[REVIEW] Sofirn SP31 (XP-L2 V6 3D, 1x18650) (Pictures, Beamshots, etc.)

The Sofirn SP31 is one of Sofirn's newest 18650 flashlights. The SP31 is a single 18650 EDC tube light which utilizes a domed Cree XP-L2 V6 3D in a polished reflector with a balanced general purpose beam. Output is speced at a max of 960 lumens (I measured ~1060 lumens @ 30 sec.) There is also a 1 lumen "firefly" mode. The SP31 comes from the factory with a very pleasant warm-neutral tint at 4700K.

I had the opportunity to evaluate the Sofirn SP31 and was provided a copy for review by Sofirn.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716D3P5T/







Official Product Specifications
  • Amazingly Crazy Bright: adopted latest Cree XP-L2 V6 LED Max output 960Lumen, and gets powerful throwing 200 meters / 218 yards
  • Single 18650 Rechargeable Battery & USB charger come in Compact Package. The Tac flash light uses one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries which powerful battery keeps the flashlight going awhile
  • Bicycle Headlight or Bike Light: 4 outdoor light levels and one hidden Strobe, while different click to get different “Strobe”. One is “4-12HZ Flash” as self defense light and the other is “Bike Blink” for cycling
  • Tactical Tail-cap switch with Momentary-on Function; and silver side switch to change 4 lighting modes. Also tail-stand like a candle
  • 130.8mm (5.14 in.) Length x 24mm(0.94 in.)Diameter; 77.6-gram weight (2.74 oz.). Lightweight and portable pocket torch in everyday carry / EDC

Like Sun lighting up the backyard at Night!!!
The flashlight remains in pocket size but focus on tactical usage. Cree V6 Led makes the beam powerful and wide to view the target clearly 200 meters away. To activate the high brightness in backyard, your pet thinks the sun is coming up at night! 130.8mm length and 77.6 gram makes the torch portable as a do-everything-go-anywhere light. Furthermore, tactical tail switch and side switch enable fast and simplified operation, works great in camping, cycling, hiking, night walking, emergency, law enforcement, car or bike.

Specification:
Cree XPL2-V6 3D LED with a lifespan of 100,000 hours
Waterproof IPX-8 rated, underwater 2 meter / 6.5 feet for 30 minutes
Reliable durable aluminum material with premium Type III hard-anodized
Orange Peel reflector and lens made of toughened glass with anti-reflective coating
Smart low-voltage indication, 2 blinks per second lower than 2.8 volt
Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
Working Voltage: 2.8-8.4V
CCT Range: 4700K-5000K

Brightness:
Level: Firefly | Low | Mid | High | Strobe
Lumens: 1 | 43 | 354 | 957 | 957
Runtime: 173h | 40:28h | 6h | 1:11h | 36min
Instant-on firefly mode and the highest setting will induce blindness, so please shine it to eyes.

Package:
A Tactical Flashlight Torch with clip
A 2800mAh 18650 battery and USB charger
Two Spare O Rings


Comment: The official listing states that it is an OP reflector. However, it is a SMO reflector.



Packaging and Contents
The SP31 arrived in a basic cardboard box. The light is protected in a bubble-wrap sleeve and there is foam padding on the bottom of the box. Accessories included clip (pre-installed), 2 spare O-rings and manual. This light also includes a Sofirn 18650 battery and USB-powered charger. The packaging is more than sufficient in addition to the mailer packaging. There is no significant risk of damage or scuffing to the light during delivery using this packaging. This packaging is better than I have seen for some other lights (in other lights I've experienced scuffed finishes from poor packaging). It is possible, but unlikely, that the box may come open during transport if it is shipped loosely in a larger box.

1 x Sofirn SP31
1 x Clip (Pre-Installed)
2 x Spare O-ring
1 x Manual
1 x Sofirn 18650 Lithium Battery
1 x USB-Powered Lithium Battery Charger (700mA)






Included battery and charger. The charger is USB powered and requires a standard-sized USB outlet/power source. The side that connects to the charger is micro-USB sized. The charger is rated at 700mA charge current.



