Last Updated on September 11, 2025
When it comes to everyday carry (EDC) flashlights, the market is filled with countless options, from budget-friendly models to high-end tactical torches. But few lights have struck the perfect balance of portability, performance, and durability like the Olight S1A flashlight.
Launched as part of Olight’s highly popular Baton series, the S1A quickly became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, first responders, and anyone who values having a compact yet powerful light source at their disposal. Even though it’s been on the market for some time, the Olight S1A Baton remains one of the most reliable and versatile EDC flashlights in 2025.
In this Olight S1A review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this flashlight, including:
- What the Olight S1A is and who it’s for
- Its technical specifications
- Key features that make it stand out
- Real-world performance
- Pros and cons
- A short buying guide to help you decide if it’s the right EDC light for you
Technical Features of the Olight S1A Flashlight
Features |
Olight S1A |
| Lumens: | 600 lm |
| Modes: | 5 (Turbo): 450 ~250lm –1min+55min, (High): 250lm–60min, (Medium): 50lm—6 hr, (Low): 12lm– 30 hr, (Moon): 0.5lm—15d |
| Light Source Type: | Cree XM-L2 CW (S1 MINI) Cree XP-G3 CW 90 CRI |
| Length: | 2.13in/54.0 mm |
| Material: | 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (main body), Stainless Steel (bezel/side switch, clamping ring, pocket clip) |
| Batteries: | 1 Lithium-ion batteries required |
| Batteries Included?: | Yes |
| Voltage: | 3.7 volts |
| USB BATTERY CHARGING: | Yes |
| Type of Bulb: | Cree XM-L2 CW (S1 MINI) Cree XP-G3 CW 90 CRI |
| Color temperature: | 6000~6500K for S1 MINI ; 5300~5500K for HCRI version |
| Weight: | 1.52 ounces |
| Product Dimensions: | 0.83 x 0.83 x 2.13 inches |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Olight S1A Review(video):
Key Features of the Olight S1A
The Olight S1A flashlight is packed with thoughtful features that make it stand out in the crowded EDC market. Here are the highlights:
Compact & Ultra-Light Design
At only 2.13 inches long and weighing just 1.5 ounces (without battery), the Olight S1A is one of the smallest high-output AA flashlights available. Despite its size, it delivers outstanding brightness and easily fits into your pocket, bag, or even clips to your hat for hands-free use.
Multiple Brightness Levels
The flashlight offers five brightness modes plus a strobe:
- Turbo: 600 lumens (1 min, then steps down to 300 lm for ~60 min with 14500 battery)
- High: 220–250 lumens (1–2 hours depending on battery)
- Medium: 50 lumens (up to 6.5 hours)
- Low: 5–20 lumens (up to 80 hours)
- Moonlight: 0.5 lumens (up to 25 days)
These modes give you the flexibility to switch between a discreet glow for nighttime reading and a powerful beam for outdoor adventures.
Versatile Power Options
The S1A Baton is compatible with multiple battery types, making it convenient in different situations:
- Standard AA alkaline batteries – widely available and easy to replace.
- NiMH AA rechargeable batteries – eco-friendly and cost-effective for frequent use.
- 14500 Li-ion batteries – unlock the full 600-lumen Turbo mode and deliver extended runtime.
Magnetic Tail Cap & Hands-Free Use
A magnetic tail cap allows you to attach the flashlight to metal surfaces. This is perfect for mechanics working under the hood, campers setting up a tent at night, or anyone needing hands-free lighting.
Built-in Timer & Safety Features
The 3-minute and 9-minute timers let you set the light to turn off automatically, saving battery life. Additionally, the S1A has a thermal management system that prevents overheating by lowering brightness after extended use at maximum output.
Durability & Build Quality
Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a premium hard-anodized finish, the Olight S1A is tough enough for everyday challenges. It also boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters of water, and has a 1.5-meter impact resistance, ensuring it won’t fail if dropped.
