Review: Olight X7R Marauder: 3xXHP70, 12000 lumens, rechargeable, (beam)shots,compare

kj75

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
892
Location
The Netherlands
About a year ago, Olight released one of the most powerful flashlights that I ever met and tested: the X7. Four "quad-led" XHP70 emitters packed in a cola-can-sized flashlight. To get the maximum output of this torch, four dedicated high-drain 18650 were needed. Powered by standard cells the X7 didn't reach the 9000 lumens. Other users missed a lanyard or illuminated switch. All these things were kept in mind when Olight designed an update to this light, and the manufacturer came with another surprise too: the power was increased by 3000 lumens! So I was happy when the brand-new X7R arrived at my doorstep. In this review I'll show you the specialties of the Olight X7R Marauder and compare it to the previous version, the X7. I will show you a bunch of comparison-pictures and will take both X7's outside for a shoot-out too. Let's have a closer look at one of the most discussed flashlights of 2017!

the rechargeable and updated version of the Olight X7
f71707c38a9b8758b29781e969fd48ff.jpg


the Olight X7R Marauder
759fd395b38237b66fdea544fe60bf34.jpg


12000 lumens packed in a soda-can-sized light
58933edc5157b630ad35b6b4ea0b98d4.jpg


full of high-tech
e1b451a44b592210c998bee25b93784b.jpg


powered by three XHP70's
2958d373a32ae8da62ef73d435370407.jpg


great option for searchjobs
3f80dff3e3a68b06039b9b37d39816fa.jpg


Here are the specifications, given by Olight:

Key features of the X7R Marauder:
· Maximum output of 12,000 lumens, a 33.33% brightness increase over the original X7 Marauder.
· USB Type-C charging port and cable included, providing 3 times faster charging than normal micro-USB cable, and it is also quickly becoming the mainstream technology.
· Enhanced safety. Proximity sensor that drops the output automatically when the flashlight head approaches a nearby object. Active thermal management system that reduces the output when the temperature gets too hot to prevent any damage or overheating.
· Innovative twist to open and close charging port cover design that still maintains waterproof ability.
· Ergonomic and user-friendly design. Pop-out lanyard hole for thicker chord to support the weight of the light while still being discrete. Milled finger grooves for a natural and comfortable grip.
· Multi-function indicator under the side switch. It can work as location indicator, flashlight status indicator, and low battery indicator.
· Comes with Olight's 5 Year Warranty



The specifications:

· LED: 3 x Cree XHP70 CW
· Max Output (lumens): 12000
· Low (lumens): 10
· Max Run Time: 30 days
· Beam Distance: 380 m / 1247 ft.
· Peak Beam Intensity (candela units): 36100 cd
· Water Resistance: IPX7 (up to 1 meter)
· Head Diameter: 2.67 in. / 68 mm
· Body Diameter: 2.04 in. / 52 mm
· Length: 5.08 in. / 129 mm
· Battery Type: 18650 customized
· Weight (oz): 23.46 / 665g


And the output and runtime specs:
692862888eeb18acc63ddbe29d01ed2c.jpg


Unboxing:

I have to say to Olight has the leading position when we look at the way they pack their actual flashlights. This manufacturer really takes care about their boxes, also the X7R-box looks very neat. The sealed box comes in black, white, blue and green color and look attractive. The front shows the light and some important output-specifications, on the back we see all features and an output and runtime chart. The flip has a magnet built-in that makes it easy to open and lock the box. In the box we see two sections, one for the X7R and one for the accessories. Icons tell what's in, on the flip you see the steps that you must follow before first use. All we need is in; a specialty is the charger that has an output of 4 Amps! I would like to see all flashlights packed in a box like this! Special thanks to Skyben Trade for the neat delivery! Please scroll down to watch some pictures about the box and what you can find inside!

the box of the X7R is sealed
bf54d8391b2108cf7d02eb31a6c6939a.jpg





and comes in nice black, blue, white and green color
ea0ebb7106a54f874af7cbadf5d7c3bb.jpg


main output specs can be found on the front
5f4e8edd37065c97b803bca0e9c02819.jpg



full specifications on the back
4d44674dce97b3b1567cf03f7723a72d.jpg



a magnetic flip covers the two sections inside
ba4f6f8ae9af62fe679f39903e7a45e5.jpg



inside: X7R, holster, manual, charger and cable and lanyard
55d7f42832940ea2bd6b1379f52eaa2f.jpg



