Ok, let’s get straight down to brass tacks. If you are looking at this light you probably know what you are after, you probably are reasonably experienced as a hunter or outdoorsman, or at the very least you know that you need quality gear. You will be wondering if it is worth putting down $300 of your hard-earned cash on this light. If you already own the previous Javelot Turbo, a torch with a 5 out of 5-star rating on the Olight website, you will be wondering is it worth upgrading to the Javelot Turbo 2. So, let’s look at the Javelot Turbo 2 in light of its predecessor, and also in light of its range of specifications and usage applications, so we can determine if you would be wise in spending your money.
Figure 1: The Javelot Turbo
The original Javelot Turbo came in a high quality hard plastic carry case with a holster, the magnetic charger, which mounted to the back of the light, a user manual and of course the Javelot Turbo itself.
Figure 2: The Javelot Turbo 2.
The new Javelot Turbo 2 likewise comes in a similar packaging, a high quality hard plastic carry case. But there are some notable differences with what you get inside the package. The new version comes with a USB-C charger instead of the magnetic charging cable. This is not a downgrade either, because you now have the option of charging the Javelot Turbo 2 via USB-C cable and with the magnetic charging cable as well. Just make sure when you do charge it via USB-C that you use the provided cable or another high-quality cable like the one for your phone. If you have any other Olight products it is likely you will already have the compatible MCC3 charging cable, however, you can order one off the website if you would like to. I already have the correct MCC 3 cable because it came with my Perun 3 headlamp. But the addition of a USB-C charging cable is itself a great step up, because now you can find a way to charge this light much easier. You might find you go out on a hunting trip and you forget your magnetic charging cable, well now you can just pick up a good quality USB-C cable, or more likely you already have one, and you are good to go. No problems. So, having more charging options is a definite step up.
Another notable difference is the wireless remote switch that comes with the Javelot Turbo 2. The Old Javelot had the optional extra of a pressure switch which you could add to the rear of the Javelot Turbo. You were then able to connect this switch to the stock of your rifle, so that you did not need to remove your hand from your rifle to switch your light off and on. This optional extra for the Javelot Turbo is an impressive device called the Olight Pressure Remote Switch. It is a clever device that attaches on the end of the Javelot Turbo, and is connected via an accordion cord that gives you some flexible length. But the Javelot Turbo 2 has gone up a notch.
Figure 3: Wireless Remote Switch.
The new, upgraded Javelot Turbo 2, comes with a wireless remote pressure switch. Which gives you the same kind of adaptability for the light, and the ability to switch the light on and off without moving your hand of the rifle, but now there are no cumbersome cables tying it to the light. They lanyard you see in the picture is easily removed, and in the box you get a strap that is designed to wrap this switch onto your rifle. No need to screw it on to the end of your light anymore, as it is wirelessly paired with your Javelot Turbo 2. So, again, this is another upgrade. The light is now more versatile. This wireless pressure switch is charged by connecting it to the three magnetic dots on the light. And is incredibly easy and intuitive to use.
But the most significant difference to what you get in the packaging is the light itself. Side by side the lights look very similar. Here is a picture of the original Javelot Turbo on the top and the Javelot Turbo 2 on the blow:
Figure 4 and 5: Comparison of the old and new Javelot Turbo Olights.
They are almost identical, at least at first glance. But once you look at them carefully, you will see that there are some differences. At the front of the new Javelot Turbo 2 you have the magnetic points to charge the wireless pressure switch. You also have the USB-C port which is covered by a metal latch that clicks open.
Figures 6 and 7: The magnetic charging point for the switch, and the USB-C charging point.
Also the end of Turbo 2 is flush, rather than ridged, because you no longer need to buy the addon pressure switch to screw onto the end, because you have now the wireless switch, which comes with its own mount, in the packaging, and as we noted connects wirelessly.
The quality of this light is exceptional. For, instance on many electronic devices the charging port covers will be made of some kind of rubber or plastic, however, this cover is made of metal and this accentuates the high build quality of this product. All of Olight’s products have a high level of build quality. You really need to hold them in your hand to fully recognize this. They do not feel cheap in anyway, like some other brands do. Olight’s quality control is on point.
And of course, you get the belt holster for this light in the box of well. Which comes with a small internal pouch to store the wireless pressure switch, if you are not using it. This is made of high quality nylon.
But you want to know the specs, don’t you? Ok, here are the Javelot Turbo’s specifications compared to the Javelot Turbo 2.
