The Thrunite T1S is the updated version of Thrunite’s original 18350 powered Thrunite T1. The T1S features the Luminus SST-40 emitter in cool white, which is rated for 1200 lumens on turbo. The original T1 used the Cree XHP-50 emitter which is rated for 1500 lumens. The beam profile is very smooth thanks to the TIR lense, while the original T1 used a traditional reflector. Because a TIR is used, the beam profile is more intense with minimal spill. Overall it’s a nice beam profile for an edc light. Included in the package is a 1100 mah button top 18350 non-proprietary battery, usb c cable, spare o-rings, and the dual direction pocket clip. The included battery is not proprietary and the light functions and charges just fine with my other flat top 18350’s. I am pleased to see that Thrunite stayed with the 18350 battery format instead of using smaller 16340 batteries.
The T1S utilizes the same usb c charging found on the original and because of that, this light is a great gift idea to non-flashaholics. The rubber flap is not as secure as I would like, but still stays in place just fine. The switch button also acts as a battery indicator to show battery status when the light is on. Blue is fully charged and red means the battery needs to be charged. The light design has been updated with new knurling and a black bezel which looks very nice and feels well in hand. The older T1 model used a grey bezel. The black bezel and simplified knurling on the T1S looks much cleaner. The included dual direction pocket clips attaches nicely to the tail cap of the light and provides deep carry in the pocket.
UI is straightforward Thrunite but with one disappointing setback. The older T1 model featured smooth strapless dimming while the T1S uses traditional stepped modes. A single press turns the light onto the last memorized mode. A long press from off is moonlight, a hold while on cycles through low, med, high, and a double click activates turbo. However if you are in moonlight mode and do another long press, it puts the light in lockout mode. You cannot proceed from moonlight mode into the regular modes. You have to turn the light back off and then single click to get into the last memorized mode. Mode spacing is pretty good here with the low mode rated at 7 lumens, med at 94 lumens, and high at 407 lumens.
I am quite impressed with the runtimes of this light. As you would expect, the light gets slightly warm on turbo. High mode is great with an output of 407 lumens for 80 minutes. Two competitors to this light would be the Sofirn SC21 and the Olight S1R Baton 2. The Sofirn is a little longer because of the traditional reflector that is used. The Olight is smaller because it utilizes the same battery found on the Sofirn, a 16340. The Olight also has a similar beam shape to the Thrunite because they both use a TIR. I much prefer the form factor of the 18350 compared to the 16340 batteries. I do have to say that the SST-40 is quite green on low modes but goes away when the brightness increases. Overall, I am very impressed with the power, size, and simplicity of the updated Thrunite T1S.
Things I like:
18350 form factor that is non proprietary
Great 1200 lumen output
Onboard USB-C charging
Magnetic tail cap
Things I don’t like:
Cannot cycle from moonlight to regular modes
Greenish tint on lower modes
Button is a little mushy