Impressions:

About my first impression I can be short: like the X7 Marauder this updated version is also a high-quality flashlight; excellent built, very well finished. Happy with this, on the other hand a light in this price-range has to be a quality-tool in my opinion. Also this X7R is perfectly anodized and engraved, does not have sharp parts and has no visible defects in the reflector. Both light miss a good anti-rolling design, this should be one of the things that Olight can work on. Compared to the X7 Marauder the three XHP70 LEDS are positioned much better in the reflector and almost perfectly centered. A great performance of the manufacturer is that the rechargeable version of this light has about the same dimensions, and also a bunch of extra features built-in. So, at first sight both X7R's seem to be almost equal, but having a closer look at both big-lumens torches show a lot of differences. The X7R has a another body with renewed structure and three cut-outs that are designed for your fingers. This should give better grip; but to me, the X7 has the better grip. This doesn't mean that the X7R will slip out of your hand easily. Another striking detail is that the X7R has a loop to add the lanyard. Nice find of the manufacturer is that this fixation for the lanyard can be put back into the body. A lot of users will be happy with this update. The head of the X7R is also different; it's not fully rounded but has an updated shape around the power button that makes it a lot easier to locate the switch. Next update here: the button has an illuminated "O" in the middle. This button will you inform about the battery status, but has besides also an feature that I never met on a flashlight until now: a motion-sensor: If you touch the X7R or the place near to it, the "O" will light up for about 10 seconds. This makes it very easy to locate the light; I have to say that I really love this feature. Looking into and comparing both head they seems almost the same, but there's again a difference here; and this is again a piece of high-tech: Next to reflector of the X7R a little sensor is built-in: This is a dimmer that works in the three highest modes and protects your eyes against damage. When you are shining close to an object or person in one of these modes, the light will automatically downshift to the second of third output level. Nice to see when you shining at wall at get to close that the X7R will dim and go back to last used level when you keep distance to the object. Looking at both tails we see that the X7R missed a cap because it can't be opened. Instead of this the back is used to cover and recover the USB-charging port, and has therefore an update structure. Turn the ring at the back counterclockwise to recover the port, turn it clockwise to protect the charging port from dust and water. Again a very nice and high-solution by Olight! The only thing that I have against is that it only is IPX7. So beware that you don't drop your X7R frequently in the water, its only splash-resistant. Summarizing, we can say the X7R Marauder again looks and feels like an excellent machined and finished product that got an almost complete new design; besides the recharging-option the light got above that some interesting new features that make a flashlight user-friendly. I took a lot of pictures of the X7R, also compared to the previous version; please scroll down to watch them!


the update to the powerful Olight X7 Marauder
b9e2ac4255376ca6425a68114eb909d9.jpg



a rechargeable version that has an increase of 3000 lumens!
66539074a7162c6de00c05808d277219.jpg



stands very stable both on head as tail
456445684a6ab486188f9f5f3db5cee6.jpg




not palm/size, but very compact its performance
5eb7c9c6743914ad143f6361697f6340.jpg



nice appearance
d008091a287ef741cbf74f12923dae16.jpg



powered by three XHP70 LEDS
7142d15e64f3536a7678b59b5a90bb2f.jpg



the light misses an anti-roll design
991e334da2b055428c861f27a14ab48f.jpg



so much power that comes out of a can-sized flashlight!
8954b6e4c824734f1fe7b0d976d07e25.jpg



matte black with nice metallic-blue accents
63c1dbd94b1db6e685d18b109c20b049.jpg



anodizing and engraving job done very well
52d4c60282554b9a1d740079ffe721d6.jpg



the XHP70's are centered well
ec3d2a93c90ecd584bcda2160ef8e67b.jpg


renewed heads' shape to makes finding the power button easier
b3db41220baeea542464044534a02462.jpg


integrated "O" for power indication an motion-sensor
887a0686733d1ec5e50e73771684bad7.jpg


some close-ups: new styling on the body and the tail
20f03b3f0d09f6b4f9cfcfd06abc952d.jpg


