I am very excited to see more tiny pocket throwers coming out from manufacturers. I have a few pocket throwers but non with a TIR optic. Read on for my thoughts and comparisons between other pocket throwers. The Catapult Mini features a Osram KW.CSLNM1 LED, which is rated for 680 lumens on turbo. The beam profile is very tight with minimal spill, as expected with the TIR optic. Included in the package is an 18350 1100 mah battery, lanyard, usb c cable, spare o-rings, and spare charging cover. The included batter is proprietary, but I used my other flat top 18350’s and they all work fine and charge in the light.
This light features onboarding charging via usb c, which is very convenient and easy. Since it has onboard charging, this light is a great gift idea to non-flashaholics. There is a battery indicator in the switch of the light to charge charge status. Blue is fully charged, purple is low, then red is needing charge. If you hold the switch for 3 seconds from off, the blue indicator “breathes”, which is neat for finding the light in the dark. I do have to say the switch is not as loud or clicky as it is on my Thrunite TC20. I do wish it has a more solid click sound.
UI is straightforward Thrunite, a single press turns the light onto the last memorized mode. A long press from off is moonlight, hold while on cycles through low, med, high, and a double click activates turbo. Mode spacing is pretty here but I wish moonlight mode was a little bit lower. There is also a lockout mode if you click 4 times. I do find the light accidentally turns on in my pocket so I recommend locking the light out.
The Noctigon KR1 I have used the same W1 emitter as the Thrunite. The Noctigon has a larger and slightly more intense hotspot, since its rated for 900 lumens. Based on my tests, the Catapult can shine as far as the Noctigon, it's just a little dimmer at the farther distances. The Catapult Mini is a very fun thrower to use because of its tight, lightsaber beam. Overall I am very pleased with the output/size ratio of this light.
The Thrunite is slightly shorter than the KR1, but the Thrunite has a larger head diameter. I do find the KR1 to be more comfortable to carry in the pocket. The Thrunite does not come with a pocket clip. The larger head diameter is not uncomfortable to carry, however I wish a pocket clip was an option. Another competitor is the Manker MC13 which uses the same emitter and TIR, but the Thrunite is smaller and more compact from what i've seen from pictures. Overall I am very satisfied with this little pocket thrower, it is so small and easy to carry and throws an awesome tight beam.
Things I like:
- Tight long throwing beam with Osram LED
- Tiny form factor with 18350
- Onboard USB-C charging
- “Breathing Indicator” for easy locating in the dark
- Lockout mode
- Simple UI
Things I don’t like:
- No pocket clip
- Slightly large head due to TIR optic
- Moonlight mode is too bright (but it's a thrower, so who needs moonlight....)