I’ve reached the point where I can no longer tolerate AA batteries fizzing out and ruining flashlights. So I’m dabbling with the 18650 flashlights. I need an EDC flashlight that fits my needs. I recently purchased a Sofirn SC31 and although I like some things about it, I cannot work with the Anduril interface as I have limited use of my had from an old injury. I need an EDC led light that at minimum has the following 1) 18650 removable battery, 2) USB-C charging port. 3) simple to use, low beam, high beam, off. Other features are ok too but it needs to be simple to use.
I’ll be returning the Sofirn light unless there is a way to change its firmware settings to make it into a simple-to-use light.
Anduril may look intimidating and complex when you look at the chart, but it honestly lets you make it a very simple flashlight if you wish. You can ignore whatever features you don’t want to use.
You can always switch the light into Simple Mode (10 clicks from Off, and you’ll see one flash to indicate the change.) Once you’ve done that, it’s just press button once to turn it on/off, and hold button down to ramp brightness up/down. That’s it.
Not really intimidating, I changed it to simple mode when I first got the light. Limited movement of the thumb in my dominate hand takes the fun out of some tasks. The thing that bugs me the most about this light is the permanent illumination of the button. I read 7 clicks from off turns it off but it’s not working.
Were you in Simple Mode or Advanced Mode when trying to do 7c ? I believe you need to be in Advanced Mode. Then once you have it set the way you want, change it back to Simple Mode.
USB-C charging, 1800 lumen turbo, comes with a cell (completely absurd at that price), Simple UI (click for off/on, while on - hold to cycle brightness levels, double-tap for turbo). I’ve seen some reviews saying the finish/anodizing isn’t perfect, but for less than $12 USD with cell included I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
I only mention it because the $5-off coupon which takes it to $11.66 is live right now, who knows how long that’ll last. You could definitely of course get better lights for more money but that’s a sizzler of a deal if I’ve ever seen one.
…don’t forget, slightly dangerous too, due to thermal regulation not reducing below the High level. Some models exceed 80°C and require manual adjustment
Not from my review models. The SC32 drops to just 395 lumens, that’s well below High. Sofirn have a lot of Anduril models as well that drop very low. There are some exceptions like the SC18, but at 20°C ambient it heated up no warmer than 50°C on the body. I haven’t seen a Sofirn get anywhere near 80.
What’s not shown is his ambient temp. I tested at 20°C and the head max was 54°C and body 50°C. If held, your hand will further cool it, but yes I see there would be an issue for some. No where near the temps that Convoy’s can get up to though
Ok now I’m searching for something similar. Budget friendly, 18650, USB charging (doesn’t have to be USB-C), farily compact size, simple to use (no Anduril!) and one more condition - CCT below 5500K. SC18 fits all except the last one and that’s a deal breaker - 6500K SST40 is vile (I asked, they’re not planning to make the 5000K version). SC32 is close but it’s double the price just for the tint. Any other ideas?
