ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Flashlight Review
“I love getting to play with a new flashlight, and today we’re testing out the ThruNite Archer 2A V3.”
In an increasingly crowded marketplace—seriously, there are so many tactical and EDC flashlights out there—it’s not easy to stand out. But the Archer has some features that allow it to hold its own among its many, many competitors.
And some of those competitors are significantly more expensive than the ThruNite. While the Archer isn’t quite cheap enough to truly be called a budget flashlight, it’s also far from expensive.
The New York Times recently gave the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 on its roundup of the best flashlights of 2023, so let’s find out if it lives up to the hype.
ThruNite Archer 2A V3: First Impressions
The Archer has a long, slender barrel and has what feels like very solid construction, along with some nice diamond knurling for grip. How it feels in your hands will depend on what you’re used to. I typically carry some very small pocket-size flashlights as part of my EDC, and the ThruNite Archer feels quite long in my hands by comparison. But if your go-to is a larger tactical flashlight, this might feel downright dainty.
The flashlight comes snugly packed in its box. Along with the instruction manual, the light comes with a few extras in their own little zip bag: a lanyard, two spare o-rings, and replacement buttons for the tail cap and side switch. The flashlight runs on two AA batteries, which are not included.
Measurements & Specs
The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is just a hair over 6 inches long, and has a diameter of 0.8” at the head (the true diameter varies quite a bit across the full length of the flashlight). It weighs 1.7 ounces, which does not include the batteries. An average AA weighs about 0.8 oz, so two of them will come pretty close to doubling the weight of the flashlight. Still, it’s not heavy by any means.
The body of the flashlight is made of aerospace-grade aluminum with black military-grade Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish. It has a reversible pocket clip that can be attached at multiple points along the barrel, and the lanyard is easy to attach to the tail cap.
Light Output & Operation
Utilizing a Cree XP-L V6 LED emitter, the ThriNite Archer casts a smooth, clean beam without much noticeable tint shift. It also has an Orange Peel reflector, which effectively blends the beam to the point that I can really only detect a shift toward a cooler tint at the outer portion of the beam. It might be worth mentioning that the Archer is available with a Cool White or Neutral White LED, of which I have the latter.
The ThruNite Archer is somewhat different from most EDC flashlights in that it has two switches. The tail cap switch turns the flashlight on and off, and the side switch, located about an inch behind the lens, is used for mode selection. Whether or not you like this system might depend on what you’re used to, but I find it to be fairly intuitive, and the tail switch reduces the likelihood of the flashlight getting accidentally turned on in one’s pocket or pack.
The flashlight has five light modes: High (500 lumens), Medium (70 lumens), Low (17 lumens), Firefly (0.2 lumens) and Strobe (400 lumens). After turning the flashlight on via the tail switch, the user can cycle through each of the first four light modes with a click of the side switch. Holding down the side switch will activate the strobe function.
Mode memory allows the flashlight to return to the most recently-used light mode after being turned off. Both switches are responsive and easy to use, and the saddle-style tail switch allows quick thumb access. A half-push of the tail switch will activate the light on “momentary on” mode.
Batteries & Runtime
A pair of AA batteries is all you need to run the ThruNite Archer, and while I certainly like rechargeable flashlights, I also have a soft spot for lights like this that take good, old-fashioned alkaline batteries.
Runtime is a bit of a mixed bag. On High, the flashlight will drain its batteries in 120 minutes, which is not the best. Having said that, the High mode is very bright, and it’s hard to imagine needing it for that length of time. The flashlight will run for 11 hours on Medium, or 51 hours on Low, and both of those settings are adequate for finding one’s way in the dark. For what it’s worth, the instructions also recommend not running the flashlight on High for more than 10 continuous minutes to avoid damaging the battery, driver circuit or LED.
I generally like the light modes of the Archer, but Firefly mode feels rather pointless. At 0.2 lumens, it’s barely enough light to register, even in a dark space. In fact, Firefly is so dim that it’s easy to mistakenly think the flashlight is off.
This happened to me more than once as I was still getting used to using separate switches for on/off and mode selection. One could very easily put the flashlight back in their pocket or backpack without realizing it’s still on Firefly mode, thus slowly draining the battery. Of course, this is also easy to avoid, but it’s something to be aware of.
Build & Durability
Despite being quite lightweight, the ThruNite Archer feels solidly built. The aluminum is sturdy, and I like the black satin finish, which is neither shiny nor completely matte. It has 1-meter impact resistance, which isn’t the most impressive rating I’ve seen on a flashlight this size, but it’s okay.
