Thrunite/EDC

Thrunite TC15 V3

Name: Thrunite TC15 V3
Brand: Thrunite
Price: 50 USD
Availability: InStock

Amazon's favorite 18650 pocket rocket. 2403 lumens from an XHP35.2, onboard USB-C charging, and double-click turbo from any mode, all in a tube barely bigger than the battery. The single side switch UI is simple to hand to anyone, and the frequent sub-$50 coupons make it one of the best value 18650 lights going.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 29° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 2,403 lm ÷ 12,400 cd — how this works

$50

Check price at Amazon

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The price shown is a snapshot from the last catalog sweep, not a live figure.

Specifications

Output: 2403lm
Peak intensity: 12400cd
Beam distance: 223m
Emitter: CREE XHP35.2
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Balanced
Cell: 18650
Runtime: 1.6 hrs (high)
Modes: 5 Stepped
Interface: Simple
Water/dust: IPX8
Dimensions: 4.8 x 1.0 in
Weight: 2.6 oz
Warranty: Lifetime

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

USB-C Charging Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Thrunite TC15 V3/5 sources reviewed

A budget pick reviewers say punches above its weight: 2,403 lumens from an 18650 with USB-C charging — including proper C-to-C — for about $50, in a small, light, water-resistant body with an easy interface. As a lot of light per dollar in a carryable package, it delivers.

The compromises are where the money went. The colour temperature exceeds 8000K at the highest output — one reviewer called it "angry blue" — which is far outside what anyone tints a light on purpose. The low-voltage cutoff is abrupt, the lanyard hole is too small, and the clip's bend makes head-down pocket carry awkward. Some samples had trouble engaging turbo reliably. And reviewers are explicit about the class boundary: the body is thinner and the switch more plasticky than duty lights, so don't expect SureFire-grade shock tolerance.

Consistently praised

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

Common complaints

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

Questions people ask

How bad is the tint?: At maximum output it measures beyond 8000K, which is genuinely blue — the worst tint in this catalog's budget tier. Lower modes are less extreme. If tint matters to you at all, look elsewhere.
What happens when the battery runs low?: It cuts off abruptly rather than dimming as a warning, so the light dies without notice. Carrying a spare 18650 or topping up early is the workaround.
Is it durable enough for duty use?: Reviewers say no — the body is thinner and the switch feels plasticky next to SureFire or Modlite. It's an excellent value general-purpose light, not a hard-use tool.
Does C-to-C charging really work?: Yes, which is worth noting because several budget lights (including Thrunite's own T2) only charge from A-to-C cables. The TC15 V3 charges from a modern laptop or phone charger.

Sources (5)