Machining on BLF Q8? Newbie

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Hi, I’m pretty new to the High Power Flashlight thing though I guess I’m a bit of Flashaholic. My first good light was a LED Lenser P14 (which is probably the best made light I have), then a Fenix LD41 (which is not that great) then a Nitecore EA81 (I love this light).

So I ordered a BLF Q8 which I just received, the light itself is great but the machining of the Aluminium is terrible. When I unscrew and screw the head without batteries it’s ok but with batteries it squeals like nails on a blackboard the threads seem thin not quite sure how to describe it. I sprayed some silicon on the threads and that seems to help but this is the worst machining I’ve seen on any flashlight to date.

One other thing, the head is BLF Q8 but the tail seems to be Sofirn without the flat parts.

I’m wondering if anyone else has run into this problem with Sofirn Lights? I’m wondering if I should send it back or not. I also ordered a SP36 so I’m curious how that’s going to be.

2

As always, experiences are mixed. Sofirn is certainly no manufacturer with especially high failure rate. But their lights are inexpensive. Get a similar product from another manufacturer and pay twice or more.

I don’t see the problem with your light.

3

I have bought a couple of Sofirn lights this year and the machining and finish has been good so far. Not amazing, but good.

Threads are cut nice and run well, I just don’t like the sharp edges of the bodies/heat fins for example. Can’t top the prices though, especially on sale and with discount codes.

I would contact the seller about your issue - Chinese customer service is often not so great either, but generally Sofirn is known to at least refund you money or send you a new parts if your product doesn’t work. May take a while though.

4

“BLF Q8 but the tail seems to be Sofirn without the flat parts”. yes mine too, and the spring board is black like the new LT1.

the same about the threads

5

It may be a Sofirn BLF Q8 and not a true BLF Q8 (by Thorfire).

True BLF Q8.

The head of true BLF Q8 does not screw to the tube of Sofirn Q8.

6

I bought a Sofirn Q8 maybe 6 months to a year ago (I’m bad with remembering dates). The machining and overall quality is very good, especially for the price.

I’m curious where you bought yours? The reason I ask is about 3 years ago I ordered some “Thorfire” flashlights from the Elfeland Outdoor Lighting Store on Aliexpress, and received poor quality counterfeits. If you didn’t order from Amazon or direct from Sofirn yours may not be the actual product.

7

I’ve never seen threads that bother me. 50+ lights. Lube them if they’re dry.

8

mine from the sofirn store; however i bought some S2+ reflectors from aliexpress (not Simon store) and i noticed that they are defective

9

Hard anodizing over hard anodizing has never been a great friction pair. Some flashlights give better quality feelings just because of thick lubed o-ring (and deep straight step for this o-ring - same length as the threads).

10

I ordered from Amazon. Talked with Sofirn they think the batteries are too big.

11

Talked with Sofirn they think the batteries are too big. I tried another set of Batteries and they seem better but that doesn’t really solve the problem though.

12

yeah the threads on my q8 are also not so good, but its because not greased much and i dont have any grease…. batteries if unprotected button top i doubt is the issue, protected maybe too long but who would use those in this light…

13

good, not perfect

Q8

14

I’m curious why you say not to use protected cells? The website suggests to use protected cells.

15

Not needed since the firmware has LVP, there’s no charging electronics in the light and the four 18650 are parallel. This is quite safe.