
Durability won’t be an issue with the Fenix either. It also ranked high in my 50-yard distance test, using its high lumen capability and focused beam to beat out all the other similarly sized lights. It lasted over 4 hours on high, and another 9 hours before shutting off completely.

The Fenix PD36R performed well in all my tests, and I was particularly impressed with its overall run time. Its focused, throw-style beam is great for long-distance illumination, and this low output option still makes it useful for close-range tasks. If you’d prefer a rechargeable model that has a user-friendly interface much like that used on the ThruNite Archer 2A V3, as well as a significantly brighter beam, we’d recommend the Fenix PD36R.Ĭapable of producing up to 1,600 lumen on high and as low as 30 on eco mode, the Fenix PD36R is versatile enough to handle a wide range of jobs. The best rechargeable flashlight: Fenix PD36RĪ rechargeable flashlight typically gives you longer run times per charge than you’d get from a set of disposable batteries, though you lose the flexibility of being able to run into a store on your way to the campsite if you find yourself without a charge. The Archer automatically shuts itself off when it gets too hot, so it was difficult to test the total run time from 100% down to 0%, but I think it’s safe to say the rest of its advertised run times are fairly accurate. The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 runs on two AA batteries, which lasted for nearly two hours on high before stepping down to the medium setting, which lines up with its advertised run time. Although I didn’t fully test it at that depth, I did power it on and toss it into my bathtub for 30 minutes, and used it on several long dog walks in heavy downpours. It also boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to be totally submerged in up to 2 meters of water. I tested its 1-meter drop claim by tossing onto a concrete sidewalk every couple of days, and while the case did pick up a few knicks and scratches, its performance was unaffected.

I also found the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 to be exceptionally durable. This is really convenient for close-up illumination tasks like map reading, where a stronger beam would blow out your vision This could be a drawback for some users who want something a bit more powerful (and some of the flashlights we tested put out truly ridiculous power), but this lower maximum output does allow the Thrunite to provide an extremely low “firefly” setting, at just. It’s worth noting that the Archer’s 500-lumen output is lower than most of the models I tested, and combined with the flood-style beam, ranked fairly low on my 50-yard distance test. The ThruNite casts a broad, bright beam that makes it useful in many situations. I found this beam to be really useful for both indoor and shorter-distance illumination tasks, where a more-focused center spotlight would blow out whatever I was looking at. The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 throws a broad, flood-style beam the shape spreads the light nice and wide, and a textured “orange peel” reflector gives you smooth and even illumination, with no spots or rings. While single-button flashlights provide the same number of settings, I found myself struggling to remember the specific button sequence to find the setting I wanted, something that never happened with this model. I found this setup to be the most convenient to use, and it really nails the ideal balance between ease of use and maximum functionality. The real highlight of the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is its dual-button interface: a recessed tail switch powers it on and off, and a low-profile side button cycles through the four brightness settings.

The 6-inch length is long enough to hold in a variety of ways, unlike shorter, compact lights that can be a challenge to adjust your grip, but short enough that it’s not hard to fit into a bag. The light weight - less than an ounce - and narrow diameter make it convenient to carry without weighing you down too much. Right out of the box, you’ll notice that the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 has a sturdy, high-quality feel and the knurled body makes it easy to maintain a solid grip. If you’re looking for a reliable flashlight that’s easy to use, provides a range of beam settings and won’t break the bank, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a great all-around option. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
