ThruNite TN12 V6 Review: The Ultimate EDC Flashlight
The ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight has rapidly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who require a reliable everyday carry (EDC) light. This versatile flashlight combines a sleek design with powerful performance, making it an ideal companion for various activities, from camping and hiking to emergency preparedness.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the TN12 V6’s design, performance, features, and usability, giving you a detailed understanding of what this flashlight has to offer. We will cover its impressive specifications, including brightness levels, run times, and durability, alongside comparisons with other models in the ThruNite lineup.
By the end of this article, whether you’re considering a purchase or just curious about the TN12 V6, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance and Brightness Levels
- User Interface and Controls
- Battery and Charging
- Durability and Weather Resistance
- Comparison with Other ThruNite Models
- Pros and Cons
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Design and Build Quality
The ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. It features a compact, lightweight design that makes it suitable for everyday carry.
Weighing just 87.5 grams without the battery and measuring 133.5mm in length and 27mm in diameter, it easily fits in a pocket or bag without bulk. The flashlight is constructed from military-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Materials Used
The TN12 V6 is crafted from high-quality aluminum with a tough type III hard-anodized finish. This not only enhances its durability but also provides a non-slip grip, making it easy to handle even in wet conditions.
The lens is made from ultra-clear, toughened glass, which is anti-reflective and designed to withstand impacts.
Dimensions and Weight
The flashlight’s dimensions are optimized for portability. As mentioned, it has a length of 133.5mm and a diameter of 27mm.
This compact design allows it to be easily stored and accessed when needed. The lightweight construction at just 87.5 grams without the battery further adds to its appeal as an EDC flashlight.
Ergonomics and Grip
The TN12 V6 features knurling along its body, providing a secure grip even in slippery conditions. The design also allows for easy operation with one hand, making it convenient for users who need to switch modes quickly in the dark.
The tactical dual-switch design enhances usability, offering both a tail switch for momentary activation and a side switch for mode selection.
| Model | Weight (g) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThruNite TN12 V6 | 87.5 | 133.5 | 27 |
| ThruNite TN12 Pro | 85 | 131.5 | 25.5 |
| ThruNite TN10 | 97 | 117 | 21-25.5 |
The table above compares the dimensions and weights of the ThruNite TN12 V6 with other models in the ThruNite lineup. As shown, the TN12 V6 is slightly heavier than the TN12 Pro but offers a comparable length and diameter.
The TN10 is shorter and heavier, indicating that the TN12 V6 is among the best in terms of portability and compactness, making it a preferred choice for EDC users.
Performance and Brightness Levels
The ThruNite TN12 V6 stands out for its lighting capabilities, boasting a maximum output of 1950 lumens and a beam distance of up to 259 meters. This performance makes it suitable for a wide range of activities, from everyday tasks to outdoor adventures.
The flashlight features six different brightness modes, including a strobe function for emergencies or tactical situations.
Brightness Modes Overview
The TN12 V6 offers the following brightness modes:
- Turbo: 1950 lumens for 60 seconds
- High: 600 lumens for 3 hours 40 minutes
- Medium: 125 lumens for 13 hours 30 minutes
- Low: 25 lumens for 45 hours
- Firefly: 0.5 lumens for 41 days
- Strobe: 600 lumens for emergency signaling
Runtime Comparisons
The following table summarizes the runtimes and output levels for each mode:
| Mode | Output (Lumens) | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo | 1950 | 60 seconds + 155 minutes at lower levels |
| High | 600 | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Medium | 125 | 13 hours 30 minutes |
| Low | 25 | 45 hours |
| Firefly | 0.5 | 41 days |
| Strobe | 600 | Duration varies |
This table effectively presents the performance of the TN12 V6 across its various modes. The Turbo mode showcases the flashlight’s maximum potential, allowing for high-intensity tasks, while the Firefly mode demonstrates its efficiency in extending battery life for prolonged use.
The moderate runtimes in High and Medium modes make it versatile for both short bursts of brightness and longer durations, catering to a variety of user needs.
