Olight Arkfeld Ultra review: The EDC torch that does it all – but should it?

Olight is one of the best torch manufacturers. We love the brand here at T3 Towers – every new model we review receives the five-star treatment. This probably explains why I was excited to test the Arkfeld Ultra, the latest addition to Olight’s EDC line of flashlights, which has triple functionality: flashlight, UV light, and laser beam.

Made from the proprietary O-aluminium material, the Arkfeld Ultra is said to be extra-durable, super-lightweight and incredibly versatile. It looks swanky, too, thanks to its engraved surface and excellent build quality, which radiates longevity.

I’ve been using the torch for a few weeks, and even though I’m happy with it, the Arkfeld Ultra breaks the tradition of five-start-only Olight torch reviews on T3, mainly due to the similarities to the Arkfeld Pro and the eclectic mix of functions that don’t necessarily make a lot of sense for everyday use.

Should you get one, though? How easy is it to use the Arkfeld Ultra? What can you use it for? How does it compare to other Olight torches and other flashlights? Finally, what’s the strange coin for what’s in the box? Let’s investigate.

Olight Arkfeld Ultra review

Price and availability

The Olight Arkfeld Ultra was launched in September 2024 and is available to buy now at Olight US, Olight UK, Olight AU and third-party retailers for a recommended price of $119.99/ £119.99/ AU$179.95. It comes in one colour only: Olive Green. Please note that due to different laser standards in different countries, the power of the Arkfeld Ultra laser sold in Europe is weaker than that in the United States.

Specifications

• Weight: 119g/ 4.20oz
• Maximum light output: 1,400lumens
• Beam range: 103 metres
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Battery: 1,500mAh Li-Po, rechargeable, proprietary magnetic charger
• Runtime: up to 11 days (in ‘Moonlight’/1-lumen mode)

Design and build quality

The Arkfeld Ultra is a slim EDC torch made from O-aluminium, which is said to be twice as hard as standard 6061 aluminium alloy. The material was invented by Olight, and it’s one of the main differences between the Arkfeld Ultra and the Arkfield Pro, the latter of which uses standard aluminium alloy.

Weighing only 119g (4.20oz), the Arkfeld Ultra has an IPX7 rating, which is slightly lower than the Olight Seeker 4 Pro’s IPX8, but considering how much slimmer and lighter it is, the durability is commendable.

The sleek aluminium body not only looks swell but, according to the brand, also has exceptional wear and scratch resistance. You find a two-way clip on the back, allowing you to mount the Arkfeld Ultra in various ways. That said, I can’t imagine people popping it on their cap like the Olight Baton 4 due to its size and weight. Perfect for pockets, though.

The three-way dial is a clever to switch between the three lighting modes. I find it a bit strange that the neutral setting is the laser beam; I’d expect the flashlight function to be there. Turning the dial left will activate the UV light and, to the right, the flashlight. The dial encircles the push button that turns the torch on and off.

Lighting modes and performance

As mentioned above, the Olight Arkfeld Ultra has three functions: flashlight, UV light and laser.

The maximum light output in flashlight mode is 1,400 lumens in (Turbo), 100 lumens higher than the Arkfeld Pro. On the other end of the scale is Moonlight mode with its 1-lumen output and 2-metre throw.

You get three lighting modes between the two: low, medium and high. Low is 15 lumens, medium is 100 lumens, and high is 420 lumens. Generally speaking, these three modes cover 90% of what you need a flashlight for. There is also a strobe mode for emergencies.

To operate the white light on the Olight Arkfeld Ultra, press and hold the button while the light is on to cycle through the brightness levels: Low, Medium, and High. To activate Turbo Mode at 1,400 lumens, triple-click the button or double-click it to enable Strobe Mode. For Moonlight Mode, which outputs 1 lumen, turn off the flashlight and press and hold the button for one second.

