Sofirn SC31 PRO, New Anduril Flashlight

[d_t_a]

@jp9mm

@Lux-Perpetua

Sofirn was so kind to send me a sample of their new SC31 Pro (6.500K version) plus an extra magnetic tailcap. Thanks a lot to Sofirn.

The extra tailcap was put into one these small boxes they use for small AAA lights like C01S/C01R. Even Sofirn's SP40 18350 tube will fit nicely to SC31 Pro, see below. I did not spot any significant imperfections. Everything is well made and assembled. The heat fins are not as sharp-edged as reported before on

Nice review, I wonder what warmer led around 4k would be easiest to make another version? The other 2 things i was not as lucky. My sp40 350 tube very tight, only will go 1 end and i even wrote a note to include magnet tail but did not get one. They make a nicer deep carry clip it would be perfect

Warmer LED, there's an existing one, the SC31B with SST20-4000k, of course it's not as bright as SST40 though.

(Beamshots taken on max brightness level, at similar distance from the opposite wall ~ 18 meters / 60 feet ;

camera settings manually adjusted to the same setting: ISO: 800, 1/10th second shutter speed, "daylight" white balance, aperture: f/2.8)

Wurkkos FC11 (LH351D 5000k)

Sofirn SC31 Pro (SST40 6500k)

Sofirn SC31B (SST20-6500k)

Sofirn SC31B (SST20 4000k)

[BLF-L]

@Lux-Perpetua

Sofirn was so kind to send me a sample of their new SC31 Pro (6.500K version) plus an extra magnetic tailcap. Thanks a lot to Sofirn.

I was not able to do any beamshots yet but I like to share my first impressions with you. Here is my verdict so far, comparing it with it’s “in-house competitor” Wurkkos FC11 (prototype sample shown here):

Thanks for the review , very informative
I’m still waiting for mine, SST40 5000K version.
how’s the driver mounted in the head? Does it seem easy to access/remove for possible repair/mod ? Retaining ring or glue?

[BLF-L]

Oh, this is the head, right?

:Head SC31 Pro?

Left łower picture?

[Vamko]

I received mine SC31 Pro yesterday. The temperature check was showing around 40°C at room temperature. After calibration it works fine.

[Lux-Perpetua]

@BLF-L

Oh, this is the head, right? :Head SC31 Pro? Left łower picture?

Yes, that’s the head. :-) I suppose it uses a retaining ring. And it could be a small hole at 12 o’clock position to use a tool for turning the ring (counter)clockwise.

[jp9mm]

@d_t_a

Warmer LED, there’s an existing one, the SC31B with SST20-4000k, of course it’s not as bright as SST40 though.

sst-20 4k would be great but theres no Anduril on sc31b so either put anduril on that or warmer led in pro … which easier ?

[Lux-Perpetua]

If I recall correctly, Jackie (Sofirn) recently mentioned she wants to offer SC31 Pro not only in 5.000K but also in 4.000K tint. The latter tint is unfortunately more difficult to get but time will tell. Putting SST20 into SC31 Pro would certainly require some modding as SST40 uses a 5050 footprint whereas SST20 uses a 3535 footprint. Maybe Sofirn can provide both reflector, MCPCB and gaskets of SC31B to mod SC31 Pro.

[Tom_E]

Just got in the SC31 Pro - Isabella from Sofirn sent me one. I'll probably review it up on Amazon. I have two SC31B's, one modded running Anduril with a XPL HI NW. Side by side they are really close. I'll compare the body/host part of the light, since the B model I have runs Anduril anyway, but loses the charging.

What's the same:

• the pill area is identical - same finning, same size,same USB connection setup, same switch
• battery tubes appear identical - same knurling, style, size

What's Different:

• the front bezel on the Pro is clearly shorter by 4.0 mm, and appears the reflector is shallower
• the Pro's clip is black SS while the B's is stock SS finish, otherwise they appear to be 100% identical
• the tailcap on the Pro accommodates a wrist strap and is therefore longer than the B's. They can LEGO - swapped, they both fit/work fine
• SMO reflector on the Pro, mild OP on the B
• USB-C now on the Pro, old style USB on the B

I much prefer the B's tailcap on the Pro - overall length is reduced by 2.5 mm and I don't mind losing the lanyard hole. Beside, typical on Sofirn lights, the lanyard hole has some sharp edges that will be the first spots to wear off the anodizing. That corner style lanyard hole is prone to that, not just on Sofirn lights but the Lumintop EDC18 has the same issue though I suspect the EDC18 has better anodizing. Stock, the Pro and B are very close in length, the Pro slightly shorter.

So in my judgment Pros/Cons of the Pro compared to the B:

• like the black SS clip over the SS color!
• like they shortened the length in the head, probably from shortening the reflector
• not a fan of the new tailcap with the sharp edged lanyard hole - it's extra length just about evens out the shortening of the front bezel

Of course a big plus of the Pro is USB-C charging, that you don't have to lose by modding the B up to FET based Anduril.

[pennzy]

Thanks for the comparison Tom. The SC31 pro sounds like a real winner.

[Tom_E]

@pennzy

Thanks for the comparison Tom. The SC31 pro sounds like a real winner.

