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.
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.
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?
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.