Beam Distance and Intensity
The TN12 V6’s beam distance of 259 meters is facilitated by its high-performance LED and smooth reflector design, which focuses the light effectively. The peak beam intensity is rated at 16,800 candela, ensuring that the flashlight can illuminate distant objects clearly.
This combination of brightness and distance makes the TN12 V6 an excellent choice for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and search-and-rescue operations.
User Interface and Controls
The user interface of the ThruNite TN12 V6 is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It features a combination of a tail switch and a side switch, allowing for versatile operation.
The tail switch provides momentary or constant activation, while the side switch is used for cycling through the different brightness modes.
Tail Switch vs. Side Switch
The tail switch is a forward clicky switch, which means it can be pressed halfway for momentary illumination or fully clicked for constant on. This is particularly useful in tactical situations where quick access to light is crucial.
The side switch, on the other hand, is used to change brightness levels and access the strobe mode, providing a good balance of functionality.
Mode Cycling
To cycle through modes, the user simply clicks the side switch. The flashlight remembers the last mode used (except for strobe), which enhances the user experience by allowing for immediate access to preferred settings.
This feature is beneficial for situations where quick access to light is essential.
Strobe Functionality
The strobe mode can be activated by a double-click of the side switch, delivering a bright flashing light that can be useful for signaling or disorienting an assailant. This feature adds to the tactical usability of the TN12 V6, making it a versatile tool in various scenarios.
| Function | Type | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| On/Off | Tail Switch | Click for constant, half-press for momentary |
| Mode Change | Side Switch | Single click to cycle through modes |
| Strobe | Side Switch | Double-click to activate |
This table highlights the various functions of the TN12 V6’s user interface. It underscores the ease of use in accessing the flashlight’s features, catering to both casual users and those in tactical situations.
The combination of a tail switch for immediate activation and a side switch for mode cycling ensures that users can quickly adapt the light to their needs.
Battery and Charging
The ThruNite TN12 V6 is powered by a 3400mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is included with the flashlight. This battery provides long runtimes across the various brightness modes, ensuring that users have adequate power for extended use.
The flashlight features a USB-C charging port, allowing for convenient on-board charging without the need to remove the battery.
Battery Specifications
The TN12 V6 is designed to work with a single 18650 battery. This allows for easy replacement and compatibility with other batteries if necessary.
The included battery has a high capacity, ensuring that the flashlight can maintain high performance for longer periods.
Charging Process
Charging the TN12 V6 is straightforward. Simply connect the USB-C charging cable to the flashlight, and the charging indicator will glow red during the charging process.
Once fully charged, the indicator turns blue, providing users with a clear visual cue that the light is ready for use.
Battery Life in Various Modes
The battery life across different modes is as follows:
| Mode | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Turbo | 60 seconds + 155 minutes |
| High | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Medium | 13 hours 30 minutes |
| Low | 45 hours |
| Firefly | 41 days |
This table illustrates the impressive runtimes of the TN12 V6 across its various brightness modes. The Turbo mode provides a short burst of high brightness, while the Firefly mode offers an extended runtime, making it suitable for emergency situations where a low light is required for long periods.
This flexibility showcases the TN12 V6’s capabilities as a reliable EDC flashlight.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The ThruNite TN12 V6 is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its rugged construction includes a military-grade aluminum body, making it both impact-resistant and waterproof.
This durability ensures that the flashlight can handle various environmental conditions, making it a trustworthy companion for outdoor adventures.
Impact Resistance
The TN12 V6 is rated for a drop resistance of up to 1.5 meters. This means it can sustain drops from reasonable heights without suffering significant damage.
Users can feel confident carrying it in their packs or using it in challenging conditions.
Waterproof Rating
With an IPX-8 waterproof rating, the TN12 V6 can be submerged in water up to 2 meters deep. This feature makes it ideal for use in rainy conditions or even during water-based activities, ensuring that users can rely on it when needed the most.
Real-World Durability Tests
Real-world tests of the TN12 V6 have shown that it performs well under various conditions. Users have reported positive experiences with its reliability during outdoor excursions, confirming its robustness and durability.
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | 1.5 meters |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX-8 (submersible up to 2 meters) |
The above table summarizes the durability features of the TN12 V6. Its impact resistance and waterproof rating highlight the flashlight’s design for tough conditions.