It’s not obvious at first how to switch between the white light functions. I found an excellent explainer video on YouTube that walks you through the process:

Arkfeld Pro by Olight - How to Actually Operate it! - YouTube

Watch On

It’s worth noting that turbo mode will heat up the Arkfeld Ultra in a matter of minutes. It also drains the battery quickly, so I suggest not abusing this mode. Equally, Strobe mode is quite powerful and will likely trigger people with light sensitivity – please use it sensibly.

The green laser pointer is a strange one. Unless you’re a university professor (or have a cat), I’m not sure how often you will have to use this function; I don’t think I ever felt the urge to point at objects in the distance with a pointer. Who knows, now that I have the Arkfield Ultra, this might change! That said, I haven’t used it for anything other than playing around with it at home.

You can use the laser pointer and the white light simultaneously, in case you want to illuminate and point out things in the distance. To activate it, you must double-press the on/off button with the laser on.

Finally, there is the UV light. You can use it to check bank notes and stains in your hotel room, although I might not try the latter if you want to have a peaceful stay somewhere (I would certainly find it hard to sleep knowing the amount of filth that surrounds me). You can’t use UV light together with either the laser or the torch, which makes sense.

Battery life and charging

The Olight Arkfeld Ultra is equipped with a built-in 1,500mAh lithium polymer battery, enabling the torch to operate for up to 11 days in Moonlight mode. While normally, these extremely low power-saving modes are only good for boosting specs, the 1-lumen light output is enough in most everyday circumstances.

Charging is facilitated through Olight's proprietary magnetic charging cable, which connects securely to the base of the flashlight. A full charge cycle takes approximately 2.5 hours. I’d prefer a USB-C charger instead of the proprietary option, but in return, the magnetic bottom of the Arkfeld Ultra allows it to stick to metallic surfaces.

Charging speed could be quicker, and fast charging wouldn’t be too shabby, either. Considering the decent battery life, the not-so-mind-blowing charging speed isn’t a massive issue.

Overall, the Arkfeld Ultra's battery performance and charging efficiency are both reliable and well-suited for everyday use, making it a solid choice for those who value long runtimes and versatile functionality, even if the charging method could be more convenient.

Verdict

The Olight Arkfeld Ultra is an exceptional EDC flashlight for those who value craftsmanship and innovative design. Its O-aluminium case not only exudes durability but also offers a satisfying tactile experience, elevating it above the typical utilitarian torch. The inclusion of three distinct lighting options is an impressive feature, albeit one that feels more indulgent than essential.

For someone like me, who leans towards practicality, the Arkfeld Ultra borders on being overly extravagant. It carries the aura of a flagship model designed to showcase Olight’s technical prowess (being the world’s first 3-in-1 rechargeable hand torch, after all), occasionally sidelining real-world user needs in favour of novelty.

Yet, despite this, I find myself repeatedly reaching for it – not out of necessity, but because its design and feel are undeniably appealing. Compact enough to slip into a pocket, it balances weight, functionality, and quality better than many larger, more practical alternatives. It’s a tool that blends convenience with aesthetic charm.

Do you need the Olight Arkfeld Ultra? Probably not. But then again, the same could be said for most luxuries in life. This torch may be an indulgence, but it’s a refined one; a little extravagance that’s as delightful to use as it is to own.

Also consider

Fenix E12 V2.0: This compact, single-mode flashlight is priced under $30, making it a budget-friendly alternative. While it lacks the Arkfeld Ultra's multi-functional design, its simple operation, durable build, and up to 160 lumens of output make it a reliable everyday carry option.

SureFire Stiletto Pro: A high-end EDC flashlight option with a slim, pocket-friendly design and up to 1,000 lumens of output. It surpasses the Arkfeld Ultra in build quality and tactical performance but comes at nearly double the price, catering to professionals and enthusiasts.

Nitecore T4K: It offers a compact design with a staggering 4,000 lumens in turbo mode, making it a powerhouse in a small package. Unlike the Arkfeld Ultra, it focuses solely on lighting performance without additional modes like UV or laser, appealing to users who prioritise brightness and simplicity.