Wondering about this new offering from ThruNite, the Archer Pro: link I think I read somewhere that the battery is non-replaceable, which is a negative. But instead of the usual annoying rubber port cover it has a screw up / screw down sleeve, which I really like if it’s similar to the one on my Fenix E09R.
There was a $10 coupon initially on Amazon, but now looks like it’s $8 (20%): link
Anyone tried one of these?
Thanks,
Andrew
Battery that is non-replaceable is not a good situation to be in.
would love to see a review of it
[Quote=AFAustin] …annoying rubber port cover it has a screw up / screw down sleeve, which I really like…
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+1 that, those covers seem to eventually break off or after a while come loose.
I have the smaller Thrunite Archer Mini rather than the Pro but if the two are anything alike in physical design the sleeve appears to be reasonably sealed. There’s an o-ring at the base by the USB-C port and possible one at the top of the travel by the TIR retainer, The charge port opening is wide enough to accept all the USB cables I have tried. I can’t say the say for some other built-in rechargeable lights (or USB rechargeable batteries) that only accept their included small profile connector.
Between the Pro and Mini - the UI’s, emitters and batteries differ; but if the tailswitches are alike, it’s a reverse clicky with short travel and requiring only moderate pressure to activate. A mod I can see may be to glue an annular ring to recess the button, to minimize accidental pocket activations.
Reverse (or forward) clicky switch in 2022 seems like a blast from the past. We got used to better stuff, it’s hard to go back.
If this light accepted regular 14500 batteries and had a second e-switch for changing modes, it would be an instant winner for me.
We have way too many nice 21700 lights and very few nice 14500 lights. Just my opinion.
I perhaps should have indicated that the switch action is Reverse-clicky-like as opposed to Forward-clicky-like, in all likelihood the Archer switch is actually electronic.
There are “better” lights available but I can see this light being the right choice for someone who just wants a small pocket light, and who doesn’t ever want to deal with batteries and perhaps likes the idea of in-light USB-C recharging. Also, the “Pro” has smooth ramping which is kinda cool for a muggle. Should easily last 3-7+yrs of use before it dies, if it’s not lost before that time.
Wait, so it’s an electronic switch, for example like the FW3A?
Yes, the switch itself is electronic but it does not use a signalling tube like the FW3A.
Here is a screenshot of the tail end from Cheule’s YT video.
I do not understand this. I guess I’ll just wait for a review.
That’s a screenshot (from member Cheule’s YouTube video) of a disassembled Archer Pro tailswitch.
It shows an electronic switch.
I decided to order one from Amazon and it arrived yesterday. I posted my initial impressions here: ThruNite Archer Pro---Initial Impressions
Andrew