Sofirn SP33 V3 Review (3500 Lumens, Multi battery compatible, Very Affordable)

Yes, my understanding is that it uses an older version of your firmware, and the regulation isn’t great, but it doesn’t vacillate as frequently as this, nor noticeably, as I’ve seen mentioned in another review.

Ironically, the older SP33v2 steamrolls them both (pun intended) in this respect, but I’m not really certain about its availability, or gamble that I’d receive the desired version.

Other factors are playing a role as well, and I wouldn’t regret either choice, but the number of checks in the other column are totaling higher, and this one is more emphatic.

Budget lights come with compromises, and working through which are more acceptable is part of the game.

I’m aware that there was a period of controversy over the existence of the 5000k version, but that it was supposedly resolved.

Even so, the end result was that the 5000k version didn’t turn out to be much different that the 6000/6500k version. Is that what you’ve found?

Yes, very disappointed. After careful side by sides, I see no difference

Do you think the EC03 is running the same sp36 version as well?

If I understand correctly, yes.

In case it helps, I’ve been trying to track these things in a product firmware map.

Regardless of the thermal regulation being a bit of a see saw, overall I like this light. I’ve got the first version too and I think that Sofirn made some nice advances through the versions. I like the UI because it’s intuitive and I think I prefer the stepped mode over the ramping, but I’ll keep switching back and forth after I use it some more. I love the double click to turbo and the long press to moonlight. More companies oughta follow this. The ramping is faster than earlier Sofirn lights but a bit more speed to match my Q8 or FW3A and others wouldn’t hurt.

The things I really like are the use of different batteries, the heft of it and how it doesn’t seem to get into the danger zone with heat like some other smaller/lighter lights with similar lumen output. I feel ok handing this to a newbie after a bit of a lesson where I wouldn’t think of doing that with my Emisar D4 or other pocket rockets. A 26650 sized light just feels good in my hand. I’ve used it a good deal walking the dogs and walking the property to see if I can spy different nocturnal critters. It’s not for pants pockets but I did find a holster that I used for a Haikelite SC26. I upgraded to one of my Shockli 5500mAh cells (although the supplied battery works fine in this light as well as the first SP33 I have). I’m sure it’ll continue to see use around here.I guess lights like this just make sense. It’s a good price, very good output, easy to use, USB with a quality rubber plug (that some will like) and it’s flexible (cells and UI).

Thanks! I may eventually take a stab at modding your software. If i could just plug it into usb to update firmware i’d be hacking away already.
I wouldn’t call my self a coder but have worked with enough to understand the basics.

I wish they would put a little effort into modding your freeware, it seems sometimes they can’t be bothered to even post a link?
I would think some intern could take it home for a few days and just keep guessing and checking to modify software would be pretty easy and cheap, but it seems there’s just a rush to plop and drop to get the next flashlight release out the door.

Just curious, are those remarks prompted by some indication you’ve received that future production will incorporate a newer version?

Nice review!

Very neat PWM and runtime graphics. :+1:

If I understand correctly, newer production runs will use newer firmware.

Basically, I found out the IF25A exists because someone asked me why its thermal regulation wasn’t working. Also within a few days of that, I discovered that the SP36 was using a really old version of Anduril, and discovered the EC01 and EC03 are made by sofirn. So I contacted sofirn to get the firmware updated and get the license violations resolved. With any luck, maybe the smaller lights can get their own firmware too, instead of using something calibrated for a much larger light.

I don’t have the details though.

Good to know. Thank you for sharing that information.

I used zak wilson’s ‘ceilingbounce’ Android app and “ceiling bounce” the flashlight (almost fully-charged batteries, not particularly high-drain batteries used, since the flashlights were not cooled and was in a small enclosed room with no airflow, and ambient temperature is quite hot in our country all year long.)

(I didn’t do runtime until low-battery, but instead stopped manually when I notice the output was already very low and doesn’t seem to be moving much)

SP36 BLF Anduril runtime (first several minutes only)

Astrolux EC03 (uses Anduril) runtime (first several minutes only)

Yeah, that’s definitely old firmware which wasn’t intended for production use. I fixed it a few months after that for the FW3A release, and the thermal code has been rewritten twice since then. The current code isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot better than it was.

Pulling back from the stats & the charts, are you folks seeing these “swings” in thermal ramping with your naked eyes? I am having a hard time making out an appreciable swing up/down as captured in these charts.

I also have a hard time seeing lumen changes with my eyes. I suppose it’s a blessing for me. I’m really enjoying this light. My wife pretty much claimed it as hers and she is quick to grab it when walking the dogs. I get to use it mainly when investigating bumps in the night (dang raccoons!).

IMHO it is very visible.

OK, I’ll have to give it another test then. Thanks.

I’m really interested in either the SP33 or the Convoy S11 as I like the larger physical size… Does the problem with the regulation still exist?

I’m currently using an SC31pro when walking the dog but would really like something with a bit more heft…

If you want continuous (higher) output, get the last version of the SP33 (V2, also know as the “new version” which it is not- but what they call it on their site). That version holds a nice continuous output while the new version is said to throttle back (and forth) not keeping up quite as well on the “continuous” output side of things. It is ALSO closer to $20 without a battery (when bought right). If Sofirn sells it WITH a battery, then I think it may be a PBL re-wrap (great battery).

Or if you want something kinda in between- check out the IF25a. Easily as bright as the SP-33 BUT with more heat (but kinda nice in winter- hand warmer effect :wink: and it’s got a nice WIDE beam— at least as wide as the SP-33) and it runs on higher capacity (4500-5000mAh) 21700 batteries fine and goes longer between charges.

My wife loves her little SC31 Pro, but she charges it every other walk (25 min. or so x 2) where as she can take the SP33 (V2) or IF25a a few more times before plugging in.

PS. the SD-05 dive light is ALSO a goto for outdoors- simple ring switch (off, low, med. high)- simple AND bright, with an equally nice WIDE beam! AND… it does NOT step down like most do after a minute or two. Good price for like $22 from Sofirnlight.com. One of my favorite outdoor lights lately :+1:

All great lights…

Good luck!

liquidretro, nice review. As a strictly muggle flashlight owner I find the V3 useful. It is my only 26650 and I like that it goes for a month the way I use it before needing to recharge. The thermal regulation issues don’t bother me much since I rarely get to that point in daily use. The thing really gets out there on the farm and I can see any animal, authorized or not. 4000k would be nice, though it wouldn’t reach as far. A good option is being able to throw in an 18650 if needed. I got the V3 for a nice price with the discount, 30 something. It’s a good flashlight for the money. I have a number of their other flashlights and use them all from time to time. Good company.

Thanks for the info on the V2, I shall read the reviews on that and the others that you’ve mentioned. I had hoped that there might be some more dev on the V3 but only time will tell.

The SC31 Pro is a great light, especially when I was using an incan Maglite before… I also had the 31B but passed that on to my good lady when I received the pro.

Many thanks