I lost my Sofirn IF25A, so I’m looking for a replacement light for night-stand use. The best things I liked about the IF25A and what I’m looking for in a replacement
the green indicator on the button is a must - makes it so much easier to find in the dark
low moonlight mode. It’s the mode I use the most. The IF25A has an alright moonlight, but even lower would be better.
good width - the 21700 light tail stands much easier than an 18650 light
On board USB-C charging is a nice backup feature I always want
Other than that, I’d like to have safety features like LVP that also works on the LED indicator so that I don’t damage the battery, and the ability to lock out the brightest modes because sometimes I let kids use it. I’d also want an updated Anduril. The version of the IF25A had an older Anduril version that made moonlight slightly harder to use (light comes on right away instead of waiting until hold-time expire to come on, so it easier to press too long).
I’ve eyed the brand new Wurkkos TS25, which seems like a great light, but I’m not sure if the button can be made into an always on LED indicator or if only the aux LEDs can be on full time. I’m trying to keep my spending down, so looking to spend less than $40 with the battery included.
Have you considered the Sofirn SC21 Pro? It can be updated to Anduril 2 w LVP and lower lows… you will need the pogo pin and programmer from gchart… and this hex file: Sofirn SC21 mini - #321 by jon_slider
I agree with Argo. I picked up a new “old stock” Anduril 1 4000K version back in August from Ali-Ex Sofirn store for $23 US, complete with battery. I love my original (my favorite Sofirn torch), and it was the perfect opportunity to secure a backup (at an insane discount) before they’re extinct. Watch for sales on Ali or Sofirn’s website. I can’t elaborate on whether the Anduril 2 version offers lower moon outputs as I don’t have one, but I’d have to believe somewhere on YT or in written reviews someone may have a useful comparison. It’s a fantastic light that from your experience ticks most all your boxes. Why compromise?
Good hunting!
Haha, yeah the flashlight bug is very greedy and always looking for more. I got the IF25A thinking I wouldn’t use it as much as the 18650 light that I had, but the wider stable base for tail standing and the indicator really made it more useful. There’s nothing like missing a light to know whether or not it was valuable to you. I have more expensive lights that I don’t use as much just because I can’t see it in the dark.
We had a storm come in over the weekend and I distributed flashlights in all the bedrooms at home in case the power went out. They were all IF25a (in 4000k).
Although I’m personally carrying a TS21 in a short tube with a 20350 battery. That’s the one thing the TS21 has over the IF25a - the short tube option.
Hey, so my research since posting this also landed me on considering the Wurkkos TS21. I don’t like the castle bezel on the TS21 and the indicator on the button isn’t as nice looking as the IF25A. But I really like lights that can be power banks in a pinch, and magnetic tail cap is always appreciated, so the TS21 has those two advantages over the IF25A.
What I don’t know is the feel of the button. I posted in another thread asking for opinions. I really like the IF25A’s button feel - easy to find in the dark, very good clicky feel and easy to hold for moonlight. Does the TS21 feel good?
I carry my TS21 using the short tube so it’s definitely easier to hold, pocket, or clip compared to the IF25a. The button has a good length of travel and since it’s smaller, it’s easier to click for Anduril functions. Very easy to get into moonlight as well. But it’s not an apples to apples comparison though. I’m not sure what’s going to happen to the rubber of the IF25a switch years from now. The light on the power switch on the TS21 is a LOT dimmer than the IF25a. That’s why I opted for the IF25a as the emergency light coz the aux from the switch can be seen even 2-3 meters away in lighted indoors setting, while the TS21 light switch can barely be seen from 1 meter when the room’s lights are on.
Read more of the pro and cons of the TS21. I like the 5000k tint Nichia emitter tint. The random blueing of the aux light drove me nuts; as well as the ‘orange on standby and blue for charging’ versus ‘green for standby and red for charging’. (Though I have a IF25a warranty unit which behaves like that). Maybe take advantage of the upcoming Wurkkos sale so you won’t regret the cash out should you not be satisfied with the TS21.