After working with the test-sample of the Sofirn-BLF LT1M (Mini) here ire some of my thoughts and conclusions of the pre-production sample. Many of my measurements, initial thoughts, and tests are similar to SIGShooter’s great review. ( here: mini-LT Prototype
Next is the nitty-gritty. How does the production sample stack up to the very well-used & tested, IF25-based LT1m Mini i built.
Here is the pre-production sample along side of the IF25-based LT1M prototype.
Below shows the production sample is slightly taller than the original prototype i built from a Sofirn IF25 base. ( Pre-production on the left and original prototype on the right:
The size of the LT1M:
- height: 6” (152mm)
- width of the head, 1.7” (45mm)
- width of the bottom, 1.23” (31mm)
The Mini can run on a Single 21700, or 18650 ( with sleeve)
> On neutral-tint setting, in stepped mode:
- Low: 0.02 amps
- mode 2: 0.10 amps
- mode 3: 0.37 amps
- mode 4: 0.83 amps
- Maximum: 1.41 amps
I got 1.39 amps draw on max at full cool white setting, and 1.38 amps at max. at full warm white setting.
It has similar tint range, to the LT1, with the latest version of Andruil-LT1 variant. (though it seems its missing the 7-step button light change mode?
Based on from my test in comparison to the IF25-derived prototype LT1M i built, its a good success.
While its taller, with a larger lens & head, it does replicate what I built as the prototype mini quite well.
The light distribution is good & smooth, with very little artifacts or hard-lighting. The light distribution is good at most all angles. While the IF25 based prototype i built seems to have a similar maximum output while using less amps draw, I believe that is due to the fact I used a mirror on the inside of the top, theoretically simulating a down-firing reflection of the LEDs, and using a center light tube reflector in the prototype. ( it would be an easy mod though to add a mirror surface to the production unit increasing the down light reflection.
Below is a low-exposure photo showing what I’m referring to where the top underside has a darker down-firing hue than the prototype with the mirror:
Below a beam profile photo showing the slight difference with the underside mirror on ther prototype, and without the mirror on the production sample:
Wile its only noticeable along side the prototype, the test sample is still very good, considering it seems they used the same frost-density on the shade as they did on the full size LT1.
Below is the LT1M pre-production, the LT1M Prototype, with two BLF LT1 lanterns in the middle, (1st gen & 2nd gen) with the two original LT1 prototypes on the left. ( the SRK based unit and the Q8 based unit:
Below are the LT1M Pre-production sample on maximum, mid-tint, compared to the IF25 based LT1M prototype:
I am unsure of what version of Andruil does this model use? (as it seems to have different interface than the original LT1 model. (maybe TK or others can chime in here.
Other than a few quirks, i give a green-light to go for production & hopefully keep costs down to get it into production asap. My only concern is it would be nice to see it in colors like the full size,
The photos from my testing shows its able to perform quite well. While its beam pattern is great and almost perfect to what i had hoped & expected, the pattern is is a bit different with the darker down-light due to the dark underside of the top. On maximum setting, the production-sample draws about 1.46 amps, with the same Samsung-LEDs as the original prototype, but produces nearly the same lumens output based on my eye & phone ap light meter as the original build prototype does at 1.23 amps on the same 21700 cell. A lot of that is due to the head/lens design. the Sofirn LT1M is just an up-firing design with no light reflecting enhancements, while the prototype i built has a flat mirror in the head facing down with a center light accumulator, that in effect simulates the LEDs being both up-firing & down firing and collected & radiated with the center accumulator in the prototype and directed out in all directions. But to save production cost & final price cost, i am happy to accept the current production sample as a go for the production version, as its light pattern is still great & much better than most all other store-bought lanterns by far, especially with the high-CRI!
High CRI LED: Sofirn BLF LT1-Mini has 4 LEDs, all of them are 90CRI Samsung LH351D to provide wonderful color rendering and great output (Max 180 lumens). Half of the LEDs are warm 2700K, while the other 2 LEDs are 5000K. It’s for providing really wide spread and even light.
Easy to Carry: This compact LT1-Mini is a carry-friendly LT1, which is very portable to be put in a bag and carried to wherever you go. The lantern features a ring for hanging. Convenient to use it in a tent, closet, cabinet, corridor, workshop, basement, garage, stair, roof, drawer, etc.You can also carry it by the body and hold it like a normal flashlight.
USB Rechargeable: Up to 31 days (Moonlight setting) of powerful, non-diminishing brightness from the included premium rechargeable 5000mAh 21700 battery. LED boasts an extended 50000-hour lifespan. It features built-in USB type C charging port allowing direct recharging. Recharge in approximate 3 hours with a 3A adapter (not included) and the included USB type A to USB type C cable.
Powerbank Output: This rechargeable LED lantern features a standard USBC port, serving as a powerbank to charge other digital devices. The 5000mAh battery allows charging a mobile phone in an emergency or on a camping trip.
Versatile Lantern. This backpacking-size lantern is compact enough for everyday carry, but powerful enough for a variety of situations, like travelling, camping, hiking, hunting, ect.
The is a hybrid Light— a good balance between one outdoor camping lamp and designed form the IF25 handheld 21700 Flashlight. It features a smart Anduril UI, high CRI and powerful LEDs and outstanding runtime. LTI-Mini is a versatile lantern to meet your various lighting uses.
In the mean time I like it, I have not been able to do run times testing or long-term testing, but initially its good to go for production.
- I will be doing a video review & chat soon about the test sample and thoughts once i can out it through a couple weeks of testing & usage.