Sofirn SF14 should come with a warning

WalkIntoTheLight · 2018-07-27T10:14:01.000Z

eas:

Thanks for posting. 4A is going to bring significant voltage sag, and with an NiMH, there isn’t a lot of voltage to start with.

4A is no problem with Eneloops. Running voltage will be over 1.1v. Alkalines will die immediately under that current, and even at 2A will drop below 1.0v very quickly.

MascaratumB · 2018-07-27T10:31:11.000Z

The new SF14 is out, and has some differences in aspect (smaller, larger, seems to have removable bezel, has “V2.0” marked on the head, …).
Let’s see if it does work better than the previous version in those aspects mentioned here!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-New-SF14-V2-0-Mini-LED-Flashlight-AA-14500-Cree-XPG2-550lm-EDC-Pocket-Light/32904327601.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.31.4e12605b9CaLnJ&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10152_10151_10065_10344_10068_10342_10343_10340_10341_10696_10084_10083_10618_10304_10307_10820_10821_10301_10869_10868_10059_100031_10103_10624_10623_10622_10621_10620,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=acd27411-ed4f-4ae7-82f1-343793b679b6-4&algo_pvid=acd27411-ed4f-4ae7-82f1-343793b679b6&priceBeautifyAB=0

EDIT: From the link:

Working Voltage: 0.9-4.2 Volt

Battery support: single AA Alkaline, or AA Nimh, or single 14500 battery (Powered by 14500 battery to get the max brightness 550 lumen )

EDIT 2: to specify if it works with Eneloops, they have to specify if they work with the N other brands of Ni-MH batteries once not all the people have the money to buy or the access to Eneloops!!! :arrow_right:

ActiveAl · 2018-07-27T12:32:32.000Z

FWIW, last night I tried to duplicate the "flickering in high mode using a Ni-MH battery" anomaly in my SF14 and couldn't do it. Took an Eneloop down to 0.9 v and the flashlight seemed to remain stable all the way. But, as confirmed to me by a Sofirn rep via PM this morning, part of the SF14V2 upgrade is to address this anomaly.

Brainsick67 · 2018-07-27T12:39:56.000Z

Try to get the new one, version 2.0, its on Amazon, its supposed to fix that problem.https://www.amazon.com/Sofirn-Flashlight-Keychain-waterproof-Excluded/dp/B07F8TDPW6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532695065&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sf14&th=1&psc=1 use code GCRBWXTC to save 30%

ActiveAl · 2018-07-27T13:07:53.000Z

Brainsick67:

Try to get the new one, version 2.0, its on Amazon, its supposed to fix that problem.Amazon.com&qid=1532695065&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sf14&th=1&psc=1 use code GCRBWXTC to save 30%

Wish they would offer the new SF14V2 without the battery and charger.

MascaratumB · 2018-07-27T14:06:13.000Z

ActiveAl:

Brainsick67:

Try to get the new one, version 2.0, its on Amazon, its supposed to fix that problem.Amazon.com&qid=1532695065&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sf14&th=1&psc=1 use code GCRBWXTC to save 30%

Wish they would offer the new SF14V2 without the battery and charger.

They do, on AliExpress. See the link for their store I posted above! Not amazon, though …

ActiveAl · 2018-07-27T14:39:25.000Z

eas:

Some added evidence that supports the hypothesis that thermal throttling may be responsible for the flickering ending once it starts. Shortly after switching on and going up to turbo/high, my IR thermometer reads a temp of ~70°c from the emitter. The temp drops somewhat once the flickering starts, which isn’t surprising. However, when the flickering abates a minute or so later, the emitter temp stablizes at ~65°c. This is not a result of the driver dropping down a full level, it’s still in turbo/high. If I do a quick press, the light wraps around to low mode. I may try doubling up the tail spring later tonight.

The addition of a Direct Thermal Pat (DTP) Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB) <generic illustration below>, and a throttling back of the max lumen output from 600 to 550 lumens should mitigate thermal build-up problems in the SF14V2. According the Sofirn rep I PM'd yesterday, the new MCPCB in the SF14V2 is copper and not aluminum.

