Review : ThruNite TN12 2016 Flashlight (XP-L V6 & 18650 / 2x CR123)

“The TN12 (2016) XP-L is a portable & practical EDC LED flashlight, which adopts latest CREE XP-L V6 LED to make output up to 1100 lumen.”

Overview :

* Adopts CREE XP-L V6 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

* Uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries (not included).

* Max output: 1100 lumens with XP-L V6.

* Working voltage: 2.7V - 9V.

* Versatile mode(Tested with a ThruNite 3400mAh 18650 battery):

  1. Turbo (1100 lumens /95 minutes)
  2. Strobe (1100 lumens /3.8 hours)
  3. High (435 lumens /4.2 hours)
  4. Medium (175 lumens /11.8 hours)
  5. Low (18 lumens /5.5 days)
  6. Firefly (0.4 lumens /74 days).
  • Peak beam intensity: 12800 cd.
  • Max beam distance: 226 meters.
  • Reverse polarity protection design to protect from improper battery installation.
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum body.
  • Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
  • Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating.
  • Smooth reflector gives perfect beam and throw.
  • Dimension: *143mm (Length)25.4mm (Diameter).
  • Weight: only 86g (without batteries)
  • Accessories: Holster x 1, Spare O-rings x 2, Lanyard x 1, Tail Cap x 1, Pocket Clip x 1.

First Look :

Flashlight in it’s box :

Package Contains :

  • Flashlight
  • Holster
  • User manual
  • “Thank you” card
  • Lanyard
  • 2x O-rings
  • Pocket Clip
  • Extra rubber boot

A closer look :

Flashlight is slightly longer compared to classic 18650 lights (143mm) due to the space tail switch and e-switch takes :

Flashlight has a SMO reflector and AR coated lens :

It changes modes through the e-switch (and tailcap switch works as an on/off switch) :

And the very nice logo (+info) on the opposite side :

Tail switch (on/off function) :

Clip (removable) :

Nice , “square” & anodized threads :

Flashlight’s Parts :

You can see in order : the tailcap ,the flashlight head , battery tube and one 18650 battery for reference

Flashlight head , you can see the spring is gold plated :

Tailcap :

Flashlight’s Holster :

Holster is designed for TN12 , perfect fit ! :

Also it’s slim too , so it doesn’t add much space .

Disassembly :

Led can be easily changed :

Led is on Copper mcpcb .

Reflector has threads , and it’s screwed inside the “bezel” .

How it works (&modes) :

Flashlight uses the switch at the taicap for on/off function . E-switch navigates easilly through modes , with a short press(Firefly - Low - Medium - High - Turbo) . Long press activates Strobe Also flashlight has mode memory .

Firefly mode is fantastic ! It is ULTRA low .

Measurements :

NCR18650GA 3500mAh was used in all measurements

Lumens on highest setting (high mode) : 1032

Tailcap measurements (amp draw) :

  • Firefly - 1.7mA
  • Low - 40.5mA
  • Medium - 0.30A
  • High - 0.84A
  • Turbo - 3.18A

Runtimes :

Factory Runtimes using 18650 :

  • Turbo (95 minutes)
  • Strobe (3.8 hours)
  • High (4.2 hours)
  • Medium (11.8 hours)
  • Low (5.5 days)
  • Firefly (74 days)

My test , with thermal data :

Notes : When voltage drops below 3 Volts , flashlights blinks every 8 seconds .

PWM :

Led in lower modes uses PWM , but the frequency is so high that it can’t be seen (even by sensitive flashaholics’ eyes :smiley: ).

Intensity :

TN12 (2016) : 11.87kcd

Beamshots :

Wall @ 12m ( ISO 250 , S 1/8 ) :

Medium :

High :

Turbo :

Wall @ 12m ( Different camera setting , ISO 250 , S 1/15 , closer to eyes’ view ) :
Turbo :

Conclusion :

A very nice flashlight from ThruNite , made from high quality components . Flashlight is ideal for both inside a house or outside use . Combines flood with some good amount of throw , and long runtimes even on the highest settings . Recommended !

Comment if you want me to check something on the flashlight , or tell your opinion . Thanks !

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Would you like one ?

20% OFF coupon code: Xmas , (from 24th November to 23rd December, for official website only: http://www.thrunite.com )

Amazon US: Amazon.com: ThruNite

Thanks for the review!

I had the OLD version[2012] and gave it to a friend. It was a very reliable light when I had it.

I like the UI of the new light better. Was not a fan of twisting the head to change modes!,a switch is much better!

Nice
Love this light, yet my wife took it (and she hates hotspots can you imagine how much she likes the rest :wink: )

I was impressed by this flashlight wolfdog , it’s very compact and every component seems to be high quality .

Thanks !

Thanks for letting me know , i’ll hide the flashlight now :smiley: :heart_eyes:

Heheh no need for hiding, it looks like any tube style light
Just don’t let her tough it, feeling it means loving it :wink:

Hello George,
Does the head vacuumed and glued?

Thanks for the review, looks good.

I don’t know how the driver is mounted , but I’ll look into it .

Bezel isn’t glued , you can replace led easily . I’ll post some pics when i update some other things on the review .

Review updated , i think it’s complete .

I may update the review with the exact pwm frequency in every mode .

Please comment if you liked (or not :slight_smile: ) the review .

You got to have the light in your hand to appreciate the quality; the Thrunite effect?

Haha i think part of it can be seen through my review . But yes , once you take it , you love it :stuck_out_tongue:

No cons for me , except the length maybe for someone that wants to use it as an edc .

One more good and comprehensive review Giorgos, thanks! :+1:

Thanks for the review!

Another nice review !! Good job Giorgos, thanks !

BlacktypeGR aka Xmoran :wink:

Thanks for your kind words :beer:

Nice review. Thank you for the info George!