The Thrunite Archer mini is a new small compact AAA sized flashlight. The Archer Mini features the SST-20 emitter in cool white, which is rated for 405 lumens on the highest mode. The beam profile is one large hotspot with usable spill thanks to the TIR lens. Included in the package is a USB-C cable, pocket clip, and user manual. The Archer Mini features a built in battery that Thrunite claims is a 10400 battery. The previous Thrunite Archer 2A used two AA sized batteries, but the Mini Archer features a lithium 10400 sized internal battery.
The light is rechargeable via the included USB-C cable. One feature I really appreciate is the charging port is accessed by unscrewing the head to reveal the port. This is an upgrade from the rubber charging flaps as this helps improve water protection. Since it has onboard charging, this light is a great gift idea to non-flashaholics. The rear switch button is aluminum with very little travel. The switch is a little slippery but provides a satisfying click. The light did not turn on accidentally during normal use. As the light is very smooth with almost no knurling, it can easily slip out of the hand if you aren't careful. The pocket clip is basically deep carry and provides great retention in the pocket and serves the light well.
The UI is very simple. A single press turns the light onto low, a quick double press from on or off turns the light to high. There is no mode memory. The light will always turn on in low, however a double press from off will activate high. A triple click activates strobe. There is a lock out mode that will activate if you hold the switch when on, another hold when off will return the light to low mode. Low mode is rated for 18 lumens with a runtime of 7.5 hours. High mode is rated at 405 lumens for about 3 minutes until it steps down to 157 lumens for about an hour. The 405 lumens is quite impressive out of a light this small. The low mode is plenty usable for most tasks indoors or outdoors.
A light that competes with the Archer Mini is the Streamlight Microstream USB. The Streamlight is a little larger but is not as bright. They both feature onboard charging and two modes. The Thrunite Archer Mini is a simple, compact, small light for those interested in a simple EDC light for daily needs.
Things I like:
- 405 lumens out of a tiny light
- USB-C protected by unscrewing head
- Good looking light
Things I don’t like:
- Internal battery (I would prefer a replacement Li Ion battery)
- Only two modes (One additional medium mode would be appreciated)