Fit and Finish
The SP31 has smooth black anodizing (Type III HA). The anodizing was applied well and my copy did not have any notable defects in the finish. The anodizing has a nice non-glossy sheen and I feel that this finish looks very nice and professional in quality (cheaper lights have an overly glossy or painted-on appearance).

The body of the light is a 18650-size EDC tube design that some people also may describe as an "S design". The width is similar to fat marker. It is a little thicker but shorter than a dry erase marker. Due to the design, there is minimal roll-resistance unless the clip is attached.

The center and tail of the body has a subtle diamond pattern knurling which adds grip, a clean look, and some scratch resistance. The knurling is not overly aggressive and it feels good in hand. This is perfect for use bare-handed.












The threads were cut perfectly square and a nice touch is the anodizing on both the head and tail threads. Thanks to the smooth anodizing, the threads were buttery straight from the factory. I added my preferred lube, but it was not necessary.




Lanyard and Case
No lanyard or case included. The included clip is great although I would have also liked a lanyard. Fortunately, I already own a few spare lanyards that work perfectly.

Tail Stand
The SP31 can tail-stand on a level surface and is stable. Installing a lanyard will de-stablize tail standing somewhat.




User Interface and Modes
The light has a rear forward-clicky (On/Off/Momentary) and uses a side-switch to control modes.
Output starts low and cycles up then back down. FF -> L -> M -> H -> M -> L -> FF
There is mode memory. The light will activate on the last used brightness.
Strobe & bike strobe are hidden.

Operation:
  • To turn the light ON (MOMENTARY), partial press and hold tail switch.
  • To turn the light ON, press tail switch.
  • To advance modes, press side switch (FF -> L -> M -> H -> M -> L -> FF)
  • To turn the light OFF, press tail switch.

Strobe / Bike Strobe (Hidden):

  • To turn STROBE ON, double-click side switch (when on).
  • To turn STROBE OFF, press side switch (will return to previous mode).
  • To turn BIKE STROBE ON, long-press side switch (when on).
  • To turn BIKE STROBE OFF, press side switch (will return to previous mode).

Comments: I like the mode rotation (which goes up then back down). The side switch UI is very intuitive and I also like that Firefly is not hidden and part of the normal mode rotation. I always like when strobe modes are hidden. Because the mode and power switches are different, it's also very easy for me to always change the mode back to Firefly before turning it off so that it always starts on the lowest mode.




Output, Runtime and Power


Measurements were done using a freshly charged EVVA protected Panasonic NCR18650B.

I estimate High exceeds spec at roughly 1060 lumens at 30 seconds (I measured 1056 & 1066 on two different runs). Peak at activation was about 1140 lumens. This makes it a 1060 lumen light by ANSI FL 1 standards. Medium is 485 after 30 seconds (initial peak was 486).

Like most 18650 tube lights, I consider the 1060 lumen mode to really be "Turbo" as the light will get very warm on this setting. I consider the 485 lumen mode to be "High" and this mode is best for sustained high-brightness use.
"Firefly" mode was almost exactly 1 lumen (I measured 1.4 lumens). This is my ideal setting for the lowest power level. I consider this to be "perfect".

PWM
I did not detect PWM on the SP31 via video method. If it has PWM, it is very high frequency.


Regulation


This light has timed step-downs when on High or Medium.
* When on High, the light will step-down to Medium after 3 minutes.
* When on Medium, the light will step-down to Low after 30 minutes.

Comments:
* The user can manually step back up the power.
* The light does not get that hot on Medium. I suspect that the step-down at 30 minutes is in the interest of saving energy as well as to provide extended run-times since the light can run for a very long time on Low.
* On Low, the light is barely warm.
* This test was done with a constant cooling fan. Ambient temperature in my house was 78F (25C).
* Low and Firefly both have very long runtimes.


