The ThruNite T30S - the successor of the ThruNite T30.
First here are some of the facts - you will find more details on the Shop of Thrunite sale website
* LED: Cree XML U2 LED, available in neutral and vool white
* Performance and run time: Max 650 lumens ANSI / NEMA FL1, High 650 lumens for 2.2 hours, Mid: 150 lumens for 7.3 hours, Low 9.4 lumens for 95 hours Strobe 650 lumens for 4.5 hours
* Power and voltage range: 3.3 V - 8.4 V. 1x 18650 or 2x CR123A (per the instructions). Two 16340 should work, but I do not use this type of batteries often. I try it with two 18650 (tested with additional parts of TN11S) and the light was brighter as with one 18650, but the head getting really warm within seconds (maybe to warm). I do not recommend to use 2x li-ion batteries (16340, 18650).
* Max Luminous range 250m peak beam intensity: 15000cd
* Dimensions and weight: Length 144mm - Head diameter 35mm - 159.6 gr
* Other: IPX-8 coated, HA III, anti-reflective lens, Impact resistant:1.2 m
* Package includes: Manual, holster, spare o-rings, stainless steel clip, lanyard, cigar ring.
Biggest differences to the T30:
Switch to select the mode as a separte button on the end cap not a twisty head, max. 650 lumens and a better efficiency (duration 2.2 hours 650 lumens to 600 lumens and 1.5 hours), no fireflymode (low mode, the 9.4 lumens, firefly had 0.9 lumens) anymore, peak beam decrease about 20% to 15000cd and also the range of 300 to 250 meters.
The sample flashlight is the neutral white version and tested with various protected and unprotected batteries of Samsung and TrustFire (flamed 3000mAh).
Packing of the flashlight:
The packging has the current black / gray design, where the Thru is marked red. Currently all ThruNite flashlights are shipped in these boxes, only the bigger flashlights like the TN31 come a case.
Here is a size comparison:
Solarforce L2p, ThruNite TN11S, ThruNite T30S, Solarforce L2n
The picture shows the complete accessories (except the manual).
The T30S (here with the cigar grip ring) come with the following accessories: A high-quality lanyard with a small carabiner, a stainless steel clip, a holster, two spare O-rings, a manual, a CR123 adapter tube so they do not rattle so in the battery tube.
I do not like clips and I read that it will scratch the flashlight, because it’s tied.
Many components are used in a different flashlights. I have also the TN11S (review will come soon) and it has the same clip, lanyard, cigar grip, endcap, battery main tube (only with another name on it). Both flashlights are identical only the head with the driver is different.
The cigar grip is screwed and to remove it the o-ring must be removed. All o-rings are properly greased. When it is removed, you can see the thread below for the endcap.
To take off the flashlight the first time out of the plastic box, it takes a little force – it fits to good: The knurling is quite “sharp” – the plastic has some scratches and some small parts are missing now.
But on the other and more important side: It is precisely cut and has a good grip - even when wearing gloves in the cold weather.
The holster is realy good. Therer is not only a button to fix it on the belt therer is also velcro.
On the front is only velcro to close the holster. The T30S fits also into it with the cigar ring.
I do not found a fault in the build quality. The o-rings are greased, well-cut threads, which are also slightly greased and continues to clean anodized components.
The LED is centered, the SMO reflector has no artifacts and even the lense and the bezel are flawless. On some pictures you will notice the coating of the lens.
The driver as well as the switch have a spring, so the battery has a good shock resistance. This also allows to use very long batteries. Here is a picture of the driver of the T30S.
It uses a forwardclicky. The mode is changed by side switch at the endcap. You have to push this switch completely to change the mode. It has mode memory and do not tailstand.
You can activate the strobe directly, if the flashlight is off – presse only the side switch and hold it…
I was a little be confussed, because I measure 2,56A and the result should be only 650 lumen (I haven’t a luxmeter to test it) According to Cree datasheet with 2,56A 730-750 lumens should be possible. Of course this may be because the driver use a bit of power.
The brightness levels are well chosen. 650 lumens on high is great for almost any situation, 150 lumens at mid are a good compromise between brightness and runtime and 9.4 lumens on low allows a period of almost 4 days (95 hours according to the manufacturer).
In the manual is written down a voltage range of “3.3 to 8.4 V”.
It has a low voltage warning (which I found while not listed as function, but it has it). To test this, I took the unprotected Samsung cell. On high it started at 3.52 V to flash. The flashing frequency is increasing. I switch to mid mode and could continue without blinking. After a few minutes of runtime the blinking starts also on mid.If the flashing rate goes up (approximately 3.3 volts), it’s not possible to switch the mode again. It’s time to charge.
To measure the battery compatibility, I have taken three batteries: Unprotected Samsung SDI-24E cells, protected Trustfire 3000mAh and protected Samsung SDI-30E (with 4.2 V. This cells could be loaded up to 4,3V). The Samsung protected cells are the longest and fattest 18650 batteries that I have. Length 69.45 mm, diameter 18.55 mm. They fit easily, as well as the minor batteries and I have a feeling that 70-71mm would also fit.
Here is the flashlight with the two extensions of TN11S which I used to test it with two 18650. The head getting warm within seconds and I do not recommend to use two 18650 or 16340 with it. Use only one 18650 or two CR123 batteries.
ThruNite Lego is now possible - it is unfortunately not compatible with Solarforce.
Indoor Beam Shots: Distance 1 meter, powered by 1x 18650, ISO 200, WB: Daylight, 1/50 sec
The last is a comparison of both ThruNites: T30S (left) and TN11S (right) on low - according to the manual, both should have 9.4 lumens.
If these data is correct I’m suprised by the difference as a result of the head.
The T30S is a nice flashlight, with well built quality and an allround beam. It has not 850-900 lumens, but a good runtime and 650 lumens are enought for most activities.
If you want a thrower take a closer look at the TN11S. This review will come soon.