Real-World Performance
A flashlight can look impressive on paper, but true value shows when you actually use it in real-world situations. The Olight S1A flashlight consistently proves itself to be a capable and reliable EDC companion.
Brightness & Beam Performance
With a maximum output of 600 lumens (when using a 14500 lithium-ion battery), the S1A delivers a bright, wide beam that can illuminate up to 118 meters. The TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens produces a balanced hotspot with smooth spill, making it effective for both close-range tasks (like finding keys or reading a map) and mid-range use outdoors (such as walking trails at night).
On lower brightness levels, the beam is soft and comfortable, reducing eye strain while providing just enough light for everyday tasks. The moonlight mode (0.5 lumens) is especially useful for navigating dark rooms or preserving night vision during camping trips.
Battery Life & Efficiency
One of the strongest aspects of the Olight S1A is its versatile battery compatibility. It runs on a single AA battery (alkaline or lithium) or a 14500 rechargeable battery for maximum brightness.
- With a 14500 battery, you can reach 600 lumens in Turbo mode, which lasts about a minute before stepping down to 300 lumens for efficiency and safety. The medium (50 lm) mode can run for up to 6.5 hours, while the moonlight mode keeps glowing for an incredible 15 days.
- With a standard AA battery, the maximum output is 220 lumens (High mode), with up to 80 hours runtime on Low mode. This makes it an excellent backup if you don’t have a 14500 battery handy.
The built-in timer (3 or 9 minutes) ensures the light doesn’t stay on longer than needed, conserving power when you only require temporary illumination.
Check PriceDurability in Everyday Use
The S1A is built for real-life conditions. Thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body and Type III anodizing, it resists scratches, dents, and drops up to 1.5 meters. Its IPX8 waterproof rating means it can survive being submerged in water, making it a reliable choice for camping, hiking, and emergency use during storms or floods.
User Experience
The side switch is highly responsive, and the double-click to Turbo function works seamlessly. Many users also love the magnetic tail cap, which allows you to stick the flashlight on metallic surfaces, leaving your hands free to work on tasks like car repairs or setting up camp.
Pros & Cons of the Olight S1A
Like any EDC flashlight, the Olight S1A has its strengths and a few minor limitations. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide if it fits your needs:
✅ Pros
- Compact & Lightweight: At just 2.13 inches long and 1.5 oz, it’s one of the smallest yet most capable AA flashlights.
- Impressive Brightness: Delivers up to 600 lumens with a 14500 battery, easily lighting up large areas.
- Multiple Modes: Five brightness levels plus a strobe mode for emergencies give you full control in different situations.
- Versatile Power Options: Works with both AA (alkaline or lithium) and 14500 Li-ion batteries, making it convenient whether you’re at home or outdoors.
- Long Runtime: Up to 25 days on Moonlight mode with a lithium AA battery — perfect for camping or survival kits.
- Durability: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with an IPX8 waterproof rating and 1.5m impact resistance, it’s built to last.
- Magnetic Tail Cap: Great for hands-free tasks such as car repairs or camping activities.
- 5-Year Warranty: Peace of mind backed by Olight’s strong support.
⚠️ Cons
- Turbo Mode Limitations: The powerful 600-lumen Turbo works only with a 14500 battery and steps down after 1 minute to prevent overheating.
- No Electronic Lockout: You can only lock the light by slightly unscrewing the tail cap, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- Small Size = Easy to Misplace: While pocket-friendly, its compact design can make it easier to misplace if you’re not careful.
- No USB-C Charging (only Olight’s proprietary system): In 2025, some may find this less convenient compared to modern rechargeable flashlights that use standard USB-C ports.
Buying Guide & Final Verdict
When shopping for an EDC flashlight like the Olight S1A, it’s important to consider how you’ll actually use it. If you want a reliable, everyday companion that slips easily into your pocket, offers multiple brightness levels, and can switch between common AA batteries and high-powered 14500 Li-ion cells, the S1A is an outstanding choice.
