There's an old joke about two statisticians playing darts. The first one throws a dart and hits 1 inch to the left of center. He then throws again and hits the dartboard one inch to the right of center.
"Bullseye!" says the other.
With that in mind....
One package was expected to arrive yesterday and the other was expected tomorrow. On average, Canada Post is right on time, since both arrived today!
I can only view so many ads on FB for something I am interested in before I break down and buy it, and that's why I got a Wuben G5 flashlight. I've been looking at them for a while, and lately they have been showing me ads of a white and blue one that looks a lot like a particular trash can like robot from a science fiction series about wars in the stars that I am a huge fan of, so I ordered the green one because it was WAY cheaper than the fancy white and blue one.
Fortunately I also like green. In fact, it's one of my favorite colors.
It was actually supposed to arrive last Thursday but I think my postal carrier may have gotten lost and they updated delivery to yesterday, when it promptly did not arrive.
As for OLight, I got an email saying that the OPen Mini 2 pen was on sale for $8, and that seemed too good to pass up, especially since they offered to throw the i3E EOS flashlight in for free.
And it arrived a day early, so... kudos all around.
I didn't have a choice on color for the flashlight and I got a purple one with 18 on it to celebrate their 18th Anniversary. I have no complaints as purple is also one of my favorite colors.
That's cool, but Multitool.org is older.
The OPen I grabbed was also green, because as I may have mentioned, I like green.
I'm going to play around with each of them over the next little while and let you know what I think of them. The Wuben Light is especially interesting as I think I will put it up against the
OLight OClip OPro as they seem to both fit similar niches and pricing.
My initial thoughts are minimal so far, but the Wuben G5 is about the size of a large Zippo, and seems less intuitive than the OClip Pro, but will it's different options (like color changing LED?), adjustable pocket clip and rotating head make up for it?
We shall see....
Because that's how we roll here at Multitool.org- we actually use stuff and don't just do an unboxing review, tell you what it "feels like" and then get AI to write the full review!
That having been said, here's an AI written review for each!
Wuben G5 Flashlight:🔦 Design & Build Quality
The Wuben G5 is impressively compact—about 3.7 cm × 1.5 cm × 6.2 cm and weighs only ~52 g—making it nearly the size of a Zippo lighter. It sports a durable matte aluminum body, IP68-rated for dust and full submersion, and thanks to rugged sealing and impact resistance, it stands up well to real-world use.
A standout feature is the 180° rotating head paired with a pivoting pocket clip, brilliantly enabling angled, hands‑free lighting. The clip tucks neatly away yet rotates forward when needed—a clever engineering touch.
🔋 Power & Performance
With a built-in lithium‑ion cell and USB‑C charging, the G5 reaches full charge in just ~1.5 hours—quick and convenient. While Wuben claims 400 lumens peak output with a throw of ~82 m, benchmark testing shows about 278 lumens at 30 seconds (still a solid result) and a beam distance of ~68 m.
White-light runtime is excellent: roughly 65 hours on the lowest mode, while RGB runtime is about 45 hours. Notably, charging passthrough is supported, so you can use the light while it charges—a crucial emergency feature.
🎛️ UI & Modes
A slider switch lets you lock the light, enable LED functions, or set it for charging. Then there’s an e‑switch/dial combo: click to toggle power, double‑click for turbo (white) or strobe (RGB), and long‑press to switch between white/RGB. The rotary dial enables smooth stepless brightness control—but users have noted brightness ramping isn’t truly smooth, with noticeable jumps, and no “moonlight” ultra‑low mode.
🌈 White & RGB Lighting
You get both white and RGB LEDs. White output maxes at 400 lm, sufficient for most EDC and task needs, but color rendering is cool/low-CRI—acceptable for work purposes, less ideal for color-sensitive tasks.
The RGB offers 7 colors and beacon/strobe modes—useful for signaling or ambient light—and doubles runtime.
🧲 Magnetic Tail & Clip
A magnetic tailcap enables hands‑free attachment to metal surfaces. It's strong vertically but struggles horizontally—you’ll need a stronger magnet for sideways use, according to Reddit feedback.
