ZeroAir Reviews: Thrunite T10 (14500/AA, XP-L V6)
#Preface
I recently reviewed the Thrunite TH20, and Thrunite asked for me to run the T10 through the paces too. It's another AA/14500 light, which I typically like anyway.
And in other related news, I've started a blog where I can host all this info.... I had a fright with imgur once and was afraid all the photos from old reviews were gone. So I decided to go this route. Here's the link. I'm not excited about having two places to post, because it's twice the formatting, but it is what it is. Also reddit doesn't seem to like some of the links for sites that provide review items, so this allows me to stay copacetic with reddit. I am excited about moving it over there because inline images look sooooo much better, formatting is easier, and I don't really have to sweat the rules there. :) I'd like to archive all my old reviews from here to that site, too, so if anyone knows an easy way, there might be a flashlight in it for you....
My intention is to post all my flashlight reviews fully here in this sub. Other items I may post, I'll probably post only on that site. (keyboards, knives, etc, other interests....) I'm open to suggestions. If you'd like to visit over there and comment, welcome!
#Versions
Just two, a cool white and neutral white version. There's also a [discontinued] T10T - a titanium version.
#MSRP
$23.95, but even at Thrunite the price has dropped to $21.95. And often the coupon code "Thrunite" will take 5% off the cost. This is only valid on the ThruNite online store, not on amazon: ThruNite Online Store: www.thrunite.com, Amazon store: http://www.amazon.com/thrunite.
#Short Review
Superb build quality, multicell support make this a great little pocLet light. And the XP-L HD is a fine emitter for this application.
#Long Review
- Thrunite T10
- Diffuser cone
- Spare O-ring
- Pocket clip
- Carrying tin
- Manual
##Pictures
Here's the full photo album, here's a beamshot album, and here's the runtime.
##Package and Manual
The package is superb. There's a tin inside a cardboard sleeve. This packaging seems a little bit excessive, namely because I'll never use a tin like this for carrying the light or... much, really. But it does cause the light to arrive from shipment in perfect condition.
The manual is finally right. It's a big fold out sheet but the folds match the sections on the manual. So, the sheet can be unfolded two-folds, and the whole English manual is shown. Flipped over, and another entire language is displayed. I really wish more manufacturers would get this right!
##Build Quality and Disassembly
I have been extremely pleased with the build quality of this light. The only thing I don't like is the anodizing, but that's nit-picking. The light is very .... well you know that feeling heavy tools have? This small light has that. Very "fit" and considered build. The most striking aspect of the light is immediately the bezel, which has a stainless steel appearance. It's probably aluminum (not even a hint of magnetism in it), but it could be actual stainless. Either way it's a very nice crown to this T10.
http://i.imgur.com/iO9oIaC.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TBG4CUa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/m7f6Waa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/G0kZfFK.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/SDOzwpI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/V1jMywr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WvPPdNO.jpg
I'm also very pleased with the clip. More on it later in the Carry section, but I love how well thought it is - it's easily removable and allows for a deep carry.
http://i.imgur.com/IUFhAgy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3mYKdXY.jpg
Back to the build. This light has perfectly lubed threads, which - though they don't seem to be ACME threads, do operate very smoothly with no hint of cross action. The tailcap is also threaded, but I wasn't able to get it unscrewed (with little effort).
http://i.imgur.com/VAUK7jU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nitY6Nc.jpg
Others have disassembled similar Thrunite lights for emitter swaps. I think the bezel will unscrew on this light as well, and in my opinion that's a huge bonus. The XP-L emitteR, while a fine emitter, could be replaced for dinner Nichia offering (as most emitters could be :) .
http://i.imgur.com/RxdEqUj.jpg
##Size
This light is a fantastic size for in pocket carry. In fact for the first few days of using the light, I didn't even install the clip, and carried the T10 as a third light, deep in my pockets. I love it there. Plenty of room for another 18650 or two on the topside, while having a functional backup.
Here are some size comparison shots.
http://i.imgur.com/bhFIi2B.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jb1rBcX.jpg
##Retention
The T10 package includes a pocket clip, which comes uninstalled. It's a tension clip, and easy to install or uninstall. It's not too easy to uninstall though - it doesn't seem to separate unintentionally. There's nothing else, unless you count the tin (which I don't.)
http://i.imgur.com/3mYKdXY.jpg
##Power
Two options for powering this small light: AA, or 14500. The higher voltage of the 14500 cells will in fact provide higher output, but at the cost of shorter (and strangely terminating) runtimes.
I've read that the T10 doesn't have low voltage protection. AA (Eneloop) termination on the High runtime was 0.857V. 14500 termination on the High runtime was 3.27V. (EVVA 800mAh protected). Note that on the high runtime, the cutoff for the 14500 was very dramatic, and (if someone forced me to guess), timed. Timed cutoffs probably do mean lack of LVP, so if you run an already-low 14500, you may run into issues.
##User Interface and Operation
The interface on the T10 is a single reverse tail clicky. Reverse tail clickies are probably my favorite .... at least of the mechanical switch variety, because they can be leveraged for so much fun. Namely, mode changing while "on." And of course, almost negligible chance of accidental activation.
##Here's the UI table:
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Click | On (Mode memory) |
| Off | Half Click or Hold | No Action |
| On | Click | Off |
| On | Half Click OR Loosen head, tighten head within 2 seconds OR Double click | Mode cycle (F>L>H) |
| Any | Loosen Head | Lockout |
##LED and Beam
The emitter of choice in this Thrunite is a Cree XP-L V6. Still the beam really isn't all that bad of a tint, and the shape is great for this small type light.
Oh and there's a diffuser, which unfortunately doesn't seem to glow in the dark.
##Beamshots, Runtime, and Lux Measurements
| Brand | Thrunite |
|---|---|
| Model | T10 |
| Emitter | Cree XP-L HD |
| Emitter Notes | V6 |
| Runtime | AA/14500 |
| Beamshots [0.3", f/8, ISO 100, 5000k] | AA/14500 |
| Claimed Lumens (lm) | 252 |
| Lux (Measured) | 100, 129 |
| At (m) | 3.498, 3.571 |
| Candela ([Calculated]) in cd | 1223.60, 1645.01 |
| Throw ([Calculated]) (m) | 69.96, 81.12 |
| Throw (Claimed) (m) | 65 |
14500 is in bold above.
And for further comparisons to other lights I've looked at, please see the Big Ol Table.
##Random Comparisons and Competitive Options....
There are a bunch of Armytek lights, and a few lesser known brands (one by Skilhunt that's probably great!) that are similar to the T10. The T10 has great build quality, is rather inexpensive, and the emitter can be swapped relatively easily. This seems like a good option.
#Conclusion
##What I like
- AA/14500 support
- Size is great for pocket carry
- Feels like a quality tool
##What I don't like
- Anodizing seems a touch thin.
##Up Next
I'm not going to try to keep a list here, but on the site I hope to set up a sidebar with a list of upcoming review items.
##Notes
- Thanks to Thrunite for sending this light for review! I was received this light at no cost, but was not paid to write this review.
##Edits
- Changed wording on some complaints about the emitter. Sometimes I write when it's too late at night.....
Posted Mar 7, 2017, 6:09 PM UTC · edited