Beam Profile
Balanced General Purpose. The SP31 uses a domed Cree XP-L2 V6 3D in a polished reflector. The beam is very balanced for general purpose use with a relatively large hotspot. The hotspot is large and transitions smoothly and gradually throughout the beam. The beam has defined edges. This light works very well for people seeking a more balanced beam. This light works great for general purpose use both indoors and outdoors.








Beamshots, Color Temperature and Tint
The Sofirn SP31 is a very nice warm neutral white at 4700K. When white-balanced in Adobe Lightroom against "Daylight 5500K", the beamshots appear slightly warm to neutral. The light appears slightly warm white in practice. This is a very good choice of default color temperature and I'm really happy to see a manufacturer using this color temperature for a light.











Low Voltage Protection (LVP)
I confirmed that this light has LVP. The light will start flashing about a couple times per second when the voltage is around 2.8-3V and the light will turn off entirely 1 minute after hitting 2.8V.


Battery Support and Fitment
The SP31 is powered by 1x18650 lithium-ion (INR, IMR, ICR, etc.)
Protected Batteries Fit. The EVVA Protected Panasonic NCR18650B fits fine length-wise at 69.5mm and width-wise at 18.67mm. The included battery is also protected and fits fine. The dual-spring design is very tolerant of a range of battery lengths.
Button vs Flat-Top: Both the Panasonic and Sofirn batteries were button-top. Flat-top batteries should also fit due to the dual battery springs.

The positive & negative contacts are both springs.








Lock-Out
You can physically lock-out the light by loosening the tail (or head) one-half turn to break the circuit.

If there is a possibility of accidental activation, you should lock-out the light.


Size Reference
Flashlight pictured next to a AA, 18650 and C8 for size reference.






Summary and Conclusion
This is a very good, well-built 1x18650 EDC tube light which performs above spec at ~1060 lumens in High. Like most tube lights, High is more of a "Turbo" as the light gets very warm. Medium is perfect at 485 lumens (drawing ~1A, similar to 3x7135) and can easily sustain longer runtimes. For people who mainly use Low or Firefly, this light will provide great run times. The modes are well-spaced and the Firefly is perfect at 1 lumen. I also like that Firefly is part of the normal mode rotation (not hidden).

This size light is a good 18650-sized EDC and will fit comfortably in dress pants, cargo shorts, jacket, etc. The finish looks excellent, is clean and my copy had no defects. The use of a forward-clicky in the tail is great for people who use momentary on.

The beam profile is very balanced and is well-suited for general usage. I love the very pleasant 4700K color temperature (warm neutral) and wish that more manufacturers made lights like this (I do not like cool white LEDs).

That’s an excellent choice of default color temperature, but if the manufacturer is paying attention, this light could be improved a bit:

  • That medium mode is too high without another mode between low and medium.
  • The low (not firefly) mode is probably also too high.
  • Double-click to strobe when a single-click changes modes is incredibly obnoxious. Imagine trying to get from medium to firefly quickly because that’s too bright and getting strobe by mistake. Stop doing this. Long-press is better since it won’t happen by accident, but it would be even better to not have a strobe mode and use long-press to switch modes in the other direction.

Actually, I like “Medium” as-is at the measured 485 lumens. I treat “Medium” as “High” since that’s similar to running 3x7135 at 100% which, coincidentally, is my preferred output for a tube 18650.

That said, I agree that 5 modes would be better than 4. For spacing, I’m thinking that an ideal would roughly be:

  • 1 (Moon/FF)
  • 10 (Low)
  • 100 (Med)
  • 500 (High)
  • 1000 (Turbo)

At least for me during testing, the double-click to strobe was not an issue in changing between modes since the timing is a bit faster than I would normally change modes. I can definitely see how it could be a potential (very disorienting) problem if it happened, though. I do agree, since I would never want to enter strobe on accident. They could use a long-press to enter or change the strobe modes and a single press to exit so you can exit quickly.

Acebeam EC35 clone?

Same class/competition but I don’t think it’s a clone of the EC35 specifically. There are other similar looking lights like the Fenix PD35 TAC.

