Review: ThruNite Saber 1A (updated T10)
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 15:43
ThruNite Saber 1A
Summary
| Battery: | 1 x AA |
| Switch: | Twisty |
| Modes: | 3 (Low, Medium, High) |
| LED Type: | Cree XP-G2 |
| Lens: | Glass |
| Tailstands: | Yes |
| Price: | $31 |
| From: |
Features and Specification:
- LED:Cree XP-G2 LED with a lifespan of 20+years of run time.
- Three modes of output:High (169lumen,1.5hours),Low (9lumen,39hours), Firefly (0.09lumen,147hours).
- Memory function to stay at any one of the 3 modes.
- Regulated current for smooth consistent strong output.
- Max 169 lumen output using 1.5V AA battery.
- Air craft quality aluminum body structure.
- Premium type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish.
- Tempered double coated ultra clear glass lens.
- Stand on tail to serve as candle.
- Water proof to IPX-8 standard.
- Streamlined body design.
- One handed operation.
- Compact easy to use twist switch.
- Reverse polarity protection.
- Accessory: key ring.
- Size:81mm*17mm.
- Weight:17 gram without battery.
The ThruNite Saber 1A is the updated version of the version of the Thrunite T10. The T10 used a XP-G LED and the output was 115 ANSI lumens, the new Saber 1A uses a XP-G2 with a output of 169 ANSI lumens.
The first thing I noticed after taking the Saber 1A out of the box was how silky smooth the threads are, for some reason the older T10 was always stiff to tighten and couldn't be twisted on with 1 hand. I think that was party due to a thicker o-ring or perhaps the threads although they both look identical when to my eye. It has squared threads and come pre-lubricated with some light oil as you can see below.
On the back of the driver you can see what appears to be glue, I would guess that the driver and pill is screwed in to the optimal position for the beam and glued in place to stop it from twisting with turning on and off and losing focus.
If you are not familiar with the T10's (or Saber 1A) size it is pretty small and very light, I prefer to use lithium primary due to the weight. It nearly feels like you are holding a stick of chalk in your fingers, with a Ni-MH it feels noticeably heavier. Size comparison below.
Wondering if you can even notice the difference in brightness between the T10 and Saber 1A?
Beamshots coming up next...
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Thu, 01/24/2013 - 15:56
#2
Bonus Pics
Bonus Pics
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Thu, 01/24/2013 - 16:06
#3
Keep cranking out the AA
Keep cranking out the AA light reviews! I’m interested in the lux with a 14500…
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 17:24
#4
I have one of these on the
I have one of these on the way, so good to hear it is easily used one-handed. That’s a really nice thing about the Ti – easy, and smooth one handed operation.
It does look quite a lot brighter than the T10 from the beamshots.
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 20:08
#5
Tecmo wrote:Keep cranking out
Keep cranking out the AA light reviews!
I have another 3 new AA lights to review here at the moment. Hopefully I’ll get 1 done a day for the next few days.
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Thu, 01/24/2013 - 20:38
#6
I agree the Saber is
I agree the Saber is brighter, but the T10 handles one-handed-operation beautifuly IMO. At least on my sample.
If you have the T10, I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade to Saber…may be worthwhile to move up to Archer version though.
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 20:42
#7
Thank you, especially for the
Thank you, especially for the beam shots!
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 00:35
#8
Thanks for the review ezarc.
Thanks for the review ezarc. The new model looks good. You have taken some nice pictures with I assume your new camera. Good stuff.
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 01:18
#9
Thanks.
Yeah it was taken
Thanks.
Yeah it was taken with my new camera and my new light box.
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Fri, 01/25/2013 - 02:19
#10
Nice mate. Tell us more of
Nice mate. Tell us more of this mystical box of which you speak. 
Mon, 01/28/2013 - 07:54
#11
Thanks very much! Frontpage’d
Thanks very much! Frontpage’d and Sticky’d.
Mon, 01/28/2013 - 19:30
#12
I got one in… it is totally
I got one in… it is totally DEAD! Just what I have come to expect from Thrunite. 
Mon, 01/28/2013 - 20:17
#13
texaspyro wrote:I got one in…
I got one in… it is totally DEAD! Just what I have come to expect from Thrunite. |(
I noticed you have posted in multiple threads the same thing and about the Ti’s as well, have you contacted them about it?
On the site it says they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I am sure you won’t have any problems having them replaced or getting a refund.
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Tue, 01/29/2013 - 19:42
#14
Ezarc, another nice review
Ezarc, another nice review 
!
How about runtimes and/or amp draw?
Oh and comparison beamshots with your Archer is a MUST!
Wed, 03/20/2013 - 11:07
#15
How does it compare versus
How does it compare versus the Archer?