Photo borrowed from Rigid PCP.

But this doesn't help existing SF14 owners that have the flickering problem.

vt2nv · 2018-07-27T14:54:28.000Z

hatman:

vt2nv:

You can’t really blame the manufacturer. The light works well with a duracell AA, which is that battery that they intend to be used. Not everyone will put an eneloop in there. Even fewer people would put a 14500 Li-ion in it.

Cheers

Sorry, that’s just wrong.

What is wrong?

ActiveAl · 2018-07-27T15:05:05.000Z

MascaratumB:

They do, on AliExpress. See the link for their store I posted above! Not amazon, though …

The cost on Ali for a SF14V2 is currently $16.23. But when I checked the price there a day or two ago it was only $12.90. What is Sofirn doing?

The above screen shot is from a browser I had left open. One may just as well pay $16.09 (with the coupon code) on Amazon and get the flashlight with battery and charger.

MascaratumB · 2018-07-27T15:24:54.000Z

ActiveAl:

MascaratumB:

They do, on AliExpress. See the link for their store I posted above! Not amazon, though …

The cost on Ali for a SF14V2 is currently $16.23. But when I checked the price there a day or two ago it was only $12.90. What is Sofirn doing?

The above screen shot is from a browser I had left open. One may just as well pay $16.09 (with the coupon code) on Amazon and get the flashlight with battery and charger.

I don’t know about the price fluctuation, but since it is a new product, they may be still adjusting it.
I remember that in the beginning the original SF14 costed a bit more than what it costs now. So maybe they are still adjusting values. Also, Coin values tends to make some (little) impact!

If you check the AE App, you’ll find a 0.88€ coupon for buying more than 13.03€, so it will bring it down almost 1 dollar!

hatman · 2018-07-27T16:21:15.000Z

At this writing, the listing on Amazon says the “upgraded” SF14 is expected in stock on Aug. 8, 2018.

The price for the upgraded version with battery and charging slot is $22.99.

The price for the SF14 alone is $14.99 — same as the old model.

But perhaps it is the old model when you purchase light alone, since it is rated at 6t00 lumens, same as the old. Whiled the updated version is rated at 550 lumens.

I do not see any coupon on the Amazon site, as of this writing.

Reducing the rating by 50 lumens and calling it upgraded makes me wonder what’s going on.

After this controversy, Sofirn should stop selling the original SF14. I hope this is simply an oversight on their part in updating the listing for the light alone.

Still no rating listed for Eneloops, or NiMH for those who may be unaware that the chemistry is the same.

ActiveAl · 2018-07-27T17:33:17.000Z

hatman:

At this writing, the listing on Amazon says the “upgraded” SF14 is expected in stock on Aug. 8, 2018. The price for the upgraded version with battery and charging slot is $22.99. The price for the SF14 alone is $14.99 – same as the old model. But perhaps it is the old model when you purchase light alone, since it is rated at 6t00 lumens, same as the old. Whiled the updated version is rated at 550 lumens. I do not see any coupon on the Amazon site, as of this writing. Reducing the rating by 50 lumens and calling it upgraded makes me wonder what’s going on. After this controversy, Sofirn should stop selling the original SF14. I hope this is simply an oversight on their part in updating the listing for the light alone. Still no rating listed for Eneloops, or NiMH for those who may be unaware that the chemistry is the same.

The code I used to get the 30% off SF14V2/Battery/Charger deal (i.e.GCRBWXTC) no longer seems to work. Sorry,

The flashlight alone on this page is the old SF14.

vt2nv · 2018-07-27T22:26:45.000Z

WalkIntoTheLight:

hatman:

vt2nv:

You can’t really blame the manufacturer. The light works well with a duracell AA, which is that battery that they intend to be used. Not everyone will put an eneloop in there. Even fewer people would put a 14500 Li-ion in it.

Cheers

Sorry, that’s just wrong.

Unfortunately, it’s probably correct. The vast majority of people have never used rechargeable batteries of any kind in their flashlights.

