Olight Arkfeld Ultra vs. Pro: Which Premium EDC Flashlight Is Right for You?

When it comes to premium EDC (Every Day Carry) flashlights, Olight’s Arkfeld series stands out for its sleek, flat design and multifunctionality. The Arkfeld Ultra (1400 lumens) and Arkfeld Pro (1300 lumens) are two of the most advanced models in the lineup, combining powerful white light, UV, and laser capabilities in a compact package. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a professional requiring UV for inspections, or an EDC gearhead, choosing between these two models can be challenging.

In this blog, we’ll compare the Arkfeld Ultra and Pro head-to-head, examining their brightness, battery life, build quality, features, and pricing. Our goal is to help you decide which flashlight best suits your needs. Let’s shine a light on the details!

The Arkfeld Duo: A Quick Overview

The Arkfeld Ultra and Pro are designed for versatility, featuring a “TV remote” shape that slips easily into a pocket or bag. Both offer a foody beam for wide-area illumination, a magnetic tail for hands-free use, and IPX7 water resistance. Here’s the rundown:

• Arkfeld Ultra (1400 lumens): The top-tier model with maximum brightness, a rugged O-aluminum body, and a glass lens for enhanced durability. It’s a 3-in-1 powerhouse with white LED, UV, and laser.

• Arkfeld Pro (1300 lumens): A nearly identical 3-in-1 flashlight with slightly lower output, standard aluminum construction, and a lower price point.

Let’s break down how they compare across key categories.

1. Light Output and Modes: Ultra Bright or Just Bright Enough?

Brightness is the heart of any flashlight, and both the Ultra and Pro deliver impressive performance.

• Arkfeld Ultra (1400 lumens):

  • White LED: Boasts a class-leading 1400 lumens, ideal for lighting up a campsite or a large workspace. It uses an Osram P9 LED with a flood TIR optic, available in Cool White (5700-6700K) or Neutral White (4000-5000K).

  • Modes: Turbo (1400 lumens, steps down to ~420 lumens after 1.5 minutes), High (420 lumens), Medium (100 lumens), Low (15 lumens), Moonlight (1 lumen, up to 11 days), and Strobe.

  • Beam Distance: Reaches 112 meters, with a peak intensity of ~3125 cd.

  • Extras: Includes a 900mw 365nm UV LED (perfect for counterfeit detection or stain checks) and a Class 3r green laser (≤ 5mw, visible up to 300 feet at night). You can use the white LED and laser simultaneously by activating the laser first and double-pressing.

  • Drawback: The Turbo mode drops quickly, limiting sustained high output.

• Arkfeld Pro (1300 lumens):

  • White LED: Outputs 1300 lumens, just 100 lumens shy of the Ultra, using the same Osram P9 LED and floody optic.

  • Modes: Turbo (1300 lumens, sustains 3-4 minutes), High (420 lumens), Medium (100 lumens), Low (15 lumens), Moonlight (1 lumen, 11 days), and Strobe.

  • Beam Distance: 102 meters, with ~2608 cd (measured up to 3223 cd in tests).

  • Extras: Matches the Ultra’s 900mw 365nm UV LED and Class 3r laser, offering the same simultaneous-use capability.

  • Advantage: The longer turbo duration makes it better suited for tasks requiring sustained brightness.

Verdict: The Ultra’s 1400 lumens and 112-meter throw give it a slight edge for illuminating larger areas, but the difference is subtle due to the floody beam. The Pro’s longer Turbo sustainment (3-4 minutes vs. 1.5 minutes) makes it more practical for extended use. Both share identical UV and laser performance, making them equally versatile.

2. Battery and Charging: Power That Lasts

A reliable battery is crucial for EDC, and both models use a built-in Lithium Polymer cell with Olight’s magnetic charging system.

• Arkfeld Ultra:

  • Battery: 1500mAh (5.55 Wh), delivering up to 11 days on Moonlight, 5 hours on UV, or 61 hours on laser.

  • Charging: Magnetic USB-A cable (~0.9A), fully charges in ~2.5 hours.

  • Indicator: 4-LED display shows battery status.

• Arkfeld Pro:

  • Battery: Identical 1500mAh, offering the same runtimes (11 days Moonlight, 5 hours UV, 61 hours laser).

  • Charging: Slightly slower at ~0.88A, taking ~2 hours 43 minutes.

  • Indicator: Same 4-LED setup.

