I personally carry a Streamlight Microstream, takes 1 AAA and it is extremely bright for its size. Perfect for EDC, I always have it in my pocket, don't even notice it's there.
An inportant difference not covered here is that the Mecarmy, and several other similar lights *do* have a removable 10180 size Li-ion battery. It's possible to buy spares, and to charge them in external chargers. The Olight probably uses the same battery internally, but is sealed so the user cannot remove it.
Wow, another great review!! I just bought a Gerber Strongarm based on your UA-cam gauntlet test and will probably be purchasing a new light based on this video. I couldn't be happier with the Gerber,so I expect the same from my next light!! Thanks for making these videos so easy to compare and find what's right for me and my family!!
Thanks for doing comparison videos. Seems other mainstream gear reviewers shy away from them. Keep it up! These videos help us to decide what gear to spend our hard earned money on.
Perhaps worth noting that the newer version i1R 2 EOS does now have a captive head. It also does 5 or 150 lumens for 6 hrs or 15 minutes respectively... and it seems Olight is very keen on giving them away free with other purchases, or for just the cost of postage during promotional events. I've had about seven free ones lately.
Got the Mecarmy X1S (titanium version) today, and im pretty sure this will stay on my keychain for a long time. The low setting on the i1R2 Pro is a bit too dim for outdoors use IMO, although i guess it works in a pinch. The low setting on the X1S is a bit brighter, so i believe it would be pretty much perfect for me, who prefer dim lights for night hikes. The size is also much better than the Olight i1R2 Pro. Only thing i miss is the USB-C, but im ok with 1 hour charging time.
My wife and I loved everything about the Mecarmy sgn3 flashlights until we started carrying them. It's a shame that they turn on with as little as a sneeze. Like you, we retired the flashlights to our nightstands. I'm going to buy two of these Mecarmy turn style lights. Hopefully they deliver. Thanks again for your reviews. I love your unbiased opinions. May God bless you and your family!
I bought the O light 1eos a month and it is a great key chain light with the money I saved I took your advice and bought a led usb rechargeable headlamp light for the bigger hands free tasks. Keep up the Great reviews from Down Under
Rovyvon is easily half an inch bigger, lengthwise... it's not as compact...rovyvon is 2.3 in mecarmy is 1.8 inches long... I own both and they are both great! and yes it is impressive how they pack so much light into one that is just a little bit bigger than the mecarmy.. But the whole one or two minute run time on 500 Lumen does nothing for me so I usually use it in the next brightest mode where you get 45 minutes or so on 300 lumen ( if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure that stat)
Okay I use the tube for two years. I do rock multiple one on my badge holder and my car keys. In my bags I rock AAA version with clip that works on a hat. Don't see a need to use these unless they send one with my name on it. Thanks for the info.
Another great and thorough review. Agree with the choice on the Mec Army primarily that it stays in one piece when charging. It would be great if a mini EDC light came with a red light option.
Good job on your comparison video, you deserve so much more subscribers! I carry the i3T as my main flashlight and the i1R as my backup. IMO the i1R is great, if you've never carried a flashlight and want to try it out, also it's cost effective. (or if you live in a urban/sub-urban area and don't need a 500 lumen flashlight, like myself...even though I own a 500 lumen flashlight...well...) I mainly carry the i1R as a backup, becaus I don't have to care about the fact that the batterie drains, even if I don't use it, just plug it in and off you go. The i3T gets used quite a lot so I don't "waste" the batterie life at all. Cheers from Switzerland
Lumens and run time are not the only parameters that matter in a small flashlight. The author fails to note that the Olight i1R is 27% smaller in volume (0.9mm narrower / 5mm shorter) compared to the Mecarmy rival. For some it might not matter, but if your pocket is already crowded you will appreciate the smaller option a lot more.
Hey Aaron, have you check out Nitecore Tini? I think it's pretty comparable to what you showed here. It's basically a even smaller version of Nitecore Tip, with some minor adjust. I think the best its features is that it can operate while recharging. Since these micro EDC flashlights all suffer short runtime I'd say it's a big redemption. It literally has its own battery capacity plus any power bank you have. I used to carry a Manker E01 (pretty similar to Olight i3E EOS) but Nitecore Tini is much smaller and lighter in pocket.
