Olight flashlights have become the standard among everyday carry enthusiasts. But what about Olight’s other products? Can a brand that’s known for making high-quality EDC flashlights also make things like a…keychain light?
That’s exactly what we’re going to find out in our very first Olight review: the i1R 2 EOS rechargeable keychain light!
Below, you’ll find:
- A quick intro on Olight
- Specs & features of the i1R 2 EOS
- Our full review
- And a quick FAQs section
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Click on any of the links below to jump to the desired section!
- What Is Olight? Why Do Everyday Carry Enthusiasts Rave About It?
- i1R 2 EOS Rechargeable Keychain Light: Specs & Features
- Olight Review: Is the i1R 2 EOS Any Good?
- Olight i1R 2 EOS vs. Olight i1R 2 PRO
- Is the Olight i1R 2 EOS Good for Everyday Carry?
- Is the Olight i1R 2 EOS Good for Camping?
- Olight Flashlight FAQs
- Overall Verdict
What Is Olight? Why Do Everyday Carry Enthusiasts Rave About It?
The simple version: Olight makes lights, but they’re known for their flashlights. Most of their products are relatively affordable—at least compared to high-end brands like Surefire—but still offer great performance and durability.
Olight Makes Tactical Flashlights, EDC Flashlights, and More
The brand might be best known for their tactical lights (i.e., lights attached to firearms) but they also have a huge range of everyday carry-style flashlights like today’s feature, the Olight i1R 2 EOS.
The Brand Has an Excellent Reputation (for the Most Part)
In many ways, Olight is known for its flashlights the same way Trayvax is known for its wallets (check out our Trayvax wallet reviews—and while you’re at it, you might like our Trayvax belt review too!). EDC peeps love Olight and the brand’s starting to catch on with campers too.
However, we should note that there’s one incident that’s been circulating on Reddit and elsewhere involving an Olight flashlight. A few years ago, a man was holding an Olight in his mouth when the batteries exploded, killing him in the process. His family sued Olight but the case was ultimately dismissed.
As much as this is a tragedy in our eyes, all signs suggest this was an unfortunate, freak accident. In fact, millions of Olight flashlights have been sold and this is the only instance we’ve heard about.
Yes, Olight Flashlights Are Made in China
For many, Made in China stickers are a red flag (pun intended, sorry).
While we like to buy local, we generally make exceptions for quality products (like some waterproof electric lighters)—and we’ll go out on a limb and say Olight flashlights fit the mold.
i1R 2 EOS Rechargeable Keychain Light: Specs & Features
Before we get to our Olight review, let’s talk about the i1R 2 EOS’ specs and features.
For one, this Olight flashlight is obviously classed as a keychain light—but think small and mighty versus dollar store junk (#spoiler).
Dimensions & Specifications
Here are the general detes, first! Note that the i1R 2 EOS is super lightweight and about half the size of the average pinky finger.
- Weight: 0.5 oz (13.5 g)
- Length: 1.7” (44 mm)
- Bezel Diameter: 0.6” (14.8 mm)
- Waterproof Rating: IPX8
- Max Brightness on HIGH: 150 lumens at 130’ (40 m)
- Max Brightness on LOW: 5 lumens at 29.5’ (9 m)
- Candela: 400 cd
- Impact Resistant: Up to 4.9’ (1.5 m)
- Light Source: LED
- Charge Time: About 1 Hour
- Aluminum Body
- Micro USB Port
Note: if you’re not versed in IPX8 waterproof ratings, AudioReputation offers a solid explanation!
You Twist It to Turn It On
There are no switches on our Olight flashlight—instead, the i1R 2 EOS uses a twist-to-turn system:
- Turn counter-clockwise to reveal the charging port.
- Turn clockwise to the first position to turn the flashlight on LOW.
- Turn clockwise to the second position to turn the flashlight on HIGH.
Simple and reliable.
It’s Rechargeable via Micro USB (No Need to Take the Flashlight Apart)
The i1R 2 EOS uses a standard Micro-USB port (it comes with a small cable). A small LED lets you know whether the Olight is charging (orange) or ready to go (green).
Note: Olight also makes a newer rechargeable keychain flashlight with a USB-C port: the i1R 2 PRO.
Olight Review: Is the i1R 2 EOS Any Good?
Now for our Olight review!