I mean in terms of performance, and throw?
Wed, 03/20/2013 - 21:14
#16
infinitusequitas wrote:How
How does it compare versus the Archer?
I mean in terms of performance, and throw?
The Archer out throws it, the Saber is more flood.
For performance the lumens are 169 for the Saber and 178 for the Archer, but the Archer appears a lot brighter outside due to the throw.
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Wed, 03/20/2013 - 21:55
#17
ezarc wrote:infinitusequitas
How does it compare versus the Archer?
I mean in terms of performance, and throw?
Thank you for the reply. I already ordered the Archer before this, so was torn on ordering this as well, or holding off.
Thu, 03/21/2013 - 17:02
#18
I’m new to Thrunite and
I’m new to Thrunite and multi-mode twisty lights. How does the UI work? I just got a Ti and have it with me at all times on my keychain. That UI is simple since it’s only dual-mode and wouldn’t need memory. I can understand the Archer which is multi-mode memory but has a tail switch and twist for mode changes. The Saber is multi-mode with memory and only a twist UI.
Thu, 03/21/2013 - 17:14
#19
CharT wrote:I'm new to
I'm new to Thrunite and multi-mode twisty lights. How does the UI work? I just got a Ti and have it with me at all times on my keychain. That UI is simple since it's only dual-mode and wouldn't need memory. I can understand the Archer which is multi-mode memory but has a tail switch and twist for mode changes. The Saber is multi-mode with memory and only a twist UI.
If it's like other twisty flashlights with modes;
1. Twist it to turn on. It will turn on in high or low (most small lights start on high).
2. Quick twist off and back on will switch it into the next mode in the sequence. (For example if you start in high, it will most likely switch to medium, do it again, and you have low.)
3. Once you have a mode selected, and twist the light off for a longer time, it should come back to the the same mode it was in before you shut it off.
Depending on the driver, some lights will come back to the same preset mode even after you swap batteries, others will default to the original high or low mode.
Sat, 04/27/2013 - 00:15
#20
texaspyro wrote:I got one in…
I got one in… it is totally DEAD! Just what I have come to expect from Thrunite. |(
I finally got around to working on this toad. It had not one, not two, but three… yes, count’em three problems that kept it from working.
First one of the emitter wires was not properly soldered to the star. Blob of solder, but no continuity to the star. I originally tested the head by clipping a battery directly to the head and got no light so I assumed the driver was DOA.
Second the spring in the base was not making contact to the tube. No amount of futzing could get it to make contact. The dreaded WOAF (wad of aluminum foil) hack got that kludged around… crammed a big wad of foil under the spring.
Third was the driver was sitting slightly below the edge of the pill. It would not make contact to the tube when the head was screwed in. I ran a bead of solder around the outer driver ring to get it working.
Tossed it into the Sphere ‘o Many Mysteries:
Moon: 0.15 lumens
Low: 12.8 lumens
High: 115 lumens (what a T10 should be. Saber should be 169 lumens)
CCT: 6400K
I think that I’ll try a Nichia 219 in it…
Sat, 04/27/2013 - 00:54
#21
Got the Nichia 219 in
Got the Nichia 219 in it:
Moon: .05 lumens
Low: 9.5 lumens
High: 86 lumens
CCT: 4200K
CRI: oh my!
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 20:46
#22
I just occurred to me that
I just occurred to me that the “Saber 1A” is sold as “Spirit” by Fasttech, for $22.00.
I wonder who really makes those things?
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 21:07
#23
Mine, too (BLF “special”). I
Mine, too (BLF “special”). I finally took some 400 grit sandpaper and roughed up the bottom of the tube. Seems to have helped.
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 23:06
#24
Jeez, you’re right.
Look familiar?
I just occurred to me that the “Saber 1A” is sold as “Spirit” by Fasttech, for $22.00.
I wonder who really makes those things?
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 22:17
#25
I wish the spirit was an
I wish the spirit was an xpg2.
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 22:50
#26
despite all of the ‘issues’
despite all of the ‘issues’ with TN and the BLF 1A, I have to say that my copy (from fleabay, $25 bo) has been great! On 14500 it is a great little light… keeps moonlight mode as well…
Hope those who are having issues get the details sorted…
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 23:07
#27
transposon wrote:I wish the
I wish the spirit was an xpg2.
i assume that is easily fixed
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 23:29
#28
I tried a couple of NiMH
I tried a couple of NiMH cells. They would not fit in the tube. Tube is 14.3mm ID. NoMem 2500 mAh cell is 14.3 mm, goes in half way. Imedion 2200 mAh is 14.28 mm, goes in about 3/4 way and then seems like air pressure is keeping it from going in the rest of the way. I’m not going to force the issue…
Beamshot comparison.