Have both Olights in your video. Carried the silver one for over a year and loved it. Nkw have the smaller o e and love it too but the silver one is the back up. I use and carry flashlights daily and these both work for me. Like the mecarmy idea of not losing the head but didn't know about it at the ti e and the cost factor would have been a consideration. Good video!
My Mecarmy stopped working after wearing it around my neck for a few months, thought I might try the Olight to see if it is more reliable. Was also thinking of trying the titanium version of the Mecarmy, because titanium, and also because I didn't like the thread quality on the aluminium version, was wondering if the machining on the ti version might be a bit nicer.
I've been carrying an Olight i3S EOS since October of last year and it's still going strong, running on rechargeables most of that time. It's been in my pocket every day and survived an accidental 15 minute dunk in a bucket of soapy water once. Just got an i1R EOS a couple of days ago to carry with the i3S. Cost less than $14 during their black Friday sale and loving it so far.
Olight just refreshed their AAA light. They now have the I3T EOS which is a tail switch AAA light with a 180 lumen (level 1) / 5 lumen (level 2) output.
Liked the comparison but I've finally forced myself to not buy a light unless it has replaceable batteries for just the reason you mentioned in the review. So the the olight AAA would win for me as a key chain light even if its bigger and heavier then the others. Especially if it was going to be your only light, which most know is frowned upon in the preparedness world😂 I have a few rechargeable lights and I like them as long as they have good water resistance and the batteries can be replaced. But I do find myself just recharging extra batteries separately most of the time and just having spares ready and with me if the light goes down when in use. I am not one of those super organized people that plugs their light in when they get home to keep it topped off. I actually use one of those cheap Nite Ize key chain lights that take the CR2016 batteries and just keep a few extra in my wallet. Of course I also have a dedicated EDC light for more light performance when needed. Now rechargeable batteries and chargers are awesome and super beneficial if you use your lights a lot. JMO
I have both Olights. The AAA one is junk. It only has one output and doesn't last that long, is too dim for outdoor use and too bright for close-up work. The smaller i1R is brighter (both versions) if you need it, but also has the low mode for longer battery life.
Good video. I just can't see me using that small of a light, especially since it is dependent on an outlet for power. I carry a Thrunite Archer 1A V3 in my front right pocket every day. As a true OCD, I also carry a spare AA battery in the change pocket. At 0.1 lumen my light will run for 17 days.
Oh man this review came out a couple days too late lol. I just replaced my mecarmy sgn3, the face plate came off, I could glue it back, but I figured it was time for a new light. I was having a hard time deciding between the 2 you reviewed in the video. I ended up on a nitecore tip in copper lol, if I don't like it I'll end up going with the mecarmy x4s
I bought the AAA Olight after your review, l like it but that mecarmy imo is better and you can't lose the head. What Is your tactical light? Great review GT 👍
Well I need a small small flashlight for my pocket that's for sure. And I think you guys made UA-cam what it is. Without all these reviews and everything it wouldn't be that good. Really they should be paying you guys. Well just my thoughts I'm going to look into the small flashlight.
With my x4s in red I got 8 hours of useable light on low and 1 hour of useable light on high, I also have the olight because I wanted to see how long it holds up with the same abuse I gave the mecarmy, my x4s lasted two years before I lost the head, it wins in the fact you can buy replacement batteries and swap them in. Now I am testing the olight, I have been liking it and it feels quality but I am not sure about it.
All you did was talk about stupid crap but no night time beam shots or comparisons. You did a comparison without actually comparing the lights. This is crazy. You literally didn’t compare the lights in action.
Thought the same thing, but I was curious. Then I got drunk one night and ordered the Olight. Oh well. Threw it on my keychain, and I haven’t even noticed the difference in my pocket. Used it three or four times, and I’m going to keep it for one reason. I lose flashlights all the time, but I’ve never lost my keys. At least I know for sure where one flashlight is (even though it’s tiny).
