[Review] Sofirn SC31 Pro - now with Anduril & USB-C

Nice review!

Does the lamp charge from an USB-C power supply?
Or has it the same issues like the first version of the lantern: Only charging from USB-A sockets.

Sorry, I can’t remember if I tested that. And I let my SC31 Pro go home with a friend, so I can’t test it now. Hopefully someone else can chime in. I know some of the newer Sofirn/Wurkkos lights can indeed be charged with USB-C to USB-C.

The SC31 Pro flashlights that I have will not charge using a normal USB-C to USB-C cable from any of the USB-C ports on my chargers.

For my chargers with USB-C ports that would not charge the SC31 Pro with a USB-C to USB-C cable, I use the following USB-C to USB-A adapter with the adapter plugged into the USB-C port of the charger and a cable with USB-A to USB-C connectors plugged into the adapter and the SC31 Pro. The adapter is uni-direction and the adapter's USB-C connector must be plugged into the USB-C port supplying the charge to work correctly.

This is the adapter I use:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01COOQIKU/?coliid=IV4GZ9O3TCL91&colid=1CL6JB47UP1YF&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Is the stock 18650 cell the best we can use here? or any trials with different cells? can i use high drain imr please?thanks

Yes, you could absolutely use a high-drain cell. Sorry, I don’t have any tests right now with those. I doubt you’ll see a ton of difference because Anduril’s thermal throttling will likely kick in before you have to worry much about voltage sag. Just a thought, reality could be different.

ok.thank you.i will try it:)

Thanks for this great review! :+1:

I have just ordered a SC31 Pro in 5000k. :slight_smile:

According to the review, the Sofirn-branded cell is a button top battery. Does anyone know, if flat top 18650s will work as well in the SC31 Pro without any problems?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Sofirn only sells BT versions of their cells so that they can be dropped into Q8s, SP36es, etc., which need BTs.

FTs will work, too, as the ’31 has a spring on the driver side (just looked to doublecheck).

Perfect! Thanks a lot for your quick reply! :slight_smile:

What is a good 18350 cell for the SC31 Pro?

I just bought some more of these:

https://www.18650batterystore.com/collections/18350-batteries/products/epoch-18350-battery-1100mah

Test review here:

Epoch 9A 1100mAh 18350...great performer, slightly overrated capacity

I was looking at them too. Thanks for the help. Do you know whether the USB charging of the SC31 pro is too high a current for 18350 cells? I saw 1.87 amp while charging a 18650. I was wondering if the top current self adjusts to a lower current when an 18350 battery is being charged?

Sorry, don't know the answer to that one but would think the 18350 would be able to handle 1.8 amp charging. I'll find out when mine arrives.

I'm sure there are people here on BLF that will be able to answer your question and they will chime in soon.

It’s a bit too high for my KeepPower 18350 cell. It’s above the manufacturers recommended max charging current of 1.1A. I measured 1.17A.

So it does pump less amps when charging 18350? I want to keep using the on board charging if possible.

I just remembered I have a fully charged 16340 to test in the shorty tube. It did charge at a lower rate of .90 amp. Max charge current is about .5 amp for a 16340 so not good . It did drop steadily though.

Plug it into an old crappy laptop that can only do 500mA from the usb ports.

Ain’t gonna get any higher’n that.

Good tip. The second time I read that from you and I completely forgot. What rate do you see charging an 18350 from a 2 amp charger or haven’t you looked? It would be nice to be able to charge from the car or out and about if I could. I’m on the fence about buying 18350s. Another thing, my shorty tube that came with my SP 40 headlamp screws into the head either end but the tail cap only screws on half way on one end though it will screw on either end of the 18650 tube. Weird .

Haven’t looked, got one of those inline usb meters but fiik where it is.

I do know that when charging any doodads from the old laptop’s ports, it takes forever. I’m fine with that ‘cause I’m not in any itchin’ hurry.

In SP31 Pro is factory default, the same as in the SP10 Pro:?

Simple mode ceiling set to 150/150
Advaced mode ceiling set to 120/150