The Archer also has an IPX-8 waterproof rating, which means that it can be submerged up to two meters. The tail cap is removable (for battery replacement) and has an o-ring to make the seal watertight. I appreciate that the folks at ThruNite had the foresight to include a couple of spare o-rings.
Physically, it’s a smartly designed flashlight. The head and tail cap of the Archer are both designed so that the light can be stood up on either end. It also has flattened edges at the widest part of the flashlight behind the head, which prevents it from rolling away when laid down on its side.
Comfort & Carry
The ThruNite Archer is very comfortable in my hands, and the knurling does a great job keeping it locked in place. It’s also a comfortable pocket flashlight despite being a little bigger than what I typically have for everyday carry. I personally find it’s easier to carry and use without the lanyard, which mostly just gets in the way.
The pocket clip is not only reversible, but can be affixed to the barrel of the flashlight at various spots, so you can carry the flashlight head-up or head-down with varying amounts of the barrel accessible outside your pocket.
The factory standard position is head-down with close to half of the flashlight sticking out of one’s pocket, which I kind of don’t mind, but it might not be for everyone. Again, it’s easy to change. And of course, the reversible clip means you can attach it to a baseball cap brim like a headlamp, though this flashlight might be a little big for that.
- POWERFUL 500 LUMENS WITH DUAL SWITCH CONTROL — Cool-white XP-L LED delivers 500 lumens of focused beam reaching up to 93 meters. The intuitive side + tail dual switch lets you fire instantly to Turbo or cycle through Firefly / Low / Medium / High without taking your eyes off the target
- CLASSIC AA-POWERED RELIABILITY — Runs on widely available 2x AA batteries (sold separately) you can find at any convenience store, gas station, or hardware aisle. No charging cables to lose, no built-in cells to age — the right choice for emergency kits, glove boxes, hurricane prep, and power outages
- IPX8 WATERPROOF & 1.5M DROP-PROOF — Sealed against full submersion to 2 meters and engineered with aerospace-grade anodized aluminum to survive 1.5-meter drops onto concrete. Hike, fish, work outdoors, or store it for years; it keeps performing
- EVERYDAY POCKET SIZE — Just 4.21 in long and 2.93 oz with batteries, it slips into a jeans pocket, glove box, tool pouch, or backpack strap. Knurled grip and integrated lanyard hole keep it secure in the hand or on a belt
- 2-YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY: Trusted by 1 Million+ Global Users. Join over 1M satisfied users worldwide. We stand behind our quality with an industry-leading 24-month free replacement warranty. Have peace of mind knowing your purchase is protected by a brand dedicated to excellence. Contact us for any support
Final Thoughts on the ThruNite Archer 2A V3
There isn’t a firm dividing line between what is considered a “tactical flashlight” vs. an “EDC flashlight.” Regardless of where you draw that line, the ThruMite Archer 2A V3 feels like it’s a flashlight that could fall on either side. It’s small enough that one can easily carry it in a pocket, but big enough that it won’t get lost in a backpack.
I think this is an excellent flashlight. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and a great option if you want something with a wide range of light modes. The price ranges from around $29 to $39, and if you can catch it at the lower end of that range, I’d say buy it in a heartbeat. Even at the upper end, the Archer holds its ground against many flashlights that cost more.
Other Thrunite EDC Flashlights Available:
- 【1018 LUMENS, 167M BEAM — 100% BRIGHTER UPGRADE】Powered by a high-performance LED, the Archer 2A C blasts 1018 lumens at 7000 candela and reaches 167 meters — a 100% output jump and 79% longer throw than the Archer 2A V3. Bright enough to light up a backyard, dark trail, or full parking lot from one end
- 【USB-C FAST CHARGE + AA BACKUP POWER】Top off through the built-in USB-C port for daily use, or drop in 2 standard AA cells (not included) when you’re off-grid or out of cable. AA mode still delivers 500 lumens at 93 meters — the only pocket flashlight that truly refuses to leave you in the dark
- 【DUAL-SWITCH INSTANT CONTROL】Tail switch fires instant momentary or constant-on tactical bursts; side switch cycles 4 everyday modes — Firefly, Low, Medium, High — plus one-press Strobe. Switch from EDC to tactical in a single click, no menu digging, no accidental mode changes
