Grizzly’s CSTEBOKE SC31T SE Review – High CRI & Dual Switches
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The bezel is probably glued sadly.
I learned that the hard way with the Sofirn SP10 V2.0.
Without using specialized tools, I haven’t been able to open it for almost 3 years at this point.
I’ve wanted to install an SST-20 FA2 4000k on it for so long to replace the garbage CW XP-G2 inside, but I haven’t been able to sadly.
Also, FET driver again? Man, a linear FET driver would make a the light a lot better IMO.
Try a basin wrench. Slip a protective rubber hose or similar over the head. Tremendous amount of torque. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Basin-Wrench-16PL0127/304217758
Thanks for the well written review.
I turned down the option of reviewing this light, as it is yet another mediocre light for light painting. Hoping Vezerlezer can produce the good in their forthcoming 2 switch light.
Bezel on mine wasn’t glued but it’s sure on there snugly. Came off pretty easily, though, just needed a bit more muscle and sustained “hold time” till it loosened.
I bought this light intending to gift it but unfortunately it’s not the best choice for that guy’s needs. I think it’ll be a shelf queen for me (I had hoped that I could use the tail switch on the SC31 Pro, but no dice).
I don’t think this light tail stands very well at all. It tail stands, but it’s very easy to knock over from relatively light shock like bumping the table. This is a trend in tail cap ears lately, but they have reduced their “length” and also rounded them more heavily, which greatly reduces the contact patch. On this light the contact is just shy of 11mm, which equates to a pretty minimal 29% circumferential surface area contact. With the rounded corners that’s basically just two “sides” making contact and any jarring from the other axis will send it toppling over quite easily. It’s the same design scaled down on the SP10 Pro and many of their others now. For the SP10 Pro it’s slightly better due to the shorter height of the light. I’d say they tail stand pretty marginally. BUT…tail standing is not really a focus of this kind of light. Certainly would be nicer if they’d improve that simple aspect, though.
The side switch buttons aren’t odd, just not as easy to buy. Sofirn sells them for pretty cheap in their ali store. I’ve found some others on alibaba but only available with huge MOQ. Maybe they exist somewhere else on aliexpress but I haven’t been able to find them.
I think the tailcap having little ears like this for the purpose of tailstanding makes a lot of sense on lights with a tailswitch. On lights with no tail switch like SP10 V3, it’s silly and actively detracts from usability. If there’s no switch on the tail, it should be flat.
It does, but they have shrunk…they are less practical now. Or, for tail standing anyway…perhaps more practical for fatter or gloved fingers to find/reach the switch quickly from the side. Compare to an S2+ tail cap. It’s more stable (although not like a flat cap) and still has plenty of open area access.
My hunch is that previous complaints about “sharp” aspects of Sofirn’s tail caps were perhaps misunderstood and they started to change the top of the ears like this in response, at the expense of some practicality, whether they realized it or not.
It is amazing how well "constant pressure" (sustained "hold time") works when trying to loosen a fastener, it works much better than any other method I have tried for various applications.
Nice review tactical_grizzly!
Good info on the LVP. Personally I like it when a driver actually turns off vs going into moonlight mode.
Glad you like the review! I like when BOTH things happen: some big, obvious drops in brightness to warn you the battery is low and extend life and an eventual complete shutoff.
THIS
…and great review.