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:
- HANDS-FREE 3 WAYS: MAGNET, 180° HEAD & CLIP: Stick the magnetic base to a car hood or tool chest, pivot the 180° head where you look, or clip it to a cap, collar or pocket — hands stay free. Made for mechanics, electricians, HVAC and home repairs
- WHITE + RED NIGHT-VISION DUAL LIGHT: Twist to a color position for Red, Green or Blue without flashing white in your eyes; it remembers your last color. Red preserves night vision for maps, camping and dog walks; a red/blue strobe signals for help
- TWIST-LOCK DIAL — NO CLICK GUESSING: A physical Lock / White / RGB dial lets you choose and lock the mode with one twist, even with gloves. The lockout stops accidental pocket turn-on, and an indicator shows charge at a glance — always ready to go
- RIGHT-SIZED OUTPUT + USB-C CHARGING: Five white levels cover real life — a 188-hour firefly glow, steady High and Medium for daily tasks, plus a Turbo burst up to 83 m. USB-C tops it up fast with the cable you carry — no spare batteries needed
- MACHINED METAL, IPX-6 & 2-YEAR REPLACEMENT: Rugged machined aluminum, IPX-6 water-resistant and 1 m drop-tested to ANSI FL1. Backed by 17 years of ThruNite — any defect in normal use we ship a brand-new T5, not a repair. An easy gift for dads
- 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
- 【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
- The output of the green beam is ≤5mW, the class is 3R
- 3-IN-1 PRO LIGHT — Coreforge delivers 1600 lumens white LED with a 139m beam (ANSI/NEMA FL1). Green Beam stays sharp in daylight and runs simultaneously with white light. Professional 365nm UV blacklight detects pet urine, AC leaks, bed bug residue and counterfeit currency
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE + LONG RUNTIME — Charge with any standard USB-C cable, no proprietary puck or replacement cable to chase. Runtime: 1h 53min Turbo (1600LM), 9.5hrs Medium, 59hrs Low, up to 17 days Firefly. Four LED indicators show charge level at a glance
- STRONG MAGNETIC TAIL + TWO-WAY HAT CLIP — Upgraded strong magnet holds firmly on car hoods, steel beams, and HVAC ductwork on vertical surfaces. Two-way clip flips into a hat clip for attic and crawl-space work — ideal for HVAC, electricians, and mechanics
- ULTRA-SLIM 15MM FLAT EDC + 6 MODES + LOCKOUT — Just 0.59″ thin, 3.81oz light — pockets like a folding knife. Aerospace AL 6061-T6 body survives 1.5m drops, IPX7 waterproof. Six modes plus smart memory, double-click Turbo, rotating Lockout blocks accidental activation
- 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
- TOUGH + 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
- PIERCE THE DARK AT 259 METERS: Reach a distant treeline, fence or rooftop with up to 1950 lumens and 16,800 candela hitting 259m/850ft (ANSI/NEMA FL1). Six outputs from a 0.5-lumen Firefly to Turbo cover every task, and smart thermal control eases Turbo so it never gets too hot to hold.
- TACTICAL DUAL SWITCH, NO FUMBLING: When seconds count on patrol or a search-and-rescue call, the tail switch fires instant momentary or constant-on, while the side switch cycles from Firefly to Turbo with a long-press Strobe—no accidental pocket activation, plus mode memory.
- USB-C CHARGE ANYWHERE: Top off from a wall outlet, car, power bank or laptop via the onboard USB-C port—no unscrewing, no fuss. A red/blue indicator and 4-level readout show what’s left, and a toughened glass lens shrugs off heat and scratches that ruin plastic lenses.
- BUILT TO SURVIVE THE JOB: From rain-soaked night patrols to dusty job sites, it shrugs off abuse—machined from aircraft-grade AL6061-T6, Type III anodized, IPX8 waterproof and impact-resistant to 1.5m (ANSI/NEMA FL1), backed by ThruNite’s 17 years and a hassle-free 2-year replacement.
- POCKET-READY, ALWAYS WITH YOU: At 5.26in and 4.7oz it fits a pocket, belt or duty harness and ships ready to use out of the box, complete with a nylon holster, deep-carry clip, lanyard, USB-C cable and spare O-rings—a tactical flashlight for EDC, duty, camping and emergencies, and a great gift for police and EMS
- 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
- TOUGH + 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
- 【2403 HIGH LUMENS & 732FT LONG THROW】Powered by a premium CREE XHP35.2 LED, the TC15 V3 blasts up to 2403 lumens and throws a focused beam 732 ft (223 m) downrange, instantly lighting up backyards, trails, campsites and dark job sites far better than any ordinary pocket flashlight
- 【FAST USB-C RECHARGEABLE】Recharge anywhere through the built-in USB-C port — no separate dock or charger needed. A color-coded indicator (red / blue / green) shows the exact charge level at a glance, so this everyday flashlight is always ready for camping trips, road trips, storms and power outages
- 【6 VERSATILE MODES + INSTANT TURBO】Cycle through Firefly, Low, Medium, High, Turbo and Strobe to match any task — from a 0.3-lumen Firefly for reading a map to a blinding 2403-lumen Turbo. Double-click from any mode for instant Turbo or Strobe, ideal for tactical, security and emergency use
- 【RUGGED IPX8 WATERPROOF & POCKET-SIZE】Machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with IPX8 waterproofing (submersible to 2 m) and impact resistance, this tough EDC flashlight shrugs off rain, drops and rough handling. At just 4.8 in and 2.6 oz it slips into any pocket, bag, purse or glovebox
- 【2-YEAR REPLACEMENT + EVERYDAY CARRY】Compact yet powerful, the TC15 V3 is built for camping, hiking, dog walking, home emergencies, car kits and work. Backed by a 2-year free replacement and responsive ThruNite customer service — a worry-free, ready-to-gift flashlight for men and dads
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.