Olight BALDR S Review

If you're searching for an expert opinion on the Olight BALDR S, you've come to the right place. As someone who has extensively used this product and explored its features, I can provide you with valuable insights.

In this comprehensive review guide, we will delve into the enhanced lumen intensity and light beam pattern of the BALDR S, highlighting the notable differences compared to its counterpart, the BALDR Mini.

Olight BALDR S Core Specs

smith wesson mp compact with olight baldr s

Beam Distance: 130 meters / More focused throw
Max. Performance: 800 lumens
Candela: 4400 cd
Laser: Class 3R, 5mW Green Laser
Charge type: Magnetic USB charge base
Battery: 3.7V 380mAh Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery (Built-in)
Weight: 3.35 oz
Head Diameter (in): 1.28
Body Diameter (in): 1.42
Length: 2.48
LED: High-Performance Cool White LED

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Olight BALDR S Packaging

The Olight BALDR S comes with the following:

Baldr S (battery built-in) x 1
MCC (Magnetic Charging Cable) Special Edition x 1
Oval Point Set Screw x 1
Cone Point Set Screw x 1
User Manual x 1

Core Features

Beam Pattern, Lumens & Candela

The standout improvement in the Olight BALDR S lies in its significantly enhanced lumen intensity, boasting an impressive 33% increase over its counterpart, the BALDR Mini, according to the specifications.

Yet, it's important to note that this disparity, in practical terms, appears rather minimal. Specifically, when operating within the range of 5 to 10 yards, the divergence in performance becomes evident.

At 25 yards

At 35 yards

At 35 ft, the shooter with 20/20 vision can definitely ID the target

Light Beam Color Tint

The Olight BALDR S is equipped with a cool white LED bulb, identical to the one found in the BALDR Mini. Its light beam ensures precise color rendition, allowing users to identify colored targets even in low-light conditions.

This feature enables users to easily distinguish between dark red and black, as well as white and light blue, with remarkable accuracy.

Modes & Built-In Laser

The BALDR S comes with a green laser just like the BALDR MINI. The user can switch between 3 modes:

Light only
Laser only
Light & laser combo

and the mode switch is much stiffer than the original BALDR MINI to prevent accidental bump

BALDR S Body Profile

While the BALDR S shares similarities with the BALDR Mini, one notable distinction lies in the slightly elongated light bezel of the former, which contributes to a more focused beam.

Apart from this minor variation, the two models remain largely identical in terms of their overall features and functionality.

Activation Switch Ergonomics

The laser is strategically positioned as close to the bore as feasible, effectively minimizing any potential offset between the point of aim and the point of impact. Switching between modes is effortlessly accomplished by toggling the mode switch located at the bottom of the light.

Press and hold for momentary light activation, and tap to engage constant on.

Some users encounter a slight challenge with the momentary light activation, as it requires them to consciously press and hold the switch instead of simply tapping it for instant activation or deactivation.

Personally, as a predominantly Streamlight TLR 1 and Surefire X300U user, I found that with a bit of practice, I was able to adapt to this control mechanism and become accustomed to its operation.

The light incorporates two straightforward ambidextrous toggle switches on both sides, allowing the shooter to effortlessly operate the switch without encountering any problems.

Furthermore, the design and tactile sensation of the switch closely resemble those of the BALDR Mini, ensuring a consistent user experience.

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BALDR S is slightly heavier and longer than BALDR Mini

Battery Endurance

The light has a built-in 3.7V 230mAh Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery that can be charged via a different MCC cord (labeled "SPECIAL" that comes with the package).

The user can charge the BALDR S anytime they want to. Get a USB battery bank so you can charge the light in the car, at home or on the way back from the range.

The battery life is as follow:

Green Beam ON (High)	800~300 lumens
	1 minutes + 2 minutes + 30 minutes
Green Beam ON (Low)	100 lumens
	90 minutes
Green Beam OFF (High)	800~300 lumens
	1 minutes + 2 minutes + 37 minutes
Green Beam OFF (Low)	100 lumens
	140 minutes

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Construction Quality

The Olight BALDR S is crafted from the same high-quality aluminum alloy that is utilized in other Olight products. This ensures consistent durability and reliability across their product line.

In terms of construction, the light unit of the BALDR S exhibits a streamlined and sleek design, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The QD swivel point is robust, allowing users to smoothly slide the light forward and backward for optimal positioning around the trigger guard.

QD Mount & Adjustable Slider

The Olight BALDR S is equipped with a standard QD lever mount, which is compatible with any M1913 Picatinny rail.

Additionally, the light includes a GL rail adapter specifically designed to provide a more secure and snug fit on Glock pistol frames, minimizing any potential slack.

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The adjustable slider mount on the BALDR S remains unchanged, allowing the light to be smoothly slid back and forth along the rail to achieve the optimal position.

Positioning the light closer to the trigger guard proves to be ideal for convenient finger reach when activating the light.

This adjustable feature is particularly beneficial for shooters with shorter index fingers, making it a highly desirable attribute.