Thanks. Didn't mention I really like the modded SC31B, specially the cost with the Amazon deal, and the Pro is all that plus built in USB-C and of course a more powerful LED, with SMO that even has a pretty good look'n beam.

Th one I got is 6500K blue, but the 5000K SST-40 is one of my favs as of late - all that power plus great consistent tint.

It's no frills, but makes a nice EDC. With Anduril and a lit switch controlled by Anduril, it's a nice upgrade from a comparable size and purpose Convoy S2/S2+.

[BLF-L]

@Tom E

Just got in the SC31 Pro -

Thanks for your SC31 Pro review Tom E , and the comparison with SC31B .
It’s always beneficial when a review is added with comparison with other flashlight. Really good info on the tailcap compatibility with SC31B. Me too, i prefer magnetic tailcap and have been using that feature (in another flashlight) a lot. And never use lanyard at all.

[TheIntruder]

@Tom E

• like the black SS clip over the SS color!

• like they shortened the length in the head, probably from shortening the reflector

• not a fan of the new tailcap with the sharp edged lanyard hole - it’s extra length just about evens out the shortening of the front bezel

The tailcap isn’t actually new. It’s a recycling of the tailcap from the SP32 series, and (obviously, now) interchangeable with the SP31 models.

I believe the shorter head of the Pro, combined with the SC31/B’s tailcap, or the new magnetic version, make for the most compact configuration of the their 18650 tube lights. I really like my SP32Av2s (XP-L2 beam aside), but I guess they think the SP31 is their direction going forward, by giving it a more balanced beam and the other new features.

I like the black clip as well. Hopefully at some point, Sofirn will make them available for sale as parts. I’d grab a couple at the same time as the magnetic cap for my B.

[BLF-L]

@Tom E

… With Anduril and a lit switch controlled by Anduril, it’s a nice upgrade from a comparable size and purpose Convoy S2/S2+.

S2+ = very good quality budget light for the masses.
imo SC31 PRO = very good quality Anduril budget light for the masses.
(it’s the lowest priced Anduril flashlight , right?).
Well, about quality, I think it’ll take more time to find out, long-term durability will be a big factor here.
Hopefully Sofirn will be releasing it with various other emitters to suit people’s needs/preferences.

[BLF-L]

I’m sure there are many BLF users here with many experiences with Sofirn flashlights, are they durable? How do they compare to the Convoy S2+ ?
So far I only have Convoy flashlights , I really like them, more than 3 years EDC, really good and durable. One of my S2+ is always in my jean’s pocket.
Yup, very durable, except for the problematic biscotti driver, one of my S2+ is stuck in 100% mode . The 3/5 mode version has no problem at all.

[BLF-L]

My S2+’s “magnetic tailcap” is actually a regular tailcap with magnetic ring outside attached around the tail switch. How’s Sofirn SC31B’s magnetic tailcap construction, is it inside, beneath the tail spring? A coin-type magnet?

[BLF-L]

@Lux-Perpetua

If I recall correctly, Jackie (Sofirn) recently mentioned she ….

I kinda laugh at myself when reading this , I thought Jackie was a he .
:person_facepalming: .
I haven’t been on this forum long enough to know who is who :person_facepalming:

[Lux-Perpetua]

Yeah, names can be difficult sometimes. :-D I once also thought Jackie is a male name only. But here‘s a good example of a popular female person with that name...

[Tom_E]

@TheIntruder

@Tom E

• like the black SS clip over the SS color!
• like they shortened the length in the head, probably from shortening the reflector
• not a fan of the new tailcap with the sharp edged lanyard hole - it's extra length just about evens out the shortening of the front bezel

The tailcap isn’t actually new. It’s a recycling of the tailcap from the SP32 series, and (obviously, now) interchangeable with the SP31 models. I believe the shorter head of the Pro, combined with the SC31/B’s tailcap, or the new magnetic version, make for the most compact configuration of the their 18650 tube lights. I really like my SP32Av2s (XP-L2 beam aside), but I guess they think the SP31 is their direction going forward, by giving it a more balanced beam and the other new features. I like the black clip as well. Hopefully at some point, Sofirn will make them available for sale as parts. I’d grab a couple at the same time as the magnetic cap for my B.

Yep, I should know - I have a SP32 :FACEPALM: - think it's the original version, pics from June 2017. I gave up on the SP32 since it had a switch mount on a vertical board, making it very difficult to mod with a FET+1 driver. Here's some pics from them, probably posted elsewhere long ago, also showing the sharpness of the lanyard hole trim:

The tailcap does look unchanged, didn't try to LEGO yet.

Always thought it odd Sofirn was selling a SP32A V2 host here, and sold 9 of them, when the driver replacement is so difficult. Only other explanation is for replacing an original host. It has 1 5 star review as well, but in Russian.

When the SC31(B) came out, sure looked like a standard side switch PCB light:

Which led to this:

[Scimmy]

Just ordered my Pro from Sofirn along with the 350 battery tube. I have the 31B but I’m looking forward to fiddling with Anduril

[Nooner]

@ Tom E.

Can you comment on how you removed the stock driver?