan of the Arkfeld’s lack of texture/knurling. If you’re working horizontally, the clip is useless and just slides out of a pocket because there is nothing to grip clothing. It needs texture underneath the clip and I’d like to see it added to the sides as well for general handling. Also, not a fan of the laser. I feel a red emitter would be more useful.
I do enjoy the form factor. It is comfortable. I just feel the negatives ruin the carry experience for me. Perhaps a revision will address these issues.
Yes, texture under the clip is a good idea. Adding a red emitter or more throwing oriented lens in place of the laser would also be cool but that’s just my opinion. I know some people find the laser useful so I’m sure it would be a controversial move if Olight removed it. Ability to replace the battery would be excellent, even if it were a proprietary battery. Proprietary batteries aren’t my favorites generally but I think Olight makes some of the best.
Just an update, I did try the new Arkfeld UV. I wanted to add that I am impressed with the improvements addressing grip and clip retention. While I do still feel there is room for improvement (more locations & more aggressive knurling), the changes are so good that I would carry this with confidence now. Kudos to Olight on that aspect of the redesign.
Great video! Would like to see the Warrior Mini 2 compared to the Baton 3 pro.
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, that would be a great comparison! Unfortunately I do not have experience with the Baton 3 Pro.
My 🐈⬛ wants the Arkfeld.
Good point. The Arkfeld is definitely better for cats!
Would you choose the warrior mini 2 or one of the baton range ?
Good question. Unfortunately I do not have experience with the Baton lights. My understanding is that they have an excellent floody beam, while the WM2 might have a bit more throw. Not 100% sure about that though….
Do you have a link to the clips for the i3E please?
If you'd like to support my channel, you can use my affiliate link to the Olight Store in the description, then search for the i3E clip. Otherwise here is the direct link: www.olightstore.com/i3s-eos-clip-diy-bundle.html
i would never purchase a torch that you cannot change a battery on.....the Arkfeld is a house torch only , cannot be relied on out in the bush if the battery was to go.
I do wish the battery was replaceable. I don’t know what kind of batteries it could use but if any company can figure it out, it’s Olight.
I have 2 WM2 lights both batteries failed
Oh snap! Dang that’s no good… I say take advantage of the 5yr warranty, my friend.
Light diffuser = Marshmallow
For real! It’s exactly the same size and shape. I was thinking of tricking people around campfire with a glowing “marshmallow” haha.
sub'd today TY good intel & video ! As a $$ poor DAV so wannna-needa-good flashlite now. Still use my 3C battery Kellite I used as GI! they seem 2 last 4ever? Sadly need a EDC type flashlite 4 nite trips 2 DMZ-wlmart @ nite LOL
Haha, yes! You never can tell these days. I’m on a quest of sorts to see which options work best for me too. Trying not to break the bank but there are so many flashlights that seem worth checking out. The WM2 is excellent in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
Emisar or Noctigon over either of em. D4V2 shits on both.
Cool. I’ll have to check those out.