ThruNite T21 and ThruNite Archer 1C Flashlight

Over the past few years, I've acquired several LED flashlights.  The very first LED flashlight that I purchased was the Energizer Brand at Target. It's marketed as a tactical flashlight; spec'd with 37 Lumens using AA Batteries and has a simple click on, click off rear switch.  For the price, this has been an amazing light; so much so, I bought several lights for my laptop case, briefcase, cars and day pack. Last year, I became acquainted with the Fenix Brand of lights. I've been very impressed with the overall quality, build and usefulness of these lights, as well. Granted, the Fenix lights tend to be quite a bit more expensive than the Energizer; however, there are additional features that come with the added expense. I've been carrying the inexpensive Fenix E01 on my key chain for about two years now. It's been an extremely useful light, albeit, with only 13 lumens (from a single AAA Battery) but has been very handy and economical. I'm very sure that the battery has been changed out only twice in two years.

This week I received two new flashlights from ThruNite. Both of these lights are powered by a single CR123 Battery. Here are a few of the specifications on each:


ThruNite T21:

LED:  Cree XM-L
Battery: Uses Single CR123 or RCR123 Battery
Five Modes of Output:  .09 Lumens to 350 Lumens
Aircraft Quality Aluminum Body
Smooth Reflector
Waterproof
2.75" Long X .875" (Bezel)

ThruNite Archer 1C:

LED:  Cree XP-G2
Battery: Uses Single CR123
Five Modes of Output:  .2 Lumens to 281 Lumens
Aircraft Quality Aluminum Body
Smooth Reflector
Waterproof
3.75" Long X .875" (Bezel)

Simply put, both of these lights look good.  The stainless bezel contrasts beautifully with the black, hard anodized finish.  What I've come to appreciate with these two lights is the ease of operation and deployment. These lights don't come with a clip; however, either of these lights will EDC quite easily in a front pocket --- by the way, both of these lights have the ability to tail stand. The Fenix PD32 nor the Fenix LD12 are unable to tail stand. I especially like what ThruNite calls the Firefly mode which is less than 1 Lumen. This mode will be particularly practical for night adjusted eyes. In using these lights outdoors, on the brighter modes, I've noticed the beam on these two lights are different; no doubt since their LEDs are different. The T21 (XM-L) has a noticeably floodier beam compared to the Archer 1C (XP-G2) which is tighter.  So far, I have been pleased with the build quality, the available functions and most important the cost of these two lights. ~Keep it Sharp.

Update: Apparently, these two lights are no longer available from ThruNite. I've also noticed the prices on the ThruNite products have increased significantly.