Overview: These two new offerings from Sofirn really stand out and are an exciting addition to the budget flashlight realm. For a reasonable price, you get a throwy front light, a side flood light, and RBG lights with both functional and fun features. I have both IF24 models to compare, the primary difference being the main front emitter and the driver of that main emitter. The “regular” IF24 has a 6500K cool white emitter with standard FET driver. The “Pro” model has a neutral white 5000K SFT-40 emitter with a buck driver, meaning it both throws further and the runtimes are more sustainable. Both are comparable to the original Sofirn IF23 model, except these now house a 18650 battery instead of a 21700. Also, you now get a cool rotating selector switch instead of trying to access all of the modes with a single e-switch. Equipped with USB-C charging and a magnetic tailcap, Sofirn did a great job with this model.
In the box: Both come with identical accessories. A user manual, wrist lanyard, spare o-rings, an 18650 battery, a pocket clip, and a USB-C charging cable.
Build Quality and Design: As previously stated, the design and functionality of the IF24 is well thought out and enjoyable to use. It’s a little slimmer than the IF23 since it uses an 18650 battery instead of a 21700. You lose some runtime, but I actually prefer the slimmer profile. The body has a black matte finish with arrows on the side for some textured grip. The pocket clip works well and slides right into the pocket. The magnetic tail cap works well and supports itself for hands free work. The USB-C port has a rubber seal on it that stays in place well to keep it water and dust proof. The build quality feels solid and reliable like other Sofirn products, especially for the lower price point.
User Interface: The user interface has a lot going on, but it’s organized well with the e-switch and rotating mode selector. Instead of tapping several times to switch between the side light and main light, the rotating switch allows you to go straight to the desired function and then still have complete control of the brightness. You can then leave it there and turn it off and on like a regular flashlight. It also has a lockout mode to protect it completely from turning on in your pocket accidentally. While using the main light or side light, you use the e-switch to change brightness. One click on and you’ll be click for off. Holding down the button will cycle through low, medium, and high. A double click will bring you to turbo. From off, holding down the button will bring you to moonlight mode. Also in lockout mode, you can still get moonlight mode momentarily by holding down the switch. While in RBG mode, it starts on red and holding down the switch will slowly ramp through several different colors. A double click will take you to other modes like police flash, rainbow mode, waterfall mode, droplets, and neon fade. The only downside is that when you rotate the mode selector, it automatically turns the flashlight on in that mode. I’d rather be able to rotate the switch without activating the light, so that you’re basically pre-selecting the mode you want to use. It’s not that big of a deal though and supposedly this is being addressed in an updated version in the near future. Overall, great user interface for having so many modes and functions.
Emitter and Beamshots: Both versions of this flashlight have a similar beam profile since they both use a TIR type lens that focuses the light forward into a powerful hotspot. The standard version uses an SST-40 cool white emitter that seems to be brighter because of lumen output and the cool white temperature. The Pro model uses a dedomed SFT-40 5000K neutral white emitter, so the beam is a little more focused and throws a little further. The 5000K neutral white temperature looks a lot better to the eye and makes colors appear more natural. Both are bright and impressive, but have their own advantages. I much prefer the 5000K SFT-40 of the Pro model, along with the efficient buck driver paired with it for better runtimes.
IF24 with SST-40
IF24 Pro
IF24 Pro
IF24 Pro
IF24 Pro
Battery and Charging: They are powered by an 18650 battery and rechargeable through the on board USB-C charging port.
Pro’s:
- Throwy and focused main beam
- Floody and bright side light
- Fun RGB side lights
- USB-C charging
- Slim and portable profile
- Rotating mode switch
Con’s:
- Rotating the switch automatically turns the flashlight off