Quick top to bottom Review
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I've had my black Olight M20 Warrior for a few days now. So I decided to do a quick review, starting with the tailcap. The first time I unscrewed it, I dropped it. Since it is marketed as a tough tactical light, I decided just to rinse off the tailcap with running tap-water. (Not something I normally do with my lights, except for my Surefires). The tailcap is water-tight. I wiped off the water, tossed my last two Duracell CR123 cells into the light, screwed the tailcap back on, and fired it up with no problems at all. If you're looking for a tailcap specifically designed for striking an attacker, you're better off with a Surefire E2DL or E2D. However, the tailcap on the M20 can be pressed into service for such a role. In such a situation, you're not likely to strike an Attacker square on. You're more likely to hit him at a bit of an angle. As such, this tailcap can induce quite a bit of pain. Not sure if Olight specifically designed the tailcap with that in mind, but it works great that way. The tailcap is excellent.
Moving on to the grip-ring.... I took mine off the instant I tried the light on for size. The grip-ring is far too sharp and thin. My first Surefire was a C2 model, and I have yet to encounter a metal grip-ring that comes even close to how well the thick, rubber, grip-ring works on my C2 model. The metal grip-rings on my Gladius and Fenix TK10 were also disappointments. Two small problems when removing the grip-ring on the M20.... You lose the light's lanyard attachment, and the threads used to screw on the grip-ring become exposed. Unlike my TK10, you don't get a spare, smooth, metal ring to put over the Olight's threads. And such a ring would really be useful since it would fit over the top of the clip of the M20 for an even more secure hold of the clip itself.
Speaking of the clip, it's the wrap-around variety. Such clips are fine, if they are designed to fit into a groove on the body of the light in order to keep them from shifting around. The M20 clip fits into a groove. While it's more secure with the grip-ring in place, the clip never let me down in all the times I've clipped the light to my pants pocket. Quick withdrawl and insertion caused no shifting of the clip at all. The body of the clip is fine. So is the portion that wraps around the barrel. But the point at which those two meet, is very thin. (It has to be, since the grip-ring literally fits over the top of the clip). This thin amount of metal has me concerned as to the long-term durability of the clip.
The body or barrel of the M20 is of good thickness. Two things I don't like about it. One, despite the clear similarity of the checkering to Inova's T-series line of lights; the checkering on the barrel of the M20 is surprisingly shallow. (It looks to be cut deeper in all of the pics I've seen of the M20). My 2007 Inova T3 has a very secure grip, thanks to the deeply cut checkering. My Olight M20 can get a bit slick in the hand. Very surprising and a bit unfortunate. It also doesn't help that one of the two flat panels on the barrel seems to be positioned perfectly where the flats of my finger tips end up; after pulling the light from my pants pocket and gripping the barrel. Falls into the same spot each time.
The other thing I don't like is more subjective. There's no need to put a mall-ninja favored name on this great light. M20 would have been fine. Perhaps Olight believes the light will sell better with a cool name. (They wouldn't be the first company to make such a mistake). I'd much prefer it if the word "Warrior" wasn't imprinted on the barrel.
The ring, for lack of a better word, that you can grip in order to change setting is nicely done. Very simple and very nice. Thanks to the memory feature, this is one of the few lights out there that can be set to turn on in strobe mode. A nice feature for LEOs or Operators who like their Gladius but are perhaps looking for a brighter version that also features a grip-ring.
Below the head is the strike bezel. While not as aggressive as what you'll find on some other lights also equipped with a strike bezel, it will definitely get the job done. Best part is, it can be removed if you want something that won't scare the sheeple. One nice attention to detail is that the lens is nicely recessed even with the strike bezel removed. No need to worry that the lens might be easily scratched or broken if you drop the light.
A word about the included accessories....
The holster is the best freebie holster I have ever seen, hands down. The lanyard is also a cut above the rest. You get an actual metal lobster-claw ring on the end, instead of a circular piece of dental floss that you have to fold over.
I have not used the battery magazine. Mainly because the light does not rattle with 2xCR123 cells in place. I see the battery magazine as being more useful for swapping out nearly dead cells with a fresh set in only a few seconds. It's doubtful anyone will realistically need to do that. But it's nice having that option, and makes for a good way to carry spare primaries; if you decide to use the holster.
Overall: I'm happy with this light. Would prefer a more secure grip. Wish the checkering was better. And I'd make the flats on the barrel narrower. It's nice how you can customize this light to your own tastes by removing those features that you feel you don't need. Being able to use more than one battery type is also a plus. However, like my Tiablo A9S, the M20 seems to give overall better performance with primary CR123 cells. The beam is perfectly circular. (At least on my sample). A nice hotspot, better than useable sidespill, and surprisingly good throw. Not as good as my A9S, but still; very impressive. (Sorry guys, no digital camera to take beamshots). Despite the light's size, I found it very comfortable clipped to the front pocket of a pair of pants. For those of you looking for a brighter Gladius or Typhoon II replacement, and you can live without the ramping effect or the ability to change modes with only one hand, the Olight M20 Warrior is worth looking into.
EDIT ~ Forgot to mention that my M20 is the version with the R2 emitter.
