[Review] Sofirn SD06 - The Diving Light that makes an Excellent EDC
Disclaimer
I hate taking photographs, and I do not have equipment to take proper measurements.
This review will not include any of my own photos, and it will not include any measurements.
If you’re looking for any of that, kindly find another review.
The images in this review belong to Sofirn, and the images are being used with Sofirn’s permission.
I used a program called Topaz Gigapixel AI to improve the image quality of some of the images.
Intro
I received the Sofirn SC06 about five weeks ago.
The Sofirn SD06 is the diving light that makes an excellent EDC.
Emitter and Reflector
The SD06 has a smooth reflector, and the emitter is the SFT70.
Because of my experience with this light, my new favorite emitter is the SFT70.
The SFT40 provides more throw, but I don’t usually need the amount of throw that the SFT40 provides.
The SFT70 provides more flood, more lumens, and higher efficiency.
The SFT70 provides a decent amount of flood with a great amount of throw simultaneously.
I usually prefer a smooth reflector, and the smooth reflector in the SD06 functions perfectly.
The beam is not ringy.
Tint
The color temperature is 6000K-6500K.
For the SFT70 emitter, I prefer 5000K, but the cool white tint of the SD06 is fine for me.
I don’t see any greenish, bluish, or purplish tint.
User Interface and Modes
The mode spacing is perfect for me.
The UI is quite simple, but it works well.
When off, a single click turns the light on.
When on, single clicking cycles from Low to Medium to High.
When on, hold the button for about a second to turn the light off.
The light has proper last mode memory.
I think a fourth mode would be a great idea.
The fourth mode should be under ten lumens.
Also, I would prefer a single click to turn the light off and to hold the button to cycle through the modes.
Switch
The side switch is large and it sticks out prominently.
The side switch will not accidentally turn on in your pocket.
If you rotate the side switch (which takes some effort), you can lock the light into any mode.
I’m sure this is useful for a diving light, but I am not a diver so I most likely will not use this feature.
That said, the ability to rotate the side switch to lock the mode is a nice touch.
Accessories
The flashlight comes with some accessories.
Because this flashlight hasn’t been officially released in North America or Europe, it did not come with a manual.
Sofirn did send me a pdf manual, but it’s clearly a work in progress.
Once this flashlight is officially released, it should come with a printed manual.
The light came with a 5000mAh 21700 cell, a nice looking lanyard, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, and a single slot battery charger.
Currently, the light does not have a USB port.
Also, the battery charger does not officially support 21700 cells.
I have read online that the charger fits a 21700 cell, but just barely.
I think the accessories that come with the light will change once this light is officially released.
Heat
The flashlight head gets hot on High (the highest mode) fairly quickly, which is no big surprise, especially for a compact light like this.
I use the light on Medium.
If used as a diving light, as it’s designed for, the light will not get as hot as quickly because water will keep the light cooler.
Conclusion
The fit and finish of this flashlight are quite nice.
There are no sharp edges anywhere.
I really like the Sofirn SD06.
The UI is quite simple, and I like the large side switch and how it protrudes so much.
The mode spacing is ideal.
I love the SFT70 emitter, especially paired with the smooth reflector.
I would prefer a somewhat warmer tint, and I think the UI could be improved a bit, but those are pretty minor complaints.
Although this is a diving light, I use it as an EDC light, and it works really well for that purpose.
EDIT:
I was just informed that the SD06 was launched on Sofirn’s official website days ago.
THE END