Verdict: The Ultra and Pro are evenly matched with their 1500mAh batteries, providing excellent endurance for long trips. The proprietary USB-A charging cable is reliable but less convenient than USB-C, a common critique for both models in 2025.

3. Design and Build: Built to Last?

Both flashlights share Arkfeld’s signature flat design, but their materials and durability differ.

• Arkfeld Ultra:

  • Size/Weight: 120 x 27 x 16mm, 119g.

  • Material: O-aluminum alloy, 1.77x harder than 6061-T6 aluminum and stronger than titanium, paired with a scratch-resistant glass lens.

  • Design: Features a checkered grip for secure handling, a two-way pocket clip, a magnetic tail, IPX7 water resistance (1m submersion), and 1m drop resistance. A beveled face protects the control dial.

  • Colors: Olive Green, with potential limited editions.

  • Highlight: Its rugged build can withstand extreme tests, like being run over by a vehicle.

• Arkfeld Pro:

  • Size/Weight: Same 120 x 27 x 16mm, but lighter at 111g.

  • Material: 6061-T6 aluminum with a plastic lens and serrated side texture for grip.

  • Design: Similar flat shape, two-way clip, magnetic tail, IPX7, and 1m drop resistance.

  • Colors: Black, Orange, Zombie Green, Paw Edition, and more.

Verdict: The Ultra’s O-aluminum and glass lens make it the tougher choice for harsh environments, while the Pro’s standard aluminum is still durable but less premium. The Ultra’s checkered grip feels grippier, but the Pro’s 8g lighter weight is a slight win for pocketability.

4. Features and User Interface: Seamless Operation

Both models feature an intuitive interface and 3-in-1 functionality, setting them apart as versatile EDC tools.

• Arkfeld Ultra:

  • Controls: A rotating dial selects white LED, UV, or laser; a central button handles on/off (press), brightness cycle (hold), Turbo (triple-press), Strobe (double-press), and Moonlight (long-press).

  • Features: 3-in-1 design (white, UV, laser), simultaneous white LED + laser, and lockout mode (hold ~1s to unlock).

  • Unique: Beveled dial protection enhances durability.

• Arkfeld Pro:

  • Controls/Features: Identical to the Ultra, with the same 3-in-1 versatility and operation.

  • Note: Pioneered the 3-in-1 concept in the Arkfeld series.

Verdict: Both offer a user-friendly experience with identical controls and 3-in-1 functionality. The Ultra’s beveled dial adds a minor durability edge, but the Pro matches it in practicality.

5. Real-World Applications: Where They Shine

The Ultra and Pro are designed for diverse scenarios, from outdoor adventures to professional tasks.

• Arkfeld Ultra:

  • White LED: Brightest at 1400 lumens, perfect for hiking, camping, or illuminating large spaces (e.g., a backyard or worksite).

  • UV LED: Professional-grade (900mW, 365nm) for detecting counterfeit currency, identifying minerals, or checking hotel room cleanliness.

  • Laser: Class 3R for presentations, pet play, or pointing at objects up to 300 feet at night.

  • Best For: Rugged EDC in demanding environments where durability is key.

• Arkfeld Pro:

  • White LED: Nearly as bright at 1300 lumens, suitable for most outdoor or work tasks.

  • UV/Laser: Identical to the Ultra, ideal for inspections or laser-based tasks.

  • Best For: Versatile EDC for users who want premium features without the Ultra’s higher cost.

Verdict: The Ultra excels in rugged scenarios thanks to its tougher build, while the Pro is equally capable for most tasks at a lower price. Both are Swiss Army knives for EDC.

6. Price and Value: Is the Ultra Worth the Premium?

Price is a deciding factor, so let’s see how these two stack up.

• Arkfeld Ultra ($96-$120):

  • Price: ~$96 (Olight sales) to $120 (Amazon, retailers like PhotonLight).

  • Value: The O-aluminum, glass lens, and 1400 lumens justify the cost for heavy-duty use, but the short Turbo (1.5 minutes) and minor lumen gain over the Pro may not impress casual users.

  • Perks: Lifetime warranty (for purchases after January 1, 2023) and often bundled with extras (e.g., Baton Turbo).

• Arkfeld Pro ($90-$130):

  • Price: ~$90 (BrightGuy) to $130 (Amazon Canada).

  • Value: Delivers 95% of the Ultra’s performance (1300 lumens, same UV/laser) at a lower cost. Longer Turbo duration adds practicality.

