Last Updated on November, 2024
The Olight Baldr mini is a tactical weapon light belonging to the Baldr series by Olight. It entered the market as a mini version of the Baldr pro and was introduced as ADJUSTABLE, ACCURATE, and COMPACT.
As the saying goes, ‘big things come in small packages’ the Baldr mini comes with a fantastic max light output of 600 lumens. And many more exciting features.
It has three light modes with a maximum beam distance of up to 130 meters and a built-in battery that uses a magnetic charger.
In this article, I’ll be sharing an Olight Baldr Mini Review. Sit tight and read on to find out what all this hype is about.
Brightness
Durability
Runtime
Table of Contents
About Olight Baldr Mini
The Baldr mini is a compact combo of white light and integrated green laser. It is designed to blend in the compatibility of the PL-Mini 2 and the accuracy of the Baldr pro.
It has two rail adapters to fit both a Glock and Picatinny. Though it is small in size, it produces a 600-lumen bright light, and you can change modes to use different light options.
It is powered by an internal battery rechargeable through Olight’s signature magnetic USB charger. The quick attaching and mounting installation make it extremely easy to use.
What is Included in the Package?
The Olight Baldr mini comes in three exciting colors; black, desert tan, and gunmetal grey. You can find the following included in the package;
Package content | Number of pieces |
Baldr mini (built-in battery) | X1 |
Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) Rail Mount Adapter | X1 |
HM2.5*4.5 Socket Cap Screw | X2 |
MCC (Magnetic Charging Cable) Special Edition | X1 |
H1.5 Allen Wrench | X1 |
Oval Point Set Screw | X1 |
Cone Point Set Screw | X1 |
User Manual | X1 |
Specifications
The following table sums up the specs of the olight Baldr mini:
Light source | High-performance cool white LED |
Power type | 3.7V 230mAh Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery (Built-in) |
Charging type | Magnetic USB Charging Cable |
Max lumen | 600 lumen light |
Beam distance | 426ft/130m |
Light intensity | 4225 cd |
Light modes | Three modes |
Lens/ reflector type | Green beam emitter |
Mode operation | Side switchX1 |
Body material | AL6061-T6 aluminum alloy |
Weight | 3.07 oz/ 87g (including battery) |
Dimensions | 2.24 in/57mm,1.29 in/32.8 mm,1.41 in/35.8 mm (L, W, H) |
Size factor | Small size (Car key/ Zippo lighter) |
Water resistance level | IPX4 |
Features
Construction and Build Quality
The Olight Baldr mini is built similarly to other Olight weapon lights. It mostly resembles the PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie.
The Baldr mini is made from aluminum alloy. The exterior material details an anti-scratch type-III hard anodized finish. It has an easy mounting system with a quick disconnect (QD) toolless lever.
The QD mount rail design allows the movement of the light back and forth to fit into the perfect position of your preference. A QD mount and a QD lever are neat features for weapon lights.
It includes two rail adapters; a 1913 rail adapter and a GL rail adapter to accommodate a Picatinny and a Glock. You can swap the rail adapter based on your weapon.
The rail mount has features that allow you to remove the light from the mount altogether, leaving it attached behind the pistol. But the lever that attaches the light to the rail is not removable.
The control buttons are designed for easy tap (paddle switch) and swift slides (slide switch) but remain firm in position.
When the light is in the mounted position, the paddle switch action is downward. Tapping it upward doesn’t do anything. This downward-only push avoids any accidental activation.
The face of the light is made up of a 17.88mm glass lens with a smooth short reflector. What’s notable here is the integrated green laser light right above the main LED creates a tiny dent in the reflector surface.
The depth of the light source is slightly deeper than usual to fit in the laser.
The side panel has elevation and windage adjustment screws. You can use these two screws to adjust the aim of the laser to match the point of impact.
Battery and Charging
The Baldr mini consists of a small battery built in, a 230mAh Lithium Polymer, which uses a magnetic charger. You can place the charging port on the magnet of the charging cable.
The magnetic polarity of the recharging system is similar to that of the PL-Mini and PL-Mini 2. This charging is not compatible with the baton series, though.
A low battery warning illuminates the indicator red on the side of the Baldr mini when the power is less than 10%.
A drained Baldr mini battery’s measured full charge time takes up to 46 minutes to complete at a maximum charging speed of 0.35A.
Since the charging port is at the bottom of the light, it can be charged even when mounted. But if you want, you can remove the light off the mount, leaving the rail mount attached.
Light Modes, Run Times, and Performance
The Baldr mini has an integrated green laser light as a standout feature. It provides enhanced accuracy and added options. The run times vary based on the light mode used. The following table summarizes the run time on each light mode;
Mode | Claimed mode output (lm) | Claimed run time | Measured Output (lm) | Measured run time |
White only light | 600~100 | 1m + 39m | 658 | Up to 48m |
Green laser only | – | – | – | Up to 11 hours |
White light and laser green beam | 600~100 | 1m + 29m | 617 | Up to 30m |
User Interface and Operation
The UI of the Olight Baldr mini is pretty simple. It has two paddle switches designed for easy reach from either side of the trigger guard on a pistol, making it ambidextrously friendly. Although there are two switches on the sides, they both do the same thing.
