Edit: Nope, I’m wrong. I think I was confusing M5 and M6.
It’s more than two modes. Gearbest appears to have sold out of the M5, but still has really detailed information about the M3 if you’re interested (I’m almost certain it’s the same as M5 except for RCR123 instead of AA/14500).
The information available below the standard template appears to have been provided by the manufacturer and is translated very well.
I gave it a close look a while back hoping it would be like an Olight S1A but with neutral tint, but 10 lumen is a little high for an “ultra low” setting (for me). S1A has two settings below that and direct access to lowest from off.
I find the specification templates on all of these sites to be unreliable, but Fasttech has to be the worst. Their discussion forums can be a real treasure, though. Still, I’ve learned my lesson to always check BLF before any purchase.
I’m sorry Swampus, but I have to disagree concerning the modes. Although I don’t read chinese, the diagram of both lights is quite different!
Take a look M5 on the left, M3 on the right:
Seeing these, they don’t have the same UI! Not at all. M5 seems to have Low > High > OFF + Strobe (double click, maybe?). M3 has lots of regular and special modes!
From another post, in another thread about the SP10A, AgentSteel said this about batteries in the SP10A:
So, my guess is that some protected fit, while others don’t fit! Even some Ni-MH may not fit, as on my SF14. The battery tubes are identical (a “defective” first batch), so it may depend a little
So far I didn’t see a review on the SP10B, I guess some of us are getting them on the next days/weeks. But my guess is that it will be the same as SP10A, as the hosts are the same, only the driver changes :+1:
Tracy, do you think it would be possible to make the tail switch from the SF14 available for purchase on Ali Express? It would be nice to have a couple of extras for occasional use on the SP10B and even the Utorch UT01. [Edit: This provides no additional functionality, but can be used to turn these lights off and then serve as a mechanical lock-out until next use. For me, though, the greater appeal is that the SF14 switch adds a few millimeters of length that makes the side-switch lights a little more comfortable to hold. That, of course, is subjective, but when my thumb is on the switch, I sometimes feel like I want a little more flashlight left over in the palm of my hand.]
Also, it would be nice to be able to order an extra pocket clip or two.
I see that the SP10A and SP10B boards are both available in the parts section now. That’s great!
Sorry for the late reply.
If you have any problem or question, please feel free to contact the sales service whether on AliExpress or Amazon. They will help you do their best.
Currently it is listed as having Low Voltage Protection only for 14500 cells. It would be nice to have LVP feature for NiMH cells too, or have an easy accessible battery level indicator function.
Just received my Sofirn SP 10b today and have been playing with it . Removed the head and the threads were very rough and gritty but lube took care of that . Tail threads were better . Very bright output with 14500 . Seems as bright as my Convoy S2+ 6x7135 and Jet 1MK . S2+ slightly more floody . All about equal in throw . $12 well spent .
No problems . Just getting used to the switch is a little difficult . A long click turns the light off usually except from strobe and turbo mode if accessed from off . In those cases , a short click turns it off . Another thing I need to learn is when on the lowest setting I sometimes think it is off and think the switch is not working properly . Why do people desire such low settings I don’t know . Not for me . Being older, I would rather simple L,M,H,Off or even just L,H,Off . Just me though .YMMV. When I first put the 14500 in and turned on turbo , it was flickering . Tightening the caps stopped this although I did not feel they where loose . No spring in the front . Over all : B+ .
Same here, I don’t find any use for Moonlight/Firefly mode, would be glad if I could get rid of it.
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What’s your opinion about this -vs Utorch UT01, which would you prefer?
I just got a (red) SF10b. My main motivation was finding a more reliable alternative than the UT01 — my first UT01 doesn’t work with 14500, the second does — to recommend or give as gifts.
I’m not sure how I feel about the UI. It is certainly taking me some getting used now that I’m familiar with the UT01.
I was hoping it would be a better UI for ‘muggles,’ but I’m not sure it is.
The long press to turn on and off seems a little too long. More than once, I’ve ended up in moon when I thought I’ve turned it off. Also, the fact that it takes a short press to turn off after entering Turbo with a double-click from off is odd, and seems like an accident. I like the lockout, but I’d rather have it on three clicks, and flashing modes on four clicks.
Turbo isn’t as bright as the UT01, but the beam is more throwy.
Build quality is good. I like the metal button, but it’s a little harder to find by feel, or maybe I just need to be feeling for something else (like the depressions on either side). The tail cap spring is pretty thin. I’ll try a bypass.
I personally find moonlight mode useful.
Overall, it’s a good light and I think it will make a good gift light. The only thing I’d really ask for is a brighter turbo, for more WOW.
Just a little follow-up. After playing with my UT01 and SP10b, I note that while the 10b seems to have more throw at a given output level, the higher output of the UT01 means that it is at least as effective at illuminating distant objects — at the cost of some runtime, I assume.
I’d love a SP10c with output closer to that of a UT01.