  • Perks: Same lifetime warranty, frequent discounts (e.g., “10OFFTD” for 10% off).

Verdict: The Pro offers the best value for most users, matching the Ultra’s versatility at a slightly lower price. The Ultra’s premium materials are worth it for those needing maximum durability, but the cost difference may not justify the minor performance gains for everyone.

7. What Users Are Saying

• Arkfeld Ultra: Users love its tank-like O-aluminum build and 3-in-1 versatility, praising its ability to handle tough conditions. Some criticize the short Turbo duration and bulky clip (no lanyard hole). Reddit’s r/flashlight community calls it “overbuilt for EDC” but appreciates the glass lens for clarity.

• Arkfeld Pro: Highly regarded for its value and multifunctionality. Users prefer its lighter weight and longer Turbo sustainment over the Ultra, though the proprietary charging cable draws some complaints.

8. Which Arkfeld Should You Buy?

Here’s the final word:

• Choose the Arkfeld Ultra ($96-$120) if you need:

  • Maximum durability (O-aluminum, glass lens) for rugged use (e.g., camping, professional inspections).

  • The brightest output (1400 lumens, 112m throw), despite a short Turbo duration.

  • 3-in-1 versatility (white, UV, laser) with a premium, long-lasting build.

• Choose the Arkfeld Pro ($90-$130) if you want:

  • Near-identical performance (1300 lumens, same UV/laser) at a better price.

  • 3-in-1 functionality for most EDC tasks, with longer Turbo sustainment.

  • A slightly lighter build (111g vs. 119g) for daily carry.

Final Thoughts

The Olight Arkfeld Ultra and Pro are both stellar EDC flashlights, offering powerful white light, professional-grade UV, and a handy laser in a compact, flat design. The Arkfeld Pro is our top pick for its outstanding value, delivering nearly all the Ultra’s features at a lower cost. If you prioritize ruggedness and a slight brightness boost, the Ultra is your go-to, especially for demanding environments.

Ready to pick your flashlight? Visit Olight’s official site (https://www.olight.com) or retailers like Amazon and BrightGuy. Keep an eye out for discounts like “10OFFTD” for 10% off. Let us know in the comments which Arkfeld you’re choosing!

Pelican 7600 Tactical Flashlight

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A post shared by Whiskey Delta Gulf (@whiskeydeltagulf) on Apr 22, 2017 at 4:41am PDT

Sixteen months ago, I was fortunate enough to win an Instagram contest conducted by Pelican Professional Products. The prize was a Pelican7600 Tactical Flashlight. I was very thrilled to have won and even more enthusiastic to do a flashlight review after a reasonable period of use. As regular followers of the blog know, a free product does not mean a free ride. I carried and used this flashlight as part of my everyday carry (EDC) and for operational use (military) for well over a year. It has racked up some miles as well and has travelled across Canada, USA and Caribbean. It has been a dependable and rugged illumination tool throughout this period of evaluation.

This is why we can't have nice things...

Click on to Enlarge

Whiskey Delta Gulf is an ‘all the lumens’ sort of place. We like as much light as we can carry in our pockets, on our rigs and, most certainly, on our weapons. The innovation, from old D cell MagLights taped to MP5s a la Pogoda Troop era to the modern eye searing models we use today, has been amazing. This year, especially, is proving to be a pinnacle year for those in the light fight as tactical light companies are all releasing more formidable and ground-breaking product.

Fightin’ Lights with Bill Blowers

Bill Blowers of Tap-Rack-Tactical published this article on weapon lights on social media. With his permission, I am reposting it here. I highly recommend bookmarking their page and following there social media. Bill is dropping knowledge bombs almost daily. 

Actual video of a Knowledge Bomb dropping

Over the years I have been fortunate to be in a position where I had a decent equipment budget with which to try new products. The above picture shows some of the recent lights I am happy with, albeit for different reasons. There is no perfect light, and suffice to say that over time there have really been just two work horse manufacturers that have been dropped, thrown, used as impact weapons, and stopped forward momentum by getting slammed into door frames that I was trying to gracefully go through.

The Pelican 1920, Gen2 vs Gen 3.

A photo posted by Whiskey Delta Gulf (@whiskeydeltagulf) on Aug 1, 2016 at 7:50am PDT

Quite a few months ago, I picked up a Pelican 1920 Generation 2 at Mountain Equipment Co-op. This new incarnation was long awaited upgrade to the 1910-20 series of pocket flashlight making the family more competitive with other choices on the market. Both the 1910 and the 1920 Generation 2 were released in Spring of 2014. I finally got around to picking one up in May of 2016.

