Sofirn SF14 should come with a warning

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.

hatman · 2018-08-03T08:48:24.000Z

Sorry, but this seller may not be ready for prime time.

First it sent me a defective SF14 AFTER announcing that it had a new, improved model.

Then, when I placed a second order, for the new improved SF14, it said no stock available until Aug. 8, for a nearly two week wait. Fine, no problem. Then, suddently, it said my item was in stock.

Finally, it sent me some other model: a side switch instead of the tail switch I wanted; 18650 instead of the AA I wanted; and a confusing user interface. I would gift it, but doubtful that a non-flashaholic would want it.

Sofirn · 2018-08-03T10:56:59.000Z

hatman:

Sorry, but this seller may not be ready for prime time.

First it sent me a defective SF14 AFTER announcing that it had a new, improved model.

Then, when I placed a second order, for the new improved SF14, it said no stock available until Aug. 8, for a nearly two week wait. Fine, no problem. Then, suddently, it said my item was in stock.

Finally, it sent me some other model: a side switch instead of the tail switch I wanted; 18650 instead of the AA I wanted; and a confusing user interface. I would gift it, but doubtful that a non-flashaholic would want it.

Sorry dude. Contact us via email or PM us, we will make it right. You are right, it’s not Sofirn’s prime time. We are trying to survive in the market actually. :cry:

This is the thing. We sent inventory to amazon FBA warehouse, then it depends on amazon when it would be available, not Sofirn. :person_facepalming:

And then the weird issue happened, some items are relabeled! the wrong label is of SP32A V2.0!

We put the two product in different boxes and sent together. Don’t know why they are mixed up. Who relabeled our inventory? How many of them are incorrectly? amazon told they need time to investigate and can’t tell more information before they make it clear. :person_facepalming:

All right. We closed the listing of FBA, what’s all sale now will be shipped from China directly. Amazon.com

Hope amazon will make it clear and tell us what’s wrong. Below is how I was answered

teacher · 2018-08-03T11:42:44.000Z

Just hang in there Sofirn & weather the storm. Sorry the mislabeling thing happened ar the Amazon FBA Warehouse… but that is not your fault.

It is just an unfortunate thing that happened. My SP32A V2.0 order was mislabled also. A SF14 V2.0 had a SP32A V2.O label on it.

I have sent pictures & you all are working on the problem…. good enough. :+1:

You will get it sorted out & hopefully things will go smooth.

Take care & keep going!! I am liking your lights a lot!! :+1:

teacher · 2018-08-03T14:09:04.000Z

Sofirn:

We are trying to survive in the market actually. :cry:

This is the thing. We sent inventory to amazon FBA warehouse, then it depends on amazon when it would be available, not Sofirn. :person_facepalming:

And then the weird issue happened, some items are relabeled! the wrong label is of SP32A V2.0!

We put the two product in different boxes and sent together. Don’t know why they are mixed up. Who relabeled our inventory? How many of them are incorrectly? amazon told they need time to investigate and can’t tell more information before they make it clear. :person_facepalming:

All right. We closed the listing of FBA, what’s all sale now will be shipped from China directly. Amazon.com

Hope amazon will make it clear and tell us what’s wrong. Below is how I was answered

Well as far as I am concerned it is a shame that it appears Amazon puts the wrong (Amazon) label on the lights at the FBA warehouse in the USA & then it takes them (Amazon) 14 - 21 days to “investigate” their mistake??? :person_facepalming:

That sux, in my humble opinion. … Amazon should own it & fix their mistake quickly.

I ordered a Sofirn SP32A V2.0 & it arrived in 2 days.

Only problem was it was a Sofirn SF14 V2.0 that had been incorrectly relabeled as a SP32A V2.0 with a label stuck on right over the original part number on the box.

See the picture below. The incorrect label has been peeled off & is now stuck above the part number on the box.

.
From examining the two above pictures it appears the labels of the SF14 V2.0 and the SP32A V2.0 were reversed & put on the wrong boxes.

Hopefully it won’t take Amazon 14 - 21 days to figure this out.

MascaratumB · 2018-08-03T19:42:32.000Z

This is one of the reasons I don’t buy more from Amazon (apart from the aspect that most of the things don’t ship to Portugal…).

I prefer to way about 3 weeks or a month to get a thing from the original store/seller (like from AliExpress stores) than buying from Amazon! Only when I need things “faster” I order from there…

It is a shame that this “store” (Amazon) harms sellers and products from companies that are struggling to make the things right, like Sofirn (despite all the “mistakes” that Sofirn may incur in)!!

We got your back Sofirn and it is good to have a manufacturer like you on BLF, making lights, asking buyers and enthusiasts opinions, accepting small and big projects that other “major” brands don’t accept! It surely tells me (us?) that if we can count on you, you will probably count on us too :+1:

hatman · 2018-08-03T22:33:02.000Z

Sofirn:

hatman:

Sorry, but this seller may not be ready for prime time.

First it sent me a defective SF14 AFTER announcing that it had a new, improved model.

Then, when I placed a second order, for the new improved SF14, it said no stock available until Aug. 8, for a nearly two week wait. Fine, no problem. Then, suddently, it said my item was in stock.