A quick press and release of this paddle switch from either side turns the light ON and leaves it ON. And the next press turns it OFF.
Aside from the power switch, there is another light mode selector switch. When in the mount position, sliding the switch to the rightmost position gives white only light, the center position gives you white light and green laser, and the leftmost is green light laser alone.
Toggling this switch snaps it into place and remains firm. It does not seem to move around easily, so you don’t have to worry about any mishap during the operation.
The table below outlines the UI of the Baldr mini;
Switch type | State of the light | Action | Result |
Paddle switch | When OFF | Tap paddle switch | Turns ON the light |
When OFF | Hold paddle switch | Momentary action- It works in the selected output as long as it is held | |
When ON | Tap paddle switch | Turns OFF the light | |
Slide switch | When ON | Slide switch to rightmost position | White only light |
When ON | Switch in the center position | White light and laser light combo | |
When ON | Switch in the left most position | Laser light only |
LED and Laser lights
Although the exact LED used in the light is not stated, it does produce a cool white light of 600 lumens that throws out at a distance of 130m.
So, yeah, this is not a long-range light. The beam produced has a fair spill with a good impact zone for the mini size it is. The peak candela is only 4225 cd.
On a very dark night, at around 25 yards, the Olight Baldr mini can efficiently identify a target. But if the range is expanded, it may be unable to locate the target.
It is capable of filling a room with light when used indoors. So in a home defense situation, it’s more than enough light.
The laser is pretty brilliant, especially indoors and in low-light conditions. You can adjust it via the adjustment screws for your preference.
Are you wondering if there will be light distortion due to the dent on the lens? Let me tell you this: the distortion is minimal and hardly visible beyond 10 feet.
Durability Testing
The first testing parameter of mounted- weapon lights should be checking how well it works on a weapon.
Using it on a Glock pistol to test the light flicker when the pistol recoils after being fired displays no visible light flickering between or during shots.
Even when tested on a 12 gauge shotgun, the Olight Baldr mini did not exhibit any shake-up or flickering. The weapon light seemed to withstand just fine.
Keeping an eye on the laser’s zero revealed no loss of zero through normal use.
The Olight Baldr mini is rated IPX4 on the water resistance level. This means it can be splashed with water but not submerged. Even after testing this by splashing water a few times, it seemed to work fine. It did not fry itself but rather was revealed to be rainproof.
And finally, to the best part. The drop test! The weapon light was attached to a pistol and repeatedly dropped a few times. Despite dropping it on the sides, front and bottom, the light functioned perfectly fine.
Weight, Dimensions, and Size
The measured weight and dimensions of the Olight Baldr mini are as follows;
- Weight- 3.07 oz (87g)
- Length- 2.24 in (57mm)
- Width- 1.29 in (32.8mm)
- Height- 1.14 in (35.8mm)
As mentioned above, this weapon light is compact and mini in size. The Output squeezed out of this teeny-tiny light is scale tipping.
Price, Shipping, Warranty, And Refund Policy
The current market price of the Olight Baldr mini is $124.95, with free shipping across the United States. It is available for purchase via the Olight website and other third-party platforms such as amazon and eBay.
All Olight products come with a hassle-free warranty. The Baldr mini has a two-year warranty. Any defect in the materials or workmanship of the product will be resolved.
The Olight system keeps track of all Olight product warranties. They also have a quick help page where you can seek solutions to resolve issues in your product.
Olight has a 30-day refund/ replacement policy with zero shipping cost.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Below I have attached a few follow-up comments and reviews from genuine users and verified purchases;
The Olight Baldr mini has glowing reviews across many websites, including the Amazon and Olight stores. An overall rating of 4.7- 4.9/ 5.0, with 85% of it being 5-star rated.
The reviews compliment many features of what the Olight Baldr mini offers. It is mentioned to be the “best combination of features,” “must have laser light,” “worth every penny,” and many more positive reviews.
But, there are a few criticisms in the comments regarding the battery life and the charging port being too different compared to an easily findable port. However, many people don’t seem to mind and praise the ergonomics it offers that counteracts the criticisms.
Equally, it is also praised for the laser that provides excellent aiming.
Pros and Cons of Olight Baldr mini
Pros
Cons
Is the Flashlight Recommended?
YES, I definitely recommend this flashlight. Apart from the minor cons, the pros they bring to the table weighs more.
It is a dandy tool to own especially for the excellent design which facilitates easy use and the bright light squeezed out of a tiny tool such as this.
Olight brand’s other flashlight reviews:
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the Olight Baldr mini is a fantastic flashlight with many great characteristics. Like any other flashlight, it does have its drawbacks, but all that i
The swift and easy-use UI and the overall design make it an excellent defensive option.
Hopefully, this review helps you with what you were looking for. And if you have decided to purchase it, you can get it here.
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