For any of you who own the Olight Baldr Mini...

Is it true that the advertised 600 lumens only lasts for a minute or two and then it steps down to 100 lumens automatically?

IOW, the user cannot override this?

If so, isn't the claimed 600 lumens a bit deceptive, since they certainly don't make that clear in their specs? They hint at it in their battery life data, but never state you don't have a choice.

Apparently, the battery is too small for a "real" 600 lumen light.

Or, am I off base?

I own one and actually like it quite a bit. I know it does dim down; but I honestly can't remember how long it takes. You can't override this setting.

As I understand it, the issue isn't so much the battery; but instead it's heat build-up. Lot's of very tiny electronics crammed into a very small space don't respond well to too much heat. And 600 lumens generates a lot of heat! So in order to avoid frying the electronics, they limit the time at max lumens.

It's often suggested that you shouldn't "clear rooms" with the light on constantly anyway. Rather turn it on for only a few seconds at a time in order to avoid making yourself a target. If you follow this advise (and there are opposing opinions), then the Baldr's limit doesn't really become an issue. You of course may have different needs/philosophies in mind and that's okay.

Hope that helps.

Thanks. Yes, that helps. Now, I just need to decide.

Just wondering out loud (if anyone has an answer / opinion, chime in...)

If it is a heat thing, how does Streamlight manage it with their TLR-8 (500 lumen) at about the same physical size?

Way few electronics crammed into the same space. The Olight and it's magnetic charging system is the current darling of the day BUT it does have it's drawbacks.

Cramming the charging and regulating system into the same space as a light that uses throwaway batteries is a compromise.