olight arkpro ultra edc flashlight review

The OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra packs 1,700 lumens of flood lighting, an 800-lumen spotlight, UV detection, and a green laser into a pocket-sized EDC flashlight that weighs just over four ounces and replaces the bulky emergency lights collecting dust in your trunk.

How To Buy OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra
The OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra is available through OLIGHT's official website and authorized retailers at the MSRP of $129.99, with various color options available depending on retailer inventory and you can also buy it on Amazon.com.

Flashlights have come a long way from the days when your choice was between getting a cheap plastic piece that barely illuminated a few feet ahead of you walking down the stairs during a power outage or blasting miles ahead with an expensive Maglite that seemingly lasted forever. I've had both of those in my car's emergency kits over the years, but with only a couple days of testing on this ArkPro Ultra from OLIGHT, I replaced my bulky heavy-duty flashlight tucked into the gear box in my trunk.

Actually, you know what? I didn't have to sacrifice accessibility for capability because this fits perfectly in my center console box - easily reachable and rechargeable whenever I need it.

That's what I love about this relatively new category of EDC (Everyday Carry) flashlights. Not only is it superior to the bulky ones we used to use in terms of standard illumination, but this one has UV light, even a green laser, and it's small enough to clip into your breast pocket if you're grilling outside in the dark or trying to find where your dog pooped on a walk.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Here are the specs that matter most for everyday use:

  • Max Output: 1,700 lumens (Pure Flood) / 800 lumens (Spotlight)
  • Beam Distance: 672 feet (205 meters)
  • Weight: 4.23 oz (120g) including battery
  • Dimensions: 4.88" x 1.06" x 0.63"
  • UV Light: 365nm wavelength with high and low modes
  • Green Laser: 510-530nm, up to 50 hours runtime
  • Battery Life: Up to 14 days on moonlight mode; 72 hours on low
  • Charging: USB-C and magnetic MCC cable
  • Water Resistance: IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter)
  • Material: O-Aluminum (1.73x harder than standard 6061 aluminum)

ArkPro vs. ArkPro Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?

OLIGHT offers three versions in this series, but the real decision for most buyers comes down to the standard ArkPro versus the Ultra.

FeatureArkProArkPro Ultra
Max Flood Output 1,500 lumens 1,700 lumens
Max Spot Output 800 lumens 800 lumens
Material 6061-T6 Aluminum O-Aluminum (OAL)
ArkBeat Indicator No Yes
UV Light Yes Yes
Green Laser Yes Yes
USB-C Charging Yes Yes
MSRP $109.99 $129.99

If you're the kind of guy who wants something awesome and not just utilitarian, the Ultra is worth the upgrade. The proprietary O-Aluminum is noticeably harder and more scratch-resistant, and there's something satisfying about owning the top-tier version of a tool you'll carry daily. But if price is the main concern and you just want a great EDC flashlight that handles everything you throw at it, the standard ArkPro is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

Perfect Size for Every Gear Kit

The ArkPro Ultra is roughly the size of a utility knife, which means it fits places your old Maglite never could. I could see having multiple of these positioned around the house - one in the nightstand, one in the garage, one in the car. With USB-C charging now standard, keeping them topped off is simple. No more running around looking for batteries during an emergency or discovering your flashlight died because you forgot to replace the cells two years ago.

This size also makes it perfect for the small gear kits every guy should have. It slides easily into most first aid kits, glove boxes, or camping packs without taking up the space you need for other essentials. The flat rectangular design means no rolling off surfaces and no awkward bulk in your pocket.

The UV Light: More Useful Than You'd Think

I'll be honest - I used to use a UV light when traveling to inspect exactly how clean hotel rooms were. I'd not recommend that since you probably won't want to go to Airbnb locations anymore after seeing what shows up under UV. But on a serious note, the 365nm UV mode has genuinely practical applications.

For homeowners, it's excellent for spotting mold growth in damp basements before it becomes visible to the naked eye. For dog owners like me, it's invaluable for finding exactly where your pet did their business so you can make cleanup easier. This is really important at our condo since the last thing I want to do is piss off the HOA by missing a spot in the common areas.

Four Lights, Seven Configurations

The real versatility comes from OLIGHT's decision to combine four distinct light sources into one housing. The Pure Flood mode delivers 1,700 lumens through their proprietary EIP 1 LED chip, creating a wide, soft beam without harsh hotspots. Switch to spotlight mode for 800 lumens of focused throw that reaches up to 672 feet.

The green laser adds pointing capability, and since it can pair with any of the three main light modes, you get seven total configurations from one compact tool. The rotatable switch and side button make cycling through options intuitive once you spend a few minutes with the interface.

Ready for the Road and Beyond

The days of choosing between cheap and barely functional or expensive and impractically bulky are over. The ArkPro Ultra handles every scenario I previously needed separate lights for - vehicle emergencies, outdoor cooking, household maintenance, late-night dog walks, and yes, the occasional hotel room inspection (use at your own psychological risk). Whether you're packing for a road trip, stocking emergency kits throughout your home, or just want a reliable light that clips to your pocket, this delivers capability that was unthinkable in a package this size just a few years ago. For current pricing and availability, check Amazon.com.