Wurkkos TS21 vs Thrunite Archer 2A V3
Quick take: The Wurkkos TS21 is brighter (3,500 vs 500 lm); the Wurkkos TS21 throws farther (195m vs 146m); the Thrunite Archer 2A V3 runs longer on high (4 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Wurkkos TS21 | Thrunite Archer 2A V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $30 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | EDC |
| Lumens | 3,500 lm | 500 lm |
| Candela | 9,500 cd | 5,300 cd |
| Beam distance | 195m | 146m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 4 hrs (AA high) |
| Battery | 21700 | AA/14500 |
| LED | Samsung LH351D 5000K | CREE XP-L2 |
| Beam type | Flood | Balanced |
| Modes | Ramping + Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Anduril 2 | Simple |
| IP rating | IP67 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 90 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.4 oz | 1.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 1.1 in | 5.3 x 0.8 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Lifetime |
What owners report
Wurkkos TS21
- ✓Very high output for a compact 21700 body
- ✓Build quality reviewers rate above comparable budget brands
- ✓Generous kit: clip, magnetic tailcap, steel bezel, lanyard, USB-C
- ✓Works as a power bank
- ✓Thermal behaviour is configurable, so the main flaw is fixable
- ✗Default 45°C step-down pins sustained output to a few hundred lumens
- ✗The amber status LED draws about 13mA on high — enough to flatten a cell in storage
- ✗Measured output falls well short of the declared figure
- ✗The manual leaves out information you need
- ✗Firmware is complex for a first enthusiast light
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