[REVIEW] Sofirn SP31 (XP-L2 V6 3D, 1x18650) (Pictures, Beamshots, etc.)

Yeah, I’m definitely glad no matter what the reason. I’m hoping that after the good feedback they receive on using warmer/NW emitters that it continues the trend.

I did a back-to-back walk last night with this light and another that was CW. The difference was huge. So much more eye strain/fatigue with CW. I think that CW also messes with my circadian more when I take a walk before bed. NW is superior in every way.

Well done review. If I needed one I would buy it. Just a personal preference (to give as gifts etc.) I think 18650 lights would do well to include integrated charger. Not sure how much that costs the manufacturer but that and a few more modes would make this a great general purpose light.

Nice review as always :+1:

So this light should be offering a good balance between throw and flood I believe?

An outdoor beam shot comparison with a similar light (let’s say Convoy S2+ for example) would be nice to see! :innocent:

Yeah, I consider this to be a “balanced beam”. Way less tunnel-vision effect than using a thrower like the C8. Perfect for walking the dog, etc. In reality, this is the type of profile that I would use the most.

FYI - The SP31 now has a 35% off coupon code on Amazon (US):
93DRB44D

I can not get the code to work. Says it’s not valid.

Very nice review BTW.

Doh sorry about that. They must have expired those codes already. Both the SP31 and SP32 codes no longer work.

Not a problem. I only wanted to try the code because I was issued a code for a sample that expired before I got home from work to get the light. Another issued and again no joy. Kinda glad I did not get a light after reading your review. I certainly could not have done as well of a job as you did. Again, thanks.

I also requested the single tailcap SW or the dual SW. :+1:

Nick

I bought my SP32 in Sofirn’s AliExpress store with the coupon they have there.
It reduced the price in almost 2€ (± $2 USD). It takes longer to arrive than through Amazon, but it’s cheaper, though!

SoCalTiger: after this time using it, are you glad with the overall functioning of the light?

Yes! The only real “con” for me is that I have unintentionally entered strobe mode when trying to quickly switch modes while out on a walk. So, my recommendation to manufacturers now is that they don’t use double-click to activate strobe modes. I’d rather have a double-click go to Turbo as that is a less distracting situation between the two. And then a long-press for strobe.

That said, the SP31 is currently on my primary 18650 EDC rotation. For walks, it’s usually either this or my C8.

The SP31 has the superior color temp and tint. I absolutely love the XP-L2 V6 3D.

Hum, gotta be careful with possible entering on strobe then…
I got that same problem with my Manker E11 when going up on modes. A faster click and it ‘strobes’!
I’d also prefer the double click for turbo, and eventually triple click for strobe or no strobe at all, but…not all manufacturers think alike!
Still, the overall appreciation seems nice, what is very good! I’m waiting for mine, hope it doesn’t take long to arrive!!

Thanks for your information! :+1:

SoCalTiger,

Thanks for reviewing this light, we appreciate all the hard work and I love the photo’s!

Cheers,
Splott-Light :slight_smile:

Great review, thanks!

Saw this on amazon the other day and thought it was interesting.

Do you also have the SP32? And it is on your EDC rotation instead of this one in the review (SP31)?

I really like a 2-switch setup with forward clicky tail, Although I’d prefer if the tail switch had no memory and always starts in high, like my Ultrafire C20 (Crelant 7G3CS clone) a “Tactical tailcap high mode switch” as Crelant calls it.

Love that light for those reasons, but it’s a bit too long. Sofrin SP31 is only about 4mm shorter but I like that it has the XPL and 3D tint.

I also wish they sold just the base light W/O battery and charger, I’d rather pay $5-8 less, than get stuff I’m not going to use.

I guess you can find just the light here on AliExpress store (https://tinyurl.com/y73gjvf4)!
I bought my SP32 there, without the battery and charger!
Take a look! Of course, it may take longer than on Amazon to arrive, but maybe it worths waiting and paying less in your case!

Thanks a bunch for the heads up on this! ePacket shipping is included (pretty fast) so I’ll get it there instead of amazon!

Glad it helped beam0 :wink:
Best regards!

Great review! Looks like a good value light, nice to see that it has a lot of the key features sorted. I might pick it up at some point. My only gripe is the modes. In my opinion I think they should have added a different medium of about 120-180lm, and consider the ~385lm mode high and ~1000lm mode turbo. Glad it has moon / firefly, unlike the comparable A1S.

The SP31 (in this review) is still in my primary rotation. In fact, it’s my default Go-To for a tube flashlight. This despite the fact that I have several other similar tube lights. I really like the color temperature and the Up/Down UI. My only long-term negative with this light is that you can accidentally enter strobe by clicking too fast.

I do not have the SP32 to compare. However… wait to check out my next review that I post in a couple days. Hopefully it will answer your questions. :wink: But, in short, I do prefer having the tail cutoff since it’s harder to accidentally activate. I don’t need the forward-clicky, though. A reverse-clicky would have been fine with me.

I’d actually prefer no memory and always starts in low. Really… I wish that all these flashlights had a hidden programming mode where you could set your preferences (like how Biscotti works).

Yeah. Personally, I would have ultimately preferred 5 modes and I agree that the existing modes are misnamed. The current mores are more like Turbo -> High -> Low -> Moon.

I mainly use mine on the ~40% 1A mode since it has no problem sustaining that.

I have both flashlights, sp31 and sp32. Sp31 is my favourite toy, while sp32 collects dust onbthe shelf.

Small side button not good for turn flashlight on and off. But it very good for change modes. And with forvard-click tail button makes very good UI.