It gives you something usable to carry without looking like you've borrowed Batman's utility belt. It's for people to take on a night out while keeping the pocket junk to an absolute minimum - Those who wear tailored suits or have small pockets/handbags/whatever, for example. I have four of them myself and have given three more to friends (all of which I got for free in Olight sales events) and they generally end up clipped to zipper pulls or hung off bags, keychains and the like. Everybody loves them. They're just short term urban EDC 5-lumen torches for those dark moments when you're looking for the front door lock, or peeking inside a PC case, engine bay, glove box or somewhere else that needs a tiny torch, but can still put out 150lm for those other times when you need reasonable brightness for 5 or 10 minutes. Out in the wild, they make great little post markers or lights that you can hang in a tent and not smash your head on. It makes absolutely *no* sense until you have one, whereupon you suddenly realise how useful it is, how easy it is to carry and how often it actually comes in handy.
That’s funny. Mine only had my first name on it. Works great as a zipper light as well. Nice comparison.
Living Survival haha nice, ya that was a little creepy
I personally carry a Streamlight Microstream, takes 1 AAA and it is extremely bright for its size. Perfect for EDC, I always have it in my pocket, don't even notice it's there.
I've been carrying Microstream for 11years now, still works as the first day!
An inportant difference not covered here is that the Mecarmy, and several other similar lights *do* have a removable 10180 size Li-ion battery. It's possible to buy spares, and to charge them in external chargers. The Olight probably uses the same battery internally, but is sealed so the user cannot remove it.
The fact you can’t lose the head on the Mecarmy is enough of a bonus to decide for me.
FYI current Olight the head stays on plus it’s now 150 lumens on high mode.
Dude what are you talkin about the head on the Olight does not come off no way in hell you can lose it
Wow, another great review!! I just bought a Gerber Strongarm based on your UA-cam gauntlet test and will probably be purchasing a new light based on this video. I couldn't be happier with the Gerber,so I expect the same from my next light!! Thanks for making these videos so easy to compare and find what's right for me and my family!!
Thanks for doing comparison videos. Seems other mainstream gear reviewers shy away from them. Keep it up! These videos help us to decide what gear to spend our hard earned money on.
Perhaps worth noting that the newer version i1R 2 EOS does now have a captive head.
It also does 5 or 150 lumens for 6 hrs or 15 minutes respectively... and it seems Olight is very keen on giving them away free with other purchases, or for just the cost of postage during promotional events.
I've had about seven free ones lately.
Got the Mecarmy X1S (titanium version) today, and im pretty sure this will stay on my keychain for a long time. The low setting on the i1R2 Pro is a bit too dim for outdoors use IMO, although i guess it works in a pinch. The low setting on the X1S is a bit brighter, so i believe it would be pretty much perfect for me, who prefer dim lights for night hikes. The size is also much better than the Olight i1R2 Pro. Only thing i miss is the USB-C, but im ok with 1 hour charging time.
My wife and I loved everything about the Mecarmy sgn3 flashlights until we started carrying them. It's a shame that they turn on with as little as a sneeze. Like you, we retired the flashlights to our nightstands. I'm going to buy two of these Mecarmy turn style lights. Hopefully they deliver. Thanks again for your reviews. I love your unbiased opinions. May God bless you and your family!
I bought the O light 1eos a month and it is a great key chain light with the money I saved I took your advice and bought a led usb rechargeable headlamp light for the bigger hands free tasks. Keep up the Great reviews from Down Under
Rovyvon A5, 550 lumens, luminescent body, 2 colors of light, 7 modes, 45 min charge time. Did I say 550 lumens?
Alex Cravey I was just about to comment “rovyvon for the win” but you beat me to it.
It last 2 minutes in 550 lumens,such embarrassment, did I say 2 minutes?
Alex Cravey you don’t say the size.
Its not a search and rescue light haha. Its just a keychain light that is very impressive for its size.
Rovyvon is easily half an inch bigger, lengthwise...
it's not as compact...rovyvon is 2.3 in mecarmy is 1.8 inches long...
I own both and they are both great!
and yes it is impressive how they pack so much light into one that is just a little bit bigger than the mecarmy..
