Review ThruNite Archer 2A V3

This is the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 (Upgraded model of the 2A V2) This light was sent in return for my review , with no other compensation other than keeping the light. I will say again , as always I try to do my best to give my honest opinion on any light I review , purchased or free.

I will start by saying the little Archer lives up to the build quality that is usually associated with the ThruNite name. This is a well built little light and performs well for the small form factor and AA / NiMH cells. I mentioned in the video (and also pointed it out) that there are some marks on the bezel of this light. They WERE NOT there when I received this light , I made the marks being that I was determined to get the light opened. The anodizing , fit and finish were all very well done when I took this light out of the box. The tail threads were lubed well and they are some nice little square cut threads. The tailcap has the “thumb” cut out for easier access to the small switch also and this particular light tail stands reasonably well on a smooth surface.
I may try later to open the rest of the light with a different method , but it is sealed with RED Loctite so it may or may not come apart. If I succeed I will post any updates at that time.

I did get a few comparisons (not calling brand names) but for those who have the PF04 and the A6 , there are some side by side still shots for size comparison in the slide portion of the video as well as a few beamshots (starting at 4:21) and then there is also some live footage of the Archer compared with the PF04 and the TG06 (all using NiMH cells) and showing beam intensity , in the live outside footage portion of the video. (starting at 6:51)

Overall I feel this is another really nice little light from ThruNite and they DO offer it in both Cool and Neutral tints.
The one complaint I had with it is the clip being in the middle of the light when positioned for “head down” carry , instead of closer to the tail end , other than that I really have no other cons personally.

Again I want to mention that the still shots in the slide portion of the video , show much more true to life what my eyes see , than my cheap video camera does.

Amazon link here……. Amazon.com

Video followed by the listed specs and Links for direct ThruNite site and for different countries (All links Non Affiliated)

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FCTD9PG/
Amazon CA.: http://amazon.ca/shops/A1BNV2EQ2FFXQR
Amazon UK.: http://amazon.co.uk/shops/A2DUUB2J3TY3X1

ThruNite Archer 2A V3
Product Description

•Upgraded version of the Archer 2A V2 with more user-friendly UI.
•Five modes: firefly, low, medium, high and strobe.
•Momentary “forward clicky” tactical switch.
•Strike bezel for defense and emergency applications.
•Wide working voltage enables two normal AA batteries.
•Reversed polarity protection system prevents damage to the light.
•Orange peel reflector for a high quality beam.
•Ultra clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating.
•Aircraft grade aluminum body structure with tactical knurling for firm grip.
•Premium type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish.
•U shape groove at the tail for easy ACTIVATION as well as preventing accidentally activation.
•Reversible and removable pocket clip with titanium coating for durability.
•Memory function to set any mode(except for strobe) for immediate use.

Specifications
•LED: CREE XP-L V6 LED with a lifespan of 20+ years of run time.
•Modes & Run-time:
-Firefly: 0.2lumen(28days);
-Low: 17lumen(4days);
-Medium: 75lumen(11hours)
-High: 500lumen(96minutes);
-Strobe: 500lumen(140minutes).
•Max output: 500lumens using two AA batteries.
•Max run time: 28days (Firefly mode)
•Working voltage: 0.9v to 5.0v.
•Battery: 2 x AA batteries (not included).
•Max beam distance: 108 meters.
•Peak beam intensity: 2912cd.
•Impact resistant: 1.5 meters.
•Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard (1.5meters)
•Weight: 48g without battery
•Dimensions: 155mm in length, 22mm bezel diameter.
•Accessories: Pocket clip x1, Spare O-ring x1, Lanyard x1.

Operation

•To turn on/off the light:
Press the tail cap halfway to momentarily ACTIVATE the light. Click the tail switch to turn the light on and off.
•To change modes:
Five modes in total: firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe.
When the light is on, single press the side switch to rotate among firefly, low, medium and high.
Long press to get strobe and then single press to end it.
Memory function: The light will turn on in the last mode accessed, except for strobe.
•Battery replacement:
Take off the tail cap, insert the battery with positive polarity toward the LED assembly(head of the light)
INSTALL the tail cap and tighten all the way to operate the light

1 Thank

Thanks for the review. tubes look sorta like Olite S15.

Glad to do the review Chad.

I am not familiar with the S15 though ,so I don’t know on the tubes.

Email coming your way bud,

This is a nice light, I traded mine since it was replaced by another edc. The only complaint is what you mentioned. The pocketclip is in a weird location. I didn’t like it in my shirt pocket at work. Pants pocket was fine.

For a double aa light this thing is bright. I had preordered this light when it came out. If you need a penlight this thing won’t disappoint. I wish they made a smo version of it though. Its made for close up tasks but will light a good 30-40 yards in front of you

1 Thank

Yea I would like to see this one with a SMO reflector and possibly even a 2 x 14500 driver , that would run both the AA and 14500 cells. I think it would be a little monster with the Li-ion’s in it , as mentioned it already has good output with the AA.

1 Thank

Just ordered one in NW. This decision for the Thrunite 2AA V3 beat out the Moonlake 1A, Utorch 1A, Manker E12 2AA, Manker E11, Fenix E09, Fenix LD12 2017 version, Olight ST25 Baton XM-L2. I think I need to get a life. Thanks Robo819. I purchased the light from Thrunite.com using their 20% off Christmas coupon. (Xmas)

Wow it beat out a lot of them for you….lol
Always glad if my reviews help.

Mine come yesterday. I ordered NW version. Tint is good, but has small green ring in corona.
Build quality is very good.
In lack of 2 x AA with NW tint I am happy with this flashlight.

I just got one of these after having the similar Wuben T2. Like the Wuben, it has a nice finish as you say, but it is also nowhere near 500 lumens. I have an off brand 2AA light made by Police Security that is rated at 350 lumens, and it is much brighter than this Thrunite. The clip. as many say, is in an odd place, but it looks like it can be removed and placed by the tail or near the head. I am not sure if I will keep it as these days, I think inflating the lumens rating on a light to attract buyers is not acceptable to me. I paid under $29.00 for it, so I may just learn to live with it!

Every thrunite I have had has been in the ballpark on Lumen ratings. Is it possible that your batteries have high IR? A dirty connection somewhere? Perhaps just a faulty light? Thrunite is not one of those companies that inflates lumen ratings to attract buyers.

1 Lumen has a review with measurements. He was using several year old batteries so it may be possible that new batteries could be even brighter than what he measured. In any case 446 vs 500 lumen would hardly be detectable to the eye. Could also be that you are just seeing the thermal regulation. After a few minutes it may indeed be less than 350 Lumen.

Thank you for your response. I have some NIMH cells that I bought a few years back but are still in the package and will try those, but I think my batteries are fine. The light is also brand new. I just got it yesterday and it seems to function normally, but I will clean it anyway. I have had new lights that somehow had gunk on the contacts and threads! The instructions show that the light should put out 500 lumens when it first is turned on for 3 minutes, and 20 seconds before it jumps down to 280. I have not even left it on that long to have the thermal regulation do its thing.

I’m a bit of a Thrunite addict, and I do have a 2A V2. I’ve been reading comparisons, but for the life of me, I see no “upgrade” here. The neutral 2A V2 is an impressively throwy little thing, with excellent level spacings and a perfectly situated clip.

Am I missing something?

The V3 is very floody. Maybe that is why I am not “seeing” the full brightness out of it. I get a wall of light out of it, not a beam! lol