SureFire Shotgun Forend Conversion

Surefire P2X Fury

Ultra-High Dual-Output LED Flashlight

Please Note: Since the time I purchased this product, Surefire has increased the high output range of the PX2 Dual Mode to 600 Lumens over 500 Lumens.

A photo posted by Whiskey Delta Gulf (@whiskeydeltagulf) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:54am PDT

"All the lumens?" with John Chapman

This Article was published by Mr. Chapman in a private training forum. With his permission, I share it here for others. -Whiskey Delta Gulf

The test to find the light best for your application is this: stand in a lighted area, or in a dark area with full illumination in between you and the target area, and illuminate into the deepest area into which you will need to see detail.

INFORCE 6vx

With the speed of modern operations, lightweight, compact, robust equipment that packs lots of punch is the rule, not the exception. Advanced technology and weapons have made allied forces highly mobile and more lethal. Between carrying those advanced technologies, the batteries required for it and modern ammunition loads, weight and space are at a premium. It is a game of ounces. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. Handheld lights are no exception. Modern handheld tactical lights must be compact, lightweight  robust and longer lasting with a blinding output.

Phase Line Green Tactical Low Light Course AAR

PLGT Low Light Course was conducted at the Rock Cut Range, outside Powassan, Ontario Canada on 20-21 April 2013. The Primary Training Audience (PTA) for this course is the proficient shooter with the need to operate tactically in adverse lighting conditions. While concentrating on consistency of platform and proven tactics, techniques and procedure (TTPs), the course covered daylight and low-light firearms operation, dry-fire and live fire drills. Earl Green, the owner and chief instructor for Phase Line Green Tactical, has over 18 years of instructing tactical operators for multiple police forces and private teams. He draws on his experience in provincial policing and nuclear security teams which included “uniform patrol, uniform supervision, use of force and firearms training, tactical training, tactical operations, specialized training development and delivery, executive protection and criminal investigations.”

Make Ready with John Chapman: NVG/IR Skill Builder

Recently Panteao Productions and John Chapman have released: Make Ready with John Chapman: NVG / IR Skill Builder in DVD format. Panteao Productions produces instructional videos taught by proven leaders and instructors within the tactical industry. While video training will never replace a professional applied curriculum under the watchful eye of an instructor, training time and funds are always at a premium. The name of their instructional video series is “Make Ready”; produced in a one-on-one training layout. The videos are available in DVD, Blue Ray and internet streaming format. Panteao is currently planning release of their ‘Make Ready” series for iOS and Android platforms.

Pelican 1910 Flashlight

As a tactical medic, I like to have lots of lights available to me. Tactically, I prescribed to the Tactical Trinity of Lights; a dedicated weaponlight, a vest/belt kit handheld and a uniform pocket backup light. For medical work, I have both a helmet light and a vest mounted light. As part of my Every Day Carry or EDC, I always have, at least, a light capable of navigating by. For the last year that light has been the Pelican 1910. It is small, unobtrusive and can be carried, even in business attire, without drawing attention. Is it a primary tactical light? NO! It is more of a tertiary tactical light or light duty EDC flashlight.

SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A

My Gallet CG634 helmet is a modified French design, based on the PASGT, but modified for compatibility with Canadian kit. The CG634 is similarly shaped and oft mistaken for a MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet. Mounted on the left side of my helmet is a SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A.

SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A
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Checking IR light sources without NODS/NVDs

You can check the function of IR illuminators, designators and light source without using your NVGs. This reduces the possibility of ruining your NVGs by exposing them to bright light sources. Thanks to Rickshaw for showing me this trick.

Take care out there.

INFORCE White/IR Multifunction Weapon Mounted Light, Part One

INFORCE White/IR Multifunction Weapon Mounted Light, Part One

Prior to this deployment, a long time friend of mine, Earl Green, from Phase Line Green Tactical, recommended a new weapon light to me. Knowing his long experience in the tactical community and our shared belief in high quality gear for operators, I listen to his advice. He was recommending the INFORCE White/IR WML. I did a bit of online research on the WML and contacted their Canadian Distributor RAMPART INTERNATIONAL. After talking to the helpful staff, I ordered the light for use on this deployment. A few days later, it arrived in the mail.