After about a week with these 3 lights, I thought I’d share my impressions.
Quick little note on my background, I have been into LED flashlights since 2007 when I bought 2 Brite Strike lights an 80 and a 290 lumen model and then lights from Fenix and 4 Sevens occasionally during the years until recently upon finding this forum. I’m not an expert but have owned at least dozen lights over the last decade mostly small CR123 lights.
With all the holiday deals offered on BLF during the last month I bought a bunch of new lights as I wanted to see how much the technology had improved since I first started buying lights.
A few pics
Comparing the SP36 and the Q8,
The build quality is excellent on both models with the main differences being:
SP36 has a built in USB-C charger and uses 3 x 18650, New switch
Concealed charging port would have been better. Rubber boot USB cover is terrible, opens very easily.
More economical to run: 3 x 18650 (charger included) vs 4 for the Q8 (separate charger required)
Q8 4 x 18650 (no built in charging), Old Switch
More throw and light for longer in a slightly larger package.
The old button on the Q8 dates it compared to the SP36 and C8F
The Q8 is larger, but in my hands I didn’t find the extra size to make it uncomfortable, and appreciated the longer time it took to get hot. I also preferred the longer throw and better spill it has over the the SP36. The SP36 ramped down from turbo quickly (about 2 min head temps were 65C) and stepped down output much more noticeably than on the Q8. The hotspot on the Q8 is better defined and while cooler more even than the SP36 which I observed as rosy/pink in the spill and greenish yellow in the center. These are both powerful lights that at peak brightness should be able to handle most lighting scenarios including some extreme searching. My feeling is that if you want a light in this category you’re better off with the Q8 as it’s got more throw and since with either light you’ve committed to a pretty big light anyway so might as well go for it.
My C8F had issues with PMW for the first few days I had it. I tried the included Sofirn 4000mAh, Samsung 40T and Vapcell 4000 mAh - 30A continuous (Sony VCT6A). In an attempt to “fix” the issue I screwed and unscrewed the battery tube into the head about 10x and it now runs fine. I like the size of the C8F and it doesn’t heat up fast like the SP36 and the Q8 however the throw and spill can’t compete with the other two lights so I’d prefer to take a floody light with me if that’s what I need or a small thrower if that suits my needs for a given task. BTW the Mini GT is tiny and I was able to lose one in my shorts pocket for longer than I’m willing to admit the other night.
Of note: Even though the specs for the SP36 and Q8 both state that button top batteries are required, both lights worked with Flattops, Button Tops, and Protected Cells.
I will try to get some beam shots and post them tonight.
ADDED 1/2/2019
More beam shots to come
Sofirn 8Q @ 300 m
Sofirn SP36 @ 300 m
Sofirn C8F 21700 @ 300 m
Reference shot (same camera settings)