ThruNite Catapult V3 XM-L

ThruNite Catapult V3 came in to day that I got off of a guy who actually had it listed on ebay. I ended up getting it for $103 shipped and that was counting insurance. I couldn't pass that deal up, and after opening the box on this baby I sure am glad I didn't. The quality and machining and the heftiness of this flashlight is second to none. Definately the best looking and best quality flashlight that I now own I am proud to say. The body and head on this flashlight is made out of a heavier 7075 aluminum vs some that are made from T6. The feel alone just reaches out and grabs you let alone the detail of the machining. I really like the stainless steel bezel which adds a nice feature. This light is known for its superior throw, and is said to throw 445 meters. And judging by the looks of the smooth and very long reflector I wouldn't doubt that one bit.

Features:

  • Cree The newest XM-L LED with T6 bin
  • Stainless steel bezel
  • Tighten LED shoulder for Maximum. 700+ OFT lumens and 900 LED lumens; loosen for Low->middle->high and strobe with memorary function!
  • Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodizing
  • Constructed from 7075AL for superior durability.
  • Length: 185mm; Head diameter: 58mm; Body diameter: 31mm; Weight: 390g. (Extension tube excluded)
  • Tactical momentary-on forward click switch
  • IPX-8 Water/Dust Resistance
  • Tail cap design allows the light to tail stand
  • Shatter resistant ultra clear lens with double-sided multilayer AR coating
  • 54mm smooth reflector
  • BATTERY OPTIONS: 2 x 18650 / 2 x 17670 / 4 x CR123/ 2 x 18650/2 x CR123/2 x 16340
  • Operation:

    • Press lightly for momentary on and fully press for switch on, turn the bezel to select low or high output. Tighten for high and loosen for low.
    • Battery Replacement:Unscrew the tail cap to insert the batteries with the anode side (+) toward the light’s head, screw the tail cap back on until it is tightened all the way.

    Here's a beamshot at about 10 feet.

  • Here's a beamshot at 85yds to that shed.

  • Overall I am very impressed with this light. I like attention to detail and quality, and I must say that ThruNite has hit a homerun on this Catapult V3. I am tickled now that I finally own one. I would highly recommend this flashlight to anyone.

Indeed, this is a spectacular light. It feels like a weapon. The only other lights I know, that are so robust are Fenix TA30 and TK20 (but in smaller scale).

Also, the description of main features is not accurate. There's no battery overdischarge protection (or current step-down). At least not according to my or Selfbuilt experience. And in V3 they brought back MCU. And V2 (which I have) also have stainless steel bezel. It was the V1, which had aluminium one. I like the Catapult very much... but Thrunite specs and descriptions are totally messed up.

Did you take it outside ?

No not yet. It is daylight here. I'll have to fix that above then on the specs.

Enjoy your new catapult..... :)

Very solid beam....

Thanks Harry. You have me wanting a Sunwayman V60C now after seeing yours. You have got some very nice lights sir. I'm jealous.

catapult is a truly the best thrower that i've ever had.. there is no way v60c can defeat catapult

However, if you compared catapult body finishing with v60c, definately v60c is more superior.

catapult v3 has sharp edges on its body....

try to get solarforce m8, i suppose it can be a very good challenger for catapult.

*note: if you planning to purchase v60c, i am suggesting not to buy the desktop charger. IMHO, it is very unuseful

Thanks for the tip Harry. I was going to pass on the charger if I do buy a V60C. And I think you have talked me out of the Fenik TK70 due to the NIMH batteries not being equal to lithium. So now my next light for next week looks to be either a Crelant 7G5, Olight SR50, or Sunwayman V60C. I haven't ruled out the Sunwayman T40CS either.

IMHO, Balder is better than crelant ( balder looks nicer ).

i will give some info regarding the Ultrafire UF-T60 as i will receive it soon...

Here's some more beam shots.

105yds to pool

Approx 350yds to white barn

Approx 60yds

15yds

Approx 200yds to last street sign on right

Enjoy your new catapult ILIKEFLASHLIGHTS, I am sure you will, it is a great light.

Thanks for the outdoor shots, they give a much better idea of a flashlight's capabilities than "white wall". I know that sooner or later I'll want a monster output cannon and this one's going on the shortlist along with the U 80, TR 1200 and Keygos KE-5..

Hey thanks. You won't ever regret buying a Catapult V3 I can guarantee you that. Heck do what I did and find a like new one and save about $50.

Here's a shot I just took. Probably around 40yds.

And I took a better shot of the neighbors pool at around 105yds and posted it above. It's a lot more focused than the other one. Check it out. Those far trees in the backgound below the pool are probably a good 200yds+.

Not sure where did you read about NiMH being not equal to Li Co.... good NiMH can really sustain a very high current, more "watts", and even doing so staying safe. They (modders) are even saying it's more than IMR.

TK70 can use 32600...no problem. 2 x 32600 that is. If you have a TK50 then you can use the body tube to make it 2 cell length. Else use the TK70 main tube and don't use the extension tube for 3D length, and use a dummy cell (one of those 2AA -> D adapters). Been using this way for well over 1000 hrs already.

Nice outdoor shots, you point it up a little higher there up to the pole and thats where i normally am working on my ladder. i've been getting a lot more use out of my lights lately now that its dark by 5. usually use the stlv2 pointing up to my work area up there.

NiMH may under perform against the lithium cells I use for my RC stuff, but in the context of the lithium cells we use in flashlights, Good NiMH cells are pretty good! The LSD AA cells I use from hobby king at $1.30 each + shipping give very solid performance.

Great to see your enjoying the V3. These are one of those which have a hotspot that need to be seen to be believed, the definition and tightness of the spot is amazing! The sharp edges are designed to give grip when wearing gloves, but its a little harsh on hare hands.

I got myself a V60C, and I still prefer it over the V3. These are my thoughts...

The V60C has a softer and slightly larger spot that isn't quite as bright, but does almost as well, however the spill is wider which I do prefer to reduce the tunnel vision effect.

In-terms of form factor, the V60C is definitely my preferred format, Short, Rock steady tail stand, and Triple 18650. More runtime in a shorter package. UI wise, the V60C is more intuitive, and goes much lower, but lacks the momentary high, but at the same time, doesn't rely on a mechanical switch. Mode jumping is a problem that is starting to affect my friends V3.

Either way, I'm happy to be able to see you enjoying soo many cool lights! Lets see you get a V60C now ;)

Most of radio controlled car players are using LITHIUM batteries. and infact 10 out of 10 my friend is using Lithium batteries on their electric r/c car.

My concern on Ni-mh is the "memory effect". Lithium is more flexible than NI-mh.

Ni-mh has no memory effect, only the old ni-cd had a memory effect. Imo ni-mh is much more flexible than li-ion simply due to it's overall robust chemistry. They can be overdischarged or 'underdischarged' and left for however long, recharged 1000's of times and still retain very good performance.

IIRC, AA Eneloops are rated for nine amps discharge rate. (9A)

While my 2000mAH lithium polymer cells are rated for 50A discharge

But will probably only last 100 cycles at that rate, probably dropping to a measerly 30A by then....