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

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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 the budget tier on this site. 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)