This makes the TN12 V6 suitable for various applications, from camping and hiking to emergency preparedness and professional use.
Comparison with Other ThruNite Models
To understand how the ThruNite TN12 V6 stacks up against other flashlights in the ThruNite lineup, we will compare it with the TN12 Pro and TN10 models. Each model offers unique features and specifications, catering to different user needs.
TN12 V6 vs. TN12 Pro
The TN12 Pro is an upgraded version of the TN12 V6, featuring a higher maximum output of 1900 lumens compared to the TN12 V6’s 1950 lumens. However, the TN12 Pro has a longer beam distance of 380 meters.
The Pro model also includes a more advanced LED technology for improved performance.
TN12 V6 vs. TN10
In comparison, the TN10 offers a lower maximum output of 1000 lumens and a shorter beam distance of 226 meters. Although the TN10 is lighter at 97 grams, it lacks some of the advanced features present in the TN12 V6, such as multiple brightness modes.
Price Comparison
Price is a significant factor when choosing a flashlight. Below is a table comparing the prices of the TN12 V6 with other ThruNite models:
| Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| ThruNite TN12 V6 | $49.95 |
| ThruNite TN12 Pro | $55.95 |
| ThruNite TN10 | $39.95 |
This table provides a clear comparison of the pricing across different ThruNite models. The TN12 V6 is positioned at a reasonable price point, considering its advanced features and performance.
Comparatively, the TN12 Pro is slightly more expensive due to its enhanced specifications, while the TN10 offers a budget-friendly option but at the cost of some features.
Pros and Cons
To provide a balanced view of the ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight, we will summarize its advantages and potential drawbacks based on user feedback and expert opinions.
Pros
- High maximum output of 1950 lumens for versatile lighting needs.
- Long beam distance of 259 meters suitable for outdoor activities.
- Multiple brightness modes and strobe function for tactical use.
- Durable construction with IPX-8 waterproof rating and impact resistance.
- USB-C rechargeable battery for convenient charging.
Cons
- Turbo mode can cause the flashlight to heat up significantly.
- Mode cycling may not be intuitive for all users.
- Some users reported issues with mode skipping.
User Feedback Summary
Overall, user feedback highlights the TN12 V6 as a reliable and powerful EDC flashlight, appreciated for its performance and build quality. However, some users have noted concerns regarding heat management during extended use in Turbo mode, suggesting that the flashlight should be used judiciously in this setting.
FAQ Section
What is the maximum output of the ThruNite TN12 V6?
The maximum output of the ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight is 1950 lumens. This impressive brightness level makes it suitable for a variety of applications, whether you need it for everyday tasks or more demanding outdoor activities.
How long does the battery last in Turbo mode?
In Turbo mode, the ThruNite TN12 V6 provides 1950 lumens for 60 seconds. After this initial burst, the output will gradually decrease to maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating.
Following Turbo mode, users can expect around 155 minutes of runtime at a lower brightness level.
Is the ThruNite TN12 V6 waterproof?
Yes, the ThruNite TN12 V6 features an IPX-8 waterproof rating. This means it can be submerged in water up to 2 meters deep, making it suitable for use in wet conditions, such as during rain or while engaged in water-related activities.
Can I use other types of batteries with the TN12 V6?
The TN12 V6 is designed to be powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery, which is included with the flashlight. While it is compatible with other batteries, such as 16340 cells, it is not recommended to use CR123 batteries due to performance limitations.
How do I charge the ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight?
Charging the ThruNite TN12 V6 is simple and convenient. The flashlight features a USB-C charging port, allowing users to charge the battery without removing it from the flashlight.
During charging, the indicator light will glow red, and once fully charged, it will turn blue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ThruNite TN12 V6 flashlight stands out as a versatile and reliable option for both everyday carry and outdoor adventures. Its combination of high output, durable design, and user-friendly features make it a worthy investment for anyone in need of a dependable light source.
While there are some caveats regarding heat management during prolonged use, the overall performance and build quality make the TN12 V6 a strong contender in the flashlight market. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply need a reliable light for emergencies, the TN12 V6 is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