Excellent review. Whats not to like about this for 29.95. There’s also one of these on Amazon for 26.95, same seller Sofirn. Maybe the cool white? doesn’t say.

Personally, I like a 1 lumen low, and have no use for a super sub-lumen “firefly” mode. I don’t have fidgety fingers and don’t mine a double click to turbo strobe. But wouldn’t mind if they simply got rid of strobe altogether.

Getting to be quite the competition for this type of light. This Sofrin, Atactical A1, Zanflare, and a few others. Nice to see good lights in this price range.

Thanks! The one that is currently $26.95 on Amazon is the Sofirn SP32. The tail cap and mode spacing are both different. From pictures, I think that the SP32 only uses the side switch. The SP32 also probably tail stands better even with a lanyard attached. Not sure if the LED is the same temp or not, though.

I definitely agree with you about the ~1 lumen mode, I think it's perfect. Lights that use <=0.1 lumen are too dim for anything that I need.

Thanks for the review mate. Ordered one the other day. I think it’s great value. Got the SP30A too, to gift.

Nice to see a light come out with the new emitter especially in this tint.

Since this company is related to the one it seems like. I think they are finally listening and getting away from cooler temps. Makes sense now that they will have to order like 10,000 v6 3d for the group buy light. I highly doubt its just a coincidence they choose the v6 3d tint but I’m glad they did my favorite tint

Yeah, I’m definitely glad no matter what the reason. I’m hoping that after the good feedback they receive on using warmer/NW emitters that it continues the trend.

I did a back-to-back walk last night with this light and another that was CW. The difference was huge. So much more eye strain/fatigue with CW. I think that CW also messes with my circadian more when I take a walk before bed. NW is superior in every way.

Well done review. If I needed one I would buy it. Just a personal preference (to give as gifts etc.) I think 18650 lights would do well to include integrated charger. Not sure how much that costs the manufacturer but that and a few more modes would make this a great general purpose light.

Nice review as always :+1:

So this light should be offering a good balance between throw and flood I believe?

An outdoor beam shot comparison with a similar light (let’s say Convoy S2+ for example) would be nice to see! :innocent:

Yeah, I consider this to be a “balanced beam”. Way less tunnel-vision effect than using a thrower like the C8. Perfect for walking the dog, etc. In reality, this is the type of profile that I would use the most.

FYI - The SP31 now has a 35% off coupon code on Amazon (US):
93DRB44D

I can not get the code to work. Says it’s not valid.

Very nice review BTW.

Doh sorry about that. They must have expired those codes already. Both the SP31 and SP32 codes no longer work.

Not a problem. I only wanted to try the code because I was issued a code for a sample that expired before I got home from work to get the light. Another issued and again no joy. Kinda glad I did not get a light after reading your review. I certainly could not have done as well of a job as you did. Again, thanks.

I also requested the single tailcap SW or the dual SW. :+1:

Nick

I bought my SP32 in Sofirn’s AliExpress store with the coupon they have there.
It reduced the price in almost 2€ (± $2 USD). It takes longer to arrive than through Amazon, but it’s cheaper, though!

SoCalTiger: after this time using it, are you glad with the overall functioning of the light?

Yes! The only real “con” for me is that I have unintentionally entered strobe mode when trying to quickly switch modes while out on a walk. So, my recommendation to manufacturers now is that they don’t use double-click to activate strobe modes. I’d rather have a double-click go to Turbo as that is a less distracting situation between the two. And then a long-press for strobe.

That said, the SP31 is currently on my primary 18650 EDC rotation. For walks, it’s usually either this or my C8.

The SP31 has the superior color temp and tint. I absolutely love the XP-L2 V6 3D.

Hum, gotta be careful with possible entering on strobe then…
I got that same problem with my Manker E11 when going up on modes. A faster click and it ‘strobes’!
I’d also prefer the double click for turbo, and eventually triple click for strobe or no strobe at all, but…not all manufacturers think alike!
Still, the overall appreciation seems nice, what is very good! I’m waiting for mine, hope it doesn’t take long to arrive!!

Thanks for your information! :+1: