My Honest Review Of OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra vs Arkpro Review
The OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra represents the pinnacle of Olight’s flat-style everyday carry (EDC) flashlights, succeeding the popular Arkfeld series. It positions itself as a premium, “do-it-all” tool featuring a unique 4-in-1 lighting system (Spotlight, Floodlight, UV, and Green Laser) encased in a proprietary OAL aluminum alloy body. While the Ultra boasts impressive specs like 1,700 lumens and a 2000mAh battery, the OLIGHT ArkPro (Standard) offers nearly identical performance (1,500 lumens) at a lower price point, lacking only the exotic material and the “ArkBeat” usage timer. The ArkPro Lite serves as a budget-friendly alternative, swapping the laser for a red light and reducing the battery size, making it ideal for general users who prioritize utility over tactical features.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if… You are a tech enthusiast, inspector, or EDC collector who demands the most durable materials (OAL alloy) and the versatility of both flood and spot beams alongside a laser and UV light.
No, if… You already own an Arkfeld Pro or want better value. The standard ArkPro offers 90% of the Ultra’s capability for less money. If you need a Red light for night vision preservation instead of a laser pointer, the ArkPro Lite is the better choice.
Table of Contents
OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra Comprehensive Review
The ArkPro Ultra is Olight’s flagship flat flashlight, designed to slide easily into a pocket while offering the power of a much larger tactical light.
Key Features & Performance
- Proprietary OAL Body: Unlike the standard 6061 aluminum used in most flashlights, the Ultra uses “OAL Aluminum,” which Olight claims is significantly stronger and more scratch-resistant. It features a semi-matte olive green finish that provides excellent grip.
- Dual Beam System:
- Floodlight (1,700 Lumens): Uses the new EIP1 LED for a wide, soft wall of light, ideal for indoor use or lighting up a campsite.
- Spotlight (800 Lumens): Throws a focused beam up to 205 meters, cutting through darkness for long-range visibility.
- Versatile Aux Lights:
- Green Laser (Class 1): Useful for presentations, pointing out objects on construction sites, or playing with pets.
- UV Light (365nm): High-power UV (3.5W max) for detecting pet stains, checking currency, or forensic inspection.
- ArkBeat Indicator: A unique, albeit somewhat gimmicky, feature on the Ultra model. A small LED indicator changes color based on the total accumulated runtime of the light (e.g., green to blue to red over 100+ hours), serving as an “odometer” for your gear.
Customer Insights (Reviews Analysis)
Based on analysis of user feedback from Amazon, Reddit, and enthusiast forums:
- Build Quality: Customers universally praise the premium feel and the “flat” form factor, which disappears in a pocket compared to round tube lights.
- Functionality: The rotary switch is a favorite feature, allowing users to physically toggle between Laser, UV, and White light instantly without complex button presses.
- Criticisms:
- “ArkBeat” Value: Many users find the ArkBeat usage timer unnecessary and purely aesthetic.
- Price: At its premium price point, some users felt it should have included a higher CRI (Color Rendering Index) emitter for better color accuracy.
- Battery: The non-replaceable internal battery remains a point of contention for long-term users, though the upgrade to 2000mAh (from the older Arkfeld’s 1500mAh) is welcomed.
Comparison: ArkPro Ultra vs. ArkPro vs. ArkPro Lite Review
The primary confusion lies in the naming. Here is how they stack up:
- ArkPro Ultra vs. ArkPro: The main differences are the body material (OAL vs. Standard Aluminum), max lumens (1700 vs. 1500), and the ArkBeat feature. Functionally, they are nearly identical.
- ArkPro Ultra vs. ArkPro Lite: The Lite is a stripped-down version. It drops the laser in favor of a Red Light (great for preserving night vision), has a smaller battery, and lower max output.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra | OLIGHT ArkPro (Standard) | OLIGHT ArkPro Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Collectors, Heavy Duty Use | General EDC, Best Value | Night Ops, Budget Conscious |
| Max Output (Flood) | 1,700 Lumens | 1,500 Lumens | 1,200 Lumens |
| Beam Type | Dual (Spot + Flood) | Dual (Spot + Flood) | Single (Standard White) |
| Battery Capacity | 2,000 mAh | 2,000 mAh | 1,350 mAh |
| Auxiliary Lights | Green Laser + UV (3.5W) | Green Laser + UV | Red Light + UV |
| Body Material | OAL Aluminum (High Strength) | 6061-T6 Aluminum | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Beam Distance | 205 Meters | 205 Meters | 94 Meters |
| Unique Feature | ArkBeat (Usage Timer) | Standard Indicator | Red Light Mode |
| Charging | USB-C + MCC Magnetic | USB-C + MCC Magnetic | USB-C + MCC Magnetic |
| Price Tier | Check Amazon | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
Summary of Differences: Why Choose One Over the Other?
- Choose the ArkPro Ultra if: You want the absolute best durability and performance. The OAL aluminum body is tougher than standard aluminum, making it better suited for rough work environments (mechanics, construction). The extra 200 lumens is a minor bonus, and the ArkBeat feature adds a cool “gamified” element to ownership.
- Choose the ArkPro if: You want the best value. You get the same 2,000mAh battery, the same laser, and the same UV performance as the Ultra for a lower price. The 200-lumen difference is barely noticeable to the human eye. Most users will find this the most logical purchase.
- Choose the ArkPro Lite if: You do not need a laser pointer. The Red Light included on the Lite is arguably more practical for camping, astronomy, or midnight bathroom trips as it doesn’t ruin your night vision. It is also lighter (107g) and more compact, though you sacrifice battery life (1,350mAh) and the long-range spotlight beam.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe provide value. Thank you.