engraving is clear
50319bf4e3ef54da9d0bc1aa7c9cf6d2.jpg


the three powerful quad-LEDS
242fa00c020fb5e9ab7e60522ba0e52e.jpg


a close-up to the built-in light-sensor
ab3726f748af4a0f7f715be704fe725d.jpg


to loop to add the lanyard
030a0b9ae1b674bfbb569d98ead35ca2.jpg


that you can pull out if you need it
9f5b3758e43fbfaea882cd7bcbdf0942.jpg


stiff button with clear pressure point
688d91ccc6db816451a61281e9b54c17.jpg


a GIF how the motion sensor works
8ea8f6a96c027535919ba74907063a9e.gif



this is how is looks in the dark; you can locate your X7R easily!
1de58166e5c8fb8596a3877127fc6a6f.jpg


machining and finishing is well done, no sharp parts or defects anywhere
c083304fe3d61c1ab1797444c40cc746.jpg


a look at the USB type-C charging port
0ff96ca80d4573c1961cee15a71b1bf0.jpg


that can be discovered and covered by turning the ring
ce1c26c39b055d536530c0747993bd85.jpg


a nice solution to protect it from dust and water; but it's only IPX7
32242847f88560b60a24c9d87336568a.jpg


it needs a dedicated plug, a micro-USB charger won't fit
cf9ca1f1028e75dbcb5e26e6417f962d.jpg


quick charging, output up to 4 Amps!
5a2a80f1acc153f49ffcd203bb98af23.jpg


lights up red during charging and green if finished
cb5c979fc51399f301bbecfe18c5fec3.jpg


orange-peel reflectors for smooth beams
1c619af6465f233525619866398c13f4.jpg


not that deep, so a wall of light at closer distance
51da3a8ff2d35b7716383d6707aca798.jpg


this is one of the most impressive flashlights I ever met!
922a961c20a06fa7a7c91a37ad32ce26.jpg


superb quality and a lot of innovative options
6888c4fe864bad7e232e8acebffad8b2.jpg



a lanyard is new to the X7R
1a885f42df7fe8b3b7d2cf8c68d39fd9.jpg



a must be fixed this way
80041ed510f9232c2ef4035505aa8e9b.jpg



I'm sure that most users will like this "safety-update"
221f56af017bce01e9adadf6d3534061.jpg


the X7R Marauder in the pouch
29fb94a6f12254ce3284184765bd1457.jpg



fits well, good protection
cd6b99363f90af4b380a12180c15e117.jpg



some outdoor-shots
19ab974651b0acdd4e3e940f06f4c5f1.jpg


I like the looks of this compact monster!
a246a1d38dd771b12a401793ebb7a21a.jpg


looking at both X7's you see a lot of differences
6903f6aefa5b5cbafaff9106cdfaa826.jpg


difference in knurling and tail
9e7b2b1ad67a5e71de892079b18b9352.jpg


the heads are almost equal except the built-in light-sensor
12268fe32bffbcfe0aec31acf534e2e3.jpg


renewed body with a lanyard loop on the X7R
1beb9229e6af26ce4504987468cee014.jpg


the X7R has cut-outs in the body for your fingers; but the X7 has better grip
c7a98cf03ccbe20f9e7f7c49fddb6ff9.jpg


powered by the same emitters, that are centered better at the X7R Marauder
de1dd810c372dbe9769cd51ea87975a1.jpg


a complete renewed back
8655e9ab7b8227711ca015c163151447.jpg


User interface:

The X7R has about the same dimensions and weight as the previous version, so when you pick both, there's no big difference here. Olight has renewed the body structure / knurling on the X7R; it has three cut-outs for your fingers to ensure good grip. To me, the structure of the previous X7 wasn't that bad and I have to say the first version has the better grip.

A big plus to the rechargeable version is that you don't need to buy dedicated high-drain 18650-cells to get the maximum output out of your X7. The previous X7 has some issues after its introduction with the cells; by releasing the X7R with built-in pack this issue is solved now. On the other hand, some user may have the opportunity to take some spare-batteries in case of emergency. Personally, I'm very happy with this rechargeable; I never used a light that long that the cells were depleted.

The X7R Marauder comes with a "heavy" charger that has an amazing output op to 4 Amps! Beware that you cannot use this for every Smartphone or something like that! Advantage of this type-C charger is that it charges very quick and that you can plug the jack the way you want: normal or upside down doesn't matter and won't cause damage to the port. So, a nice update here that has only one disadvantage to me: (Until now) this is my only type-C charger so the bunch of micro-USB cell phone and flashlight chargers that I own won't fit anymore to the X7R. So, I hope that this C-type chargers will be there on other devices soon. Charging the X7R is easy: plug the connector into the port; the indicator will light up in red and in green if the light is fully charged.