- 【BUILT TO ABUSE, BUILT TO CARRY】Aerospace-grade aluminum body with Type-III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, IPX8 submersion-rated, 1-meter impact-tested, dust-sealed. Yet at just 6 inches long, under 1 inch wide, and 3.56 oz, it disappears into any jeans pocket, jacket, glove box or bug-out bag — perfect for camping, hiking, dog walks, power outages and daily carry
- 【2-YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY — TRUSTED BY 1M+ USERS WORLDWIDE】Join over 1,000,000 satisfied ThruNite users across the globe. We stand behind every Archer 2A C with an industry-leading 24-month free replacement warranty. Buy with total peace of mind, and message us anytime through Amazon for fast, friendly support
- 405-Lumen Mini EDC Flashlight: Powered by a premium LED, Archer Mini delivers 405 lumens and 285ft beam distance — outperforming most standard pocket flashlights. The TIR lens produces a smooth, glare-free beam perfect for dog walking, night hiking, camping, and power outage emergencies
- USB C Rechargeable & IPX8: This rechargeable flashlight features a hidden USB C port and IPX8 waterproof rating. Enjoy 7.5h of runtime, making it a reliable forever flashlight for home and emergencies
- Ultra-Compact Pocket EDC Penlight: At just 3.27 inches and 1.2oz, Archer Mini slides into any pocket, shirt pocket, or bag — smaller than most pens. Dual-direction clip attaches to hat brims, pockets, or backpack straps for instant hands-free carry. The must-have EDC gear for first responders, mechanics, nurses, and everyday users
- Simple Tail Switch with Lockout Mode: One-button tail switch cycles through High (405lm) / Low / Strobe modes instantly. Lockout mode prevents accidental activation in bags or pockets — no dead batteries from pocket mishaps. An ideal flashlight gift for men, dads, hikers, and first-time EDC users
- 2-Year Replacement Warranty: Built from aluminum alloy with 17 years of expertise. Trusted by 1M+ users, this bright flashlight includes a 24-month warranty, ensuring peace of mind for all outdoor adventures
- 650 LUMENS · 105 M BEAM – High-performance LED keychain flashlight throws up to 650 lumens with a 105-meter beam — bright enough to light driveways, dark trails and roadside emergencies, yet small enough to live on your EDC keychain alongside your car key
- USB-C FAST TOP-UP – Modern USB-C port tops up in minutes using the same cable as your phone — no proprietary plug, no spare cells to stockpile. Red and green LED indicators clearly show charging and ready status on this rechargeable keychain flashlight
- MAGNETIC TAIL + DUAL CLIP – Strong magnetic tailcap sticks instantly to car hoods, fridges and toolboxes for true hands-free work. Two-way reversible pocket clip + keychain ring give 4 ways to carry this mini pocket flashlight: keys, pocket, hat brim or belt
- 5 MODES, ONE-CLICK – Firefly 0.2 lm (nightstand) · Low 30 lm (reading) · Medium 200 lm (walking) · High 650 lm (search & rescue) · SOS Strobe. Single-click cycles modes, triple-click jumps to strobe, hold for momentary High — intuitive EDC flashlight controls
- 2-YEAR FREE REPLACEMENT – Precision-machined aerospace 6061-T6 aluminum, Type III hard-anodized, IPX-6 waterproof, drop-tested 1.5 m, only 26.5 g / 60.8 mm. Every ThruNite Ti is backed by our hassle-free 2-YEAR FREE REPLACEMENT warranty + lifetime support
- [523-LUMEN DUAL LED — WHITE + FUNCTIONAL RGB]: White LED delivers 523 lm / 83 m beam at 1750 cd across 6 modes (Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Firefly, Strobe). The RGB LED gives each Red, Green and Blue color its own Steady, Signal and SOS modes, plus a Red/Blue alternating warning strobe — built for hunting, duty gear, astronomy and emergency signaling
- [HANDS-FREE TRIO — 180° HEAD + HAT CLIP + MAGNETIC TAIL]: Three ways to mount T5 without holding it. The 180° pivoting metal head plus a center-mounted clip turns it into a hat-clip headlamp in seconds; the heavy-pull magnetic base sticks to car hoods, tool chests and server racks. Great for mechanics, electricians, HVAC techs, hiking and dog walking
- [USB-C 1.4-HR FAST CHARGE + 188-HOUR FIREFLY RUNTIME]: A single USB-C charge tops T5 up in just 1.4 hours, while the ultra-low Firefly mode stretches one charge to 188 hours — nearly 3× longer than typical 400-lumen pocket flashlights. Your everyday carry, multi-day camping companion, tent night light and power-outage backup
- [PHYSICAL 3-POSITION DIAL + AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM]: A unique physical Lock / White / RGB dial replaces confusing click combos — twist to choose, twist to lock. Built with high-strength rugged aluminum, IPX-6 waterproof and 1 m drop-tested (ANSI FL1). The lockout position prevents accidental activation in your pocket or bag
