Flashlights · owner-verdict comparison

Sofirn SP36 vs ThruNite Archer 2A V3: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 77% of 88 Sofirn SP36 owners recommend it, vs 75% of 60 for the ThruNite Archer 2A V3.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Sofirn SP36

77%of 88 owners recommend
77% recommend · 13% neutral · 10% don't
Owners praise
  • Very bright, floods a whole yard
  • Huge runtime on three 18650s
  • Excellent value, cheap on sale
Owners complain about
  • Heats up fast on turbo, throttles
  • Chunky soda-can size, not pocketable
  • Died despite waterproof rating
Full owner report →

ThruNite Archer 2A V3

75%of 60 owners recommend
75% recommend · 10% neutral · 15% don't
Owners praise
  • Runs on common, easy-to-find AA batteries
  • Compact, slim, and pocketable for everyday carry
  • Bright output that impresses for its size
Full owner report →

What Sofirn SP36 owners say

“So far my Sofrin SP36 (for lighting up a room) and SP10 (for task specific lighting) have gotten me through.”
— greasybug on Reddit
“I have this light and love it.”
— @emshirtgrinder on YouTube
“I used my sp36 underwater and killed it. Fortunately they sent me a new one free, but I'm only trusting my dive light underwater”
— not_gerg on Reddit

What ThruNite Archer 2A V3 owners say

“if you want something with more power but a little bigger Thrunite Archer 2A V3 (I got one for myself like a week ago and I love it already). For comparison it's as long as a modern smartphones length.”
— whitecow on Reddit
“ThruNite Archer 2A V3 (this was chosen by the wirecutter and works well enough; it helps having 2 lights so we can each have one)”
— tsuehpsyde on Reddit
“Back in November I got the "ThruNite Archer 2A V3" and today my new Powertac Valor arrived. In a quick comparison I think I like the Powertac more, it's quite a bit brighter and the center beam is more focused.”
— flatmind on Reddit