But the whole one or two minute run time on 500 Lumen does nothing for me so I usually use it in the next brightest mode where you get 45 minutes or so on 300 lumen ( if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure that stat)
Okay I use the tube for two years. I do rock multiple one on my badge holder and my car keys. In my bags I rock AAA version with clip that works on a hat. Don't see a need to use these unless they send one with my name on it. Thanks for the info.
Another great and thorough review. Agree with the choice on the Mec Army primarily that it stays in one piece when charging.
It would be great if a mini EDC light came with a red light option.
Good job on your comparison video, you deserve so much more subscribers!
I carry the i3T as my main flashlight and the i1R as my backup. IMO the i1R is great, if you've never carried a flashlight and want to try it out, also it's cost effective. (or if you live in a urban/sub-urban area and don't need a 500 lumen flashlight, like myself...even though I own a 500 lumen flashlight...well...)
I mainly carry the i1R as a backup, becaus I don't have to care about the fact that the batterie drains, even if I don't use it, just plug it in and off you go. The i3T gets used quite a lot so I don't "waste" the batterie life at all.
Cheers from Switzerland
O-light has THE best EDC lights on the market, hands down. Many options, many models, lots of functions, proven track record, priced right.
Great video... Going to wait until my mecarmy x4s kicks the bucket before I buy another keychain light though.
these are good edc lights but the rovyvon A series are AMAZING!!thanks Aaron;-)
Lumens and run time are not the only parameters that matter in a small flashlight. The author fails to note that the Olight i1R is 27% smaller in volume (0.9mm narrower / 5mm shorter) compared to the Mecarmy rival. For some it might not matter, but if your pocket is already crowded you will appreciate the smaller option a lot more.
Hey Aaron, have you check out Nitecore Tini? I think it's pretty comparable to what you showed here. It's basically a even smaller version of Nitecore Tip, with some minor adjust. I think the best its features is that it can operate while recharging. Since these micro EDC flashlights all suffer short runtime I'd say it's a big redemption. It literally has its own battery capacity plus any power bank you have. I used to carry a Manker E01 (pretty similar to Olight i3E EOS) but Nitecore Tini is much smaller and lighter in pocket.
I think 60% of my wish list is stuff you recommend haha. I even bought a few things too.
Another great review I have the Nitecore Tip that locks out 2nd gen has been faultless for the 2 years I've had it and it is used every day.
Have both Olights in your video. Carried the silver one for over a year and loved it. Nkw have the smaller o e and love it too but the silver one is the back up. I use and carry flashlights daily and these both work for me. Like the mecarmy idea of not losing the head but didn't know about it at the ti e and the cost factor would have been a consideration. Good video!
My Mecarmy stopped working after wearing it around my neck for a few months, thought I might try the Olight to see if it is more reliable. Was also thinking of trying the titanium version of the Mecarmy, because titanium, and also because I didn't like the thread quality on the aluminium version, was wondering if the machining on the ti version might be a bit nicer.
I've been carrying an Olight i3S EOS since October of last year and it's still going strong, running on rechargeables most of that time. It's been in my pocket every day and survived an accidental 15 minute dunk in a bucket of soapy water once.
Just got an i1R EOS a couple of days ago to carry with the i3S. Cost less than $14 during their black Friday sale and loving it so far.
Olight just refreshed their AAA light. They now have the I3T EOS which is a tail switch AAA light with a 180 lumen (level 1) / 5 lumen (level 2) output.
Liked the comparison but I've finally forced myself to not buy a light unless it has replaceable batteries for just the reason you mentioned in the review. So the the olight AAA would win for me as a key chain light even if its bigger and heavier then the others. Especially if it was going to be your only light, which most know is frowned upon in the preparedness world😂 I have a few rechargeable lights and I like them as long as they have good water resistance and the batteries can be replaced. But I do find myself just recharging extra batteries separately most of the time and just having spares ready and with me if the light goes down when in use. I am not one of those super organized people that plugs their light in when they get home to keep it topped off. I actually use one of those cheap Nite Ize key chain lights that take the CR2016 batteries and just keep a few extra in my wallet. Of course I also have a dedicated EDC light for more light performance when needed. Now rechargeable batteries and chargers are awesome and super beneficial if you use your lights a lot. JMO
The Mec Army light does have replaceable batteries
I have both Olights. The AAA one is junk. It only has one output and doesn't last that long, is too dim for outdoor use and too bright for close-up work. The smaller i1R is brighter (both versions) if you need it, but also has the low mode for longer battery life.
