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Olight has introduced a new LED flashlight, the Seeker 4 Pro.
Olight sent over two Seeker 4 Pro LED flashlights for testing. While I’d like to use them more before sharing my final opinion, now seems like a good time to share my early thoughts.
The Seeker 4 Pro follows closely in the footsteps of the Seeker 3 Pro, which launched earlier this year. I tested the Seeker 2 Pro, Seeker 3 Pro, and now the Seeker 4 Pro. I’ll provide a brief comparison later in the post.
To start off, here’s what you need to know about the Seeker 4 Pro in as few words as possible:
4600 max lumens
260 meter throw
6 modes – moon, low, medium, high, turbo, strobe
Rotary mode selection dial & power button
USB-C charging via the holster
IPX8 waterproof
21700 5000 mAh battery (included)
Cool White (5700-7000K) and Neutral White (4000-5000K) options (certain models)
The Olight Seeker 4 Pro can be charged via USB-C through the holster. The Seeker 3 Pro can fit the holster but will not charge. Olight says that only the Seeker 4 Pro can be charged via the holster.
The connection between the Olight Seeker 4 Pro and its holster is magnetic, via the tailcap. This means that you can also charge the Seeker 4 Pro via their MCC3 charger, which is not included. A USB-A to USB-C cable is included with the light.
The holster is, in no uncertain terms, extremely versatile. It feels light, but sturdy.
The only complaint I have so far about the Seeker 4 Pro holster is that there’s a large cutout at the bottom, either for heat dissipation or so that you can visually confirm it’s making contact with the charging terminals. I somehow pinched a fingertip in there when sliding the flashlight back in.
When in the holster, the flashlight’s brightness level is limited to 600 lumens, which Olight says is to ensure user safety.
Unlike the Seeker 3 Pro, the flashlight does NOT have any proximity detection. Meaning, if the flashlight is set to its turbo max brightness mode, the emitter lens and head unit can get very hot. Foolishly, I tested this with my hand.
I never had a problem with Olight’s latest flashlights, which have a proximity sensor and auto dimming mode. But, I also do like the elegance of the flashlight’s max power being reduced when it’s in its holster.
Olight Seeker 4 Pro vs Seeker 3 Pro Flashlights
The first difference I noticed between the Seeker 3 and 4 Pro flashlights is their different LED indicator lights.
Olight says that the brightness mode selection dial has been improved. Objectively, they’re right. Subjectively, I mostly use flashlights with my bare hands and not gloved hands, and so the differences aren’t very important to me.
I do like the new LED indicator lights, which are made using a series of 1200 laser microperforations.
Neither would drive me to upgrade so quickly, but if I had to choose one over the other, the Seeker 4 Pro has a slightly more mature design, if that makes sense.
The Seeker 4 Pro is also said to be a little brighter than its predecessor.
The Seeker 4 Pro is included in Olight’s O-Fan Day flash sale, which ends at 11:59 pm EST 9/23/23.
Additional Opinions
I have the Olight Seeker 3 Pro – also provided by Olight – in black. My test samples for the Seeker 4 Pro are in matte black and neutral white, and midnight blue in cool white.
The matte black Seeker 4 Pro has a more aesthetic less reflective anodizing than the black Seeker 3 Pro. “Matte black” does seem like a good way to put it.
I like that the light can still be turned on when in the holster.
It took me some time to realize it, but the flashlight can be turned when in the holster. So, you can align it so the charging indicators are exposed, and then insert the flashlight, or insert the flashlight and twist it to a front-facing orientation if needed.
In theory, I miss the proximity sensor of the Seeker 3 Pro. In practice, you have some protection against unintentional activation.
The Seeker 4 Pro has a neat lockout mode where you cannot simply press the button – unintentionally or otherwise – to turn it on. You have to rotate the dial and then press the button, or press and hold the power button for more than one second.
The lockout feature is available for the light when handheld or in its holster. If handheld, it activates 10 seconds after the light is turned off and its indicator lights turn off.
When removing the flashlight from its holster, it’s ready to go without having to be unlocked. Putting it back in the holster resumes lockout mode without the 10 second delay.
The Seeker 3 Pro had a similar lockout.
I consider the holster an integral part of the light. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it seems very well thought out, but you won’t be able to take advantage of all the Seeker 4 Pro’s features without it.
A horizontal holster is available separately (regularly $14.99).
In addition to the holster, there’s a holster fixing bracket, which provides a place to temporary mount the holster to via its belt clip. You can buy additional mounting brackets separately (regularly $3.99).
Olight changed a couple of things about the flashlight housing, compared to the Seeker 3 Pro, with the biggest difference being the rubbery grip. The Seeker 3 Pro had 2 inlays, whereas the Seeker 4 Pro has an inlaid grip section that spans the majority of the light.
Replacement vertical holsters don’t look to be available yet. The vertical holster included with the Seeker 4 Pro seems very robust. It’s not vital to the operation of the flashlight, but does provide functionality, such as USB-C charging and the auto lockout feature.
The introductory launch price ($98) is lower than what the Seeker 3 Pro sold for when it launched ($105). The regular price is said to be the same ($140).
I have plenty of USB-C chargers, as well as Olight’s specialty magnetic tailcap charger.
The USB-C charging worked flawlessly, and it seemed very quick.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes
- Bright, broad beam
- Intuitive user controls
- Finally a useful holster I won’t toss in the spare accessories bin
- Neutral white is my preferred choice
- Comfortable grip
- Feels durable
- Deeper user controls if desired
One thing I really like is that there are further customizations for users that care. For example, there are two auto shutoff timers, 3 minutes and 9 minutes. Some users might not like that you can’t disable this.
Dislikes
- Holster bottom slot is a pinch hazard if you’re careless
- In theory I miss the proximity auto-dimming feature
- No in-flashlight USB-C charging
Awaiting Verdict
I wasn’t expecting for the holster to be such a big part of the user experience. Beyond it doubling as a charger, the holster is also needed for lockout mode – to prevent unintentional operation – and auto-dimming, which prevents overheating in case of unintentional activation.
Thank you to Olight for providing the test samples.
