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

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

Per my test, the SP33 “v2” now (uses XHP50.2 3-volt LED) doesn’t have that “continuous” output.
Only the earlier batch SP33v2 (uses XHP50.2 6-volt LED) has the constant regulation, and that earlier batch doesn’t seem available (unless older stock).

[quote=d_t_a]

Oops! I missed that bit of info! :person_facepalming:

I indeed have the old V2 version (and the older XML original version before that!). And I do also have the V3 (several) as well. Good lights in any version really.

But given a choice between the NEW V2 and the SD-05 (dive light) I’d get the SD-05. It’s not too blue in the standard 6k (or so) config, but I like the 5k range and so I’m ALSO waiting on 5k versions of BOTH an SP33 V3 and SD-05 (which went out-of-stock about 3 months back).

I have the 6volt SP33 V2 with the regulated driver. It does not get hot on high and mine does not step down. Only problem is mine loses turbo about at 3.9 volts, not 3.7 v. The SD05 3 volt model is very nice. The combo flood/throw is about perfect. It does step down when it gets hot but medium is sustainable and is about 900 lumens.

Edited to say high does not step down.

[quote=Zappaman]

The older SD05 (“2550 lumens” manufacturer spec) also uses XHP50.2 6 volt LED (by my guess), since it has the same max tailcap current of around 6 Amps (same as earlier SP33v2).

The newer SD05 which now has “3000” lumens manufacturer spec), now uses XHP50.2 3 volt LED (per my guess), the max tailcap current is now higher — similar to the new SP33v2, around 8-9 Amps or maybe up to 10 Amps max, depending on the battery.

Another thing I noticed:
older SD05 and also the earlier SP33v2, do not have PWM on all modes (lower brightness)

the newer SD05 and the new SP33v2, will use “fast” PWM on lower brightness levels (may not be visible though unless specifically checking for it like I do by shining the flashlight through fan blades)

Mine arrived this afternoon and I’m certainly pleased with the way it looks… It’s on charge at the moment and I’m looking forward to walking the dog when it gets dark.