I’m not sure what the demographics of Sofirn buyers are, but they’re probably not all flashaholics.

That said, there’s no excuse for not designing devices to accept NiMH batteries. For at least half the capacity, a NiMH cell will be running with a voltage higher than an alkaline. If a device won’t work with NiMH, then it will be giving up half the capacity of an alkaline too. Running your devices only with full alkalines is even more expensive.

Interesting. Can a flashlight manufacturer stay in business catering to the needs of enthusiasts? How many units must they sell before they break even? I’m using a little 14500 Olight as my EDC. My little Olight costs less than the Chinese junk garbage they’re selling on amazon. I read reviews for lights I’m interested in. Garbage, plastic lens AA zoomie gets 16,000 decent reviews. Thrunite. Olight, Nitecore, Thorfire lights that are decent, costing less than t the Chinese-Garbage lights, but the good lights have the smallest fraction reviews.

Based on reviews, a junky garbage plastic lens TACTICAL flashlight is the one you really want.

I understand that the quality and quantity of reviews can be manipulated by unethical vendors, but 16,000 mostly positive reviews?

As an example, my most recent light is the Catapult V6. Who but folks like us would buy a light like this?

I’m just saying is all…

TheIntruder · 2018-07-27T23:47:19.000Z

hatman:

At this writing, the listing on Amazon says the “upgraded” SF14 is expected in stock on Aug. 8, 2018.

I do not see any coupon on the Amazon site, as of this writing.

The 30% discount code (GCRBWXTC) is listed under the “Special offers and product promotions” section of the Amazon listing, not near the price like coupons are clipped on Amazon listings.

Better yet, PM Sofirn here and see if there are any 50% codes remaining, as noted in the other thread.

Either way (if the AMZ code is not working), I’d try a PM, and they should be able to take care of things.

hatman · 2018-07-27T23:52:12.000Z

TheIntruder:

hatman:

At this writing, the listing on Amazon says the “upgraded” SF14 is expected in stock on Aug. 8, 2018.

I do not see any coupon on the Amazon site, as of this writing.

The 30% discount code (GCRBWXTC) is listed under the “Special offers and product promotions” section of the Amazon listing, not near the price like coupons are clipped on Amazon listings.

Better yet, PM Sofirn here and see if there are any 50% codes remaining, as noted in the other thread

The promotional code works and brings the new version of the SF14 with battery and charging slot to just under the price of the old model with its defects.

I do not see any way to order the new version of the SF14, with or without the accessories that I wouldn’t need.

Of course, who knows if this listing is correct. I got an SF14 just this week and it was the old model.

MascaratumB · 2018-07-28T00:46:05.000Z

hatman:

[…] I do not see any way to order the new version of the SF14, with or without the accessories that I wouldn’t need.

You can, through AliExpress Store of Sofirn Official Store. It has been said above here!

Link: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

hatman:

Of course, who knows if this listing is correct. I got an SF14 just this week and it was the old model.

The new version of SF14 was released this week! See here: Our newly Sofirn SP32A v2.0 and Updated SF14 are available on amazon.com. Order yours today with promotional 30% off code! .
If the order was done some time ago, you wouldn’t get the new version, just the old version…

TheIntruder · 2018-07-28T01:59:29.000Z

hatman:

The promotional code works and brings the new version of the SF14 with battery and charging slot to just under the price of the old model with its defects.

I do not see any way to order the new version of the SF14, with or without the accessories that I wouldn’t need.

Of course, who knows if this listing is correct. I got an SF14 just this week and it was the old model.

I’m not sure what you mean, because your statements contradict. One says the code works on the new version, and then the next says it’s not possible to order the new version.

To be clear, the Sofrn rep here provided an Amazon link to the new 2.0 version of the SF14 in the other thread, in announcing their availability earlier this week.

There is a 30% off code on the page, or a 50% code if you PM them here and ask for it.

For the time being, both the new v2.0 of the SF14 and SP32A are only being offered in kit form from Amazon. And in the case of the SP32A, only the black color. The cheaper SF14 listing with the bare light is for the old version. In addition to the price and configuration. the difference between the two listings can be discerned by the lumen ratings, as well as the picture of the light.

