Gear Review

An Ideal Everyday Carry Light: Olight M18 Striker Flashlight

A good everyday carry light in my opinion is a must. Along with my blade, I carry one everywhere. A flashlight can make an ideal weapon in a non permissive environment where you cannot carry a concealed firearm or even a blade. Recently, I was traveling out of state for work, which meant I wasn’t able to carry a gun or blade. My only option was my light. I threw my Streamlight ProTac 2L in my bag and went through security without any issues. Even on a plane, a light with a decent strike bezel can subdue a would-be threat. Never underestimate the capabilities of a quality everyday carry light.

Recently I came across the Olight M18 Striker light. Olight also makes a version of the M18 without the strike bezel, but I’m a sucker for a good quality strike bezel on my everyday carry light. Another feature to look for in an everyday carry light is the pocket clip. Most lights in this category have pocket clips, but the Olight seems to be a deeper carry than most – I prefer this.

Specifications:

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A good everyday carry light in my opinion is a must. Along with my blade, I carry one everywhere. A flashlight can make an ideal weapon in a non permissive environment where you cannot carry a concealed firearm or even a blade. Recently, I was traveling out of state for work, which meant I wasn’t able to carry a gun or blade. My only option was my light. I threw my Streamlight ProTac 2L in my bag and went through security without any issues. Even on a plane, a light with a decent strike bezel can subdue a would-be threat. Never underestimate the capabilities of a quality everyday carry light.

Recently I came across the Olight M18 Striker light. Olight also makes a version of the M18 without the strike bezel, but I’m a sucker for a good quality strike bezel on my everyday carry light. Another feature to look for in an everyday carry light is the pocket clip. Most lights in this category have pocket clips, but the Olight seems to be a deeper carry than most – I prefer this.

Specifications:

Weight:  0.0575 kg

Dimensions: 5.24″ long x 0.91″ in diameter

Power Source: Powered by two CR123a, two RCR123a or a single 18650 battery. I prefer the CR123 batteries due to their extended shelf life when not in use. The batteries are housed in a plastic sleeve in order to ensure a solid electrical connection and to reduce the noise of the batteries rattling around.

Deep Carry Pocket Clip

Runtime:

  • High Mode: 800 Lumen / 1.8 hrs – Overheat protection ramps down initial output after one minute to the low setting
  • Low Mode: 150 Lumen / 8 hrs
  • Strobe Mode: 10Hz
Two CR123 batteries contained in a plastic sleeve inside the flashlight.

Lens: Glass Lens – protected by the strike bezel

Strike bezel into a tree!

Light: 800-Lumen high setting and 150-Lumen low setting. The low setting is never kept in memory, so you have instant access to the 800-Lumen high setting for defensive use. Simplicity under stress is key to surviving an attack.

Impact Resistance: The stainless steel bezel provides extra protection for the lens against drops.

Water Resistance: waterproof up to two meters.

MSRP: Can be found on Amazon for just over $50.00!

Uses: Personal defense, hiking, exploring caves or other dark areas, camping, and everyday household use.

Scott Witner for LoadoutRoom.com

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