While searching for a laser pointer, I stumbled upon an interesting flashlight multitool - something that could save me from running around the lecture hall with a pen, pointing at slides.

After a few presentations, during which I constantly dashed back and forth, indicating details with my finger or pen on the projector screen, I decided: it’s time for a proper laser. I scoured the web - good-quality pointers are expensive, so I thought maybe a reputable flashlight with a built-in laser would be the smarter choice.

I checked Olight - classic story: non-replaceable batteries and sky-high prices. I kept looking and eventually found Wurkkos HD02. They have several models with green lasers, and two caught my eye: the HD01 and HD02.

The HD01 is lighter, but it doesn’t have a replaceable battery. For me, that’s a dealbreaker - no access to the cell means no way to check its health. One of the key diagnostic metrics is internal resistance: if it rises above ~150 mΩ, the cell is due for retirement and safe disposal. Simply put: if you can’t remove the battery, you can’t check it or swap it - a major limitation.

So the choice was simple - the HD02: a quarter-kilogram beast with >3000 lumens, side panels with adjustable intensity, UV, a green laser, and even a power bank function. In short: it does almost everything.

The flashlight arrived in five days. Unboxing? Naturally, I filmed it - just in case the courier decided to play morning football with packages. First impression: it doesn’t look like a huge, heavy brick. More like a mini Terminator - sandblasted body, deep grooves, great grip. The texture keeps it from feeling like you’re holding a block of ice.

Once in hand, I realized it still has some heft - 256 g with the lanyard. Comparable to a large knife like the Cold Steel Espada. Could it be used for self-defense? Theoretically, yes, but I wouldn’t throw a useful tool - better to keep it for its intended work.

The design has plenty of “meat”: a thicker body dissipates heat better, so you can use Turbo mode longer than on smaller lights that overheat quickly. On top of that, the HD02 is rated IPX6 - meaning it can handle powerful water streams from multiple directions. A solid compromise for a field tool meant to withstand some rough conditions.

Pros and Cons of Wurkkos HD02

Summary

The Wurkkos HD02 isn’t just a flashlight - it’s a proper multitool among lights, a Ferrari in the world of everyday-carry Skodas. Big, shiny, versatile, packed with features, it immediately feels like something special.

What really impressed me is the manufacturer’s straightforward approach. You can swap the battery yourself - standard 21700, no weird one-sided pole tricks - which is a rarity in the world of laser-equipped flat flashlights. The predecessor, HD01, didn’t let you do that, so Wurkkos really nailed this improvement.

I also appreciate the designers’ courage: they went for a heavier, higher-capacity battery, even though one of the main uses is the laser pointer. The result? A flashlight that can last through multi-day trips without complaint. On those trips, I actually found myself using the side panels more than the main LED - perfect for gentle, wide-area illumination without blinding everyone around me.

It’s also surprisingly handy for presentations and lectures, letting you highlight details or point out objects without juggling multiple gadgets. And yes, it doubles as a backup power source if you need to charge a phone or other devices.

Switching from 18650 to 21700 batteries may seem minor on paper, but in practice it’s a game changer - fewer recharges, more runtime, less worry.

If you like compact, powerful tools that feel thoughtful in design, HD02 is one of those rare flashlights that makes you feel like you’re holding a Swiss Army knife in light form.