The Javelot Turbo has a light intensity of 422,500 candela. It has a beam distance of 1300 meters, or 4264 feet when on max power, and a 140 meter range when on its low setting. It has a max lumens of 1300 and a minimum of 15 Lumens. It can run on the maximum setting for 10 minutes and on the minimum setting for 318 hours, you can also run it at 150 lumens for 27 hours, which is a very useful level of light while in the bush at night. It does not have a strobe light, or SOS function. It has a waterproof rating of IPX8 and weighs 408 grams. The light inside is a Cree XHP35 HI NW. And as noted it is charged only with an external MCC3 magnetic charger which will charge the light to full power in 10 hours. And it has a maximum safe drop distance of 1m. So, the first generation Javelot Turbo is clearly an excellent torch.
The Javelot Turbo 2 has a maximum beam distance of 1500 meters at a max power of 1800 lumens and a similar minimum distance as the first generation Javelot Turbo on its lowest setting. It can run on the maximum setting of 1800 lumens for 4.5 minutes and on the lowest setting for 272 hours. You can also run the light on 600 lumens for 360 minutes, or on 150 lumens for 30 hours. The light source is a Max 27.5W/led, with a neutral white light, with a cct:5200-6200K and a CRI of 70. The Turbo 2 is powered by a 5000mAh 7.2V proprietary lithium battery. As previously mentioned the Turbo 2 can be charged through two methods, the USB-C method with the provided USB cable, this will charge the light to fully charged in 4.5 hours. Or you can charge it with the same MCC3 charger that the first generation Javelot Turbo uses, and this will charge the Turbo 2 in 7.5 hours. Make sure you use the correct magnetic charging cable though, I tried the MCC 1A cable and it struggled to charge the light, as it does not put out enough amps. The MCC3 cable works just fine, though, as this light is designed to use it.
The Turbo 2 is IP67 waterproof, and the Wireless Remote Switch is IP66 waterproof, so you can safely use this light in the rain, but I would not take it swimming. If you were to drop it in a puddle though and you picked it up quick it would be ok, which is good to know, because when you are hunting in the bush you have no control over the weather. The Turbo 2 also has a maximum drop distance of 1m, the same as the Javelot Turbo.
So, as you can see the Turbo 2 is an improvement on first generation torch in almost every way. Though the slightly lower waterproof rating is likely because you now have the USB-C charging point on the front end of the new torch, the previous Javelot Turbo did not have this. And the original one did have a longer batter life on some settings, but it also had a lower intensity bulb, so you are trading some battery life for more power. Overall, though, it is clearly a step up.
This is what the Javelot Turbo 2 looks like in action:
Figure 8: Javelot Turbo 2, on Turbo setting.
This picture is the Javelot Turbo 2 on full power. As you can see it has a precise beam, and as noted above on full power it can light up a target at 1500 meters. For comparison sake, in the picture below is the Olight Warrior X 4:
Figure 9: Olight Warrior X 4 on full power
As you can see these are both incredible bright lights, either one is a high quality product. But the Javelot Turbo 2 clearly is the superior light, with superior clarity at a superior range. In the above photo of the Javelot Turbo 2, figure 8, the tree I was shining it at is highlighted clearly. In this picture, figure 9, you can still see the tree, but it is not as clearly defined or lit up. It is easy to see why the Javelot range is so lauded by hunters. This light with give you the clarity you need to spot a deer, or a pig at a great distance at night.
This light would also be a great asset for any search and rescue person. As you can see things lit up and a remarkable distance. Whether you were searching on foot, in a helicopter, or in a vehicle, you will be able to see for great distances.
Because of the Wireless switch, you have three ways of turning the Javelot Turbo Pro on and off, either with the Wireless switch (when it is paired), with the tail switch, or with the power button on the front of the torch, which has the power indicator. Each Switch has clearly defined functions, which are explained in the manual and this gives you great versatility when you are out in the bush hunting.
So, is this a good value product? Yes. It is a very good light. If you already have the original Javelot Turbo you already have an excellent light, but the Javelot Turbo 2 is even better. It is very much worth checking out. If you do not have this light and you want a superior hunting light that is rifle mountable or portable, this light is an excellent choice. And considering this time you get the extra switch in the package it is very good value for money, compared to the old Javelot Turbo. I highly recommend the Javelot Turbo 2, it is a fantastic light and a clear step up from its predecessor.