Since this is such a small and (relatively) inexpensive item, we’re breaking away from our normal review style in favor of a pros & cons system.
Pro: The Build Quality Is Great, Especially for Such a Small Flashlight
Right off the bat, we were impressed with the build quality of our tiny Olight flashlight. The i1R 2 EOS has an aluminum body that’s already survived more than a few drop tests (on purpose and otherwise…).
The only complaint we have here—and we’ll freely admit that this is nitpicky—is that when the charging port is open, the end cap feels a little loose (until it’s screwed back in). That’s it.
Still, this doesn’t seem to impact performance whatsoever (and again, the Olight flashlight feels super solid otherwise).
Pro: The Package Quality Was Nice Too
Even for a keychain light, Olight’s packaging feels top-notch. The plastic wasn’t excessive (unlike most cheap products), and everything felt secure—as in, our keychain light wasn’t tossed around inside its box on its way to us.
Pro: The Olight i1R 2 EOS Is Super Portable
You expect a keychain light to emphasize portability and the i1R 2 EOS delivers. And from what we’ve seen elsewhere, other Olight reviews agree.
As an added benefit, the attached mini key ring feels sturdy and secure on our keychain.
Pro: Its Performance Is Great for the Size
Seriously! We were surprised at how bright the HIGH mode on our Olight flashlight is. Despite being smaller than an AA battery, the i1R 2 EOS can easily light up a small room—the catch being that the runtime on high generally only lasts about 20 minutes (depending on the conditions).
Of course, the whole purpose of this light is to serve as a momentary backup, perhaps while searching for a dropped phone, screws, etc.
We’d definitely classify this Olight as a high-end mini version of superior Olight flashlights meant for EDC or heavy-duty purposes, much in the same way the Victorinox Classic SD serves as a micro version of the Victorinox Spartan (check out our reviews: Victorinox Classic SD review & Victorinox Spartan review!).
Con: LOW Mode Could Be Brighter Though
First, we’re definitely not saying that LOW mode is useless. It’s still bright enough to find lost things in the dark, but the distinction between HIGH and LOW mode is very different.
And while the i1R 2 EOS can run for up to 6 hours on LOW, we feel like the light would be more balanced (function-wise) if it was around 20–30% brighter, even if that means a shorter battery life between 2 and 3 hours or so.
Pro: The Battery Life Is Solid for a Keychain Light
Independent of the light’s brightness, we’re very happy with the overall runtime of our i1R 2 EOS. While it’s a far cry from other Olight flashlights, it’s way better than your average keychain light.
Pro: Recharging Is Handy and Saves Money on New Batteries
Until recently, most keychain lights used watch batteries, which run on the expensive side. The fact that you can recharge the i1R 2 EOS over and over again is a welcome relief.
Sidenote: if we detect a noticeable drop in battery performance, we’ll update this article.
Pro: It’s Easy to Use and Ergonomic
It was very easy to learn how to use our Olight flashlight and from what we’ve seen in other Olight reviews, this seems to be a common perception.
Another benefit: the Olight feels comfortable in your hand (well, fingers). Sometimes this is an issue with keychain lights (especially if there’s a tiny button you have to press).
Push: The Price Isn’t Too Bad
The i1R 2 EOS generally costs between $15 and $25 (not counting shipping) depending on where you look.
On the one hand, this is by far one of the cheapest Olight flashlights around. On the other hand, this is a bit more expensive than your average (though crappy) keychain light.
Con: The Warranty Only Lasts a Year
Olight only offers a 1-year repair or replacement warranty for the i1R 2 EOS. By contrast, full-size Olight flashlights typically offer a 5–10 year warranty depending on the model.
Considering the low cost of the i1R 2 EOS, the mediocre warranty isn’t a big deal to us but it’s at least worth knowing.
Olight i1R 2 EOS vs. Olight i1R 2 PRO
We’re going to be honest: we probably would’ve chosen the Olight i1R 2 Pro had it been available to us solely because it uses a USB-C port instead of the outdated Micro-USB port.
Here’s a more in-depth comparison though.
The PRO Is Objectively Better and Costs Only Slightly More…
In terms of output, the i1R 2 PRO is brighter and offers a better runtime. The weird thing is that it generally costs about the same as the EOS model, if not a teensy bit more.
…But It’s Also Larger
The only real downside to the PRO—and this probably isn’t a big deal for most people—is that it’s slightly larger than the EOS.
