REVIEW: Sofirn SD05 Scuba Diving Flashlight

What I understand, the old 6V 50.2 is regulated.
The newer 50.2 3V is not regulated.
And the newest sst70 is not regulated.
Am I correct?

The SST70 is 6V which means they must be using the old driver

So the sst70 should probably be regulated?

Waiting for review of the new sd05 with sst70

I doubt there’ll be a review when Sofirn are changing back to the XHP50.2 version once they’re available again, there’s a supply issue.

That’s unfortunate. So what do you think the differences in the sst70 and xhp50.2 do you think are there?

And somewhat related will they again use xhp35 for c8g again?

So For non diving use do you think someone who already have IF25A need to get the SD05 or it’s very similar?

I probably get the SD05 anyway. :smiley: Just waiting for SST70 review.

All bets are off as the SST70 is an unknown (kinda, in this light anyway). But generally speaking… the SD-05 has more MASS than the IF25a and so it CAN run longer given basic physics. I WAS waiting for the 5k forever and now I see only the 6.5k SST70 and so… I’ll “stay on the fence like you and wait for the review” :smiley:

Would it be safer to use a protected battery in the SD05 just in case water does creep in and creates a short? I've always been using protected in my Sofirn SD02 diving light just in case.

Hum… I’m not sure protected Vs. unprotected would matter much if water were a factor. I’d guess the protection circuit would be “bi-passed” by the water itself- but not sure. I have dove with the SD-02 and didn’t think twice about it :smiley:

You’ll be limited to finding a charger that takes protected 21700’s though

True. I don't have a charger that would fit them either. Would be interesting if someone did a test to see what would happen if the flashlight leaks underwater with protected and unprotected

batteries

That someone could be you if you want to see the result :slight_smile:

I'd prefer those Ukranian battery guys that enjoy stuff like that!

Well… I’d never use bolt cutters underwater :confounded:

60-70m than you are talking some serious tech diving, not really related to this forum but really curious about your setup, being a novice diver myself (just got my nitrox certification)

I have the older version (xhp50 with step down). I ordered it about a year ago, and have gone diving with it 4 times. It worked great every time. I have not used it out of water much as I fear it might overheat over time.

I am new to diving, though, and want to ask those who are experienced divers if this light could be used as both a primary and secondary light for night diving when I get to doing that. If not, what budget light (under $100) would you recommend for the primary light and/or what characteristics should I be looking for in the light?

Sofirn is using the 3V xhp50.2 again now in 6500k.

Anyone compared with SST70 and is the SST70 green at lower level? I have seen YouTube review that says the sst70 is brighter and throwier.

Also, any graph of lumen vs time for the newer xhp50.2 3V?

Can I use flat top or button top 21700 batteries?

The flat top; the button top if it is longer can give problems for the closure of the cap

Flat top Molicel P42A’s ran perfect last month in Belize. Didn’t have a camera though, so so pics. Sofirn had a 5k version for a while (earlier last year) which I think I’d prefer. Still the 6.2k or so (estimated against other lights) version really looks great. Even on some daytime dives we used it in some caves and the colors “popped” nicely with a light at 70-90 ft. down (where everything looses color that deep). We also had the old SD-02 which was great too!

The lanyards are the weak point: have to get pro-level lanyards if you don’t want to loose the light (*AND have to stow it on the safety stop so you don’t tangle yourself coming out in rough water (*which Belize IS compared to other places we’ve dove). But it’s worth it for sure to ride the nurse sharks at Esmeralda, and spear hunt barracuda and lion fish- which are BOTH super tasty!