Thrunite Archer 2A V3 vs Thrunite TC15 V3
Quick take: The Thrunite Archer 2A V3 costs $20 less; the Thrunite TC15 V3 is brighter (2,403 vs 500 lm); the Thrunite TC15 V3 throws farther (223m vs 146m); the Thrunite Archer 2A V3 runs longer on high (4 vs 1.6 hrs).
| Spec | Thrunite Archer 2A V3 | Thrunite TC15 V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $50 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | EDC |
| Lumens | 500 lm | 2,403 lm |
| Candela | 5,300 cd | 12,400 cd |
| Beam distance | 146m | 223m |
| Runtime | 4 hrs (AA high) | 1.6 hrs (high) |
| Battery | AA/14500 | 18650 |
| LED | CREE XP-L2 | CREE XHP35.2 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 1.6 oz | 2.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 0.8 in | 4.8 x 1.0 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Thrunite Archer 2A V3
- ✓Solid build with no cheap materials, in a 2xAA format
- ✓Neutral white tint without the blue cast common to cheap AA lights
- ✓Logical mode spacing with a sub-lumen low, plus mode memory
- ✓Forward clicky gives momentary-on
- ✓Recent production improved the clip tension, mode spacing and coating
- ✗Some owners report units failing after a couple of months
- ✗Reports of lights not powering up without physical adjustment
- ✗Mixed experiences with customer service
- ✗The clip position leaves nearly half the light out of the pocket
- ✗Some overheating reports at higher output
Thrunite TC15 V3
- ✓2,403 lumens from an 18650 for about $50
- ✓USB-C charging that works C-to-C, unlike several rivals
- ✓Small, light and easy to carry everywhere
- ✓Simple interface with standard batteries
- ✓A budget light that genuinely punches above its weight
- ✗Over 8000K at top output — an 'angry blue' tint
- ✗Abrupt low-voltage cutoff with no warning dimming
- ✗The clip's bend makes head-down carry awkward, and the lanyard hole is too small
- ✗Some samples had unreliable turbo engagement
- ✗Thin body and plasticky switch — not duty-light durability