- [2-YEAR REPLACE-NOT-REPAIR + 17-YEAR THRUNITE HERITAGE]: 17 years of ThruNite flashlight engineering in every T5. Any defect in normal use within 2 years — we send a brand-new T5, not a repair. A thoughtful gift for dads, husbands, mechanics and outdoor enthusiasts — Father’s Day, Christmas and stocking stuffers
- The output of the green beam is ≤5mW, the class is 3R
- 3-IN-1 ALL-IN-ONE TOOL: Bright white light, a precise GREEN BEAM and a 365nm UV light in one slim body – stop carrying three tools. Point across a room, reveal invisible stains, leaks and inspection markers, and light up any dark workspace with one Defender
- POWERFUL & PRECISE: Up to 1600 lumens and a 139-meter beam, with five modes from Turbo to a 17-day Firefly low. The built-in green beam is ideal for inspections and job-site use, while the 365nm UV reveals pet urine, fluids and security features ordinary light cannot see
- UNIVERSAL USB-C CHARGING: Recharge with the same USB-C cable you already use – no proprietary puck to lose, no adapters to hunt. A 4-dot indicator shows exactly how much power is left, so you never guess on the job. Top up from a laptop, power bank or wall
- BUILT TO CARRY: At just 108g and flat enough for any pocket, it rides like a phone, not a bulky flashlight. A two-way clip attaches to a pocket, belt or cap brim, while the strong MAGNETIC base keeps both hands free for repairs and inspections. IPX-7 waterproof and 1.5m impact resistant, it’s built for mechanics, electricians, HVAC pros and everyday carry
- POWERFUL 500 LUMENS WITH DUAL SWITCH CONTROL — Cool-white XP-L LED delivers 500 lumens of focused beam reaching up to 93 meters. The intuitive side + tail dual switch lets you fire instantly to Turbo or cycle through Firefly / Low / Medium / High without taking your eyes off the target
- CLASSIC AA-POWERED RELIABILITY — Runs on widely available 2x AA batteries (sold separately) you can find at any convenience store, gas station, or hardware aisle. No charging cables to lose, no built-in cells to age — the right choice for emergency kits, glove boxes, hurricane prep, and power outages
- IPX8 WATERPROOF & 1.5M DROP-PROOF — Sealed against full submersion to 2 meters and engineered with aerospace-grade anodized aluminum to survive 1.5-meter drops onto concrete. Hike, fish, work outdoors, or store it for years; it keeps performing
- EVERYDAY POCKET SIZE — Just 4.21 in long and 2.93 oz with batteries, it slips into a jeans pocket, glove box, tool pouch, or backpack strap. Knurled grip and integrated lanyard hole keep it secure in the hand or on a belt
- 2-YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY: Trusted by 1 Million+ Global Users. Join over 1M satisfied users worldwide. We stand behind our quality with an industry-leading 24-month free replacement warranty. Have peace of mind knowing your purchase is protected by a brand dedicated to excellence. Contact us for any support
- 650 LUMENS · 105 M BEAM – High-performance LED keychain flashlight throws up to 650 lumens with a 105-meter beam — bright enough to light driveways, dark trails and roadside emergencies, yet small enough to live on your EDC keychain alongside your car key
- USB-C FAST TOP-UP – Modern USB-C port tops up in minutes using the same cable as your phone — no proprietary plug, no spare cells to stockpile. Red and green LED indicators clearly show charging and ready status on this rechargeable keychain flashlight
- MAGNETIC TAIL + DUAL CLIP – Strong magnetic tailcap sticks instantly to car hoods, fridges and toolboxes for true hands-free work. Two-way reversible pocket clip + keychain ring give 4 ways to carry this mini pocket flashlight: keys, pocket, hat brim or belt
- 5 MODES, ONE-CLICK – Firefly 0.2 lm (nightstand) · Low 30 lm (reading) · Medium 200 lm (walking) · High 650 lm (search & rescue) · SOS Strobe. Single-click cycles modes, triple-click jumps to strobe, hold for momentary High — intuitive EDC flashlight controls
- 2-YEAR FREE REPLACEMENT – Precision-machined aerospace 6061-T6 aluminum, Type III hard-anodized, IPX-6 waterproof, drop-tested 1.5 m, only 26.5 g / 60.8 mm. Every ThruNite Ti is backed by our hassle-free 2-YEAR FREE REPLACEMENT warranty + lifetime support
- [Tactical Dual Switch for Instant Control]: The TN12 V6 tactical flashlight uses a true dual-switch system—tail switch for momentary/constant-on in one press (ideal for law enforcement, duty, and self-defense), side switch to cycle five brightness levels with a long-press shortcut to Strobe. Glove-friendly, repeatable operation under stress in a compact tactical flashlight
- [1950 High Lumens & 259-Meter Long Throw]: A premium high-performance LED with smooth reflector delivers 1950 lumens and 16,800 cd, throwing a focused beam up to 259 m (850 ft). Six modes—Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Firefly (0.5 lm / 41 days), Strobe—cover everything from room-clearing to all-night reading. Intelligent thermal regulation protects the LED during sustained Turbo
