I don't get many private messages but I had a pleasant surprise this past week when I received a request from Sofirn to review the SC31. Apparently, a few other BLFers received requests too so I'm a little late in getting mine out. There's nothing like putting a product in the hands of a user to see what happens so here are my observations.
The light is offered as a kit including the light, battery and micro USB cable.
So, looking at the kit components:
The lights' emitter is a Cree XP-G3 and coupled to the orange peel reflector, it produces an almost cold white hot spot with a warmer spill. The boundary between spill and spot is not hard but it has a quick transition.
The three modes are well separated and either pressing the switch for more than a second or constantly holding it will change to the next mode. A double-click with the light off as well as with it on will activate a dual frequency strobe. A single click in any mode will simply turn off the light. And when you single-click the light again, it will turn on in the last used of the three regular modes. A special feature of the this light is the blue-lit switch that acts as a charging indicator, state of charge indicator and when you long-press it while off, a slowly pulsing pattern emanates from the switch.
Physically, the light has a comfortable feel. The switch boot is larger than other Sofirn lights and is easily located by feel. The switch allows you to activate it when you want it on and is unlikely to be activated while carrying it in your pocket or clipped to your belt. Speaking of the clip, it holds strong and doesn't tear up your clothing. Essentially, the light should be there when you reach for it.
The body of the light has the customary exact machining of Sofirn with good knurling on the tube and tail as well as precision, smooth, anodized square-cut threads.
The button-top battery is stated to hold 2,200 mAh and I'll agree with that but one metric I actually made was that the internal resistance is around 79 mOhms per my Miboxer C4-12. I also measured the current using this cell and it settled down to 1.6 amps. For contrast, a fully charged Samsung 30Q pumped 1.96A through the SC31 and at 3.8V, the current was measured at 1.48A.
The micro USB cable conveyed .39-.41A whilst charging the light. This was measured with this: USB Voltage and Current Meter
A little data:
Phone app lux meter, ceiling bounce at 1.7 m ( I need a better app!! ):
I played with some online calculators and came up with about 560 lumens although 1.96A should be higher. I found djozz's test:
To wrap this review up:
Pros:
size;
USB rechargeable;
side e-switch;
tail cap lock out;
knurling;
typical but good USB port cover.
Wanted change:
Nichia 3-4K tint emitter;
moon/firefly mode.
Back in July, there was a post called “What one light for Mom?” and I think this light is a great candidate among others mentioned there. Of course, this light would be good for anyone who just could use a quality light. I like the breathing switch light that would assist with someone locating the light on their nightstand at night and that it has mode memory. The larger switch may be good for persons with issues such as arthritis and other age-related ailments.
Thank you for reading!