Fenix LD12 vs ThruNite 1A V3 (Neutral)

[GuitarZnGunz]

I'm torn between two flashlights, help me decide! I'm looking at getting either the ThruNite Archer 1A V3 or the Fenix LD12. Which one should I get? They seem very similar.

Both have a forward clicky momentary on tail switch. Both are fitted with a CREE XP-G2 R5 neutral white LED, dimensions are similar, they both accept a 14500. Thrunite costs slightly less and has a moonlight mode, Fenix has a good track record and I've been very happy with their quality in the past.

What am I missing? Is there something that sets these two apart? Which would you choose?

 

[GuitarZnGunz]

Bumping

 

[Sos24]

I do have experience with Fenix in general and the LD12 specifically. Fenix is one of the few brands that I really trust do from the abuse I have put them through and still have them work. I do not have any real experience with ThruNite so I can speak to their quality, but know some people who love their lights.

That being said, there are a few distinct differences that may sway you to one side or the other:
- Firefly mode can be really useful and some people really want a light with sub-lumen capability. ThruNite has firefly, while Fenix lowest is 5L
- Max Lumen - The maximum lumens off a AA battery are higher on the ThruNite than the Fenix. The Fenix does go up to 320 with a 14550 and I haven't seen anything saying the TruNite gets the same burst.
- Runtime - All the run times at each level appear to favor ThruNite from what I have seen.
- Throw and Candela - This is one area that Fenix has a significant advantage over ThruNite and is probably why the lower runtimes and overall max lumens.

Looking at those specific differences may help you decide on what would better suite your needs and preferences.

 

[GuitarZnGunz]

Excellent, thank you for the reply. I do like that ThruNite has firefly mode, I wish ThruNite listed specs with a 14500. I think that would prove they're closer in lumens, candela, and throw to the LD12. Only thing I've found was a thread on BLF regarding the ThruNite running on a 14500. I'll probably end up going with the Fenix just because I'm more familiar with their stuff. I don't own anything from ThruNite, but I do know quite a few people who speak highly of them.

 

[pc_light]

My own impressions of the two pretty much track with yours.

The Thrunite is indicated as having an XP-L rather than XP-G2 though. Since both are close in lumens on max output, the different emitters might explain the Fenix LD12's throwier rating (tighter hotspot for distance.)

You can't go wrong with either light, Fenix has a slightly beefier build with the nod on price going to Thrunite.

 

[GuitarZnGunz]

Thanks for the reply, yes ThruNite has the specs on their website for the cool white version, but I'm looking at the neutral version which is said to have the XP-G2 R5. I do like that the Fenix has a bit more throw according to the listed specs. Seems like the Fenix may be worth the extra cost for the name, build quality, and slightly better specs.

 

[Sos24]

Thanks for the reply, yes ThruNite has the specs on their website for the cool white version, but I'm looking at the neutral version which is said to have the XP-G2 R5. I do like that the Fenix has a bit more throw according to the listed specs. Seems like the Fenix may be worth the extra cost for the name, build quality, and slightly better specs.

I found the ThruNite 1A NW stats on a CPF review. It still doesn't list the 14500 info. It does show a decrease in max lumens with increase in throw and candela, but still not to the level of Fenix.

1A Specs
NW Modes & Run-time: Firefly:0.42lumens(408hours); Low:15 lumens(22hours); Medium:70 lumens(5hours); High:175 lumens(115minutes); Strobe:175 lumens(3.5hours).
Working voltage: 0.9v to 4.2v.
Battery: 1 AA or 14500 battery (not included).
NW Max beam distance: 97 meters.
NW Peak beam intensity: 2400cd.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...or-XP-G2-Neutral)-1A-2A-1C-2C-Series-Overview

 

[GuitarZnGunz]

Good information! Thanks for digging that up for me! 👍

 

[Hugh Johnson]

We have 3 of those Archers. I thought my NW was XPL. Certainly looks to be the same as my other XPL's.

The moonlight is great, one of my favourites. Dim enough to use in the middle of the night. Bright enough to navigate the house or tent. in fact, we've used one for over 9,000 hours as a night light. It's also held up to the kids.

They do take my 14500. Reported at about 520 lumens.

 

[GuitarZnGunz]

Awesome, thanks for the info!