Review: Sofirn IF23 Pro (21700, XHP70.2 + side lights)

In this review I would like to show you the Sofirn IF23 Pro.
The flashlight was provided at no cost by Sofirn. Thank you!

Introduction

The Sofirn IF23 Pro comes in a nice box. It has a cover with printed text and pictures. The box itself is white and closed with a magnetic flap. Inside, you find the flashlight, a user manual and an USB C charging cable.

The flashlight has a normal size for a 21700 flashlight. It is slightly bigger than 18650 tube lights like the S2+ but considering it has side lights too the size is quite compact.

Being flat on three sides this flashlight has excellent anti-roll properties. Lay it down somewhere and it won’t roll anywhere, not even a little bit.

Battery and charging

The 21700 battery is shipped inside the flashlight. As usual, you have to remove the plastic piece between the battery and the spring before you can turn the flashlight on. Sofirn seems to be using 5000 mAh batteries now, which is definitely better (for less than 10A current) than the 4000mAh they used to have.

The battery is recharged with USB C.

Main LED

The main light is a XHP70.2 in an orange peel reflector.

The XHP70.2 has a color temperature of around 6000K. It has a slightly green tint. On a white wall it shows the typical yellow/green tint shift. A XHP70.3 Hi would be a much better choice here. @SammysHP found out with a teardown in his review that it is a 6V XHP70.2 with a boost driver so I might actually try to swap the led.

Side lights and RGB lights

The side lights have 90 CRI and their color temperature can be regulated using tint ramping from 2700K to 5000K.

The side lights produce a uniform, floody beam. They are quite bright on the highest setting. The 2700K and 5000K mixed together gives you a nice white with neutral DUV. You also have warm white and neutral white available if you need it.

The second kind of side lights is a row of RGB leds. They can be switched between different colors and also different moving light patterns.

Switch and user interface

When you turn the flashlight on the indicator light in the switch shows you the remaining battery for a few seconds. It is not very precise but at least you know that you have to recharge the battery when the indicator blinks red.

The rotary switch around the main switch is a really useful feature for me. It has four positions: main light, side lights white, side lights RGB and locked. This is simpler than having all the different combinations like long press or triple click on one switch. Don’t get me wrong, I love Anduril and the many options it offers. However, with other Sofirn lights the click combinations are sometimes not as you expect them or you can be too slow with the clicks. So, I really prefer this simple solution.

The user interface is simple and straightforward. Sofirn sticks to this user interface that is tried and trusted by many BLF members. Here are some key points:

  • Click for ON and OFF

  • Click and hold to change the brightness (except RGB lights)

  • For the RGB leds click and hold to change the color

  • Long click from OFF for moonlight (except RGB lights)

  • Double click for Turbo

  • With more double clicks from Turbo you access Strobe, SOS and Beacon

  • For the white side lights click, click and hold activates the tint ramping

  • For the RGB leds double click to change between different light patterns

  • In the locked position click and hold for momentary moonlight

Comparison with other flashlights

From left to right: 21700 battery, Sofirn IF23 Pro, Convoy S2+, Sofirn SC31 Pro, Sofirn SP33 V3.0

Whitewall beamshots

From left to right: Sofirn IF23 Pro, Sofirn SP33 V3.0 5000K, Sofirn SC31 Pro SFT40 5000K

From left to right: Sofirn IF23 Pro, Sofirn SC31 Pro SST40 6500K, Noctigon DM1.12 SFT40 6500K

Outdoor beamshots

To be added…

Conclusion

Normally, I am sceptical about flashlights with side lights because I always think about those no-name zoomies with a crappy cold COB side light. The Sofirn IF23 Pro changed my mind with its nice and bright high CRI side lights. This flashlight has a few special features and an unusual design. Despite many functions the user interface is easy and intuitive.

What I like

  • Solid build quality
  • High CRI side lights
  • XHP70.2 with bright turbo and a boost driver
  • Different light colors
  • Tried and trusted user interface
  • Switch ring to change lights and lock the flashlight
  • Excellent anti-roll properties

What should be changed/added

  • XHP70.3 HI to get rid of the tint shift
  • 5000K or 90CRI option for main led
  • Different brightness for the colored light

Thank you for reading my review!

If you are looking for more reviews of the IF23 Pro, here they are:

[Review] Sofirn IF23 Pro – next generation of the multifunctional flashlight from Sofirn - LED Flashlights – General Info / 21700 Flashlights - BudgetLightForum.com

Sofirn IF23 Pro Review: BETTER Than IF24 Pro? - LED Flashlights – General Info - BudgetLightForum.com

Sofirn IF23 Pro Evaluation - LED Flashlights – General Info / 21700 Flashlights - BudgetLightForum.com

Sofirn IF23 Pro Review - LED Flashlights – General Info - BudgetLightForum.com

5 Thanks

This light should have won the 2024 award. Its an amazing design.

3 Thanks

Love my IF23 Pro, I won one a few months ago and its been great. Mine has a warmer main LED.

Another positive feature is its reverse charging capability.

Also, if you dont like the included pocket clip, the clip from Wurrkos TS22 or H1 will fit perfectly.

2 Thanks