The D25L is Sofirn’s newest addition to the dual-emitter D25 headlamp line. I already have the original D25, which I like, and having dual LH351D emitters is something I couldn’t pass up.
I’ve been using it a while, and quite like it. It’s the same dual-emitter setup as the original, has the same onboard charging, and is otherwise the same, so no big surprises there. But the benefit of having high-CRI (color-rendition index) emitters is great vs the usual lower-CRI emitters.
The headlamp comes in a really compact box, sturdy (folded over sides and a locking lid), nothing fancy but still secure.
sturdy Sofirn box (click the pic!)
Inside the box is the light itself with included cell (be sure to remove the insulation tab to use it) and headband as a unit, a folded-sheet manual, and 4 clips which look quite useful but I have no idea what they’re for. :laughing:
(Edit: apparently they’re to adapt the headband/headlamp to construction hats.)
D25L box and contents
As usual, the semigloss black ano is flawless with no dings or voids. No sharp edges on any fins, ’though the corners around the emitter-box(?) feel a bit pointy, but not sharp enough to scratch or anything (you can press on the corners quite hard with your fingers and won’t get hurt). So just to be safe, though, I wouldn’t carry it in a pocket next to a cellphone screen or anything.
First thing is do is to remove the insulation tab from the included cell and charge the light. You have to unscrew the cap opposite the button, easy enough. Threads were a bit scratchy, so some more lube is definitely in order, but there was no binding or grabbing. The cell slides right out, everything reassembles easily, and the opposite cap is captive and only unscrews a few turns to reveal the nicely sealed charging port. Red while charging, green when done, the usual.
D25L headlamp, tailcap, and included cell
The UI (user interface) is quite simple. Single click for on/off, press’n’hold to change modes, doubleclick for strobe. Okay, I have no idea why anyone would want to wear a headlamp while it’s strobing away unless you actually want to induce an epileptic fit, but it’s there, just in case. :laughing: Press’n’hold increases through the 5 brightness levels, but if you let go and immediately press’n’hold again, you’ll decrease through the 5 brightness levels.
Modes are very evenly spaced, which is useful. I’d prefer a shortcut to hold-for-moonlight, but low is okay. I’m a little surprised there isn’t the usual hold-for-moonlight and 2click for brightest, but zipping through 5 modes is fine. I usually just use the lowest level anyway unless I need something brighter. 
The beam is a nice wide circle, great for walking, but might be a bit narrow for close-up (eg, reading). There aren’t any artifacts in the beam, no nasty rings or cloverleafs or anything. The ’351 gives good color rendition, too. Lowest levels might seem a little greenish (as with all ’351s), but it’s not bad at all (and I really dislike green tints). Brighter levels, any hint of green disappears.
The headband is pretty comfortable, and I didn’t even adjust it but left it as it came, a bit snug but not squeezing my head. 
It feels soft and almost cottony even though it’s quite elastic. The holder uses 2 ‘C’-shaped clips to hold the light snugly and without slipping, so you can tilt it up/down as needed.
D25L headlamp and detachable headband
So with just some lube on the threads and a tweak to the UI, it’s a pretty ideal little high-CRI light. It’s an all-in-one light, including the cell and having on-board charging, so there’s literally nothing else you need to get started. Nice!
All in all, I’m quite happy with the new addition to the family.
