Recently put on clearance sales on the official ThruNite store EU/US (40€ then 29,95$ + 2,95$ shipping as of today), I wanted to see if it was still worth choosing this flashlight when almost all competitors woke up offer similar solutions in this size / power.
This flashlight powered by one 18650 or 2 * CR123 / 2 * 16340 in a compact form factor provides high output with an originality that can make the difference : the temperature control rather than timer to protect it from overheating.
Basically the temperature is monitored and when it exceeds 85 ° C (at the driver) power is gradually reduced in steps of approximately 20/30 lumens every 10 seconds (this is barely noticeable)
Technically it’s still in the game : this lamp introduced in late 2011 was one of the first to use the LED XM-L U2 : of course the power difference of about 7% is almost invisible compared to XM-L T6 and it is physically impossible to distinguish one from the other …
The LED is mounted on a copper holder rather than AL for better heat dissipation, it is becoming more widespread now, but remember, it was still quite rare two years ago …
There is also a “firefly” mode 0.09 lumens convenient not to dazzle in total darkness, and a not too tight beam with good reach for XM-L in a small reflector.
Note that although it is compatible, I do not recommend the use of CR123 batteries if you plan to use the lamp at maximum output for long periods: the fact that consumption is important may cause the batteries to overheat quickly and lithium do not like it too much …
The manufacturing quality is neat:
-trapezoidal threads, anodized on tailcap side to allow lockout
-coated glass
-Knurling that provides excellent grip, but not on the head which can be a problem to change modes hands wet.
-Switch is hard enough to prevent inadvertent activation and notches in the tailcap allows for easy access. (it can stand up in candle mode, but stability is not optimal.
A removable clip-type, but this one seems to do the job honestly
The lamp is compatible with flat-top batteries with this little terminal tit on the circuitry’s back inside the head
The fairly complete packaging includes:
-replacement switch
-gitd cap replacement
-spare o’ring
-belt hoster
-lanyard
-Cr123 battery tube (to prevent the battery to rattle)
I found it strange that there is confusion in the maximum lumens between thrunite’ website and the packaging:
-On the box 605
–705 On their website
remember, 2011 the ANSI standard was not generalised
The beam is typical from xm-l led in small reflector with it’s big hotspot with a useful mix of throw and spill: it throws much further than an SC600(mk1), however it’s side spill il little less bright.
This 2012 version has unfortunately a smooth reflector (the first version had a textured one) this is excellent for the throw, but it penalizes the beam quality in the central part: the (in)famous donut hole. (beamshots to come)
The interface is extremely simple with only what you really need.
4modes + strobe
modes changing simply by screwing / unscrewing the lamp 1/8th turn when turned on, forward clicky
I found convenient that once arrived in high mode, you should let the head unscrewed a little longer to enter strobe.
Modes:
firefly 0.09 lumens 695 hours
Low 30 lumens 65h
med 95 lumens: 9h
max 705 lumens: 1h12min
pluses:
-Power-good quality / price /
-Simple interface, you can easily lend this lamp to a novice.
-Reliability mode change (no extra button)
-Xm-l-led u2 still in the game two years after its release
-forward clickie
-Ultra-low mode (0.09 lumens for 4 weeks)
-No useless SOS mode
-Lifetime Warranty
+ Negatives:+
-Beam quality (smo reflector)
-No direct access to low or high modes
In conclusion, I would say that this lamp is still in the game: unlike many of its competitors that depends on a timer for overheating protection, this TN12 only reduces maximum power when it is needed, its simple interface and low mode that preserves night vision enhance its versatility and its format and quality workmanship make this a very pleasant to use lamp.
The clearance price is an opportunity not to be missed to try a premium brand at budget price.
i’m planning to swap this one later to an xm-l2 neutral or high cri, i’ll keep you updated of what the insides guts looks like !
link to the website thrunite.com
edit 28/08 : some beamshots vs sc600w (mk1)
*F/2.8, iso80, 24mm eq., 4”, auto WB to minimize tint differences.
control
tn12
sc600w
control
tn12
sc600w
