{
  "category": {
    "slug": "flashlights",
    "name": "Flashlights",
    "description": "Handheld everyday-carry and tactical flashlights; headlamps and lanterns are separate."
  },
  "url": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/flashlights",
  "markdown": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/flashlights.md",
  "updated": "2026-08-19T17:35:29.164Z",
  "productsRanked": 16,
  "summary": "On the stierproducts flashlights board, ThruNite Archer 2A C ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Olight Arkfeld Ultra (#2, S tier) and JetBeam E26 UV Kunai (#3, A tier). The board ranks 16 flashlights from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 19 Aug 2026, drawing on 186 outlet citations across the board. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Olight Baton 3 Pro, Streamlight Polytac X USB, Fenix PD36R Ace, and 3 others.",
  "method": {
    "summary": "Each category is researched in four independent runs, one per lens (expert consensus, value, reliability, community pulse). Every run ranks a board of candidates that deliberately includes products buyers cross-shop but should avoid. Placements score on a ranked ladder (LP), and tiers are derived from LP, so no tier is ever assigned by hand.",
    "url": "https://stierproducts.com/methodology"
  },
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
    "terms": "https://stierproducts.com/license",
    "covers": [
      "text",
      "rankings",
      "tiers",
      "lp",
      "verdicts",
      "pros",
      "cons"
    ],
    "excludes": [
      "images"
    ],
    "imageRights": "Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence."
  },
  "tierMeanings": {
    "S": "Exceptional. Finishes top run after run; capped at 3 slots per category.",
    "A": "Excellent. Strongly recommended, beaten only by the very best.",
    "B": "Good. A solid choice with real caveats worth knowing.",
    "C": "Fair. Acceptable in the right situation, outclassed at its price.",
    "D": "Weak. Hard to recommend when better options cost similar money.",
    "F": "Avoid. The evidence points you elsewhere."
  },
  "products": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 903,
      "name": "ThruNite Archer 2A C",
      "brand": "ThruNite",
      "slug": "thrunite-archer-2a-c",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/thrunite-archer-2a-c",
      "verdict": "A solid performer highlighted by a respected testing channel, indicating good value and functionality.",
      "pros": [
        "Strong brightness performance",
        "Solid build quality",
        "Good battery capacity",
        "Durable construction",
        "Long battery life"
      ],
      "citations": 3,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/thrunite-archer-2a-c.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 893,
      "name": "Olight Arkfeld Ultra",
      "brand": "Olight",
      "slug": "olight-arkfeld-ultra",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/olight-arkfeld-ultra",
      "verdict": "Appears favorably in Project Farm's comparison, suggesting strong performance across multiple metrics.",
      "pros": [
        "High brightness output",
        "Robust design",
        "Drop-test proven durability",
        "Long lasting battery",
        "Solid construction"
      ],
      "citations": 14,
      "distinctOutlets": 14,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/olight-arkfeld-ultra.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 688,
      "name": "JetBeam E26 UV Kunai",
      "brand": "JetBeam",
      "slug": "jetbeam-e26-uv-kunai",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/jetbeam-e26-uv-kunai",
      "verdict": "Included in the comprehensive Project Farm test, demonstrating its capabilities alongside other models.",
      "pros": [
        "Good brightness and battery life",
        "Durable construction",
        "UV mode available",
        "2,800 lm output",
        "Compact design"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Shorter battery life over time",
        "Less robust construction"
      ],
      "citations": 6,
      "distinctOutlets": 6,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/jetbeam-e26-uv-kunai.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 566,
      "name": "Fenix PD35 v3.0",
      "brand": "Fenix",
      "slug": "fenix-pd35-v3-0",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/fenix-pd35-v3-0",
      "verdict": "A well-regarded model that performed adequately in a rigorous comparison test.",
      "pros": [
        "Reliable performance",
        "Good battery capacity",
        "High lumen output at a reasonable price",
        "Excellent beam throw",
        "3,200 lm output"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No recent firmware updates",
        "Higher failure rate after 18 months"
      ],
      "citations": 13,
      "distinctOutlets": 11,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/fenix-pd35-v3-0.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 484,
      "name": "Fenix TK20R V2.0",
      "brand": "Fenix",
      "slug": "fenix-tk20r-v2-0",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/fenix-tk20r-v2-0",
      "verdict": "Rugged construction, low failure rate, excellent battery life.",
      "pros": [
        "Rugged build",
        "Low failure rate",
        "Excellent battery life",
        "3,000-lumen output",
        "Excellent beam throw"
      ],
      "citations": 10,
      "distinctOutlets": 10,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/fenix-tk20r-v2-0.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 467,
      "name": "Fenix PD36R Pro",
      "brand": "Fenix",
      "slug": "fenix-pd36r-pro",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/fenix-pd36r-pro",
      "verdict": "top-tier performance with long warranty.",
      "pros": [
        "Very bright output",
        "Robust build",
        "Extended warranty"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Higher price",
        "Bulkier design",
        "Limited battery life"
      ],
      "citations": 8,
      "distinctOutlets": 8,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 2
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/fenix-pd36r-pro.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 7,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 433,
      "name": "Sofirn SC13",
      "brand": "Sofirn",
      "slug": "sofirn-sc13",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/sofirn-sc13",
      "verdict": "Included in Project Farm’s test suite, suggesting it's a competent option.",
      "pros": [
        "Decent brightness",
        "Solid design",
        "Solid build",
        "Long battery life",
        "Low failure rate"
      ],
      "citations": 18,
      "distinctOutlets": 17,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/sofirn-sc13.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 8,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 427,
      "name": "Maglite ML150LR",
      "brand": "Maglite",
      "slug": "maglite-ml150lr",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/maglite-ml150lr",
      "verdict": "While present in testing, its performance relative to other options suggests potential overvaluation.",
      "pros": [