What I really like and wish on every light is the switch like the X7R has. The "O" in the button lights up when you touch the light, but reacts also at any soft shock when you get near to the X7R. Therefore it's very easy to find the X7R back. Due to this the button is very easy to locate in the dark, also thanks to the heads' shape. It is a stiff switch that's easy to control and has a little heavy but clear pressure point.

The interface works at same way as the X7 and most recent Olights. A single press turns on and off the light, you can cycle through low, medium and high by pressing and holding the button. The other three output-levels are hidden: You will step into Nightlight by pressing and holding from off; this is the only way to enter this mode. Turbo is available both from off and on by quick-pressing two times. Turbo S can only be activated out from Turbo by two quick clicks, so one option to enter this 12000-lumens-mode. Strobe mode (highest output level) has to be activated by three quick presses and works both from off and on.

A special feature on the X7R is the light sensor that will protect your eyes against blinding. When you in Turbo or Turbo S and get close to an object, the light will dim to high mode gradually. I tested it on a white wall; when I got within 30 centimeters the Turbo or Turbo S went back to high after about five seconds and back again in the previous mode when you further away from the object. Nice option, although I have to say that in practice I didn't have that much benefit of this light-sensor.

I like interfaces like these: Simple and effective. One click for on and off and the very low and high modes hidden, because for daily use the three middle modes will be sufficient. Also the bunch of updated and innovative options show that Olight listens to what customers want and advise. Good job of the manufacturer here!


Modes:

The X7R has many modes, six in total. Good job here of the manufacturer because there a big range between 1 and 12000. The levels are in order of: NIGHTLIGHT > LOW > MEDIUM > HIGH > TURBO > TURBO S. The NIGHTLIGHT-mode is a good and economical low, that should give runtimes up to an month. After that you'll jump into a "big" 500 lumens, so no other real low on this light. But this is a but lumens-torch, and designed and made for big output. To me, the spacing is good. Two instant modes on the normal levels; direct-NIGHTLIGHT and direct-TURBO. One special mode can be found on the X7R: STROBE. This is a direct-mode. The X7R has LOCK-OUT: press and hold the switch (from off) for longer that three seconds to (de)activate. When you press the button in this LOCK-OUT, the light will only blink once. The X7R has LOW-VOLTAGE indication, that is built-in into the motion-sensor: the "O" in the switch will light up in red when the battery gets low. I'm happy with the modes that the X7R has: not to many, clearly arranged and also some user-friendly features added.

Size comparison:

Showing you some side-by-side and head-to-head shots now: The X7R next to the X7 and another light that uses the same LEDS, the Niwalker MM25MB. As you can see here, those three are almost equal to each-other, which will make the shoot-out later in this review a very interesting chapter!

18650-cell, Olight X7 Marauder, Olight X7R Marauder and Niwalker MM25MB
8c3a666ad06990694fef3251ccb1e4e0.jpg



Olight X7 Marauder, Olight X7R Marauder and Niwalker MM25MB
1f1501b4d7737980f9993be71f8608ab.jpg



Olight X7 Marauder, Olight X7R Marauder and Niwalker MM25MB
4450034090f53db19783464566370459.jpg



the heads: all powered by three XHP70 LEDS
6bed741e4e4bc1e1a6cdd0110b342a3c.jpg


the tails: Olight X7 Marauder, Olight X7R Marauder and Niwalker MM25MB
4e11eefc55bdf05bdb807dcd2b5f23c3.jpg



Tint:

Most XHP70 LEDS that I've seen now show a good tint but some light-green to yellow in the corona and spill. Same to the X7R here; there's no big difference in tint here compared to the X7 and the MM25MB.

a67509b1d5dd5a4556d2ba6f0f9a4448.jpg


Beamprofile:

The three XHP70 emitters create a very big spot, a little corona and bright and equal spill. So, we see a combination of impressive flood here that also reaches a good, (let's name it medium) distance. So, this light is a great pick to create a wall of light at about 100-150 meters. Despite this light uses three LEDS, there's no angular shape in the beam; I couldn't detect defects, neither PWM. So, a nice profile that can be used best a shorter up to medium distance.

