It looks like the Sofirn SP31 has been cross-bred with the C8A & C8T.
They have an SP31A and an SP31T light listed. Both appear to share the same body, which looks like the side + tail switch SP31 on the bottom with a C8-ish sized reflector head (different styling though). From the specs, it looks like all three use the same regulated buck driver. The SP31A uses an XP-L2 emitter, like the C8A, and the SP31T uses an XP-L HI.
Nice body ! :heart_eyes:
looks like the switch is mounted onto the driver. This is similar construction method as DQG lights and it fails much faster.
i hate this method 
Consider the size/mass compare with C8A/T they should have more power than this.
Maybe we’ll see performance versions with the C8F driver?
I don’t understand the point for having the SP31A or SP31T when the C8F and C8T is same size but much more powerful. I would much rather see a XP-L2 V6 version of C8F.
If the driver of SP32A fit it would be nice with 8A current.
You don’t understand the point of having a regulated light with longer battery life and a side switch?
Now it’s time for them to make 21700 or at least 26650 version of C8F 
Tracy replied to a PM about these lights. She said they were created to the specs of their agent in South Africa, for what that is worth.
Hmm, so, kind of like if they took the SP33 and did something similar to what they did with the SP31 here, and add larger reflector…
hate hate hate! me too and three
wle
I just ask Sofirn for SP31T with DTP copper MCPCB with SP32A driver let see if it could happen .
I realize that this initial design might not be ideal, but I wanted to use my AE coupon ($4 off $20+) and the C8T kit was sold out. I was needing a 18650 compact thrower and this SP31T seemed too good for my situation to pass up… I learned from my failed Imalent DX80 experience… don’t spend more on a flashlight than what one can afford to lose. I’m not a modder. Hopefully the switch mounted on driver will endure for me, and no DTP copper MCPCB with SP32a driver yet.
What method do you prefer? Having the switch mounted on a PCB in a parallel orientation, so that there is no torque on the switch & the solder joints when it is clicked?
Well, that’s what Sofirn seems to be doing on many of their side-switch lights. This photo shows the SP32A driver. The SP10a/b drivers are the same, as is the SP33s. The SP31 is almost certainly using the same arrangement, and the SP31A/T probably do as well.
From what I’ve seen, the vertical PCB that the switches are mounted on slip into a milled channel in the head.
I have learned from my Imalent DX80 failure to heed forum members observations. Can I rely on my Sofirn SP31T to be failproof enough to use in miles long concrete underground tunnel urbex or should I bite the bullet here and spend more money and buy a C8T?
I wouldn’t rely on any single light to be failure proof.
I would use the SP31T and carry an additional 18650 tube light like an S2+ or VG15s.
Personally? I’d stick with a tried’n’true light like a C8 form, whether C8F, -T, or -A, depending what you’d want.
Also, “two is one, and one is none”, so it’s just smart to carry backup(s).
Awesome advice and input. Thanks.
There are observations, and there is speculation. I saw plenty of speculation.
I hope you’ll share your observations when yours arrives.
I agree with the others. I wouldn’t rely on a single light, and I’d probably give the SP31T, or any other relatively new flashlight model, some low-risk field trials before taking it underground.
I think the SP31T is like a monster, and two completely uncoordinated things are forced together, and there is a feeling of wanting to throw up and this is a very failed flashlight look.