Thrunite Archer 2A
Reviewer's Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Summary:
Battery: |
2x AA (nimh/alka) |
Switch: |
Clicky |
Modes: |
Firefly, L/M/H strobe |
LED Type: |
XP-G2 |
Lens: |
Double side AR Coated |
Tailstands: |
Yes |
Price Payed: |
Sample provided for review |
From: |
|
Date Ordered: |
9/3/13 |
Manufacturer Specs:
LED: CREE XP-G2 LED with a lifespan of 20+ years of run time.
Max 272lumen output using 2 1.2v 2800mAh rechargeable AA batteries.
Firefly:0.2lm.678hours; Low:24lm.22hours;Mid90lm.5hours;Max Output:272lm.75minutes;Strobe:272lm.2.5hours.
Working voltage:0.9v to 4.2v.
Removable steel pocket clip.
Max run time:678hours(Firefly mode)
Max beam distance:251meters.
Peak beam intensity:4187cd.
Impact resistant:10meters.
Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
152mm lenght,22.10mm bezel dismeter.
Weight: 75g without battery.
Aircraft grade aluminum body structure.
premium type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish.
Ultra-clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating.
Momentary forward click tactical switch.
programmable memory function
Strobe mode for tactial and emergency use.
Low,medium and high modes to balance power consumption and light output.
Smooth reflector for max light output.
Highly focused beam for maximum distance
Stainless steel front striking bezel.
Tactical knurling for firm girp.
Streamlined body design
Reversed polarity protection.
Durable T-shaped thread.
Intelligent highly effcient circuit board esign for max performance and long run time.
Operation
Press the tail cap half way to momentarily activate the light, completely press the tail cap to click, the light will stay on. Push the tail cap again to click, the light will go off.
Switching between different modes:
Firefly-low-medium-high-strobe,click to turn the light on, then loosen the head by one eighth of a circle, tighten the head back gently, the light will move on to the next mode/function,repeating the same step will cycle the light through all the functions in the order above, then the light will stay at the particular function set by the user.
Battery replacement
Take off the tail cap, insert the battery with positive toward the LED assembly(head of the light), install the tail cap and tighten all the way to operate the light..
Pros:
Excellent finish
Grippy Knurling
Excellent Tint for cool white
XPG2 sports very good throw for a 2AA light
Excellent runtime on low modes
0.2 Lumen firefly :)
Lockout possible by unscrewing tail cap.
Cons:
On the expensive side ($55 retail)
Twisty UI requires two hands to cycle modes
Slight flicker (PWM) is noticeable on firefly mode
Strobe mode is not hidden
Features / Value: ★★★★★
I am giving this light 5 stars for all the features it provides. This light is my glovebox/edc bag light, and has seen daily use since I received it from thrunite about 2 weeks ago. My previous 2 AA lights that saw daily use were a Terralux light star TL300 ($25) and a 4Sevens Quark 2 AA XML ($62). The Archer 2A surpasses both lights in terms of output, throw, and more useful modes. The UI took a bit of getting used to, but is easy enough to quickly change modes.
The only thing I wish is that strobe was hidden - perhaps a double click feature to access strobe? There is also no direct access to moonlight or high - the light will enter the last mode used - meaning you will need to cycle through modes to find the desired output. This is not a dealbreaker for me by any means - I just thought it was worth noting.
Design / Build Quality: ★★★★★
This light is built very well. The threads are square/trapezoidal and no not wobble at all. My light arrived with well lubricated threads as well.
Knurling is on the aggressive side and provides a very grippy feel. I have used this light in the rain a few times, and never was I worried about the light slipping out of my hand.
The tailcap has a recessed lip, to provide a nice cradle for your thumb. The clicky switch has a nice medium/hard press feel to it as well. The Archer 2A will tailstand as well.
The head of the archer 2a sports a nice SS bezel and double side AR coated lens. The emitter also appears well centered.
The overall beam profile of the archer 2a is a good balance between well focused throw and flood. Tint is pure white without any greens/purples.
Battery Life: ★★★★★
I did not do any runtime tests/graphs myself yet. Although with daily use on medium/high my set of 2 eneloops are still going strong after 2 weeks +. Even if the manufactures claims are a bit high - having moonlight mode available for 1 week + should be enough to get you out of any dark cave you fall into :)
Light Output: ★★★★★
On high this light will light up the entire room. I was especially surprised at the amount of throw this light has for such a small head. The XPG2 led behind this for sure. My cats loved this light so much, one of them decided to photobomb this pic lol.
The Archer 2A will provide more than enough light for changing a flat tire at night, walking the dog, or scaring off angry neighbors with strobe mode.
This morning I actually spotted a raccoon about 150 yards away while walking to my car after I heard him tip a garbage can over down the street. The light frightened him and he scurried away.
Summary: ★★★★★
This light was provided to me from thrunite for review. I spent a little more time actually using the light day to day before writing this review. I really cannot find anything about this light that I don't like. It will serve as my main go to glovebox light, and will see some light EDC action as well. At $55 retail it is a little expensive - but I think its worth it.