Flashlight Review: OLIGHT i3t 2 EOS First Impressions

So a few days ago my brother came in from out of town and brought me a little gift which I immediately opened like the little gear goblin I am. He got me a new flashlight to add to my collection, the OLIGHT i3T 2 EOS. I was excited to test out my new flashlight and I figured I would post my first impressions here. So starting off this light is tiny and is very similar in appearance and function to the COAST G22 I recently reviewed. The EOS measures in at about 3.5 inches long and weighs 1.47 grams according to OLIGHT. Just like the G22 this flashlight also has an aluminum body with a tail-cap button and uses a single AAA battery. This is where the similarities end as though it may be similar to the G22 it does have some noticeable features that make it stand out. The EOS has a dual mode output like the G22 however the high mode on this flashlight is a blinding 200 lumens compared to the G22’s 100 lumen max. The low mode on the EOS is, in my opinion a pitifully dim, 5 lumens as compared to the G22’s 35 lumens. The EOS has the ability to accept a 10440 Li-ion battery and this will increase the maximum light output to 300 lumens which is crazy for a light this compact. The EOS has an IPX8 rating meaning it is waterproof and can be submerged. The major selling point for this light is the dual-direction pocket lip that allows the EOS to be used as a headlamp if clipped to a hat.

Now that the technical stuff is out of the way let's talk about my first impressions, first of all, this light is pretty as my bro splurged on the Dragon & Phoenix Golden Black version. The golden dragon and phoenix on the design really pops due to the contrasting black color of the flashlight body. The golden pocket clip looks fantastic in my work shirt just like a high-end pen. I like the ability to clip this light to my hat and use it hands-free. One of the things I noticed is that it doesn't get hot like the original i3t EOS, which I used to own before it was tragically lost inside of a customer's wall, and it stays relatively cool in my sweaty man hands. With a fresh battery this light is fantastic and works wonderfully. However, if you noticed, I just said with a fresh battery. Unfortunately, while it may be pretty to the eyes the EOS underperforms in its main job of being an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight. My chief complaint about this light is its power consumption, as stated above this light produces 200 lumens off of a single AAA battery which sounds fantastic until you learn that it can only maintain 200 lumens for 7 minutes then it drops down to 100 lumens. It gets worse, after the light drops to 100 lumens it can only maintain that for 28 minutes for a total high mode runtime of 35 minutes! I know what you're probably thinking: just keep it on the low mode right? Well, let me tell you why that won't work. While the flashlight can run for 21 hours on low it is only at a pitifully dim 5 lumens, yes 5 frickin lumens the same brightness as a normal flashlight in need of a battery swap.

Over the past several days I've carried The EOS as well as the COAST G22 while on the job and try as I might I cannot stop reverting to the tried and tested G22. I have not found any situation where the i3t 2 EOS beats my COAST G22. You would think that the benefit of using the EOS as a headlamp would make up for its low performance however like most tools trying to do multiple jobs it just doesn't work well as a headlamp in the confined spaces that I normally find myself in. To use this flashlight as a headlamp you need to be wearing a hat which gets in the way while crawling under homes or sinks. The limited battery life also plays a part in the EOS not working well in a job setting as I have to constantly change batteries, if I put the light on low it's practically useless as most bathrooms and kitchen lighting wash it out even under sinks. I haven't had the opportunity to use the EOS in an attic yet however I assume that the flashlight will underperform as it will most likely overheat but I will test it when I get the chance. Even though I am very disappointed in the OLIGHT i3T 2 EOS it could be that my work environment is not the right environment for this light to shine, yes pun was intended. I have noted a couple of times where the EOS was handy, just tonight I got home after dark and my carport light was off and using the EOS as a headlamp on low was great for fiddling through my many keys. I've also noticed that the low setting is fantastic for navigating through my pitch-black house at night without unleashing the wrath that would come with waking my wife. I can see this light being extremely handy in a first aid kit as I believe the hands-free option would come in very handy. As I stated before this light may be the perfect light for someone who's not me but I will continue to test and will update as needed.

Currently, I give this light a 1 out of 5 star rating.

A more in-depth comparison between the OLIGHT i3T 2 EOS and the COAST G22 will be coming soon.