        "Reliable brand reputation",
        "Proven durability",
        "Excellent warranty support",
        "Long-term reliability",
        "1,500 lm output"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "High cost for the performance offered",
        "High price relative to lumen output",
        "Limited battery life",
        "Lacks modern features"
      ],
      "citations": 1,
      "distinctOutlets": 1,
      "thinlySourced": true,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/maglite-ml150lr.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 9,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 414,
      "name": "Streamlight Microstream",
      "brand": "Streamlight",
      "slug": "streamlight-microstream",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/streamlight-microstream",
      "verdict": "Weak construction, short runtime, high early failure.",
      "pros": [
        "Very compact size",
        "Rugged construction",
        "Bright output",
        "1,500 lm output",
        "Consistent output"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Weak build",
        "Short battery life",
        "High early failure rate"
      ],
      "citations": 14,
      "distinctOutlets": 11,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/streamlight-microstream.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 10,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 392,
      "name": "Nitecore EX7",
      "brand": "Nitecore",
      "slug": "nitecore-ex7",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/nitecore-ex7",
      "verdict": "Consistently reliable, good build quality, low failure rate over time.",
      "pros": [
        "Solid build quality",
        "Long runtime",
        "Low failure rate"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Lower brightness than newer models",
        "Lacks modern modes"
      ],
      "citations": 36,
      "distinctOutlets": 31,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 2
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/nitecore-ex7.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 11,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 327,
      "name": "Olight Baton 3 Pro",
      "brand": "Olight",
      "slug": "olight-baton-3-pro",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/olight-baton-3-pro",
      "verdict": "Demonstrated reasonable performance within the Project Farm testing group.",
      "pros": [
        "Solid brightness",
        "Good build quality",
        "Robust build",
        "Long runtime",
        "Reliable firmware updates"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "800 lm output",
        "Limited battery life",
        "Heavier weight",
        "Less ergonomic grip",
        "Higher price"
      ],
      "citations": 8,
      "distinctOutlets": 8,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/olight-baton-3-pro.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 12,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 312,
      "name": "Streamlight Polytac X USB",
      "brand": "Streamlight",
      "slug": "streamlight-polytac-x-usb",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/streamlight-polytac-x-usb",
      "verdict": "Included in Project Farm's test but didn’t receive a strong endorsement.",
      "pros": [
        "USB charging capability",
        "Rugged build",
        "Long battery life",
        "1,500 lm output",
        "1,200-lumen peak output"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Performance not standout",
        "Heavier than comparable models",
        "Slow USB charging",
        "Mediocre beam throw"
      ],
      "citations": 1,
      "distinctOutlets": 1,
      "thinlySourced": true,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/streamlight-polytac-x-usb.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 13,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 261,
      "name": "Fenix PD36R Ace",
      "brand": "Fenix",
      "slug": "fenix-pd36r-ace",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/fenix-pd36r-ace",
      "verdict": "Included in the testing but not highlighted positively, suggesting potential drawbacks compared to other options.",
      "pros": [
        "Durable build",
        "Long runtime",
        "Reliable firmware",
        "Rugged build",
        "Good beam throw"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Performance below expectations"
      ],
      "citations": 27,
      "distinctOutlets": 18,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 4
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/fenix-pd36r-ace.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 14,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 177,
      "name": "Nitecore P27iX",
      "brand": "Nitecore",
      "slug": "nitecore-p27ix",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/nitecore-p27ix",
      "verdict": "Tested by Project Farm, but lacking standout performance.",
      "pros": [
        "Compact size",
        "Rugged build",
        "Long battery life",
        "Low failure rate",
        "High brightness"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Limited brightness compared to peers",
        "Early failures reported",
        "Battery performance inconsistent",
        "Modest brightness",
        "Limited beam throw"
      ],
      "citations": 30,
      "distinctOutlets": 23,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 5
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/nitecore-p27ix.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 15,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 163,
      "name": "Nitecore EDC35",
      "brand": "Nitecore",
      "slug": "nitecore-edc35",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/nitecore-edc35",
      "verdict": "A model that was tested but didn’t particularly stand out from the pack.",
      "pros": [
        "Good battery life",
        "Solid build"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "1,200 lm output",
        "Shorter run time",
        "Lower peak output",
        "Fewer modes",
        "Higher price for modest gain"
      ],
      "citations": 2,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 3
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/nitecore-edc35.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 16,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 98,
      "name": "Olight ArkPro Ultra",
      "brand": "Olight",
      "slug": "olight-arkpro-ultra",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/olight-arkpro-ultra",
      "verdict": "Firmware lag and higher than average failure rate; better options exist.",
      "pros": [
        "3,200 lm output",
        "Excellent beam focus",
        "High lumen rating",
        "Adjustable beam"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Outdated firmware",
        "Higher failure rate after 18 months",
        "Price close to Arkfeld Ultra but offers no significant advantage",
        "No documented long-term reliability data",
        "Heavily promoted but unverified"
      ],
      "citations": 28,
      "distinctOutlets": 23,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 5
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/olight-arkpro-ultra.webp"
    }
  ]
}