👍 What Users Love
Compact versatility: Lightweight and pocketable, yet multi‑functional.
Innovative UI: Dual-source (white+RGB), adjustable head, magnetic mount—great for outdoors or repairs.
Strong runtime and charging: Quick USB‑C recharge, usable while charging, long duration on low.
Fun and practical: “Small, functional and fun,” say Amazon reviews.
👎 Areas for Improvement
UI quirks: Dial is stiff, mode transitions awkward; no smooth ramping; lacking tactical strobe in white.
Magnet is weak: Fails to support horizontal mounting.
Tint and CRI: Cool white may not satisfy those seeking rich color rendering.
🗣️ User Voices
“Great form factor and adaptability… magnetic tail is a nice plus.”
“Brightness ramping is not smooth at all… a huge jump from the lowest brightness.”
Another user noted:
“Small, functional and fun. I use them often just looking for things… Great light!”
🎯 Verdict
The Wuben G5 is a standout budget EDC light around $20–25. It packs impressive versatility—rotating head, dual LEDs, magnetic mount, USB‑C—and performs reliably in most tasks. It’s especially appealing for users who want a lightweight, multifunctional tool for camping, repairs, or emergencies. That said, UI inconsistency, magnet strength, and color rendering hold it back from perfection.
🎖️ Final score: 4 out of 5 stars—excellent value for the price, with room to refine in future versions.
OLight OPen Mini 2:🖋️ Overview & Design
The Olight Open Mini 2 is a bolt‑action EDC pen that ingeniously combines a ballpoint and pencil in one sleek package. Measuring about 4.13" (105 mm) in length, with a diameter of 0.39" (~9.8 mm) and weighing just 0.55 oz (≈15.8 g), it’s light, slender, and perfect for on‑the‑go writing needs.
Constructed from anodized aluminum alloy and featuring a skeletonized barrel design, it feels exceptionally well‑balanced and comfortable for extended use. A stainless‑steel clip ensures secure carry on a pocket or notebook cover.
🧰 Functionality & Writing Performance
The reverse S‑shaped bolt‑action slider smoothly switches between the ballpoint tip and pencil tip, adding a satisfying tactile experience—some users even call it fidget‑friendly. The ballpoint uses Olight’s proprietary O‑refill, claimed to write up to 2,000 ft without skipping or blotting. The pencil tip, alloy‑reinforced, shortens by only ~1.46 mm after writing 600 m—plus it comes with two spare tips.
Writing feel is smooth and consistent. The 0.7 mm ballpoint offers clean lines, while the pencil delivers a sharp, precise experience—similar to a freshly sharpened standard pencil, according to users.
✅ Real‑World Feedback
Users generally praise its size and usability:
“Super small… perfect little EDC Pen!!”
“Pick your poison. The Open mini 2 is a great upgrade… writes exactly like a freshly sharpened regular pencil.”
The compact footprint struck many users as impressively pocket‑friendly—it looks small online, but in hand feels just right. One user described it as “super small” yet well sized for daily carry.
⚙️ Strengths & Pros
Dual Writing Modes: Ballpoint and pencil in one elegantly compact form.
Bolt‑Action Delight: Smooth, satisfying switching mechanism adds tactile flair.
Durable Components: Alloy pencil tips and O‑refills built for long-term writing.
Ultra-light & Thin: At ~16 g and slim diameter, it barely adds weight to your pocket or notebook.
Thoughtful Extras: Includes two spare pencil leads and refill options available.
👎 Minor Weaknesses & Considerations
Tiny Pencil Tips: Some users noted the lead area feels small for heavy sketching or drafting.
Refill Dependency: The O‑refill is proprietary and may cost more over time.
No LED or Utility Features: Just a writing tool—no illumination or multifunction extras.
Cost vs. Simplicity: While well built, the price feels steep given it’s a combined pen/pencil without more utility features.
✍️ Verdict
The Olight Open Mini 2 is a remarkably refined, micro‑sized writing tool that blends form and functionality in perfect harmony. Ideal for those who want a minimalist refillable pen with pencil versatility, it performs exceptionally well in everyday carry contexts. Lightweight, durable, and thoughtfully engineered, it’s a standout in its category.
