Product was supplied by manufacturer (Sofirn) for review.
(If anyone is interested in a coupon code please let me know and I may be able to work that out).
I have heard a lot of feedback in various forums about the sc31 pro. A sub $50, 2000 lumen, USB-C rechargeable, sst40 emitter, tube light with Anduril UI. This is my first Sofirn light, so I was hesitant on the quality of the product especially considering that for the price it comes with a 3000mah battery and usb-c charging cable in the package, something most other manufacturers do not include on light “kits” in the $50-$100 range. After carrying this light for a week, I can say I have no hesitation about the quality of the light.
This model is the 5000k cct version, so the beam color is a neutral white compared to the sst-40 6500k emitter option. I really like the Luminus sst-40 emitter, and the 5000k version is a nice pleasant white beam. It is not blue, not green, just a solid everyday carry emitter that gives decent appearance, decent color and solid output.
This being my first Sofirn, I have nothing else in their line to compare its feel, quality, usability, construction too. That being said, compared to my other lights (of which there are more than a few) this sc31 Pro is solid. The anodization is very sturdy, I have already dropped it numerous times in my week long carry, as well as the typical “abuse” of hitting the seatbelt holder when sitting in the car, rubbing against the cell phone in my pocket, and banging into my keys trying to open the house door at night. The color still looks great and doesn’t have any of that “snail trail” type of effect you commonly see on flashlight anodization.
The button of this light is fantastic. The feel is of quality, the backlight is impressive and useful, and the addition of a proper backlight is much appreciated at this price point. The button can handle the functions of Anduril UI well, and I have not had any issues with commands for changing temp regulation or stepped settings, ramp settings, battery check, quick turbo commands, strobe modes, etc.
The beam profile is a surprising mix between flood and spill. This is not only my first Sofirn but also my first 18650 tube light and I was wondering what type of beam profile there would be, and I am not disappointed. The beam has a nice hotspot for the small reflector, which seems to give usable light of at least 100 meters (rated 200 meters total). The spill area is large and almost reaches your feet, lighting most things in the immediate area while also easily lighting up to the far reaches of the average size back yard (mine is +/- 1 acre)/parking lot/etc. The only negative here is there is a ring of light on the outer edges of the beam that I could live without, but the beams useful range makes up for the notorious “outer ring.”
Other aspects like the pocket clip, charging cable (included) and 3000mah 18650 are all nicely done. The clip actually has great retention. I placed it on the the light and tried removing it to adjust its orientation and I had a difficult time due moving it due to its stiffness. It holds in the pocket well and I have no fear of losing this light in my daily travels. The clip could be more of a deep carry, but it is not bothersome as it does not sitkc out of the pocket mroe than approx 1/2”. The charging cable is pretty standard but has a nice gauge thickness and a prominent “click” when inserting it into the light. One note here - the charging cable is not “true” USB-c to USB-c, as the wall plug end is USB-a. Not a huge disappointment as the USB-a to USB-c cable is the most commonly supported with internal charging lights available today, no matter the price point (only one or two mfg’s come to mind with true usb-c to usb-c).
The battery Sofirn includes in this kit is very nice. It sports the black “Sofirn” wrap, and I do not know its origins or if Sofirn is manufacturing their own 18650’s. The life has been very acceptable (My XTAR VC4s charger shows true 3000 mah capacity when tested) and the amperage (although not listed on the wrap) is more then adequate for this light as I have put the battery in higher drain devices for testing and it worked perfectly fine (fw3a, d4v2, KR4, etc).
Overall I am very happy with this light and over the past 5-7 days I have found myself carrying it exclusively (both at work and on the nightstand). I can liken some of that to the 5000k CCT, for me that is a perfect all round/edc color for a flashlight emitter (nice color and nice output). Also, the sc31 Pro carries very small and LIGHT in the pocket, which is great. It was also unexpected since the overall length was a little more than I thought I would like. I do not notice the extra length in my pocket as the diameter is compact and the weight is minimal. The light has a great burst on Turbo and can hold it for a solid amount of time before warming up (one of my favorite aspects of single emitter sst-40 lights). Anduril is always a pleasure to have in a EDC with the ramping mode, instant moonlight and turbo features when needed, and battery check plus the many other “fun” features. I have been using it on the night stand where moonlight mode is low and usable as well as checking the barn after dark and even spotting deer in the back yard. I will definitely be buying another Sofirn product as the sc31 pro is impressively built and executed, and comes in at a great price considering all that you get.
Pro’s
–2000 Lumen Turbo (claimed)
-nice mix of flood & throw
–5000k cct
-lighted switch (Anduril controlled)
-included 18650 battery and USB-c internal charging
-fits well in pocket
-Anduril UI
-clip retention
Con’s
-outer ring on beam profile (bothers some people so I mention it)
-clip is not completely deep carry
Notes:
- shipping on Amazon was extremely quick (in the flashlight world this is rarely the case) and it was at my door in less then 48 hours!
- I will update this thread as necessary with any new information regarding my experiences with the sc31 pro, positive or negative, in the event that may happen.
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Some photos
