The Thrunite Saber is a new small compact AA sized flashlight. The Saber accepts both alkaline and rechargeable NiMH AA batteries as well as the included 14500 battery. The Saber features the Luminus SST-20 emitter in cool white, which is rated for 650 lumens on high with the included battery. The beam profile is one large hotspot with usable spill thanks to the PMMA TIR optic. Included in the package is a 920 mah 14500 battery, USB-C cable, pocket clip, and user manual.
The light is rechargeable via the included USB-C cable. The 14500 battery has a built-in charging port in the battery. I appreciate this feature as it allows the light to achieve an IPX8 waterproof rating. The rear switch button is metal with a solid click. The button is firm to press and did not result in accidental activations in the pocket. The Saber’s head is smooth with the body tube having subtle knurling or reeding. The pocket clip is dual direction and serves the light well. The shoulder of the clip is a little small for jeans pockets but is secure on thinner shorts pockets.
The UI is a very simple two mode interface. A single press turns the light onto the low mode. A second single click within 3 seconds will cycle to high. There is no mode memory and the light will always turn on in low mode if left for more than 3 seconds. Momentary mode is possible by not fully pressing the switch. The high mode is rated for 659 lumens with a runtime of 170 seconds until it steps down to 276 lumens for 100 minutes. Low mode is rated at 57 lumens for about 19 hours.
Things I like:
- Included 14500 with built in charing
- Clean beam profile
Things I don’t like:
- Switch is too firm
- Low mode is too bright