Best Sofirn SC31b alternative for my Dad?

It’s not really available though, is it? And I can’t find any data on runtimes or output either besides what is advertised.

No, I’ve seen its back in stock, but but no reviews yet. Advertised should hold with a 21700 though, only one SFR 40 led. I
If you have patience you could wait until mine arrives, could give it a go! :slight_smile:

I would tend to agree but my dad likely wouldn’t care. They were installing hideous cool blue led bulbs in their house! Seriously, the temperature must have been north of 6000k. I told them about looking for “soft white” or 2700k-4000k and they are buying those going forward but the old blue bulbs are still in place until they die.

Maybe an alternative? Convoy L21B (SFT40): Review & Beamshots

He could light up the USS Star Track with that… :laughing:

LoL why isn’t called SC31C?

SC31B…Here ya go. $23.09 with “LABORDAY30” code. Good til midnight tonight, and it comes with a Sofirn 3000 mAh battery. I bought one from these folks a while back. They’re GTG.

https://www.brightlumenshop.com/products/sofirn-sc31b-edc-flashlight?_pos=2&_psq=SC31&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=36322300887191

I hear it’s amazing but the built-in charging is an absolute requirement here.

Oh, sorry, just took it for granted in a modern flashlight. Big minus!

Just keep in mind that onboard charging and water-resistance are rarely used in the same sentence.

Working in the flashlight business might make you overestimate muggles’ patience. They probably won’t read the instructions and will instead immediately throw them away or eventually lose them. They’ll wonder why the light blinks purple but the battery doesn’t charge on a tail-clicky. Or why it suddenly doesn’t ramp but steps different brightness. Or why it suddenly cycles through these annoying blinking modes. Or a year later a child grabs it for 5 seconds, clicks 4 times, and suddenly it appears to not work at all because the owner was unaware of lockout.

IMO there needs to be a dead simple high(ish) output li-ion muggle flashlight that’s impossible to change anything. No mode groups, not even lockout. USB-C charging, LVP that doesn’t rely on a battery that may disable itself. Fast enough thermal regulation so it never gets too hot which, admittedly, will limit its output.

Ie, the original ho-hum SC31.

’Twas the PERFECT light for The Muggle.

How is it not friendly? Like other recent Sofirn lights, it has the handy little symbol to let the user know which way to insert the battery. :stuck_out_tongue:

Other than its simplicity, I don’t think the SC31B has much going for it. The beam wasn’t that great, mainly a tiny hot spot with some spill, and the 6500k version had one foot into “angry blue” territory. The breathing switch was pretty slick though, for a lower-end budget light.

For a cheap, older model, I’ll take the $18 flash sale SP32A kit with battery/charger on Sofrn’s site all day and any day. It’s one light that actually lives up to its performance specs, with a flat output from a regulated driver that will also take CR123s. The hold-for-off UI is a bit frustrating when switching between lights, and the XP-L2’s fried-egg beam isn’t the prettiest when wall hunting, but still useful, and neither would probably bother a muggle. No on-board charging, but no charging port vulnerability either.

Yes, except most of Fenix and Nitercores, because they have inner waterproof tratment on usb port.

Well I finally made a decision. Thanks everyone for your ideas and input!

I finally went with the Thrunite T2 Ocean Blue with NW emitter.

Here’s how I did on my requirements:

  • More $$$ than I originally planned to spend but the Blue color should help keep it from getting lost
  • I think the Thrunite UI is foolproof and it has one side switch which is what my dad is used to
  • It has the built-in charging so I don’t have to worry about him accidentally dropping the battery and puncturing it (will still educate him on what not to do with the battery)
  • I greatly exceeded the max output requirement. This sucker is nuts for its size. But the nice part is it can actually maintain a fairly high output according to reviews.
  • idk if it would survive the washer but as long as the battery compartment is closed it should at least survive rain. I will point out the importance of keeping the cover closed. As discussed, washer-proof lights probably don’t have charging built-in
  • This thing is full flood. But my brother pointed out that my dad uses lights up close more as he ages so I think as a pocketable light this is a good thing. We can always get him a thrower for Christmas!

Bonuses:

  • It has some semblance of a warranty which is nice.
  • 5000mah capacity battery included and a very efficient medium mode should be great for longer projects.
  • Neutral White!
  • Nice blue color. I kinda want one now… FYI there is a $12 coupon for this on Amazon right now, at least in the US

Xhp 70 in that small form factor! Wow! Don’t think he’ll be sad getting it! Good choice!

Thanks! I think this light is a budget/muggle alternative to the Zebralight sc700d. (70.2 emitter with 1 x 21700)

Good choice and a great looking flashlight!

Now I want one too. :smiley:

Since you splurged on dad, and got him such a nice light, now mom is going to need an upgrade…