I’m happy with my Sofirn SP70. I had been using a Thrunite TN50 for pest control due to its enormous floody beam (meaning no flying pest can escape its beam profile). However, it is proving to be overly thick. I started using the Sofirn SP70 for pest control and its 2x26650 body is a pleasure to hold and clasp. Its beam profile is encompassing enough to keep any flying pest within its sights and has ample throw to keep pace.
On top of all this, Sofirn is reliable. I’ve used several different models of Sofirn and they all keep shining. No blown driver or dead LED; no problem whatsoever!
Oh yeah the anodizing is extremely good too, on the Sofirn SP70.
Also one last thing: it was great beamshot comparison such as Relampago above, and also Josh of That Crazy Flashaholic 67 on Youtube that convinced me to contact Sofirn in the original SP70 thread and buy the light for $50 from Amazon. Thank you Relampago and ThatCrazyFlashaholic67 for your beamshot efforts!
Barry wrote in post 57 that Sofirn is considering a new model, not just the existing light with a smooth reflector. They know we will always ask for more lumens and more throw. It’s an xhp 70.2 for now, but putting in a boost driver and a 35 would be easy for them. They already make a single cell boost driven xhp35 C8.
Dale had concerns about the shape of the reflector, said it wasn’t a true parabola. Also was concerned about the glass lens not being thick enough for a light this big, said it would be too easy to crack.
Fixing that means sourcing a different piece of glass and making a new bezel, making them bigger isn’t a big deal.The head is two pieces, it’s possible to use a bigger reflector by just making the bezel end bigger. The main part of the head could remain the same unless it is too small to get the correct shape. What’s easier for them, developing a new reflector or sourcing an off the shelf solution and making it fit?
Getting back to Lux’s list in the op I’d like to see Narsil instead of Anduril, no tail switch, a bigger better smooth reflector, and thicker glass. May as well leave the fet alone, sounds like the odds of getting a fake are too high. What they are using seems pretty good. Since this will likely be a low sales volume light they probably won’t want to do a bunch of emitter options. Let them choose the led and we can swap it out. Dedoming and spring bypasses should be on us as well. Everything else looks good to me.
Yeah, I like the idea of their C8 XHP35, but I felt the reflector was a little too small to kill it, given what I’ve already got. Thicker glass is always good (also removes the “tink tink” issue that the Astrolux FT03 seems to be having). I don’t know the physics of it, but I assume a deeper reflector without increasing width would still increase throw, but not significantly?
My understanding from various posts on BLF is that the depth of a reflector, beyond a certain point, only alters the amount in and size of the corona compared to the spill. If a reflector is not deep enough (much shallower than SP70), it does significantly affect throw, but beyond that it should be almost entirely an issue of reflector width (and, of course, having the proper curve and focus is always crucial).
Edited to add: https://www.slideshare.net/canfang/led-optics-in-flashlight interesting reference if you'd like some reading. Unfortunately I cannot recall where I found that link. Slide 16 is particularly relevant to this discussion, though.
I don't know how willing Sofirn is to go for a long list of options, but it's what would really satisfy BLF (and part of why Simon/Convoy are so popular here). Opinions vary on SMO/OP, tail switch or not, what the tail switch would do (lockout only or on-when-pressed), what emitter and if it's sliced, even 26650 vs 21700.
Really, the things I'd change would be driver + UI + retaining ring, and probably a ~5000K emitter in at least P2 bin. If my current SP70 had a retaining ring, I'd already have swapped the driver.
Why? I've swapped many a driver with no retaining ring. You saw my pics of the driver? Mine easily re-assembled. The battery tube locks it down, keeps it in place. Easy stuff...
Of course it would be better with a nice brass retaining ring. Funny, I just got in a $10 26650 zoomie with side switch, USB charging, bought here. Even this cheap thing had an alum driver retaining ring and fully disassembled easily.
I don’t know about the 4*18650, but I haven’t seen any standout 2*26650’s. I think the SP70 might be a smaller market because it’s in the middle range of throw and flood. For me its ideal, I like the combination and I’d like it even more with a NW, some BeCu springs and an AR lens.
I got the impression that many people on BLF (and TLF as well) wait for the SP70 BLF edition. I presume the actual interest will depend on what Sofirn is about to improve on the BLF edition. What changes are you going to commit to?
I think the light is still wanted but is not getting much attention as it normally would. It’s been a late spring in North America and people are just getting outside for yard work and recreation.
The FT03 and new Emisar are getting quite a bit of attention. The lantern and FW3A are getting even more attention. Even the C8G seems to be forgotten at the moment, surprising for a boost driven xhp 35 in a C8 at that price point.
Plus the SP70 is an excellent light as is, especially for the price. A little bit of modding seems to really pay off. Maybe tweaking the C8G driver to work with two cells in series and driving an xhp 35 at max would perk some people up. Just need to get the smooth reflector working good.
