I recently bought a Thrunite T10 in aluminum from the Thrunite store. Since I haven’t seen a review of the “base” aluminum version, I thought I’d share my views on it.
This is my first Thrunite light, as other lights from other brands were higher up on my want list. The T10 arrived in the same packaging and with the same accessories as the T10S (from the numerous T10S reviews out there). The emitter, an XP-G2, looks to be a cool white tint. Nowhere on Thrunite’s website does it say this, and only after ordering the T10 did HKEquipment list the T10 in Cool White and Neutral White. I think the only remedy is to order a T10 NW and gift the one I currently have. Truthfully, even if it wasn’t available in NW, I would likely order another one to gift.
Build: 5/5
My first thought after liberating the T10 from its package was that it was very well put together. I immediately twisted the head off to insert an AA cell and noticed the threads were very smooth, with very little play. They were also lubed from the factory.
The anodizing was even and without any blemishes. It is less shiny than the Eagletac TX25C2 or the Nitecore EA4 that I gifted to my brother. It is very similar to the finish on various Fenix’s I have (E12, E05, etc.)
The clip, although a bit thin, seems to work well and it is not too stiff (like my Zebralight SC52).
There is a bit of rattle with an Eneloop. I don’t think it is a flaw, more of a way to accommodate varying sizes of AA cells.
Design: 5/5
The T10 is a handsome light. The six machined grooves on the head and the slight tapering of the bezel are tastefully done. A little reminiscent of the Tank007 E11.
I prefer the look of aluminum version over the Stainless or Titanium since the body tube of the T10S/T are a bit plain for my tastes. A bit of knurling and some machined flats add a bit of interest. Plus, the stainless bezel and tailswitch are a nice contrast to the black anodizing. The matte pocket clip is the only odd element with its ‘X’ cut out and its odd shouldering.
The screwed-on clip and lanyard hole are an ideal combination. I think all tail-clickie AA lights should be done this way. There isn’t a need for 2 lanyard holes like on my Fenix E12.
I’m glad that Thrunite chose to fit an XP-G2 on the T10. There isn’t much noticeable difference in output between an XM-L2 and XP-G2 in a single AA light. And since I like a bit of throw, the XP-G2 complements the smaller reflector, allowing the T10 to carry quite nicely. My Zebralight SC52, although short and very well-designed, is not an easy light to clip/unclip from a pant pocket, or any pocket for than matter.
Thrunite’s mode spacing is the perfect for a 3-mode light. 0.2, 20, and 169 lumens are noticeably different, making the T10 useful in all kinds of scenarios. Selfbuilt on flashlightreviews.ca measured 205 lumens on the T10S, which seems right to my eyes. The T10 is no slouch in the max lumens department.
Tail-stand is possible, although be careful to install the pocket clip flush with the bottom of the T10 or else tail stand could be a bit wobbly.
Unfortunately, the T10 is does not support 14500. I’ve heard others say it works fine with it but I’m afraid to try.
Value: 4/5
I paid $29.95 + ~$3.00 shipping… Very good value, when you consider it against the very similar D25A (which I don’t have). It seems like it is more than a match. Against the Fenix E12, I think the T10 is a better buy. It is marginally longer but it has better mode spacing, the pocket clip, diffuser, and nice stainless elements. When compared against the Solarstorm SC01… well, it’s twice the price, so maybe it isn’t a much of a bargain. It’s a better light, but twice as good? Maybe.
In summary:
- Excellent mode spacing
- machining is perfect
- threads are smooth with no play
- lubed from the factory
- good looks!
- fixed clip
- tailstand
- Good value
- excellent anodizing
- anodized threads for lockout
- very bright on max
- slight rattle with Eneloops
- pocket clip is a little cheap
T10 in anodized black aluminum…
Nicely centered XP-G2…
Nice smooth threads…
Stainless clicky switch…
Moonlight mode (0.9 lumens)
Wait a sec… something is not right here…
Size comparision…
Beam shapes and colors…
Definitely gets an A+ in my book.