this is my video review of the Sofirn C8L. It includes some footage in a cave and in the forrest. To me the light is a general flashlight with an allround beamprofile that covers everhything very well; it probably will do very well as a light for folks who ride a bike downhill in the night as it offers a) the runtime b) enough light in front of you and c) a substantial throw that also covers a quite an area as it is not super focused. Outstanding for me is the dual function mechanical tail switch and that it offers a high output for quite some time. For me it is a keeper placing itself perfectly in the gap betwee “pocket rockets” and larger lights, so it already has seen much use and will see much more soon.
I think that perfect Sofirn for bike is IF25a, a good balance between dimension, weight and beam profile.
I think c8L is not a good choice for handlebar because too throw, beam profile is good for helmet but dimensions and weight are however greater than the if25a.
However if dimension and weight aren’t a problem, as second light on bike, would be a good choice if you want a very good throw.
If you go downhill through a forrest you need both a good, not too tight throw and a spill showing you everything in front of you. Also upwards for incoming branches. I don’t have a IF25a to compare though!
Yes I use two point of light: flood on handlebar and throw on helmet.
On a MTB, i think this is a perfect setup.
I think If25a is a good choice for both use, but I often use it on my helmet. I also tried the c8L on my helmet but on the mtb trail or in the forest I don’t need too much throw, because the trails are narrow and full of curves and if25a has a good throw for the use anyway.
So I prefer a smaller and lighter flashlight on helmet, despite the C8L I liked it very much.
