Perhaps what we all look for whenever buying a product is this: getting the most out of each penny.
Especially with products we would want to depend on, like flashlights, quality performance is what matters most. Luckily, Thrunite can offer you just the right flashlight that fits most situations — from just rummaging through the attic to assisting you in survival situations.
Pros
- Good grip
- Tough build and easy to store.
- Hard to search for Mode Switch button.
- Light difference between modes is rather lacking
- Insufficient knurling.
- Turbo mode is short-lived
The Thrunite Archer is the best AA flashlight in the market today, thanks to it’s multiple bulb option, well high-quality build, and overall performance. Although there are features that feel a bit clunky like the knurling as well as the mode and switch button, it is still head and shoulders above other models in the same price range.
Build Quality
The classic build of the Thrunite Archer Series XP-L makes it even more user-friendly and familiar. It actually is the best AA flashlight in the market today!
No need for complicated guides or manuals since it basically takes only one look at this flashlight to understand which buttons to access. The body of the Thrunite Archer Series XP-L is made of aerospace grade aluminum body with military grade Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
Not only does this ensure durability, it also looks slick and solid as you make your way out of dimmed situations. Knurling on the body extends up to the end cap. This makes the handling on the flashlight better-gripped and fall-proof too, since the texture of the knurling stops any unwanted movement from almost all kinds of surface.
Bulb Options and Lumens
The Thrunite Archer Series also boasts great LED bulb options, that is, the CREE XP-L V6 (Cool White – CW) and the XP-G2 (Neutral White – NW). Aside from being the best AA flashlight brand out there, Thrunite also lets you decide what tint you would want for your flashlight. Included in the box packaging are sample tints in the form of stickers, so you can see for yourself and decide by then.
Now on lumen count, the Archer Series models offer as much as 840 lumens on High mode which can last for about 125 minutes. That is an impressive runtime for a flashlight, considering the radical temperature changes. Thrunite really offers the best quality of flashlights by ensuring the durability of its hardware. Again, lumen count varies on High Mode from model to model, but other than that, lumen output stays unchanged. For example, Firefly Mode give out 0.55 lumens, regardless of which flashlight model on the Thrunite Archer Series XP-L.
Beam Distance, Flood, and Throw
Beam is also an important factor to consider in flashlight shopping, and the Thrunite Archer Series XP-L flashlights prove to be the best in the market. The peel reflectors in this flashlight line are smooth enough to ensure a high quality beam. Beam distance can be up to 161 meters at maximum light output.
Thrunite also made sure that you have options when it comes to the type of lighting you want to see. Depending on the situation, you would want a flashlight that throws an impressive amount of light when it comes to search operations, or you would prefer to have a flashlight that floods an area quite well to have a clear view of the center and peripheral areas. TN36 models or NW models give tight focused beams for a good throw, while TN35 models offer wide illumination for a good flood feature.
Of course, beam distances vary from model to model and usually, higher voltage source means higher light outputs and farther beam distances as well. But upon inspection, Firefly Mode and Medium Mode remain unaffected by these factors, so they give out the same light outputs and beam qualities throughout the whole Archer Series.
Aesthetics and Usability
User Interface (UI) of the Thrunite Archer Series is also commendable. Switches are placed just where you would expect them, hence the traditional and familiar design. The simple on/off switch is strategically placed separate from the light mode switch.
The tail switch acts as the on/off button designed as a forward clicky switch, which helps with the overall flashlight grip and convenience of use. Holding onto the switch turns it on for a moment, while clicking it permanently turns the flashlight on.
Light modes are also easy to access through a side button/switch on the body of the flashlight, just near the head/torch. The mode sequence is as follows: Firefly > Low > Medium > High—the perfect sequence to preserve your night vision. Pressing and holding onto the switch activates the Strobe Mode—fast and hidden just the way it should be. There is also a memory feature that lets you access the last mode you used.
Batteries and Charging
The Thrunite Archer Series XP-L is basically powered by a single AA battery, and it really uses that feature as an advantage. Some models in the series can also run on CR123A, RCR, or 14500 battery cells. Runtimes prove to be excellent but most showed an apparent lower lumen output after 3.5 minutes on High Mode except for the Archer 1A that used a single AA battery cell. Lumen output stability is also commendable on other light modes.
Pros
- There is a U-shaped groove at the tail that prevents the flashlight from being accidentally turned on. It also helps with the overall flashlight grip.
- Coated by titanium for durability, pocket clips are included for easy storage. These are also reversible and removable.
- The Archer Series is extremely affordable and offer more than what you actually pay for. Real value for money!
Cons
- Lumen difference from High Mode to Medium Mode (180 lumens to 70 lumens for Archer 1A) does not necessarily present a 105-lumen difference.
- Knurling seems to be insufficient for some since the knurling stops on the threads and the part where the brand name is printed.
- The Mode Switch/Button feels too “in” the body case. It is hard to search for the button when only relying to your sense of touch.
Our Verdict
The Thrunite Archer is the best AA flashlight in the market today, thanks to it’s multiple bulb option, well high-quality build, and overall performance. Although there are features that feel a bit clunky like the knurling as well as the mode and switch button, it is still head and shoulders above other models in the same price range.
