The ThruNite Archer 1A V3 is a compact 200 lumen LED flashlight that is unique in that it comes with a strike bezel that can be very useful in both emergency and defense situations. This light is an upgraded version of the Archer 1A V2. This newer version showcases a more user-friendly UI and would be very suitable as your every-day carry.
With its handy strike bezel, this ThruNite flashlight would be very resourceful for a wide variety of individuals including those in emergency medical services, law enforcement, or security. Also, it would be a great tool to use while biking, camping, or fishing.
It comes with all the standard features including different brightness outputs a solid body, the ability to run on a single AA battery and many more as we’ll explore in our ThruNite Archer 1A V3 review below:
Specs (Specifications)
Output and Runtime:
The Archer 1A V3 LED torch offers 5 different brightness modes with varying degrees of run time.
Modes & Run-time:
- Firefly: 0.1 lumen (17days)
- Low: 17 lumen (22hours)
- Medium: 75 lumen (5hours)
- High: 200 lumen (115minutes)
- Strobe: 200 lumen (3.5hours)
It is magnificent to see a light so small, even smaller since the V2 upgrade, with such mode versatility adept enough to provide light for almost any situation. This compact and practical light has the ability to operate at 5 different brightness settings, including a strobe setting.
It has the awesome option of a traditional AA battery or a 14500 rechargeable, both providing an exceptional amount of runtime before having to be replaced.
It features a firefly mode at just 0.1 lumens which is great for personal use without disturbing anyone around you for things such as reading. Its low mode at 17 lumens provides a significant amount of light for close viewing such as searching a toolbox or drawer while the high mode provides the ability to illuminate larger spaces such as an entire tent or small shed.
Throw Distance
The Archer A1 V3 uses a CREE XP-L V6 LED with a lifespan of 20+ years of run time.
It features an orange peel reflector for a high quality beam and an ultra-clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating, giving this light a maximum throw distance of up to 66 meters.
Orange peel reflector for a high quality beam.
Peak Intensity
At 1088 candela per lumen (cd/lm) the Archer 1A V3 offers a good balance of spot/flood beam making it handy for all situations.
This torch would be great for illuminating moderately long distances at its high setting with a decent amount of focus.
Functionality
The ThruNite Archer 1A V3 has two buttons. The button closest to the tail turns the light on and off. The one closest to the bezel switches between brightness modes:
- To turn on/off the light:
- Press the tail cap halfway to momentarily ACTIVATE the light. Click the tail switch to turn the light on and off.
- To change modes:
- Five modes in total: firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe.
When the light is on, single press the side switch to rotate among firefly, low, medium and high.
Long press to get strobe and then single press to end it.
Memory function: The light will turn on in the last mode accessed, except for strobe.
This light features a U-shaped groove at the tail for preventing accidental activation as well as a stainless steel side switch that is both sensitive and durable, which is a nice upgrade from the V2. It also features a reversed polarity protection system which prevents damage to the light if the batteries are not inserted correctly.
Battery
This compact EDC light features a wide working voltage of 0.9v to 5.0v enabling the use of both Li-ion 14500 and normal AA batteries.
Dimensions and Durability
Size
The Archer 1A V3 is only about 110mm in length with a 20mm bezel diameter. It has a weight of 42 grams without the battery. Being just a bit smaller than the V2, it fits perfectly in a pocket all day long.
Water Proof / Water Resistance
Like many high quality ThruNite flashlights, the Archer 1A V3 has an IPX-8 Standard rating and is submersible up to 1.5 meters or about 5 feet.
Impact Resistance
The body is made of durable air-craft grade aluminum with tactical knurling for a firm grip. It has a premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish allowing it 1.5 meters of impact resistance. This light has the ability to endure a moderate amount of dropping or banging, while still maintaining very little marking or scratching and still maintaining its function.
Accessories
Included with the ThruNite 1A V3 are the following accessories:
- Flashlight
- User Manual
- Lanyard
- 2x O-rings
- Pocket Clip
- Extra rubber boot
Conclusion: Our ThruNite Archer 1A V3 review
The ThruNite Archer 1A V3 is a compact EDC that comes with all the features that many regular sized flashlights have. Its redesign from the previous V2 has provided a more user friendly UI and a strike bezel for emergency applications, making it an even better choice for every day carry.
This EDC is a perfect choice for everyone from law enforcement to local handy man. Its ability to use common AA batteries as well as 14500 Li-ion rechargeable and its economically friendly cost make this light a relatively sensible choice.
Some downfalls include a change in the pocket clip from the one included with the V2. The new pocket clip is not as large and does not wrap around as the previous one did. The result is that the light sticks further out of a pocket while using the clip. However, this light is a bit smaller making it easier to stick the entire light in a pocket with ease if desired.
Overall, the 1A V3 would be a great addition to a collection of small compact flashlights, or a great investment on its own. While there are some lights that are more powerful, this light packs a lot of punch and delivers exceptional quality. With a ThruNite 30-day free replacement guarantee and lifetime limited warranty there’s no way you could go wrong.