While purists who prefer thicker drawing tools or non‑proprietary refills may find it limiting, most users will appreciate its precision, fidget‑friendly action, and compact elegance.
Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Excellent for journaling, sketching on the fly, or maintaining a sleek everyday carry setup.
OLight i3E EOS:🧩 Overview & Design
The Olight i3E EOS is ultra‑compact, measuring about 60.5 mm long, 14 mm in diameter, and weighing just 19–20 g with battery
Wikipedia. Made from Type III anodized aluminum, it resists scratches and corrosion, though its finish does wear with heavy use. The head twists to activate, offering a reliable one-way interface that prevents accidental turn-ons—a twist clockwise turns it on, loosen to switch it off.
💡 Performance: Brightness & Beam
The light uses a Philips Luxeon TX LED paired with a PMMA TIR lens, delivering a clean, uniform beam of about 90 lumens (silver versions up to 120 lm) and a throw of approximately 44–48 meters. The beam features a bright spotlight with generous spill, ideal for keyhole illumination, close‑range searching, or quick lighting tasks. Measured at 10 ft (≈3 m), it delivers about 66 lux on high mode.
There's no PWM flicker, ensuring a stable output without visible pulsing.
🔋 Power & Runtime
Powered by a single AAA battery—NiMH is preferred for performance (≈70 min runtime), though alkaline gets about 45 minutes of light. Using a high-voltage 10440 lithium cell can deliver up to 343 lumens initially, but generates extreme heat quickly and is not recommended without active cooling. That said, for standard AAA use, the light remains cool even after several minutes of operation.
🗣️ Everyday Carry & Practical Use
The i3E EOS’s standout trait is its size. It's described across the community as “so small it lives happily on a key ring” and “barely any bigger than the keys on your keychain”. One user noted:
“I have one on every keychain…”
“It’s small enough for a keychain but plenty bright and easy to use.”
Another shared:
“Super simple… writes exactly like…” (about other device) Actually praising i3E:
“Great little light”
Its split-ring tail attachment is perfectly integrated for keychains; it slips in and out smoothly without damaging either ring or light.
It has a solid IPX8 water resistance rating and survives accidental dips or weather exposure with no issues. Many users report years of rugged service with minimal failure.
✅ Pros & ✳️ Cons
Pros:
Extremely compact and lightweight (≈19 g).
Surprising brightness (90 lm) for its size.
Simple, twist-to-activate UI prevents accidental activation.
Compatible with common AAA batteries.
Durable anodized aluminum with solid water and impact resistance.
Very affordable—frequently available as a free or low-cost promotional item.
Cons:
Only one brightness mode—no low or mid options for conserving power.
Finish scratches and wears when carried on keys for extended periods.
Limited runtime—less than 1.5 hours on NiMH, shorter on alkalines.
Prone to overheating with 10440 lithium cells; not officially recommended.
No built-in clip—can be harder to use hands‑free or stand upright.
Additionally, one user reported a heat-related malfunction:
“The flashlight was very hot to the touch… I took it out and battery also felt hot… probably a manufacturing defect. They sent me a replacement.”
🎯 Verdict
The Olight i3E EOS nails what it sets out to be: a no-fuss, ultra-portable, and dependable AAA keychain flashlight. It’s built well, packs an impressive punch for its size, and performs exactly when needed. While limited by a single mode and modest runtime, it excels as a backup light for quick tasks, key-in-the-lock moments, or safe illumination in emergencies.
It’s hard to beat the value—often just a few dollars or free with Olight promotions—and it earns high marks in ultra‑compact reliability. For anyone wanting a pocket‑light that’s always ready and never intrusive, the i3E EOS is a top-tier choice.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – simplicity and portability define this gem, and it delivers exactly what you'd expect.
Just a side note- I spent way too much time editing those AI reviews. I could have probably written an actual review in the time it took to delete all the extra formatting and crap.
I think we will stick to normal reviews....
Def
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