Review: Olight PL2 Weaponlight

Budda

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Nov 30, 2009
Messages
590
Location
Italy
Due to severe time limitations, this review is published with a reduced amount of writing, pics, data.
I received the PL2 from Olight for the review.

The PL2 is the new weaponlight from Olight. It features their traditional double sided switch, an XHP 35 emitter and works with 2 CR123 cells for increased output and runtime.

Unboxing
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Inside the box: the light (with the 2 cells inside), manual, screws, rod to be installed on the weapon slide.
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The PL2 has a larger design compared to the PL1 because it holds 2 CR123 Cells. As far as I can tell, everything is made out of metal, except the 2 protruding switches that are made of plastic.
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Accessing the battery compartment is done by pulling this metal lever.
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Here a detail of the lever mechanism.
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Plastic spacer makes accidental activation impossible inside the box.
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The hinges are made out of metal.
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How about the front optic with the powerful XHP35 emitter?
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The light can be slided on and off the rail by pulling this side lever
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The UI is very simple:
There are only 2 modes, a constant and a strobe one.
- Pressing either one of the side switches at once, will turn the light on. Another press will turn it off.
- A long press of either of the side switches will activate the momentary on (the PL2 will turn off as soon as you depress the switch)
- Pressing the 2 switches at the same time will activate the fast strobe.

Beamshots, at 0.5 meters from the wall.
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Output and runtime
Testing done with 2 Olight CR123 Cells.
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My thoughts
The light is well built and finished.
The design and the UI seems smart and practical for the tactical application, intended for the PL2. It is consistent with the one of the PL1. The 2 switches design allows operation also for lefties (or your weak hand).
Beam, regulation and runtime are adequate for a handgun, which should operate within short distances. I like how the runtime remains flat after the stepdown for 1 and half hours, then slowly stepping down to let you know you need to replace cells.

I'd like to see a NW version of this light.

Thanks to: AntoLed for the camera instructions and the luxmeter; M87 for the shooting shots.
 
Last edited:

Budda

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 30, 2009
Messages
590
Location
Italy
I need a vacation.
Thanks to Won I'll easily repuload them with the proper name. Thanks for noticing and telling me that.
 

Budda

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 30, 2009
Messages
590
Location
Italy
I got the chance to shoot it on a glock 17 9mm. No prolblem with the light activation / functioning.
It helped a lot making the recoil more manageable. The other shooters at the range with the lights off confirmed that the beam is correct for a weaponlight.
 

rbmcmjr

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 6, 2017
Messages
4
It appears that the only thing missing compared with the PL-1 is the ability to change batteries without removing the light from the mount. Is the increase in run time or the new emitter significantly better enough to offset that?

Rick
 
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