SOFIRN SP32A V2.0: Review after use: EDC & night shifts

Markus · 2018-08-28T10:27:00.000Z

Here is my review after actually using this little light. I usually would not bother with a light that does not feature a mechanical tail switch as I prefer those on the job but Sofirn actually gave me a free sample so I had to try it out. It actually did well. Sofirn’s new lights seem to be better than their 2017 lights and now it is really hard to say wether to get a much more expensive Fenix/Nitecore/Olight or something like the Sofirn. I’ll stick with my Armytek Dobermann because it offers features no other light offers but the Sofirn does very well as conservative, moderatly powered, compact 18650-light. In this segment of the market it makes a very compelling offer.

Rdubya18 · 2018-11-26T12:14:32.000Z

Thanks for the review , Markus . I just got this light , and like it for what it is. Just recently started buying Sofirns , and so far been pleased with them. Agree they are making harder decision on more expensive lights . Looks like listening to customers is paying off .

Markus · 2018-11-26T17:41:55.000Z

Rdubya18:

Thanks for the review , Markus . I just got this light , and like it for what it is. Just recently started buying Sofirns , and so far been pleased with them. Agree they are making harder decision on more expensive lights . Looks like listening to customers is paying off .

Thx for your comment! In the meantime I have reviewed more Sofirn’s. Most outstanding is the C8F, very high output, stepless dimming and 21700 battery:

g_damian · 2018-11-26T17:47:46.000Z

But but but glue

Melven · 2018-11-26T18:37:22.000Z

I have been very happy with this flashlight. It has become my go to light when I need more than my small UTorch, UT01 which I EDC. It works great for anything from bathroom trips when you don’t want much light, to walking the dog in the dark when you may need a lot more light. This has taken the place of my BLF A6, which no longer gets used since I received this light. My Q8 has become a shelf queen as it is too large to carry most of the time.

Rdubya18 · 2018-11-26T19:22:01.000Z

Thanks for the C8F review also. I have that one too. Like group 4 best. I really like the look of the stainless bezel. Gonna have to get one.

Markus · 2018-11-26T19:59:00.000Z

Rdubya18:

Thanks for the C8F review also. I have that one too. Like group 4 best. I really like the look of the stainless bezel. Gonna have to get one.

U work with stepless dimming too? I like that mode.

ajohn151 · 2018-11-26T20:41:07.000Z

I am not an expert by any stretch, but I am super happy with my Sofirn SP32A V2. The quality is as good as my Fenix. Thanks for the reviews!

ajohn151 · 2018-11-26T20:43:03.000Z

I am not an expert by any stretch, but I am super happy with my Sofirn SP32A V2. The quality is as good as my Fenix. Thanks for the reviews!

Rdubya18 · 2018-11-26T20:49:35.000Z

Yeah the SP32A V2 is a nice little light. I prefer ramping myself . I like the programmable lights that give you the option to set it up as you wish. Plus , it’s more fun to play with

hank · 2019-03-20T00:53:05.000Z

Just had a near-problem with my SP32 v2.
Fell out of my pocket while I was driving, and ended up under the driver’s seat.
I was taking an elderly neighbor to a medical appointment so figured, well, I’ll get it later.

By the time I got to it it was incredibly hot — the exposed power button had gotten bumped when it fell and it had been on for quite a while.

Could’a’been a problem.

Has anyone got a way to detect the presence of a human digit on the button, before activation occurs?
To distinguish intentional switch use from accidental bump?

pennzy · 2019-03-20T02:05:11.000Z

Glue a washer on the switch.

leftdisconnected · 2019-03-20T08:07:39.000Z

All the 18650 Sofirn tube-lights get very hot and the v1’s can be truly dangerous, but the v2 claims to have active thermal regulation that steps in at 60C (140F). That’s pretty warm, but it shouldn’t start fires and 60C is considered safe enough for “brief contact”. I’m not sure if anyone has actually tested the v2 thermal regulation or not, but I think active regulation is a must for retail lights like these.

This is why I like recessed switches. Brands like Astrolux and Emisar generally recess their side switches and sometimes even surround it with a raised shroud that helps provide tactile feedback for finding the switch in the dark, though a lighted switch is helpful as well.

A latching tail switch serves as a partial lock-out, as well, and the lighted ones are especially nice.

Markus · 2019-03-20T15:55:05.000Z

@hank

This is why I prefer tactical switches, mechanical tail switches. I would suggest to unscrew the tail cap - this not only prevents accidental activation but parasitic drain on electronic switches as well. That being said I can’t push my SP32A V 2.0 beyond 50°C even if I keep it inside fabric. It does step down the output if the temperature gets to high. It is neither dangerous nor impossible to operate.

Also rember the SP32 has full mode memory: Turn it low before you turn it off. This way even accidental activation will neither waste too much battery power nor build up a lot of heat.

hank · 2019-03-20T16:12:35.000Z

Yeah, I’m going to glue a washer on the switch.