Check PriceWhat to Look For When Buying
When choosing an EDC flashlight in 2025, keep these factors in mind:
- Size & Portability – A good EDC light should be small and lightweight enough to carry daily without being a burden. At just 2.13 inches and 1.5 oz, the Olight S1A flashlight excels here.
- Brightness & Beam Distance – Make sure it has enough lumens for your needs. The S1A offers up to 600 lumens on a 14500 battery with a beam reaching 118 meters, which is more than enough for most tasks.
- Battery Options – Consider whether you prefer rechargeable 14500 Li-ion batteries for maximum output or AA batteries for universal availability.
- Durability & Reliability – Look for rugged construction. The S1A’s aerospace-grade aluminum body, hard anodized finish, and IPX8 waterproof rating make it highly durable.
- Extra Features – A magnetic tail cap and built-in timer options (3 & 9 minutes) enhance usability for hands-free work and power saving.
- Warranty & Brand Trust – Olight backs the S1A with a 5-year warranty, which adds confidence in its long-term performance.
Check PriceFinal Verdict
After testing and analyzing its performance, it’s clear that the Olight S1A flashlight is still an excellent choice for everyday carry (EDC) in 2025. It may be compact in size, but it doesn’t compromise on brightness, durability, or versatility. The option to use both AA and 14500 batteries gives it an edge over many competitors, ensuring you’ll always have a power source available.
While it lacks some modern conveniences like USB-C charging and has a short-lived Turbo mode, these are small trade-offs for the reliability, portability, and solid build quality it offers. Whether you’re a camper, hiker, mechanic, or just someone who values preparedness, the Olight S1A is a top-tier pocket flashlight that delivers on its promises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔹 Is the Olight S1A still worth buying in 2025?
Yes — the Olight S1A flashlight remains an excellent choice for EDC even in 2025. While newer models are available, its combination of compact size, 600-lumen Turbo mode (with 14500 battery), multiple brightness levels, and rugged aluminum construction makes it a reliable tool for everyday and outdoor use.
🔹 What batteries does the Olight S1A use?
The S1A is versatile when it comes to power sources. It works with:
- AA Alkaline batteries (standard, widely available)
- AA Lithium Iron Disulfide batteries (for longer shelf life and runtime)
- 14500 rechargeable Li-ion battery (unlocks maximum 600 lumens in Turbo mode)
For best performance, it’s recommended to use the 14500 rechargeable battery.
🔹 How long does the Olight S1A last on a single charge?
- Turbo (600 lm): ~1 min at 600 lm + ~60 min at 300 lm (with 14500 battery)
- High (220–250 lm): ~1–2 hours
- Medium (50 lm): ~6–7 hours
- Low (5–20 lm): up to 80 hours
- Moonlight (0.5 lm): up to 15 days
These runtimes make it suitable for both everyday use and emergency preparedness.
🔹 Is the Olight S1A waterproof?
Yes, the flashlight is rated IPX8 waterproof, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters of water. It’s also impact-resistant up to 1.5 meters, so it’s tough enough for outdoor activities.
🔹 How does the Olight S1A compare to newer Olight models?
Newer Olight models such as the S2R Baton II or Baton 3 offer higher lumen outputs and modern USB-C charging. However, the Olight S1A is still one of the best AA/14500 EDC flashlights, especially for those who want a simple, affordable, and versatile light that doesn’t rely only on proprietary batteries.
🔹 Who should buy the Olight S1A flashlight?
The S1A is perfect for:
- Everyday users who want a small but bright flashlight for home or work.
- Campers and hikers who need a compact light with long runtime.
- Emergency preparedness kits, since it runs on common AA batteries as well as rechargeables.
- DIYers and mechanics who can take advantage of the magnetic tail cap for hands-free lighting.