All that said, we wouldn’t say the PRO version is hands-down better than the EOS; the improvements are marginal. More importantly, we don’t feel the need to upgrade—we’re just putting this info out here for you!
Is the Olight i1R 2 EOS Good for Everyday Carry?
This tiny Olight flashlight is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t need a full-size flashlight in their everyday carry (what is everyday carry, anyway?) but still wants something better than their phone flashlight.
Of course, if you do want something heavy-duty that can complement other EDC gear like a Gerber Suspension (our Gerber Suspension review), you might want to check out other Olight flashlights like the Warrior Mini2 or i5R EOS.
Is the Olight i1R 2 EOS Good for Camping?
The Olight i1R 2 EOS is really only good for camping as a backup. The max output and battery life leave a lot to be desired performance-wise—then again, this Olight flashlight isn’t meant for rigorous situations: it’s a keychain light, remember?
That doesn’t mean the i1R 2 EOS isn’t a great choice for simple tasks, though. If you need a light while looking through your pack, it’s a good option that’s waterproof and impact resistant. Next time we go camping in Carrizo Plain or along the Colorado River, we’ll be sure to bring ours along.
Bonus: if you’re tired of the silly camping life hacks you see on Tik Tok or Instagram, you’ll probably enjoy our post on debunking terrible camping hacks!
Olight Flashlight FAQs
Before we finish up, here are a few Olight flashlight FAQs (general and specific to the i1R 2 EOS)!
Are Olight Flashlights Good? Is Olight a Good Brand?
Olight reviews are fantastic for a mid-tier flashlight brand; so yes, we’ll say Olight flashlights are (at least) “good.”
Is Olight a Chinese Company?
Yep! Olight is based in Shenzhen, China.
What’s the Best Olight Flashlight?
It depends on your purpose. Olight makes many different types of lights, so it’d be silly to say one product is better than another.
How Long Do Olight Flashlights Last?
In terms of runtime, each Olight flashlight has its own specifications. In terms of lifespan, Olight reviews suggest most of their products are built to last.
Are Olight Flashlights Safe?
The incident we mentioned earlier definitely feels like the exception rather than the norm. We did a lot of research and couldn’t dig up any other problems.
On another note—and since we’re talking about safety—you should check out how to make a first aid kit for camping!
Is Olight the Best Flashlight Brand?
Honestly, nah.
We’re partial to brands like Surefire with decades of history serving America’s operators and first responders. But: Surefire flashlights also tend to be expensive.
Olight offers similar performance in a much cheaper package.
Are they indestructible? No. Will they survive decades of rugged conditions? Maybe not. Are they affordable? Yes. Do they Get the job done? Absolutely!
Olight flashlights offer great performance-for-value—for most people, that’s all they need.
Here’s a comparison: our Kershaw Blur review highlights a knife that’s relatively affordable (at least compared to brands like Benchmade or Chris Reeve Knives) but offers (in our opinion) similar performance. For us, that’s beyond good enough!
Recap: Pros of the Olight i1R 2 EOS
- Very Bright
- Rechargeable
- Easy to Use
- Durable
- Compact and Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Great for EDC
Recap: Cons of the Olight i1R 2 EOS
- Mediocre Warranty
- LOW Mode Could Be Brighter
- Newer i1R PRO Model Offers Superior Performance at a Similar Cost
- Only Good for Camping as a Backup
Overall: We Love the Olight Keychain Light for What It Is!
Above all, we really like the Olight i1R 2 EOS. For about $20, you get a keychain light that feels just as well made as the Olight flashlights the company’s built its reputation on.
And that’s where we’ll leave off! If you’ve had a different experience than us, be sure to let us know on Instagram or Reddit (or anywhere else you find us!). We love continuing the conversation!
Oh, and check out our other articles below too!
Additional Articles
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- Gear Spotlight: The USMC KA-BAR Knife
- Which Is the Best Tumbler: Hydro Flask vs. YETI Rambler
- Takeya Cold Brew Maker: Is It Good for Camping?
- Are MREs Good for Camping?
- Hydro Flask Cooler Cup: Is It the Best Koozie for Camping?
- The Best Tent Fan: Are Ryobi Fans Good for Camping?
Renegade Camping & EDC 
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i1R 2 EOS rechargeable keychain light!
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