- [USB-C Rechargeable, Ready Out of the Box]: Recharge through the onboard USB-C port with any USB charger, power bank, or laptop—no dock, no fuss. Dual-color indicator glows red while charging, blue at full. Power cell is pre-installed for instant use; a reinforced silicone port cover (spare included) keeps the USB-C port sealed against water and dust
- [Compact EDC-Ready Pocket Flashlight]: At 5.26″ × 1.06″ and 4.7 oz, the TN12 V6 is a true EDC flashlight—fits front pockets, belt loops, and tool bags without bulk. Includes USB-C cable, deep-carry pocket clip, nylon holster, lanyard, spare O-rings, and spare USB cover. Memory function recalls your last mode (except strobe) for one-click access
- [17-Year Heritage & 24-Month Replacement Warranty]: Machined from aircraft-grade AL 6061-T6 with Type III hard-anodized finish, drop-tested to 1.5 m, IPX8 waterproof for rain, snow, or submersion. Backed by 17 years of ThruNite engineering and hassle-free 24-month replacement warranty—a dependable duty tool and the perfect gift for police, EMS, and outdoor pros
- BLINDING 4720 LUMENS, HONEST OUTPUT: Four high-efficiency LEDs deliver a genuine 4720-lumen super bright beam. From a 0.2-lumen Firefly glow to a Turbo burst, this powerful rechargeable flashlight lights up a whole campsite, backyard, or worksite instantly
- WIDE FLOOD BEAM + 258M THROW: A precision orange-peel reflector spreads a smooth, hotspot-free flood for full peripheral vision, yet still reaches 258m down the trail. Ideal EDC light for camping, hiking, dog-walking, and home emergencies – see the whole scene, not just a spot
- USB-C FAST CHARGE, MAGNETIC TAILCAP & DIAL LOCKOUT: Recharge fast over USB-C with a Red/Green indicator so you’re never caught dark. A strong magnetic tailcap frees both hands for repairs; the dial Lockout Switch blocks accidental turn-on in your bag, and Memory recalls your last mode
- RUGGED IPX8 WATERPROOF, BUILT TO LAST: Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, this tactical flash light survives 1.5m drops and full IPX8 submersion – ready for rain, storms, and hurricane outages. Up to 22-day runtime and 6 modes: Firefly, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, and Strobe
- 2-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by ThruNite’s free-replacement promise – any issue, we ship a brand-new unit, no hassle. TIP: peel the clear film off the lens before first Turbo use for full brightness. Trusted worldwide for honest, reliable performance
- [Ultra Brightness & Long Range]: This high-performance tactical flashlight delivers up to 3,100 lumens, with a focused beam reaching 1,368 ft (417 m). Its compact 5.69-inch body and lightweight 5.82 oz design make it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack. Whether for law enforcement, hunting, or outdoor adventures, it provides reliable illumination whenever you need it
- [Dual Tail Switch & Instant Strobe]: The ThruNite Lynx features a dual tail switch design that allows one press for instant strobe, delivering fast and reliable response in critical moments. With 6 lighting modes and a mode memory function (excluding strobe) that recalls the last-used brightness level, operation remains simple and intuitive. The included holster enables secure carry on a duty belt, making it an ideal choice for patrols, professional security, or law-enforcement use
- [Metal USB-C Port & Power Bank]: With a hidden USB-C metal charging port, this design eliminates fragile rubber covers. It supports fast USB-C and reverse charging, allowing the flashlight to charge your phone or other devices in emergencies, ideal for tactical use and unexpected situations that demand reliable power
- [5000mAh Removable Battery & Extended Runtime]: Powered by a 5000mAh removable battery with a built-in USB-C charging port, making charging more flexible and convenient. Provides extended runtime to reduce power anxiety during long periods of use. Especially suited for outdoor environments such as woods and forests, making it ideal for outdoor workers and fieldwork.
- [Durable Design & Peace of Mind]: Constructed from AL-6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum with a type-III hard-anodized finish, delivering a professional-grade feel and superior workmanship. Features 1.5 m impact resistance and IPX8 waterproof rating, easily handling harsh environments and making it a dependable companion for lighting tasks. Backed by a 2-year hassle-free warranty, providing peace of mind during use
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.