Tool Review: Olight ArkPro and ArkPro Ultra
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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: This was easily the best quick-deploy inspection light I have ever used.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: It is three lights and a laser pointer all in one small package with a very powerful light. If that’s not enough, it has a UV setting that’s great for AC and oil leaks!
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Minimal setup was involved. You open the box, charge the light, and it's ready to use. It's important to note that the light won't work until after it has charged up a little bit.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Super easy and intuitive; selecting brightness or light type settings is a breeze!
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The ArkPro is packaged in a quality, conventional cardboard box, not really noteworthy. The ArkPro Ultra, on the other hand, comes in a high-end box, also cardboard, I think, but really stiff and feels almost like wood. Plus, it has a slide-off lid that makes opening the box for the first time reminiscent of opening jewelry. The ArkPro Ultra box is downright attractive.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?
A: No manual was included, but a simple instruction sheet was, and that was more than adequate.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I've owned hundreds of flashlights and inspection lights from most of the top brands. Olight only recently came onto my radar for its red dot optics.
Multiple beam types aren’t a new concept, but the ArkPro breaks new ground with the simplicity of its layout, the multiple bulbs, and how easy it is to use the different light types. Having multiple beam intensity options that are super easy to switch through is great.
The rectangular profile allows this light to sit in my pocket more comfortably than the previous round-profile light I carried daily. The magnetic charging connection is awesome, too.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: I take a lot of pride in picking tools apart and finding ways they could be improved. The ArkPro Ultra is really the first inspection light I’ve used that I would consider perfect.
Oddly, the ArkPro’s light appears brighter than the ArkPro Ultra’s. The Ultra’s light actually gets washed out by the ArkPro, which is the opposite of what I expected.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: It would be easier to list what I wouldn’t use this light for. Multiple times a day, I pull an inspection light from my pocket to shine light on something. Now that I have the ArkPro Ultra, I’ll be shining a better light on everything!
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: I’ve used flashlights and inspection lights for more than 30 years in the auto trade, and the rectangular shape is a game changer. The magnetic charging port is great, and having a UV light is incredible. Previously, any time I needed a UV light, it would take me 20 minutes to find one. Now, it’s always in my pocket.
The light also has a substantial feel to it. It’s not heavy, but it feels rugged, not cheap. Most technicians will understand what I mean. Often, just by picking up a tool, a seasoned tech can tell if it’s a quality tool or cheap junk. The ArkPro just feels like quality.
Having a magnet on the tail of the flashlight has also been more useful than I would have expected.
Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: No questions, no concerns. Congrats to Olight for producing the best carry light I have ever used!
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: A 10; it is a perfect inspection light.
The ArkPro Series Flat Unibody EDC Flashlight from Olight is an upgraded version of the Arkfeld Series, combining 1700 lm of Pure Flood, 800 lm of spotlight, 365nm UV light, and green beam in one flashlight. The UV light features both low and high power modes to reveal stains, detect leaks, and create glowing effects. Four lights can be used separately, and the green beam can be used together with any of the three light sources to achieve seven combinations. Made from Olight's O-aluminum. The LED flashlight works with a magnetic USB charging cable or USB-C cables. When fully charged, it can provide up to 14 days of continuous use on moonlight mode.
About the Author
Pete RudloffPete Rudloff
Owner, Pete's Garage, Inc.
Pete Rudloff is a nationally awarded technician, national automotive instructor/consultant, technical writer, software developer, automotive trade advocate, and owner of Pete’s Garage Inc. in Newark, Del. Rudloff has a national reputation as friend to the general auto repair shop and is known for fixing difficult to fix cars and facing challenging trade issues head-on. In 2016, Rudloff created FlexCheck Auto DVI in order to help independent auto repair shops nationwide increase their revenue.