Beamshots:

Time to see how this big-lumens-light performs! Starting, as usual, by showing some indoor shots. The beam of the X7R projected on a white wall, distance about 1 meters away. The six levels shown here, after that a GIF.

Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
0e7fb004af5e2cab7befd8e01a46758d.jpg


c7e63b54a65d909c3b941a2b358bb11f.jpg


3f229f430fe0d265a70d59a2a8cdc4f3.jpg


1f7e63667cccf5ad3f5c2eac99c83055.jpg


d78b9535525dc8b38a27ac2ac23e8f77.jpg


f5503f8fa7ff52c40513dacb084153b0.jpg


GIF:
eea25eda685d4bc01a06d5baf2063b33.gif



Going outdoors with the X7R Marauder now, let's see how this impressive light performs! As usual, I'll show you firstly the six output-levels and after that a GIF. Next up some shoot-outs against the X7-brother and the Niwalker MM25MB. I used the same camera settings as always; you can see the at close range the pictures seem to be over exposed, but these XHP70-lights are very bright.

Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
ce5ab6aad9e78b6e1b5f995278d334dc.jpg


4b27c86e7b89e6d274157a237dc7feec.jpg


9722f9fe1f2f7d8d78d6ef68776d51d2.jpg


53d4be7aa151356a19c9039ccaa027cc.jpg


40b3356769607d63cdad36cd98db1fec.jpg


5af28ed6a37c6e5807d32bb9bb2c80d1.jpg


a GIF:
0cbe3d7f795dd0c914ec1c24bd1f4d35.gif



Big question for a lot of users: Is the X7R much brighter that the previous version? I can tell and show you that the R-version has more brightness and throw; which can be seen at the picture below. A first look, it seems that the output is almost equal; but look at the wall at the right and the tree-trunks at medium distance. But it's true that a step of about 3000 lumens up is not the same to your eyes as (for example) the step between 100 and 3100 lumens.

the X7R against the X7-brother, both on Turbo S
40a998cf742659c7b554c774fc1ec81f.gif


The MM25MB has big flood too, but less lumens, which is clearly visible. The X7R gives more output, especially at medium distance.


the X7R against the Niwalker MM25MB, both lights on highest level
7a724d1738b06391373033ea135a3e73.gif


I took the X7R to some other locations, and I'll share the pictures I took there with you. First picture is the X7R that lights up a couple of big trees.


the Olight X7R Marauder at highest level
d5ebe87c6c3bced8d78eec125dca5b3f.jpg


The X7R Marauder in action on a rivers' side. This picture shows that it has good throw too.

the Olight X7R Marauder at highest level
5aa45d22192376315957c87c21e2160c.jpg


See the big flood here; but also the trees and bushes at medium distance will be light up completely.

Olight X7R Marauder at highest level
5f324015e9b630215c7c68fce8fe5d35.jpg


Conclusion:

I'm really impressed by this update. It is has more stable output thanks to the built-in battery; above that the X7R has clearly more output that the previous version. The overall quality is, like the X7, very good; the finishing of the X7R is improved, which you can see at (for example) the centered of the emitters. The X7R got more user-friendly thanks to some additions and new features: I'm really a fan of the motion-sensor, and hope we'll see this back often in new releases. The lanyard-hole is a good add too, you don't have to worry anymore that the light can fall out of your hand. Charging goes very quick thanks to the USB-C port; mind that you always need the right charger and plug. The output is impressive; what a wall of light comes out of this can-sized flashlight!

No wishes left? Personally I would like to have momentary-on and a power-bank option.

My conclusion is that the X7R is one of the greatest flashlights I ever met, it's not a cheap one, but I can strongly recommend it!


Special thanks to SkyBen Trade and Olightworld for providing me the X7R!

e4699954de6d89d9d1e1bbae0e3d9e63.jpg
 
Last edited:

Mezz

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Messages
12
What is the working voltage or battery configuration? Nice review. .
 

lumen aeternum

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
890
But... if your target is at say 200y, doesn't going from 3000 to 12000 actually decrease the detail you can discern, because the amount of light bouncing back from the near field blinds you?
 

mhpreston

Enlightened
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
412
Location
Surrey, England
Had mine since Christmas and I can't say this has been anything I noticed. It's certainly floody. I really like it so far!
 
Top