Finally, it sent me some other model: a side switch instead of the tail switch I wanted; 18650 instead of the AA I wanted; and a confusing user interface. I would gift it, but doubtful that a non-flashaholic would want it.

Sorry dude. Contact us via email or PM us, we will make it right. You are right, it’s not Sofirn’s prime time. We are trying to survive in the market actually. :cry:

This is the thing. We sent inventory to amazon FBA warehouse, then it depends on amazon when it would be available, not Sofirn. :person_facepalming:

And then the weird issue happened, some items are relabeled! the wrong label is of SP32A V2.0!

We put the two product in different boxes and sent together. Don’t know why they are mixed up. Who relabeled our inventory? How many of them are incorrectly? amazon told they need time to investigate and can’t tell more information before they make it clear. :person_facepalming:

All right. We closed the listing of FBA, what’s all sale now will be shipped from China directly. Amazon.com

Hope amazon will make it clear and tell us what’s wrong. Below is how I was answered

Thank you kindly for responding. I am sorry for your trouble. You seem a decent sort.

I just want my light. If possible, I prefer to order on Amazon. My cc was hacked while ordering through an overseas outlet (not you) and I would like to be able to order a flashlight without having that trouble again.

Please see my PM and thanks.

TheIntruder · 2018-08-04T03:56:19.000Z

I’ve had Amazon send the wrong item due to mislabeling. Contacted them, they sent a replacement, and said to keep the other item. I’m not sure who eats the cost when that happens, but it does happen.

If those ASIN bar code labels were pre-applied by Sofirn before shipment to AMZ, then the latter seems to be clearly at fault.

Bezos’ minions who received and processed those shipments should have noted the ASINs, and applied the correct descriptive labels.

But, one could argue that Sofirn’s generic packaging might have helped bite them in the rear as well. OTOH, the item I mention above was clearly identified by the package as not matching the description on the label, so it may not matter, if those in the warehouse don’t take notice.

I’d still rather Sofirn spend the money on the product rather than fancy packaging, but perhaps some minimal labeling in descriptive, readable form could have helped.

I trust them to make it right, though.

teacher · 2018-08-04T04:07:03.000Z

TheIntruder:

If those ASIN bar code labels were pre-applied by Sofirn before shipment to AMZ, then the latter seems to be clearly at fault.

Sofirn has already stated the stick on labels were not applied by them. They were applied by Amazon.

TheIntruder · 2018-08-04T04:49:33.000Z

Which label? The one with the ASIN and barcode only? The one with that, as well as the description? Or both?

The former appears to be applied in an area specifically designated for labeling, which suggests some care was used, and it was pre-applied by the sender, like bulk mail submitted to the post office.

The latter, based on my experience, is usually placed haphazardly, like the tail on a donkey, and there’s no doubt only AMZ was involved with it.

If AMZ (mis)applied both, that the possible downside of using generic packaging becomes that much more apparent.

teacher · 2018-08-04T05:47:27.000Z

One “label” is printed on the box itself. It is part of the box.

The “stick on” label with the description was ‘stuck on’ the box over the original one that is printed on the box itself. This is the one Sofirn says Amazon added at their warehouse in the USA.

TheIntruder · 2018-08-04T06:45:00.000Z

It’s not printed on. I have a SP32A 2.0 box on the desk in front of me with nothing but a blank field inside those alignment marks, direct from Sofirn via AX.

Look again. The two pictures above show boxes with stickers of two different sizes, placed askew and in offset positions. The one with the larger sticker is rotated about 5 deg clockwise and covers the lower right mark. The smaller one doesn’t even cover the same space and isn’t anywhere near that alignment mark. If that’s a printed result, Sofirn needs to find someone else to produce their boxes.

Logic alone should indicate that Sofirn isn’t going to print Amazon’s SKU numbers on all their boxes, never mind with such a crappy result.

teacher · 2018-08-04T06:58:06.000Z

Yeah your right, it is not “printed on the box”. Mine was on so straight I just thought it was printed on the box… until I just checked again. My bad. :person_facepalming: … :+1:

BUT the bottom line is the wrong label was put on by Amazon. End of story.

And yes… the wrong label is the larger one that covered the smaller one.

Lightbringer · 2018-08-04T16:00:58.000Z

Pick any SK98 or SK68 and lookit the reviews. They’re interchangeable. Reviews for the ’68 have complaints about some weirdo battery it needs (ie, an 18650), and reviews for the ’98 grex about getting a teeny light that takes AAs (ie, the ’68).

So does anyone think they’d know the diff between a SF14 and SP32A?

teacher · 2018-08-04T16:36:05.000Z

I’m not exactly sure who the “they’d” is your referring to LB…… but if they can’t tell the difference between a AA, 14500, & 18650 or a SF14 V2.0 & a SP32A V2.0…… they need to regroup.

Lightbringer · 2018-08-04T17:23:36.000Z

Amazon, the way they horrendously conflate reviews.

You read some of them and sometimes ask, “wotnahell are you describing??”, because they don’t match.

teacher · 2018-08-04T17:28:53.000Z

Oh… I see LB. My bad, I’m kinda slow it seems.