Disclaimer: I got my Sofirn SC31 free from Sofirn from this review. But, that was a bad deal, because it’s popular here at casa manithree, and I’m gonna have to buy more.
I jumped at the chance to review the SC31 because I had recently purchased a Convoy S9 and a Sofirn SP30A for an evaluation. I was looking for a camping and nightlight for my twins. So, as much as I hate it for myself, I wanted USB charging. Either the SC31 wasn’t available, or I missed it when I bought the other two.
As you can almost see below, the S9, the SC31, and a standard S2+ are almost exactly the same length:
The SP30A is kinda huge, and the girls loved its moonlight mode, and were willing to overlook the lack of a diffuser (the head is bigger and won’t fit the S2+ diffusers I have), and chose it over the S9. They preferred the operational UI of the SP30A, also.
Then, along came the SC31. It fits the S2+ diffuser well enough (the diffuser is a little big, but if you push, it’ll stay on), and the UI isn’t as wonky as the S9. No moonlight, but it’s bright enough on high, and has good enough battery life on low that they just use that with a diffuser for night lights.
So now, I have to buy at least one more SC31, and my other daughter is thinking she might want one, also. I guess I’ll just have to buy more flashlights.
The SP30A is a great light, and nobody hated it. But it’s big. And having a readily available diffuser is nice.
But, the Convoy S9 has kinda ruined the name around here. Long press for off and on is confusing. Plus ours was defective. I didn’t notice until the first time we went to re-charge it, but the micro-usb is impossible to plug anything in to. I can’t see any damage, the connector just won’t go in. And Simon doesn’t seem to care, so it will become mine since I have plenty of 18650 chargers.
The SC31, though is a great combination of features for non- addicts enthusiasts. My kids don’t have 18650 chargers, and they don’t need lights that will start fires. They rarely even need to change modes. Click on and off is natural, and nobody forgets how to use it. For $17 with a battery, it’s a steal. Ok, that includes a charger, so USB isn’t actually required, but I don’t trust all my kids yet to remove, charge, and replace 18650s. Plus the switch is much easier to find than the S9’s. And it’s ‘breathing’ is really cool.
So, my free flashlight is going to cost me money, but it’s ok. Everybody prefers the SC31. It’s a solid little tube light for the average customer, and a great deal.
Oh yeah, this kinda made me laugh. The SC31 included a lanyard in the box, but the only place I could figure out to attach it was on the clip. And that ain’t happening. Am I missing something, or is there cleverly hidden lanyard mount somewhere?