Both are really nice; good review. I see one on my key ring in the near future...
Good video. I just can't see me using that small of a light, especially since it is dependent on an outlet for power. I carry a Thrunite Archer 1A V3 in my front right pocket every day. As a true OCD, I also carry a spare AA battery in the change pocket. At 0.1 lumen my light will run for 17 days.
Boom just got both on sale. Hoping my mecarmy lasts long enough for it to patina
Oh man this review came out a couple days too late lol. I just replaced my mecarmy sgn3, the face plate came off, I could glue it back, but I figured it was time for a new light. I was having a hard time deciding between the 2 you reviewed in the video. I ended up on a nitecore tip in copper lol, if I don't like it I'll end up going with the mecarmy x4s
Thanks for the video comparison. I'm an Olight fanboy though. :)
LOL all the reviewers are complaining about how creepy it is that Olight is engraving your names onto the light.
Great review!!! How long are the standby time for these flashlight? Do you have to recharge these lights every week?
Klarus Mini One Ti works best for me.
I bought the AAA Olight after your review, l like it but that mecarmy imo is better and you can't lose the head. What Is your tactical light? Great review GT 👍
Well I need a small small flashlight for my pocket that's for sure. And I think you guys made UA-cam what it is. Without all these reviews and everything it wouldn't be that good. Really they should be paying you guys. Well just my thoughts I'm going to look into the small flashlight.
With my x4s in red I got 8 hours of useable light on low and 1 hour of useable light on high, I also have the olight because I wanted to see how long it holds up with the same abuse I gave the mecarmy, my x4s lasted two years before I lost the head, it wins in the fact you can buy replacement batteries and swap them in. Now I am testing the olight, I have been liking it and it feels quality but I am not sure about it.
I got the O-light I1R2 Pro and unfortunately it ran through my washer, still works, but now it has a tendency to flicker with movement, sad T_T
Digging the glasses
The Mecarmy is the clear choice over the Olight.
Zebralight makes a single AA light that is great for edc.
Is the Mecarmy usb recharge slot a mini or a micro?
Nice comparison vid,tahat MecArmy green light is cool!
U should do a review on a silver stag knife pls
If they make a cu or ti, I'd buy it.
All you did was talk about stupid crap but no night time beam shots or comparisons. You did a comparison without actually comparing the lights. This is crazy. You literally didn’t compare the lights in action.
Olight all the way bro. I have a PL-mini Valkyrie in FDE and it's awesome and i have a M2T Warrior and that has 1200 Lumens Very Cool.
"Lets hop to the tabletop"
"Kinda cool, kinda creepy".........ha!
That's the dumbest thing I've ever seen.why would any ever need a flashlight that small
Thought the same thing, but I was curious. Then I got drunk one night and ordered the Olight. Oh well. Threw it on my keychain, and I haven’t even noticed the difference in my pocket. Used it three or four times, and I’m going to keep it for one reason. I lose flashlights all the time, but I’ve never lost my keys. At least I know for sure where one flashlight is (even though it’s tiny).
It gives you something usable to carry without looking like you've borrowed Batman's utility belt. It's for people to take on a night out while keeping the pocket junk to an absolute minimum - Those who wear tailored suits or have small pockets/handbags/whatever, for example.
I have four of them myself and have given three more to friends (all of which I got for free in Olight sales events) and they generally end up clipped to zipper pulls or hung off bags, keychains and the like. Everybody loves them.
They're just short term urban EDC 5-lumen torches for those dark moments when you're looking for the front door lock, or peeking inside a PC case, engine bay, glove box or somewhere else that needs a tiny torch, but can still put out 150lm for those other times when you need reasonable brightness for 5 or 10 minutes. Out in the wild, they make great little post markers or lights that you can hang in a tent and not smash your head on.
It makes absolutely *no* sense until you have one, whereupon you suddenly realise how useful it is, how easy it is to carry and how often it actually comes in handy.