Subsequently, the bare SF14 v2.0 must be ordered from their AX store, as well as the pale gold and silver colors for the SP32A v2.0.

Even if one doesn’t require the battery/charger, the Amazon SF14 option is clearly preferable, as either the 30% code can be used to bring the kit to the same price as the bare light on AX, or the 50% code to make it an even sweeter deal. And it will arrive within a few days for Prime members once it becomes available, versus weeks from AX.

Selecting and buying from these hobbyist-oriented Chinese brands requires some caution and some attention to detail, because their marketing and methods of distribution can be confusing, but that’s nothing new, esp. for BLF members.

deleted-200707 · 2018-07-28T02:03:19.000Z

I think I’ll wait awhile….

eas · 2018-07-28T09:07:59.000Z

WalkIntoTheLight:

eas:

Thanks for posting. 4A is going to bring significant voltage sag, and with an NiMH, there isn’t a lot of voltage to start with.

4A is no problem with Eneloops. Running voltage will be over 1.1v. Alkalines will die immediately under that current, and even at 2A will drop below 1.0v very quickly.

Sure, but 4A is enough that the voltage drop due to resistance in the spring, switch, etc needs to be considered.

WalkIntoTheLight · 2018-07-28T11:26:36.000Z

eas:

WalkIntoTheLight:

eas:

Thanks for posting. 4A is going to bring significant voltage sag, and with an NiMH, there isn’t a lot of voltage to start with.

4A is no problem with Eneloops. Running voltage will be over 1.1v. Alkalines will die immediately under that current, and even at 2A will drop below 1.0v very quickly.

Sure, but 4A is enough that the voltage drop due to resistance in the spring, switch, etc needs to be considered.

Yes, but that would be an issue with poor design.

For example, the Zebralight SC5 has no issue putting out over 500 lumens and running an Eneloop over 5 amps. The Eneloop handles it just fine. But, you’re right, the flashlight probably has little other resistance to get in the way.

vt2nv:

WalkIntoTheLight:

hatman:

vt2nv:

You can’t really blame the manufacturer. The light works well with a duracell AA, which is that battery that they intend to be used. Not everyone will put an eneloop in there. Even fewer people would put a 14500 Li-ion in it.

Cheers

Sorry, that’s just wrong.

Unfortunately, it’s probably correct. The vast majority of people have never used rechargeable batteries of any kind in their flashlights.

I’m not sure what the demographics of Sofirn buyers are, but they’re probably not all flashaholics.

That said, there’s no excuse for not designing devices to accept NiMH batteries. For at least half the capacity, a NiMH cell will be running with a voltage higher than an alkaline. If a device won’t work with NiMH, then it will be giving up half the capacity of an alkaline too. Running your devices only with full alkalines is even more expensive.

Interesting. Can a flashlight manufacturer stay in business catering to the needs of enthusiasts? How many units must they sell before they break even? I’m using a little 14500 Olight as my EDC. My little Olight costs less than the Chinese junk garbage they’re selling on amazon. I read reviews for lights I’m interested in. Garbage, plastic lens AA zoomie gets 16,000 decent reviews. Thrunite. Olight, Nitecore, Thorfire lights that are decent, costing less than t the Chinese-Garbage lights, but the good lights have the smallest fraction reviews.

I don’t think there are many manufacturers that can afford to cater only to flashaholics. Even Zebralights, which are moderately expensive even by flashaholic standards, must have to sell far more lights to “regular guys” than they do to flashaholics. So there must be a market for selling $100 flashlights to lots of people. Granted, they’re probably outdoor enthusiasts and not couch potatoes, but they must outnumbers flashaholics by a large amount.

The only brand I can think of that likely caters to flashaholics (and maybe some ridiculously overpriced government contracts) is HDS. But with them you’re paying astronomical prices for a relatively unimpressive light (though very tough from what I hear). They probably have to charge so much because the volume is so low.