Sofirn SP10 Pro (AA/14500/Andúril 2) - now available!

please do!

I think the SP10 would be much better suited for edc pocket carry if the side switch was recessed like on Zebralights. As proud as the SP10S switch is it seems pocket activation could be a common annoyance without locking it out.
@Nord, the Tool AA has been my favorite sized aa light as it’s quite slim. If it had an efficient neutral white option and a Biscotti-like firmware, it would be near perfect in my mind.

For many of us AA means LSD NiMH (Eneloop). That is still weak (no so much as alkaleaks), but it is rechargeable, while having longer shelf life than Li-ion and needing much less care (can be fully depleted, overcharged or mismatched without any fire/explosion hazard). I also think a great AA flashlight is much needed and would be really popular.

i would want it to be smaller than FW3A, for instance, or i would not bother

wle

Nobody wants to respond and confirm if this project is still being considered at least…

In for “best AA”!

Yes, it sure seems that way. The OP mentions Barry being interested in this project. At this time, I suspect he is up to his earlobes in dealing with the LT1. Hopefully when that dies down a bit (maybe Q1 2020) this can be the next Sofirn project.

I am in for that AA light.

As far as I know this project is still alive. Don’t worry. I keep you updated.

Just realized I never expressed my interest.
Interested. Not so much if 14500 only.

I’m interested in a AA light with Anduril, not at all in a 14500 light.

Oh yeah, there is also the issue of boost drivers. To run a 3v led on a 1.5 volt battery does require a boost driver and we only just started seeing some aftermarket ones from MTN E. I don’t think there is anyone at BLF willing to make a small boost driver (less than 17mm). Lexel is working on bigger ones, but are not out yet. We are kind of at the mercy of the OEM companies to make the driver then we would need to get Toykeeper to get Anduril or Bistro, etc… to work with it. They may even need to design the driver together. The market is definitely bigger for 18650 sized boost drivers so those probably have priority.

The only boost drivers we have now are these 12mm ones with basic UI.

I guess if demand is high enough we could get a OEM company to come onboard.

interested

Tool AA is pretty decent given what’s available I agree (I have one), but it’s also a perfect example of how people seeking a great edc AA are forced to settle. The clip placement alone basically eliminates it immediately from consideration as an “always in your pocket” light. The amount sticking out of your pocket makes it both awkward and uncomfortable, especially when sitting, and also more likely to fall out. The clip is also ever so slightly too flimsy, and the clip tip is not ramped enough or to the right degree, which makes one-handed re-clipping very difficult on jeans. (the discontinued Thrunite T10 is an example of a pocket clip done right). The emitter of course is too cool as mentioned. And the whole thing seems to get much hotter more quickly than some other lights.

And this is one of the better options for AA lights. As you can see, the category is pretty dire.

(yes there’s ZL 53 etc, but it has a big head (and too chunky overall), outdated emitter choices, too shallow reflector creating wasted weak spill, side switch, user-unfriendly disassembly & modding, and expensive. I actually do like it as a thing in itself, but it’s not configured right for my imagined Best AA attributes)

You are smart, I want you on Best AA Team, even though you are not a big believer in the category… yet :innocent:

Let’s make it happen! I don’t want to hijack this sofirn thing any further. I will create a “Best AA” thread to get things rolling.

Well, it's good to see someone here who wants to get into competition. Competition is often a good thing. While it appears nothing is happening, there actually is something ongoing in the background and Sofirn is working on it to make the idea of an AA/14500 Andúril flashlight come true. [quote=JasonWW] (...) I don't think there is anyone at BLF willing to make a small boost driver (less than 17mm). Lexel is working on bigger ones, but are not out yet. We are kind of at the mercy of the OEM companies to make the driver then we would need to get Toykeeper to get Anduril or Bistro, etc... to work with it. They may even need to design the driver together. (...) [/quote] Exactly this is happening already. Sofirn and a reputable team of driver experts like gchart, Lexel, kikkoman, Tom E and Toykeeper try to figure something out.

Oh, that is good news.

I wonder if it is because of the overwhelming amount of work being done with 18650 lights. 18650 lights are amazing, but probably not for the average consumer. Almost nobody I work with at school has even seen these new LED lights we have, and even less even know about 18650 batteries.

Love it or hate it, AA sized batteries are still very much the standard for consumer electronics. I definitely think we need to get more legit AA lights simply because those batteries can be purchased anywhere. (and the size is easier to carry)

I think something people often forget is that there is a majority of the population that knows absolutely nothing about their hobbies. (none of my students know about flashing ROMs on their phones, and people on forums act like everybody should know how to do it or call phones DOA because it is missing some random feature that 99% of the people won’t ever use)

I wonder if the average consumer who likes AA batteries would also balk at the idea of spending more that $3 on a flashlight. They are like, “What? $25 for a flashlight? You must be crazy.” Hence very few well made AA flashlights.

What the hell are you talking about ?

There are lots of BLF AA lights . .

I’m simply repeating what people are saying. Tell them, not me.